Sac Infection Research Articles

Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal decompression surgery for symptomatic double-level lumbar spinal stenosis with ossification.

This study aimed to explore the short-term effects of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal decompression (PETD) for the treatment of symptomatic double-level lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) with ossification. Twenty-eight patients diagnosed with double-level lumbar spinal stenosis who underwent double-level PETD surgery between January 2021 and January 2023 at our institution. General information, such as age, sex, disease duration, hospitalization time, and operation time, was recorded. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) dural sac cross-sectional area (DSCA) was recorded to assess the degree of spinal canal decompression. The White-Panjabi scoring system (WP) was used to assess preoperative and postoperative lumbar spine stability. Pre- and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were recorded to assess symptom improvement, and surgical efficacy was evaluated using the modified Macnab evaluation criteria at the 1-year postoperative follow-up. The types and risks of complications were also recorded. The patient's 1-year postoperative follow-up MRI showed that both L3/4 and L4/5 DSCA were significantly enlarged compared with preoperative values (P < .001). There was no significant difference in the WP scores at 3 months postoperatively compared with those preoperatively (P > .05). The VAS scores for hip and lower extremity pain at 3 days, 3 months, and 1 year postoperatively were significantly lower than those preoperatively (P < .001), and the ODI scores at 3 months and 1 year postoperatively were significantly lower than those preoperatively (P < .001). There were no significant differences in hip pain, lower extremity pain VAS scores, or ODI scores between the postoperative follow-up time points (P > .05). There was 1 case of lower limb numbness and 1 case of neuroedematous pain in the postoperative period, and all patients had no complications, such as dural sac tear, infection, or recurrence. The 1-year postoperative follow-up was assessed as excellent in 17 cases, good in 9 cases, and possible in 2 cases using the modified Macnab criteria, with an excellent rate of 92.9%. The efficacy of double-level PETD for symptomatic double-level LSS is clear, the local stability of the lumbar spine is less affected, and the risk is low, which can reduce the chances of reoperation in patients. Thus, it is a recommended surgical procedure.

Plant Extract in the Control of Poultry Omphalitis.

Bacteria continue to disrupt poultry production and can cause resistant and persistent yolk sac infections to prevention efforts, known as omphalitis, resulting in poultry death. This literature review aims to demonstrate how plant extracts can help combat omphalitis in poultry. The Google Scholar database served as a resource for retrieving pertinent literature covering a wide range of search terms relevant to the scope of the research. The search strategy involved a combination of terms such as antimicrobials, chick embryo, omphalitis, plant extracts, poultry nutrition, and sanitization. The potential of plant extracts in preventing or treating infections in poultry, especially omphalitis, is mainly due to their antibacterial and safety properties. Sanitization and direct delivery of plant extracts to the internal contents of eggs, feed, or water are cutting-edge interventions to reduce the bacterial load in eggs and poultry, minimizing infection rates. For example, these interventions may include advanced treatment technologies or precise delivery systems focused on disease prevention in poultry.

Lameness caused by Staphylococcus aureus in poultry: A review

Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive, facultative anaerobe coccus, which is a member of the commensal microbiota of skin and mucous membranes in humans and animals and sometimes can cause infection or disease. This bacterium produces variable toxins and enzymes including at least five types of exotoxins that leads to cell membrane damage. Staphylococcus aureus can cause a wide range of clinical and pathologic lesions including acute or subacute septicemia, embryo mortalities, omphalitis and yolk sac infection, arthritis and synovitis, osteomyelitis, vesicular dermatitis, gangrenous dermatitis, pododermatitis and other disorders in different avian species. Staphylococcus aureus infections are among the most important diseases of poultry industry, particularly, in broiler breeder flocks. Staphylococcal infections can cause large economic losses due to lameness, arthritis, poor weight gain, decreased egg production, and loss of flock uniformity. This paper reviews the characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus and its role in lameness and arthritis in poultry.

Lacrimal Drainage Infections with Sphingomonas paucimobilis: Clinical Presentations, Complications and Outcomes

Purpose To report the clinical presentations, complications, and outcomes of Sphingomonas paucimobilis-specific lacrimal drainage infections. Methods A retrospective chart review of all patients diagnosed with Sphingomonas paucimobilis lacrimal infections and managed at a tertiary care Dacryology Service from November 2015 to May 2022 over a 6.5-year period were recruited and analyzed. Data collected include demographic details, clinical presentation, microbiological diagnosis, antibiotic susceptibility profiles, management, complications, and outcomes. The microbiological techniques employed were aerobic and anaerobic cultures, phenotypic identification with VITEK 2R system, polymerase chain reaction, antibiotic sensitivity profile and minimal inhibitory concentration. Results Twelve Sphingomonas-specific lacrimal drainage infections of 11 patients were identified. Of these five were canaliculitis and seven were acute dacryocystitis. All the seven acute dacryocystitis presented in an advanced stage; five were with lacrimal abscess and two with orbital cellulitis. The antibiotic susceptibility profile of canaliculitis and acute dacryocystitis were comparable and the organism was sensitive to several classes of antibiotics. The outcomes of punctal dilatation and nonincisional curettage were effective for canaliculitis. Patients with acute dacryocystitis had advanced clinical stage at presentation but responded well to intensive systemic management and had excellent anatomical and functional outcomes with dacryocystorhinostomy. Conclusion Sphingomonas-specific lacrimal sac infections can have aggressive clinical presentations and need early and intensive therapy. The outcomes are excellent with multimodal management.

A Novel Technique and Outcomes for Transcaval Endoleak Embolization

Strategies for embolization of type 2 endoleaks include translumbar, transgraft, transarterial, and transcaval approaches. The transcaval approach is limited by an inconsistent ability to access the aortic sac and the risk of puncturing and damaging the endograft or adjacent structures. We describe a novel technique for caval to aortic aneurysm sac access and report early outcomes. A retrospective review of all patients who underwent transcaval embolization (TCE) at a tertiary referral center. From March 2019 to June 2021, 12 patients were identified to have undergone a novel approach to transcaval aortic sac access using a 0.014″ heavy weight tip wire guide and continuous current electrocautery to create the connection between the inferior vena cava and aortic aneurysm sac. The endoleak outflow vessel is then selectively embolized with coils or liquid embolic agents. When selective embolization was not possible, the aneurysm sac was instilled with liquid embolic agents to induce thrombosis. Twelve patients underwent transcaval embolization using this method over the 3-year period. The average patient age was 79.2±6.2years and 10/12 (83.3%) were male. A high rate of comorbidities was noted in the cohort. Transcaval access into the aortic sac was achieved in all patients, while selective cannulation of outflow vessels was accomplished in 2/12 (16%) target vessels. Of these, both cases had vessels embolized using detachable coils and liquid embolic agents. Nonselective embolization was performed using liquid embolic and thrombotic agents in the other 10/12 cases. There was one perioperative complication of minor bleeding (1/12, 8.3%). Two patients were observed in intensive care unit for back pain. A persistent endoleak was identified on postoperative imaging performed at 30days in 4/12 (33.3%) patients. Sac enlargement > 5mm following TCE was observed in 3/12 (25%) patients. Three patients underwent open conversion with endovascular aneurysm repair explant. One patient was explanted at 1month after failure to embolize the endoleak flow channel using TCE. A second was explanted for persistent endoleak found to be a Type IIIb with aortic diameter growth > 5mm at 15-month follow-up. The third explant was performed for aortic sac infection at 4months postprocedure without endoleak. TCE is an adjunctive technique to treat endoleaks in patients who have either failed transarterial or translumbar access. An electrified 0.014″ chronic total occlusion wire technique for transcaval access to the aortic sac for endoleak embolization can be successful in all cases without significant acute morbidity or mortality. The transcaval approach is still limited by ability to steer catheters and microcatheters into the outflow vessels with a resultant persistent endoleak and eventual need for explant.

Enhancement of protective efficacy of innate immunostimulant based formulations against yolk sac infection in young chicks

This study was conducted to characterize and compare the protective effects of various innate immune stimulants against yolk sac infection (YSI) caused by an avian pathogenic Escherichia coli in young chicks. The immune stimulants were administered alone or in various combinations of unmethylated CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG), polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C), and avian antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Routes included in ovo or in ovo followed by a subcutaneous (S/C) injection. CpG alone and in combination with Poly I:C, truncated avian cathelicidin (CATH)-1(6-26), avian beta defensin (AvBD)1, and CATH-1(6-26) + AvBD1, were administered in ovo to 18-day-old embryonated eggs for gene expression and challenge studies. Next, CpG alone and the potentially effective formulation of CpG + Poly I:C, were administrated via the in ovo route using 40 embryonated eggs. At 1 day post-hatch, half of each group also received their respective treatments via the S/C route. Four hours later, all chicks were challenged using E. coli strain EC317 and mortalities were recorded for 14 d. The first challenge study revealed that amongst the single use and combinations of CpG with different innate immune stimulants, a higher protection and a lower clinical score were offered by the combination of CpG + Poly I:C. The second challenge study showed that this combination (CpG + Poly I:C) provides an even higher level of protection when a second dose is administered via the S/C route at 1 day post-hatch. The current research highlights the efficacy of a combination of CpG + Poly I:C administered either in ovo or in ovo along with a S/C injection and its potential use as an alternative to antibiotics against yolk sac infection in young chicks.

Exposure of embryonating eggs to Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli potentiates E. coli pathogenicity and increases mortality of neonatal chickens

Enterococci and Escherichia coli are opportunistic pathogens of poultry and are associated with embryo and neonatal chick mortality. We have recently demonstrated that 56% of dead broiler chicken embryos in commercial hatcheries in western Canada were due to the coinfection of Enterococcus species and E. coli. The objective of this study was to investigate the host-pathogen interactions of Enterococcus faecalis and E. coli in developing chicken embryos. Embryonating eggs at 12 d of incubation were dipped in a solution of E. faecalis and/or E. coli for 30 s to expose the eggshell to study the migration and colonization of E. faecalis and E. coli in the internal organs of chicken embryos and subsequent neonatal chicken mortality following hatch. A multidrug-resistant E. faecalis isolate from a dead chicken embryo and an E. faecalis isolate from a case of yolk sac infection were able to colonize the internal organs of chicken embryos rapidly compared to an E. faecalis isolate from a healthy chicken without affecting viability or hatchability of embryos. Although E. faecalis colonized internal organs of chicken embryos, no evidence of inflammation of these organs nor the expression of virulence genes of E. faecalis was observed. Although E. faecalis and E. coli alone did not affect the viability of embryos, a significantly high neonatal chicken mortality (27%) was observed following exposure of embryos to both E. faecalis and E. coli. Upregulation of IL-1 and CXCR4 was evident 48 h before peak mortality of neonatal chickens; this could suggest a possible link of cytokine dysregulation to increased mortality in coinfected neonatal chickens. However, further studies are warranted to investigate this issue vis-à-vis coinfection with E. faecalis and E. coli in chicken embryos and neonatal chickens.

Characterization of Dosage Levels for In Ovo Administration of Innate Immune Stimulants for Prevention of Yolk Sac Infection in Chicks.

Innate immune stimulants, especially toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands and agonists, are the main players in the initiation of innate immunity and have been widely studied as alternatives to antibiotics to control infection. In the present study, we characterized the dosage levels of various innate immune stimulants, including unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanosine dinucleotide -containing oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODN), polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), cyclic polyphosphazene 75B (CPZ75B), avian beta-defensin 2 (ABD2), and combinations of these reagents given in ovo. Data derived from a series of animal experiments demonstrated that the in ovo administration of 10–50 µg CpG ODN/embryo (on embryonic day 18) is an effective formulation for control of yolk sac infection (YSI) due to avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) in young chicks. Amongst the different combinations of innate immune stimulants, the in ovo administration of CpG ODN 10 µg in combination with 15 µg of poly I:C was the most effective combination, offering 100% protection from YSI. It is expected that the introduction of these reagents to management practices at the hatchery level may serve as a potential replacement for antibiotics for the reduction of early chick mortality (ECM) due to YSI/colibacillosis.

Role of gene sequencing for the diagnosis, tracking and prevention of ocular infections

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a robust platform which can be employed for pathogen detection. It has the potential to identify pathogens in an unbiased nature including bacteria, fungus, parasites, DNA/RNA viruses and even newer novel pathogens which have been previously reported. The high sensitivity of this technology makes it suitable for ophthalmology applications that rely on very small clinical specimen volumes. Currently, the diagnosis of ocular pathogens relies mainly on conventional procedures such as culturing and microscopy. Traditional methods lack sensitivity, which can be compensated by the application of molecular tools, such as polymerase chain reaction and NGS. In this review, we will look at how NGS can be used to treat ocular infectious diseases such as keratitis, conjunctivitis, trachoma, dacryocystitis, lacrimal sac infection, endophthalmitis and uveitis, with added information on the limitations, advantages and disadvantages on the ocular implication of this NGS technology. NGS-based approaches increase the sensitivity of pathogen detection as well as have the potential to improve healthcare services. NGS still requires advancement in the data analysis tools, establishing standards and reducing turnaround time. We are now closer to realising the full potential of this high-throughput technology. Importantly, NGS also delivers additional data which gives a unique opportunity to explore potential biomarkers of disease pathogenicity or underlying genetic predisposition.

An Integrated Perspective on Virulence-Associated Genes (VAGs), Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), and Phylogenetic Clusters of Pathogenic and Non-pathogenic Avian Escherichia coli.

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is an important bacterial pathogen that causes avian colibacillosis and leads to huge economic losses in the poultry industry. Different virulence traits contribute to pathogenesis of APEC infections, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has also been an overwhelming issue in poultry worldwide. In the present study, we aimed to investigate and compare the presence of virulence-associated genes (VAGs), AMR, and phylogenetic group's distribution among APEC and avian fecal E. coli (AFEC) strains. E. coli from birds with colisepticemia and yolk sac infection (YSI) (APEC) plus E. coli strains from the feces of healthy birds (AFEC) were compared by the aforementioned traits. In addition, the clonal relatedness was compared using Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR). Although all strains were susceptible to fosfomycin, ceftriaxone, and cefixime, almost all strains (98%) were multi-drug resistant (MDR). All strains (except two) harbored at least three or more VAGs, and the virulence scores tended to be higher in pathogenic strains especially in the colisepticemic group. All phylogenetic groups were found in isolates from YSI, colisepticemia, and the feces of healthy birds; however, the frequency of phylogroups varied according to the source of the isolate. B1 and C phylogroups were statistically more likely to be found among APEC from YSI and colisepticemic E. coli groups, respectively, while phylogroup A was the most frequently occurring phylogroup among AFEC strains. Our findings also revealed that AMR and VAGs are not essentially co-evolved traits as in some instances AMR strains were more prevalent among AFEC. This reflects the divergent evolutionary pathways of resistance acquisition in pathogenic or non-pathogenic avian E. coli strains. Importantly, strains related to phylogenetic group C showed higher virulence score and AMR that requires further attention. To some extent, ERIC-PCR was able to group strains by isolation source, phylogroup, or virulence genes. Further integrated studies along with assessment of more detailed genotypic and phenotypic features could potentially lead to better understanding of virulence, resistance, and evolution of ExPEC.

Antimicrobial resistance and genetic diversity of Enterococcus faecalis from yolk sac infections in broiler chicks

Despite restrictions on the use of antibiotics in poultry, the percentage of multidrug resistant bacteria, isolated from both adult birds and chicks, remains high. These bacteria can spread between countries via hatching eggs or chicks. Antibiotic resistant bacteria can also pose a threat to hatchery and farm workers or to consumers of poultry. The aim of the study was to perform a phenotypic and genotypic analysis of the drug resistance of E. faecalis isolates from yolk sac infections in broiler chicks from Poland and the Netherlands and to determine their genetic diversity. The tests revealed resistance to antibiotics from category D, that is, tetracycline (69.7%); category C – lincomycin (98.7%), erythromycin (51.3%), aminoglycosides (high-level streptomycin and kanamycin resistance – 10.5% and 3.95%, respectively), and chloramphenicol (7.9%); and category B – ciprofloxacin (25% with resistance or intermediate resistance). No resistance to penicillin, ampicillin, high-level gentamicin, tigecycline, or linezolid was noted. Various combinations of the erm(B), tet(M), tet(L), tet(O), ant(6)-Ia, aph(3′)-IIIa, ant(4′)-Ia, cat, and msr(A/B) genes were detected in all isolates (irrespective of the drug-resistance phenotype). Among isolates that carried the tet(M) and/or the tet(L) gene, 28% also had the Int-Tn gene, in contrast with isolates possessing tet(O). There were 28 sequence types and 43 PFGE restriction patterns. About 60% of isolates were of sequences types ST59, ST16, ST116, ST282, ST36, and ST82. Nine new sequence types were shown (ST836-ST844). In conclusion, broiler chicks can be a source of drug-resistant sequence types of E. faecalis that are potentially hazardous for people and animals. Restrictive programs for antibiotic use in broiler breeding flocks should be developed to decrease drug resistance in day-old chicks and reduce economic losses during rearing.

Abstract No. 532 Percutaneous drainage for infected aortic sacs post-aneurysm repair: a viable option?

There is limited literature and consensus on nonsurgical management of infected aortic sacs post-aneurysm repair and mortality in this population approaches 100%. The morbidity and mortality of surgery to explant infected aortic grafts often renders many older adult or acutely unwell patients inoperable. In selected patients we have utilized aortic sac drainage as a bridge to surgery or definitive treatment. We aim to identify safety, efficacy, and clinical outcomes of percutaneous drainage of aortic/periaortic sac infections following either open or endovascular repair of aneurysmal disease.

Avian antimicrobial peptides: in vitro and in ovo characterization and protection from early chick mortality caused by yolk sac infection

Increasing antibiotic resistance is a matter of grave concern for consumers, public health authorities, farmers, and researchers. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are emerging as novel and effective non-antibiotic tools to combat infectious diseases in poultry. In this study, we evaluated six avian AMPs including 2 truncated cathelicidins, [CATH-1(6–26) and CATH-2(1–15)], and 4 avian β-defensins (ABD1, 2, 6 and 9) for their bactericidal and immunomodulatory activities. Our findings have shown CATH-1(6–26) and ABD1 being the two most potent avian AMPs effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria investigated in these studies. Moreover, CATH-1(6–26) inhibited LPS-induced NO production and exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity to HD11 cells. While, ABD1 blocked LPS-induced IL-1β gene induction and was non-toxic to HD11 cells. Importantly, in ovo administration of these AMPs demonstrated that ABD1 can offer significant protection from early chick mortality (44% less mortality in ABD1 treated group versus the control group) due to the experimental yolk sac infection caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli. Our data suggest that in ovo administration of ABD1 has immunomodulatory and anti-infection activity comparable with CpG ODN. Thus, ABD1 can be a significant addition to potential alternatives to antibiotics for the control of bacterial infections in young chicks.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Enterococcus spp. from yolk sac infections in broiler chicks with a focus on virulence factors

Bacterial infections of yolk sacs contribute to increased mortality of chicks, chronic infections during their rearing, or increased selection in the flock, which in turn leads to high economic losses in poultry production worldwide. The aim of this study was a phenotypic and genotypic characterization of enterococci isolated from yolk sac infections (YSI) of broiler chickens from Poland and the Netherlands. Biochemical, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)–time-of-flight (TOF) MS, and rpoA gene sequencing identification was performed. Moreover, phenotypic and genotypic characterization of virulence factors and analysis of the clonal relationship of isolates by MALDI-TOF MS and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus—polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) were performed. The biochemical test identified 70 isolates as Enterococcus faecalis and 6 as Enterococcus mundtii. The results of MALDI-TOF MS were 100% concordant with those obtained by rpoA gene sequencing, and all 76 isolates were identified as E. faecalis. Differences were noted in the β-glucuronidase, β-glucosidase, α-galactosidase, phosphatase, melibiose, lactose, and raffinose tests that is going about the results of biochemical identification. None of the isolates were beta-hemolytic on blood agar in aerobic conditions, but all but one were gelatinase positive. Among biofilm-forming isolates (30/76; 39.5%), as many as 66.7% (20/30) were Polish E. faecalis strains. Most of the isolates carried virulence genes, that is gelE, ace, asa1, efaAfs, fsrA, fsrB, fsrC, cob, cpd, and ccf, but none had the hyl gene. Some isolates harbored cyl operon genes. One Polish strain (ST16) had all of the tested cyl genes and the esp gene, considered clinically important, and showed the highest biofilm-forming ability. Nearly 50% of the isolates showed close genetic relatedness in ERIC typing. In contrast with MALDI-TOF MS cluster analysis, ERIC-PCR results did not show a relationship with the origin of the strains. Using MALDI-TOF MS, 7 peaks were found in Polish and Dutch isolates, which may type them as species-specific biomarkers in E. faecalis from YSI.

Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy with Posterior Percutaneous Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy

Purpose Objective to investigate the safety and clinical efficacy of posterior percutaneous endoscopic discectomy (PPECD) in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR). Method from January 2016 to December 2019, 35 cases of CSR were treated with PPECD. The degree of pain was evaluated by numeric rating scales (NRS) before operation, at discharge, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year after operation and at the last follow-up. The functional recovery was evaluated by neck disability index (NDI) and Japanese orthopaedic association (JOA). The clinical efficacy was evaluated by modified MacNab grading and MRI at the last follow-up. Result of the 35 patients, 16 males and 19 females were aged 39~78 years, with an average age of (54.0 ± 9.9) years. The operative segments were C4-5 9, C5-6 15 and C6-7 11. All 35 patients successfully completed the operation. The operation time was 60~90min, the average time was (75.0 ± 7.9) min, the bleeding volume was 10~22ml, the average (16.3 ± 3.1) ml, the postoperative hospitalization days were 4~12 days, and the average was (7.0 ± 1.6) days. All 35 patients were followed up for more than one year after operation, with an average follow-up of 26.7 months (13~53 months). The NRS index was significantly lower in each period than before operation (P < 0.01), NDI and JOA index were significantly lower than those before operation (P < 0.01). The clinical effect was evaluated at the last follow-up, 20 cases were excellent, 12 were good, 3 were fine, and the excellent rate was 91.4%. No complications such as nerve root injury, dural sac tear or infection occurred during the follow-up period, and no patients needed to receive secondary minimally invasive or open surgery for symptom recurrence. Conclusion Under the premise of strictly grasping the indications, the curative effect of PPECD in the treatment of CSR is confirmed, and the patients' satisfaction is high.

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction: Clinical, microbiological and management in a tertiary health care centre in central India- A descriptive study

Introduction: Congenital nasolacrimal duct has accounts for 6 % of newborn infants with various treatment. Microbiological studies to identify the type of species involved in Lacrimal Sac infection secondary to Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction (CNLDO) have been extensively reposted. Aims and Objective: to assess microorganisms causing congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. To see efficacy of probing as compared to silastic intubation. Materials and Methods: A total 100 patients were enrolled in the study. The patients came with epiphora and mucous discharge. Inclusion criteria for the study was patients presenting with CNLDO (Presence of atleast one sign of NLDO: Epiphora, increased tear lake, and/or mucopurlent discharge), Age upto 9 years. Exclusion Criteria: Punctual or canalicular abnormality, H/o previous surgery, H/o faciomaxillary trauma, cleft lip/ cleft palate or any facial deformity, acute dacryocystitis, previous history of probing. Sample size was 100 patients. Results: Haemophilus influenzae and streptococcus pneumonia were the most common microorganisms (n= 56, 40.5%; n= 37, 26.8% respectively) followed by moraxella catarrhalis (n=19, 13.7%), staphylococcus aureus (n=17, 12.3%), pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=9, 0.65%). Discussion: Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction results in stagnation of fluid within the lacrimal sac area which causes secondary bacterial infection. The prevalence of CNLDO with no growth shows the sole effect of congenital anomaly on the degree of tightness. Conclusion: The mocobiological study of CNLDO may have a value in predicting the obstruction. Keywords: Acute dacryocystitis, Congenital nasolacrimal duct Obstruction.

Risks and disease aetiologies of compromised performance in commercial broilers kept at lower stocking density and limited antimicrobial use

ABSTRACT The health status of broilers raised at lower stocking density and limited antimicrobial use (but routine anticoccidials) was assessed in order to identify prevalent causes of disease, mortality and reduced performance. “Dead-on-farm”(DOF) broilers from 145 commercial flocks were investigated at two different time points (TP1:7–14 and TP2:28–35 days of age); per sampling, 6–10 DOF broilers were selected for post-mortem investigation and gross pathomorphological changes were assessed from 2717 birds in total. Post-mortem findings were substantiated by bacteriological, virological and parasitological investigations. Furthermore, production data of all flocks were collected and used to perform comprehensive statistical analysis. Overall, colibacillosis was found most important with a significant negative impact on flock health, productivity and profitability through all ages of broiler production. At TP1, primary reasons for mortality comprised yolk sac infections, generally found together with fibrinous polyserositis due to E. coli. Furthermore, femoral lesions, which correlated with increased flock mortality, were associated with detection of E. coli. At TP2, ascites was detected frequently in DOF broilers, correlating with increased production losses in the fourth and fifth weeks of life. No aetiological link between the presence of ascites and the detection of the investigated pathogens was observed, instead a positive correlation was noticed with altitude above sea level of the farm, and with the sex of the birds. Disease conditions could not be linked with the housing system. Presence of infectious bronchitis virus, avian reovirus and fowl adenovirus did not correlate with macroscopic lesions or a specific disease. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS In young broilers lesions of visceral organs due to bacterial infections dominated. Colibacillosis impacts broiler health, productivity and profitability independent of the age of birds. Disorders of the locomotor system were frequently observed throughout production. Older broilers frequently showed pathologic changes due to metabolic disorders. Overall, a shift from infectious towards metabolic disease conditions was noticed.

A study to evaluate the effectiveness of conventional DCR and DCR implant method in chronic dacryocystitis

Background: Dacryocystitis is inflammation of the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct. It is a common clinical entity causing troublesome and conspicuous symptoms. It has tendency to recur and persist until definitive surgical treatment is performed. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of conventional DCR and DCR implant method in chronic dacryocystitis. Material and methods: The present comparative study was conducted among 160 patients over a period of 1 year. A detailed history was noted. Depends on the investigations and fitness patient was operated by conventional D.C.R or D.C.R implants. The 50 cases were divide into two groups; Group A consisting of 80 cases which underwent conventional DCR technique whereas Group B consisting of 80 cases those were underwent Pawar’s implant DCR. Data regarding post-operative complications were analyzed. Results were expressed in percentage and p value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: In the present study total patients included were 160 in which 64.37% were males and 35.62% were females. Maximum patients were of age group 31-40 years (57.5%). In group A i.e. Conventional DCR the post-operative complications were Lip odema in 7.5% patients, incisionl odema in 10% patients, haemorrhage from nasal mucosa in 5% patients, wound gape in 2.5% patients, obstruction of passage in 7.5% patients, Hypertrophic scar in 12.5% patients, Sac infection in 0% patients. In group B i.e. Implant DCR the post-operative complications were Lip odema in 0% patients, incisionl odema in 5% patients, haemorrhage from nasal mucosa in 0% patients, wound gape in 0% patients, obstruction of passage in 8.75% patients, Hypertrophic scar in 3.75% patients, Sac infection in 3.75% patients. Post complications were less with Implant DCR.Conclusion: This study concluded that post complications were less with Implant DCR than conventional DCR.

Prevalence of Multiple Drug Resistance among Avian Pathogenic E. coli Isolates from Commercial Poultry

Infections associated with Avian Pathogenic E. coli are responsible for huge economic losses for poultry industry worldwide. Particularly, its association with colibacillosis, a complex syndrome which is characterized by lesions of multiple organs i.e. peritonitis, pericarditis, air Sacculitis, osteomyelitis, salpingitis and yolk sac infections is responsible for high mortality and morbidity. Moreover, it causes respiratory tract infections among poultry birds, followed by septicaemia. Liver samples were collected from commercial poultry birds from the various retail shops located in Peshawar City. Bacteria were identified by biochemical and molecular methods. Out of all the tested isolates n=85, 98% were identified as Avian Pathogenic E. coli (APEC). Identified APEC samples were further tested against 23 different antibiotics including amoxicillin (89.40%), levofloxacin (62.40%), ciprofloxacin (71.80%), tobramycin (14.10%), gentamycin (34.10%),neomycin (53.00%), streptomycin (81.00%), tigecyclines (0.00%), oxytetracyclines (96.50%), doxycycline (61.20%), nitrofurantoin (1.00%), chloramphenicol (63.50%), cefixime (7%), cefepime (4.70%), ceftazidime (8.30%), cefotaxime (8.00%), cephalothin (43.50%), trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole (77.60%), lincomycin (100%), augmentin (4.70%), carbapenem (4%) and polymyxin B (15%). Out of all n=85 isolates 99.9% were multi-drug resistant. Furthermore, ESBL encoding TEM, OXA, SHV were detected in following percentages 53.60%, 19.50%, 9.70% respectively genes.

Infectious Coryza: Persistence, Genotyping, and Vaccine Testing.

The reemergence of infectious coryza (IC) caused by Avibacterium paragallinarum (AP) as an acute and occasionally chronic respiratory disease in domestic poultry has caused severe losses in several U.S. states. The disease is also associated with decreased egg production in layers and increased condemnations from air sac infections in broilers. A series of applied experiments were performed to elucidate the persistence of AP in infected broiler flocks, to genotype AP strains isolated from field cases, and to evaluate commercial and autogenous vaccine protection in commercial and specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens. Experimental evaluation of environmental persistence suggests that AP did not persist more than 12 hr in a hypothetically contaminated environment. Additionally, other detected potential pathogens such as Gallibacterium anatis and infectious bronchitis virus caused mild respiratory signs in the exposed birds. The HMTp210 and HagA genes of four IC field strains were sequenced and compared with published sequences of HMTp210 and HagA. The HMTp210 phylogeny showed a marginally imperfect clustering of the sequences in genogroups A, B, and C. Although not definitive, this phylogeny provided evidence that the four field strains aligned with previously characterized serovar C strains. Moreover, the base pair homology of the four strains was 100% identical to serovar C reference strains (H-18 and Modesto). HagA phylogeny was unclear, but interestingly, the IC field strains were 100% homologous to C-1 strains reported from Mexico and Ecuador. Finally, vaccine protection studies in commercial hens indicate that clinical signs are induced by a combination of IC and other concomitant pathogens infecting commercial birds. Additionally, vaccine protection experiments performed in SPF hens indicated that protection provided by the two commercial vaccines tested provided a reduction in clinical signs and bacterial shedding after two applications.