Fecal Shedding Research Articles

The potential of wastewater monitoring as a novel surveillance tool for early warning of Bordetella pertussis outbreaks

The prolonged latency period and delayed reporting of clinical surveillance data have led to a sluggish response to Bordetella pertussis outbreaks in China. Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) provides real-time, cost-effective monitoring of various viruses. To confirm whether this approach can be applied to B. pertussis, 271 patients infected with B. pertussis were enrolled to evaluate the fecal shedding patterns of the bacterium. Concurrently, we collected wastewater samples in a typical northern (Xi’an) and southern city (Nanchang) in China, from September 2023 to July 2024. The concentrations of B. pertussis in the sewage were detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Additionally, metagenomic sequencing with pre-enrichment was employed to trace genotypes of B. pertussis. We report that 40.2% of cases tested positive for B. pertussis in fecal samples. Sewage surveillance identified two waves of B. pertussis infection in Xi’an and one wave of B. pertussis outbreak in Nanchang. The concentration of B. pertussis in sewage showed a strong correlation with the dynamics of diagnosed cases. Notably, each peak of sewage B. pertussis concentration occurred 10 days prior to clinical surveillance, underscoring the value of WBS in early warning. Additionally, both clinical and wastewater surveillance demonstrated consistency in the prevalence estimation of B. pertussis infection cases. Finally, relative to clinical surveillance, wastewater sequencing also revealed the same genotypes of B. pertussis. This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of the fecal shedding of B. pertussis, thereby establishing the potential for early detection of B. pertussis outbreaks through WBS.

Climate change and campylobacteriosis from chicken meat: The changing risk factors and their importance

Climate change and campylobacteriosis from chicken meat: The changing risk factors and their importance

Novel robotic tools used for the detection of faecal shedding of Escherichia coli resistant to critically important antimicrobials in healthy dogs.

Novel robotic tools used for the detection of faecal shedding of Escherichia coli resistant to critically important antimicrobials in healthy dogs.

Efficacy of a Bacteriophage Cocktail (Arash and Ariobarzanes) in the Treatment of Salmonella Typhimurium Infection in Rat Model: An Analysis of Achievements and Defeats.

Efficacy of a Bacteriophage Cocktail (Arash and Ariobarzanes) in the Treatment of Salmonella Typhimurium Infection in Rat Model: An Analysis of Achievements and Defeats.

Engineering and Evaluation of a Live-Attenuated Vaccine Candidate with Enhanced Type 1 Fimbriae Expression to Optimize Protection Against Salmonella Typhimurium

Background:Salmonella Typhimurium is a major zoonotic pathogen, in which type 1 fimbriae play a crucial role in intestinal colonization and immune modulation. This study aimed to improve the protective immunity of a previously developed growth-deficient strain—a double auxotroph for D-glutamate and D-alanine—by engineering the inducible expression of type 1 fimbriae. Methods: PtetA-driven expression of the fim operon was achieved by λ-Red mutagenesis. fimA expression was quantified by qRT-PCR, and fimbriation visualized by transmission electron microscopy. Adhesive properties were evaluated through FimH sequence analysis, yeast agglutination, mannose-binding/inhibition assays, and HT-29 cell adherence. BALB/c mice were immunized orogastrically with IRTA ΔΔΔ or IRTA ΔΔΔ PtetA::fim. Safety and immunogenicity were assessed by clinical monitoring, bacterial load, fecal shedding, ELISA tests, and adhesion/blocking assays using fecal extracts. Protection was evaluated after challenging with wild-type and heterologous strains. Results: IRTA ΔΔΔ PtetA::fim showed robust fimA expression, dense fimbrial coverage, a marked mannose-sensitive adhesive phenotype and enhanced HT-29 attachment. Fimbrial overexpression did not alter intestinal colonization or translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes (mLNs). Immunization elicited a mixed IgG1/IgG2a, significantly increased IgA and IgG against type 1 fimbriae-expressing Salmonella, and enhanced the ability of fecal extracts to inhibit the adherence of wild-type strains. Upon challenge (IRTA wild-type/20220258), IRTA ΔΔΔ PtetA::fim reduced infection burden in the cecum (−1.46/1.47-log), large intestine (−1.35/2.17-log), mLNs (−1.32/0.98-log) and systemic organs more effectively than IRTA ΔΔΔ. Conclusions: Inducible expression of type 1 fimbriae enhances mucosal immunity and protection, supporting their inclusion in next-generation Salmonella vaccines. Future work should assess cross-protection and optimize FimH-mediated targeting for mucosal delivery.

Isolation and possibility of vertical transmission of G9P[23] and G12P[7] group A rotavirus strains in pigs

BackgroundPorcine group A rotavirus (RVA) is a significant causative agent of diarrhea in piglets, leading to substantial economic losses in pig farms worldwide. While horizontal transmission of RVA among pig populations is well documented, the possibility of vertical transmission from sows to newborn piglets has not been definitively confirmed.ResultsIn this study, piglet testicles, umbilical cord blood, and colostrum were collected from porcine RVA (PoRVA)-active farms for analysis. The samples presented high PoRVA-positive rates, with 70.00% in the testicle samples, 55.00% in the umbilical cord blood samples, and 73.33% in the colostrum samples. Immunohistochemical assays confirmed the presence of PoRVA in neonatal piglet testicles. Additionally, two PoRVA strains, RVA/Pig/CHN/QT/2023/G9P [23] (QT2023) and RVA/Pig/CHN/BH/2023/G12P [7] (BH2023), were isolated from newborn piglet testicles. Complete genome analyses revealed that strains QT2023 and BH2023 both presented a Wa-like backbone, with the genotype constellation of G9-P [23]-I5-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T1-E1-H1 and G12-P [7]-I5-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T1-E1-H1, respectively. While strains QT2023 and BH2023 originated from PoRVAs, sequence identities and phylogenetic analyses suggested close relationships with human rotaviruses in specific genes. Furthermore, successful viral replication of these strains in MA-104 cells was observed. Inoculation of PoRVA-negative piglets with strains QT2023 and BH2023 resulted in clinical diarrhea, fecal virus shedding, and intestinal pathological changes, highlighting the pathogenicity of these strains.ConclusionThis study provides evidence that PoRVA can breach the placental barrier and spread to newborn piglets through vertical transmission. These discoveries enhance our understanding of the transmission route of porcine RVA and have the potential to guide the development of efficient vaccine strategies for combating this disease.

In-feed provision of binding proteins sustains piglet gut health and mitigates ETEC-induced post-weaning diarrhea

BackgroundPost-weaning diarrhea (PWD) in piglets, often caused by F4+ enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), poses significant challenges in pig production. Traditional solutions like antibiotics and zinc oxide face increasing restrictions due to growing concerns over antibiotic resistance and environmental sustainability. This study investigates the application of bivalent heavy chain variable domain (VHH) constructs (BL1.2 and BL2.2) targeting ETEC virulence factors, administered in feed to mitigate ETEC-induced PWD in weaned piglets.ResultsThe supplementation of BL1.2 and BL2.2 in both mash and pelleted feed significantly reduced the diarrhea incidence and fecal shedding of F4+ ETEC in challenged piglets. Pelleted feed containing VHH constructs helped to preserve gut barrier integrity by maintaining levels of the tight junction protein occludin in the small intestine. Additionally, the constructs maintained blood granulocyte counts at a similar level to the non-challenged control group, including neutrophils, and ameliorated the acute phase protein response after challenge. Notably, even at low feed intake immediately after weaning, VHH constructs helped maintain piglet health by mitigating ETEC-induced inflammation and the resulting diarrhea.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrated that using VHH constructs as feed additives could serve as an effective strategy to help manage ETEC-associated PWD, by reducing F4+ ETEC gut colonization and supporting gut barrier function of weaned piglets. The high stability of these VHH constructs supports their incorporation into industrial feed manufacturing processes, offering a more sustainable preventive strategy compared to traditional antimicrobial interventions, which could contribute to sustainable farming practices.

Effect of a Bacillus-based probiotic on fecal shedding and cecal colonization of Salmonella Enteritidis in laying hens

Effect of a Bacillus-based probiotic on fecal shedding and cecal colonization of Salmonella Enteritidis in laying hens

Integrative modeling of the spread of serious infectious diseases and corresponding wastewater dynamics.

Integrative modeling of the spread of serious infectious diseases and corresponding wastewater dynamics.

Prevalence and anticoccidial drug sensitivity of Eimeria tenella isolated from commercial broiler farms in Thailand

Background and Aim: Coccidiosis, a parasitic disease caused by Eimeria species, remains a critical challenge for poultry production worldwide. Eimeria tenella is one of the most pathogenic species, causing intestinal lesions and compromising growth in chickens. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Eimeria species and evaluate the anticoccidial drug sensitivity of E. tenella field isolates in commercial broiler farms across Thailand. Materials and Methods: Four fecal samples were collected from each of the ten broiler farms in seven provinces of eastern and central Thailand. Oocysts were identified through morphological examination and confirmed through species-specific multiplex polymerase chain reaction. E. tenella isolates were propagated and subjected to in vivo anticoccidial sensitivity testing (AST) against four drugs: Nicarbazin (NIC), salinomycin (SAL), monensin (MON), and a combination of MON and NIC. Experimental infection trials were conducted on Ross 308 broiler chicks to assess weight gain, fecal oocyst shedding, lesion scores, and anticoccidial index (ACI) values. Results: E. tenella and Eimeria praecox were the most prevalent species (40%), followed by Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria brunetti, and Eimeria mitis (20%). Mixed-species infections were detected in 50% of samples. The AST results showed that field isolates were sensitive to NIC, MON, and the MON + NIC combination, with ACI values of 172.51, 175.49, and 174.21, respectively. In contrast, SAL showed an ACI of 158.81, indicating resistance. All treated groups demonstrated reduced oocyst shedding and improved weight gain compared to untreated infected controls, though lesion score differences among treatments were not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study constitutes the first comprehensive report on anticoccidial drug resistance in E. tenella from broiler farms in Thailand. The findings indicate high efficacy of NIC, MON, and their combination, while revealing emerging resistance to SAL. These results provide crucial insights for revising coccidiosis control strategies and support the need for ongoing monitoring and development of alternative therapeutics to mitigate resistance evolution. Keywords: anticoccidial sensitivity, broiler chickens, coccidiosis, drug resistance, Eimeria tenella, Thailand.

- Effect of slow-release copper alginate bead supplementation in swine feed on microbial fecal shedding and fecal microbiome

- Effect of slow-release copper alginate bead supplementation in swine feed on microbial fecal shedding and fecal microbiome

Effective Control of Salmonella Enteritidis in Poultry by Dietary Supplementation with Microencapsulated Essential Oils.

Background/Objectives: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) is a major pathogen associated with poultry products, and the rise of antimicrobial-resistant strains has intensified the need for effective natural control strategies. Essential oils (EOs) are recognized for their antimicrobial potential, but their volatility, instability, and risk of toxicity at high concentrations limit their practical application. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of EOs in broilers infected with S. Enteritidis and to characterize potential synergistic or antagonistic interactions between the oils. Methods: To achieve this, the oils were first assessed through Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), and Fractional Inhibitory Concentration (FIC) assays, and the most effective ones against S. Enteritidis were selected. These selected oils were then microencapsulated and incorporated into the broiler feed for the in vivo assay. Results: The encapsulated formulation retained key bioactive compounds and significantly reduced bacterial shedding and intestinal colonization when administered to broilers experimentally infected with S. Enteritidis. Broilers receiving the optimized half-dose supplementation exhibited a 36% reduction in fecal shedding and a 4 log10 decrease in cecal bacterial counts compared to untreated controls. A transient reduction in liver colonization was also observed, while feed intake remained unaffected. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that microencapsulated EOs can serve as an effective natural strategy to control S. Enteritidis in poultry. The results support the broader application of lipid-based encapsulation technologies for improving the functional performance of phytobiotics in animal production.

Genomic insights into the role of Salmonella Typhi carriers in antimicrobial resistance and typhoid transmission in Urban Kenya.

Typhoid fever cases and carriers can transmit Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) through fecal shedding. It remains unclear whether the S. Typhi shedding by carriers exhibits similar phenotypic and genotypic characteristics to those from acute cases. We investigated multidrug resistance in S. Typhi from individuals residing in urban informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. We recruited participants ≤ 65 years from six health facilities and tested for typhoid infection through blood and stool cultures. The S. Typhi culture-positive cases were treated and followed up after treatment, where index cases and their household contacts provided stool samples for culture. The susceptibility of all S. Typhi isolates was tested against 14 antibiotics using Kirby Bauer disc diffusion. Total deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from selected multi-drug resistant (MDR) S. Typhi for whole genome sequencing using Illumina Nextseq2000, and their genomes were analyzed on Pathogen-watch. Of the 115 S. Typhi isolates, 81/115 (70%) were from cases, while 34/115 (30%) were from carriers. S. Typhi resistance against ampicillin was observed in 32/81 (40%) and 11/34 (32%) of isolates from cases and carriers, respectively, while resistance against co-trimoxazole was observed in 34/81 (42%) and 10/34 (29%) of isolates from cases and carriers, respectively. In addition, resistance against chloramphenicol was observed in 30/81(37%) and 10/34 (29%) in isolates from cases and carriers, respectively. Multidrug resistance was observed in 33% (38/115) of the S. Typhi isolates, with majority, 28/38 (74%) recovered from cases. A subset (22/38, 15 from cases and 7 from carriers) of the MDR isolates was randomly selected for sequencing. All the 22 S. Typhi belonged to genotype 4.3.1, with the majority 15/22 (68%) from genotype 4.3.1.2EA3. All these isolates carried the blaTEM-1D, catA1, dfrA7; sul1, and sul2 AMR genes. GyrA point mutations conferring reduced susceptibility to quinolones and fluoroquinolones were detected in 19/22 (86%) isolates, with the majority 15/22 (79%) occurring on codon 83. This study's findings highlight the plausibility of typhoid transmission within communities in disease endemic settings. Consequently, the study demonstrates the need for surveillance of antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial stewardship, deployment of typhoid vaccine and improvement of water, hygiene and sanitation infrastructure in disease endemic settings.

Wastewater surveillance as a predictive tool for COVID-19: A case study in Chengdu

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to enhance conventional epidemiological surveillance by implementing city-wide wastewater monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The research aimed to develop a quantitative model for estimating infection rates and to compare these predictions with clinical case data. Furthermore, this wastewater surveillance was utilized as an early warning system for potential COVID-19 outbreaks during a large international event, the Chengdu 2023 FISU Games.MethodsThis study employed wastewater based epidemiology (WBE), utilizing samples collected twice a week from nine wastewater treatment plants that serve 66.1% of Chengdu’s residents, totaling 15.2 million people. The samples were collected between January 18, 2023, and June 15, 2023, and were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. A model employed back-calculation of SARS-CoV-2 infections by integrating wastewater viral load measurements with human fecal and urinary shedding rates, as well as population size estimates derived from NH4-N concentrations, utilizing Monte Carlo simulations to quantify uncertainty. The model’s predictions compared with the number of registered cases identified by the Nucleic Acid Testing Platform of Chengdu during the same period. Additionally, we conducted sampling from two manholes in the wastewater pipeline, which encompassed all residents of the Chengdu 2023 FISU World University Games village, and tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. We also gathered data on COVID-19 cases from the symptom monitoring system between July 20 and August 11.ResultsFrom the third week to the twenty-fourth week of 2023, the weekly median concentration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA fluctuated, starting at 16.94 copies/ml in the third week, decreasing to 1.62 copies/ml by the fifteenth week, then gradually rising to a peak of 41.27 copies/ml in the twentieth week, before ultimately declining to 8.74 copies/ml by the twenty-fourth week. During this period, the number of weekly new cases exhibited a similar trend, and the results indicated a significant correlation between the viral concentration and the number of weekly new cases (spearman’s r = 0.93, P < 0.001). The quantitative wastewater surveillance model estimated that approximately 2,258,245 individuals (P5-P95: 847,869 - 3,928,127) potentially contracted COVID-19 during the epidemic wave from March 4th to June 15th, which is roughly 33 times the number of registered cases (68,190 cases) reported on the Nucleic Acid Testing Platform. Furthermore, the infection rates of SARS-CoV-2, as estimated by the model, ranged from 0.012% (P5-P95: 0.004% - 0.020%) at the lowest baseline to 3.27% (P5-P95: 1.23% - 5.69%) at the peak of the epidemic, with 15.1% (P5-P95: 5.65% - 26.2%) of individuals infected during the epidemic wave between March 4th and June 15th. Additionally, we did not observe any COVID-19 outbreaks or cluster infections at the Chengdu 2023 FISU World University Games village, and there was no significant difference in the concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in athletes before and after check-in at the village.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the effectiveness of wastewater surveillance as a long-term sentinel approach for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 and providing early warnings for COVID-19 outbreaks during large international events. This method significantly enhances traditional epidemiological surveillance. The quantitative wastewater surveillance model offers a reliable means of estimating the number of infected individuals, which can be instrumental in informing policy decisions.

303 Award Talk: Effects of L-glutamate and L-aspartate supplementation on growth performance, diarrhea severity, immune responses, intestinal barrier integrity of weaned piglets challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F18

Abstract L-glutamate (Glu) and L-aspartate (Asp) play critical roles in cellular metabolism and immune regulation in pigs. This study investigated the effects of Glu and Asp supplementation on growth performance, immune responses, and intestinal integrity in weaned piglets challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F18. Forty-nine weaned pigs (8.18 ± 1.54 kg BW) were randomly assigned to one of seven treatments (n = 7): a negative control (NC) and a positive control (PC) fed a control diet, and five groups supplemented with 1% or 2% Glu, 1% or 2% Asp, or 50 mg/kg Carbadox. All pigs, except NC, were orally challenged with F18 ETEC (1010 CFU/dose/day) for three consecutive days after 7 days adaptation. The study lasted 14 additional days post-inoculation (PI). Body weights, feed consumption, and fecal scores were recorded throughout the study. Fecal and blood samples were collected at specific time points for bacterial shedding analysis through bacterial culture and blood profile analysis via complete blood cell count, respectively. Intestinal mucosa from the jejunum and ileum was collected on d 14 PI for cytokine and tight junction protein expression analysis via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed using ANOVA in PROC MIXED of SAS. Frequency of diarrhea was analyzed by Chi-square. Compared with PC, pigs fed 1% Glu or 2% Asp had improved (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily gain and gain-to-feed ratio during the first two weeks post-weaning. Additionally, 1% or 2% Asp supplementation reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) diarrhea severity compared with PC. 1% Asp supplementation also increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) duodenal villi height and ileal villi width in pigs than Carbadox. Moreover, 1% Glu reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) fecal shedding of β- hemolytic bacteria compared with PC on d 14 PI and decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) neutrophil-to- lymphocyte ratio on d 2 and d 5 PI, showing effects comparable to Carbadox. Furthermore, 1% Glu or 2% Asp upregulated (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ileal IL-12 compared with PC and Carbadox, while exhibited trends in IFN-γ expression similar to Carbadox. Supplementing 1% Glu upregulated (P &amp;lt; 0.05) jejunal IL-17A and IL-22 expression compared with NC and Carbadox. Furthermore, 2% Asp pigs had lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05) jejunal IL-6 than PC. Interestingly, 2% Asp supplementation decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) jejunal CLDN-1, while increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ileal CLDN-1 compared with NC. Compared with PC, 1% Asp upregulated (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ileal OCDN and ZO-1. In conclusion, Glu or Asp supplementation enhanced growth performance and disease resistance in weaned pigs challenged with ETEC.

Revisiting the gene loss of respiratory requirements for Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis in the chicken infection model.

Salmonella strains are able to use tetrathionate as a terminal respiratory electron acceptor. Here we report the role of ttrRSBCA operon in Salmonella-challenged broilers. Signature-tagged mutagenesis was used to construct defective strains of S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis carrying deletions in the whole ttr operon (ΔttrRSBCA) followed by measurement of faecal shedding and cecal colonization counts. Regarding fecal excretion, S. Typhimurium mutant strain harbouring deletion in ttrRSBCA were excreted in similar numbers than the parental wild-type strain during the experimental period, while the SEΔttrRSBCA strain was excreted slightly less in comparison to the wild-type strain. Furthermore, our findings revealed partial attenuation of STMΔttrRSBCA at 2, 5, 7, and 28 days post-infection (dpi), whereas the SEΔttrRSBCA strain was recovered in lower numbers compared to the parental strain at 5, 14, and 28 dpi. These results indicate that such mutations must be accompanied by other genetic changes to obtain a complete attenuation.

Breed-specific responses to coccidiosis in chickens: identification of intestinal bacteria linked to disease resistance

BackgroundCoccidiosis, caused by Eimeria parasites, is a major enteric disease in poultry, significantly impacting animal health, production performance, and welfare. This disease imposes a substantial economic burden, costing the global poultry industry up to $13 billion annually. However, effective mitigation strategies for coccidiosis remain elusive. While different chicken breeds exhibit varying resistance to coccidiosis, no commensal bacteria have been directly linked to this resistance.MethodsTo assess relative resistance of different breeds to coccidiosis, 10-day-old Fayoumi M5.1, Leghorn Ghs6, and Cobb chickens were challenged with 50,000 sporulated Eimeria maxima oocysts or mock-infected. Body weight changes, small intestinal lesions, and fecal oocyst shedding were evaluated on d 17. Ileal and cecal digesta were collected from individual animals on d 17 and subjected to microbiome analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. ResultsFayoumi M5.1 chickens showed the lowest growth retardation, intestinal lesion score, fecal oocyst shedding, and pathobiont proliferation compared to Ghs6 and Cobb chickens. The intestinal microbiota of M5.1 chickens also differed markedly from the other two breeds under both healthy and coccidiosis conditions. Notably, group A Lactobacillus and Ligilactobacillus salivarius were the least prevalent in both the ileum and cecum of healthy M5.1 chickens, but became highly enriched and comparable to Ghs6 and Cobb chickens in response to coccidiosis. Conversely, Weissella, Staphylococcus gallinarum, and Enterococcus durans/hirae were more abundant in the ileum of healthy M5.1 chickens than in the other two breeds. Despite being reduced by Eimeria, these bacteria retained higher abundance in M5.1 chickens compared to the other breeds.ConclusionsFayoumi M5.1 chickens exhibit greater resistance to coccidiosis than Leghorn Ghs6 layers and Cobb broilers. Several commensal bacteria, including group A Lactobacillus, L. salivarius, Weissella, S. gallinarum, and E. durans/hirae, are differentially enriched in Fayoumi M5.1 chickens with strong correlation with coccidiosis resistance. These bacteria hold potential as probiotics for coccidiosis mitigation.

Temporal dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 shedding in feces and saliva: a longitudinal study in Norfolk, United Kingdom during the 2021-2022 COVID-19 waves.

This study provides critical insights into the dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) shedding in fecal and saliva samples, demonstrating that while viral RNA is detectable shortly after diagnosis, its prevalence declines rapidly over the course of infection. Detection was more common among individuals with more concurrent symptoms, emphasizing the potential influence of symptom burden on viral persistence. By analyzing a United Kingdom-based cohort, this study fills a significant gap in the literature, which has largely focused on Asian and North American populations, offering a geographically unique perspective on viral shedding dynamics. Our findings contribute to a globally relevant understanding of SARS-CoV-2 shedding by revealing differences in shedding durations compared to studies from other regions. These differences highlight the need for geographically diverse research to account for variations in genetic background, immune response, and healthcare practices.

Anticoccidial activities of a multicomplex mineral-based diet in broilers infected with Eimeria acervulina

Poultry coccidiosis, caused by 7 Eimeria species, has a significant economic impact on the poultry industry and is managed mainly by chemotherapeutic drugs. However, alternative control measures are needed due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains. This study aimed to evaluate the anticoccidial effects of a multicomplex mineral-based diet in broilers infected with Eimeria acervulina. Broilers were fed a multicomplex mineral-based diet and infected with E. acervulina. Fecal oocyst shedding was 39.0% lower in the E. acervulina-infected broilers treated with the multicomplex mineral compared to that in untreated-infected broilers (365.7×106±45.7 versus 599.8×106±8.7, P<0.05). On day 6 post-infection, body weight gain was significantly higher in treated-infected chickens than untreated chickens (103.2±1.5% versus 94.1±1.7%, P<0.001). The lesion scores were similar between the 2 groups. Histopathological observations revealed that the width of the villi in the treated-infected chickens (286±9.5 μm) was significantly increased by 19.1% (240±10.8 μm, P<0.05) and 34.9% (212±7.3 μm, P<0.001) compared to those in the untreated-uninfected and untreated-infected groups, respectively. However, the villous height and crypt depth were similar between the untreated- and treated-infected groups. The positive effects of the dietary multicomplex mineral, including reduced fecal oocyst shedding, increased weight gain, and increased villi width, suggest its potential application in mitigating the adverse effects of Eimeria infection in both conventional and organic chicken industries.

VP4-Specific IgA level as a correlate of neutralizing antibody and fecal shedding of porcine rotavirus infection.

VP4-Specific IgA level as a correlate of neutralizing antibody and fecal shedding of porcine rotavirus infection.