Biodiversity and probiotic potential of yeasts isolated from sumbawa horse milk.

BACKGROUND: The microbial composition of Sumbawa Horse Milk is influenced by various factors, including environmental elements that encompass geographical location, climate, and conditions specific to Sumbawa. This study aimed to determine the biodiversity and genetic diversity of the microbiome of Sumbawa Horse Milk, with an emphasis on yeast. METHODS: The diversity and group of yeast isolates were evaluated by the sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) method using ME2F-EM15R (1) and ME2F-EM12R (2) primers. Molecular identification using 18 S rRNA primers was then carried out on nine selected isolates (K_21, K_31, K_42, K_45, K_1, K_6, K_8, K_17, and K_19) to determine the type of yeast. Probiotic candidate tests were carried out on three isolates, namely K_1, K_6 and K_8. RESULTS: Analysis with NTSYS software on the SRAP results using Primer 1 revealed the presence of two major groups, where Group I was exclusively comprised of K_45 isolate, whereas the other isolates belonged to Group II. On the other hand, analysis with NTSYS software on the SRAP analysis with Primer 2 also showed two major groups with different compositions. Group I consisted of isolates K_39, 38, 37, 36, 35, 34, 33, 31, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, and 21, while the remaining isolates belonged to Group II. Results of 18 S rRNA analysis demonstrated that K_17 and K_19 had 99.8 and 100% similarity, respectively, and identified as Candida humilis. K_21, K_31, and K_45 were identified as having a 100% similarity to Clavispora lusitaniae, while K_42 had a 99.8% similarity to Candida parapsilosis. Three isolates were identified as belonging to the genus Ogataea, namely Ogataea polymorpha (K_6 and K_8) and Ogataea siamensis (K_1) with similarity of 100% and 99.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the three yeast have potential as probiotics.

Methanogenic patterns in the gut microbiome are associated with survival in a population of feral horses.

Gut microbiomes are widely hypothesised to influence host fitness and have been experimentally shown to affect host health and phenotypes under laboratory conditions. However, the extent to which they do so in free-living animal populations and the proximate mechanisms involved remain open questions. In this study, using long-term, individual-based life history and shallow shotgun metagenomic sequencing data (2394 fecal samples from 794 individuals collected between 2013-2019), we quantify relationships between gut microbiome variation and survival in a feral population of horses under natural food limitation (Sable Island, Canada), and test metagenome-derived predictions using short-chain fatty acid data. We report detailed evidence that variation in the gut microbiome is associated with a host fitness proxy in nature and outline hypotheses of pathogenesis and methanogenesis as key causal mechanisms which may underlie such patterns in feral horses, and perhaps, wild herbivores more generally.

Time-calibrated phylogenetic and chromosomal mobilome analyses of Staphylococcus aureus CC398 reveal geographical and host-related evolution.

An international collection of Staphylococcus aureus of clonal complex (CC) 398 from diverse hosts spanning all continents and a 30 year-period is studied based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data. The collection consists of publicly available genomic data from 2994 strains and 134 recently sequenced Swiss methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) CC398 strains. A time-calibrated phylogeny reveals the presence of distinct phylogroups present in Asia, North and South America and Europe. European MRSA diverged from methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) at the beginning of the 1950s. Two major European phylogroups (EP4 and EP5), which diverged approximately 1974, are the main drivers of MRSA CC398 spread in Europe. Within EP5, an emergent MRSA lineage spreading among the European horse population (EP5-Leq) diverged approximately 1996 from the pig lineage (EP5-Lpg), and also contains human-related strains. EP5-Leq is characterized by staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) IVa and spa type t011 (CC398-IVa-t011), and EP5-Lpg by CC398-SCCmecVc-t011. The lineage-specific antibiotic resistance and virulence gene patterns are mostly mediated by the acquisition of mobile genetic elements like SCCmec, S. aureus Genomic Islands (SaGIs), prophages and transposons. Different combinations of virulence factors are present on S. aureus pathogenicity islands (SaPIs), and novel antimicrobial resistance gene containing elements are associated with certain lineages expanding in Europe. This WGS-based analysis reveals the actual evolutionary trajectory and epidemiological trend of the international MRSA CC398 population considering host, temporal, geographical and molecular factors. It provides a baseline for global WGS-based One-Health studies of adaptive evolution of MRSA CC398 as well as for local outbreak investigations.

16s gene metagenomic characterization in healthy stallion semen.

Studies on the bacterial composition of seminal samples have primarily focused on species isolated from semen and their effects on fertility and reproductive health. Culture-independent techniques, such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing and shotgun metagenomics, have revolutionized our ability to identify unculturable bacteria, which comprise >90% of the microbiome. These techniques allow for comprehensive analysis of microbial communities in seminal samples, shedding light on their interactions and roles. In this study, we characterized the taxonomic diversity of seminal microbial communities in healthy stallions using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Semen samples were collected from four stallions during the reproductive season, and DNA was extracted for sequencing. The results revealed a diverse array of bacterial taxa, with Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria being predominant phyla. At the family and genus levels, significant variations were observed among individuals, with individual variability in microbial richness and diversity standing out. Moreover, each stallion showed a distinct microbial fingerprint, indicating the presence of a characteristic microbial core for each stallion. These results underscore the importance of considering individual microbial profiles in understanding reproductive health and fertility outcomes.

Assessment of fecal bacterial viability and diversity in fresh and frozen fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) product in horses.

BACKGROUND: Currently, lack of standardization for fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in equine practice has resulted in highly variable techniques, and there is no data on the bacterial metabolic activity or viability of the administered product. The objectives of this study were to compare the total and potentially metabolically active bacterial populations in equine FMT, and assess the effect of different frozen storage times, buffers, and temperatures on an equine FMT product. Fresh feces collected from three healthy adult horses was subjected to different storage methods. This included different preservation solutions (saline plus glycerol or saline only), temperature (-20 °C or -80 °C), and time (fresh, 30, 60, or 90 days). Samples underwent DNA extraction to assess total bacterial populations (both live and dead combined) and RNA extraction followed by reverse transcription to cDNA as a proxy to assess viable bacteria, then 16s rRNA gene amplicon sequencing using the V1-V2 region. RESULTS: The largest difference in population indices and taxonomic composition at the genus level was seen when evaluating the results of DNA-based (total) and cDNA-based (potentially metabolically active) extraction method. At the community level, alpha diversity (observed species, Shannon diversity) was significantly decreased in frozen samples for DNA-based analysis (P < 0.05), with less difference seen for cDNA-based sequencing. Using DNA-based analysis, length of storage had a significant impact (P < 0.05) on the bacterial community profiles. For potentially metabolically active populations, storage overall had less of an effect on the bacterial community composition, with a significant effect of buffer (P < 0.05). Individual horse had the most significant effect within both DNA and cDNA bacterial communities. CONCLUSIONS: Frozen storage of equine FMT material can preserve potentially metabolically active bacteria of the equine fecal microbiome, with saline plus glycerol preservation more effective than saline alone. Larger studies are needed to determine if these findings apply to other individual horses. The ability to freeze FMT material for use in equine patients could allow for easier clinical use of fecal transplant in horses with disturbances in their intestinal microbiome.

Changes of faecal bacterial communities and microbial fibrolytic activity in horses aged from 6 to 30 years old.

Horse owners and veterinarians report that from the age of 15, their horses can lose body condition and be more susceptible to diseases. Large intestinal microbiome changes may be involved. Indeed, microbiota is crucial for maintaining the condition and health of herbivores by converting fibres into nutrients. This study aimed to compare the faecal microbiome in horses aged from 6 to 30 years old (yo), living in the same environment and consuming the same diet, in order to assess whether the parameters changed linearly with age and whether there was a pivotal age category. Fifty horses were selected from the same environment and distributed across four age categories: 6-10 (n = 12), 11-15 (n = 11), 16-20 (n = 13), and 21-30 (n = 14) yo. All horses had no digestive problems, had teeth suitable for consuming their feed, and were up to date with their vaccination and deworming programmes. After three weeks of constant diet (ad libitum hay and 860 g of concentrate per day), one faecal sample per horse was collected on the same day. The bacterial communities' richness and intra-sample diversity were negatively correlated with age. There was a new distribution of non-beneficial and beneficial taxa, particularly in the 21-30 yo category. Although the faecal concentration of short-chain fatty acids remained stable, the acetate proportion was negatively correlated with age while it was the opposite for the proportions of butyrate, valerate, and iso-valerate. Additionally, the faecal pH was negatively correlated with age. Differences were more pronounced when comparing the 6-10 yo and 21-30 yo categories. The values of the parameters studied became more dispersed from the 16-20 yo category onwards, which appeared as a transitional moment, as it did not differ significantly from the younger and older categories for most of these parameters. Our data suggest that the microbiome changes with age. By highlighting the pivotal age of 16-20, this gives the opportunity to intervene before individuals reach extremes that could lead to pathological conditions.

Composition and diversity of 16S rRNA based skin bacterial microbiome in healthy horses.

Characterization of microbiota structure on the skin of healthy horses is important for further development of modulation strategies to ensure optimal bacterial composition for physiological processes. This requirement is also supported by the relatively high incidence of dermatological diseases in horses and thus the need to manage them therapeutically. The taxonomic analysis of skin samples (n = 30) from five different body parts of clinically healthy Shetlands ponies females (neck, back, abdomen, pastern, muzzle) kept under homogeneous conditions (in open stalls with paddock, feed with dry hay, green grass ad libitum and granulated feed) was performed using amplification of V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Results indicate that bacteria associated with healthy equine skin represent 18 phyla, 29 classes and 119 families. The most abundant phyla were Proteobacteria (30.8 ± 9.1%) followed by Actinobacteriota (20.4 ± 7.6%), Firmicutes (19.5 ± 10.1%), Bacteroidota (8.5 ± 5.0%) and Deinococcota (7.2 ± 14.8%). Among 229 genera identified, Corynebacterium (7.4 ± 6.5%) was the most abundant genus in skin sites of horses, followed by Deinococcus (7.1 ± 14.9%) and Macrococcus (5.0 ± 8.2%). Indices for the richness and diversity of species within bacterial populations for five regions of horses skin revealed no significant variations observed for species richness (Chao1, p-value 0.2001) but significant result for species evenness (Shannon, p-value 0.0049) with maximum on the neck and minimum on the back skin site. The clustering was seen across samples from different skin sites but also across samples collected from individual horses.

Effects of astaxanthin on gut microbiota of polo ponies during deconditioning and reconditioning periods.

To determine the effects of astaxanthin (ASTX) supplementation on the equine gut microbiota during a deconditioning-reconditioning cycle, 12 polo ponies were assigned to a control (CON; n = 6) or supplemented (ASTX; 75 mg ASTX daily orally; n = 6) group. All horses underwent a 16-week deconditioning period, with no forced exercise, followed by a 16-week reconditioning program where physical activity gradually increased. Fecal samples were obtained at the beginning of the study (Baseline), after deconditioning (PostDecon), after reconditioning (PostRecon), and 16 weeks after the cessation of ASTX supplementation (Washout). Following DNA extraction from fecal samples, v4 of 16S was amplified and sequenced to determine operational taxonomic unit tables and α-diversity and ß-diversity indices. The total number of observed species was greater at Baseline than PostDecon, PostRecon, and Washout (p ≤ 0.02). A main effect of ASTX (p = 0.01) and timepoint (p = 0.01) was observed on ß-diversity, yet the variability of timepoint was greater (13%) than ASTX (6%), indicating a greater effect of timepoint than ASTX. Deconditioning and reconditioning periods affected the abundance of the Bacteroidetes and Fibrobacteres phyla. Physical activity and ASTX supplementation affect the equine gut microbiome, yet conditioning status may have a greater impact.

Isolation and molecular identification of Leptospira santarosai and Leptospira interrogans in equines from eastern Mexico.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease with a worldwide distribution, which represents a major challenge in animal production across developing countries, mainly in tropical areas. Horses are particularly susceptible to the disease, presenting manifestations ranging from subclinical to the development of uveitis that compromises the visual health of the animals. In recent years, serological studies have been carried out in equid populations from America, demonstrating high exposure. For this reason, the aim of this study was to demonstrate microbiologically and molecularly the presence of the members of the genus Leptospira in urine samples from equids in an endemic state of leptospirosis in Mexico, and to detect the serological presence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in the sampled animals. For this reason, blood and urine samples were collected from 28 horses and one mule from three localities in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Urine samples were inoculated in Ellinghausen-McCullough-Johnson-Harris (EMJH) medium, and the recovered isolates were typed using a short Multi Locus Sequence Typing scheme. Amplifications of the expected size were subjected to sequencing, and the recovered sequences were compared with those of reference deposited in GenBank using the BLAST tool. To identify their phylogenetic position, we performed a phylogenetic reconstruction using the maximum likelihood method. Additionally, Microscopic Agglutination test was performed on the serum samples to identify anti-Leptospira antibodies. We recovered 16 urine isolates which tested positive for the presence of Leptospira DNA. The phylogenetic reconstruction and the MLST analysis confirmed the presence of several genotypes of Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira santarosai. An overall serological frequency of 97.1 % was detected. Our results represent the first record of the presence of Leptospira through bacteriological isolates in equids from Mexico.

Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus: High molecular diversity of Argentinian strains isolated from mares with endometritis.

Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) is a mucosal commensal of the lower genital tract in horses and is the most isolated bacterium causing endometritis in mares. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular diversity of S. zooepidemicus obtained from endometritis in mares in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Thirty isolates obtained from the uterus of mares in 2005 and 2017 were studied. The MLST scheme was applied to identify the Argentinian genotypes and the clonal relationships and patterns of evolutionary descent were identified using the eBURST algorithm - goeBURST. Twenty six different Sequence types (STs) were identified, being only 11 of them previously reported in horses and also, from several host species and tissues. The other 15 STs were reported in Argentinian reproductive strains of mares in our study for the first time. The genotypes obtained from uterus in Argentina were not evenly distributed when all the published S. zooepidemicus STs were analysed, thus, it was not possible to establish that the same lineage circulates in our equine population. The fact that the identified genotypes were also reported in other countries, diverse samples and host species suggest that there is not a host, and an anatomical niche adaptation. Finally, the isolation of the same genotype in the vagina/clitoris and the uterus of the same mare highlights the versatility of S. zooepidemicus and its role as an opportunistic pathogen.

Evidence and antibiotic resistance profiles of clinical Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumannii (ACB) and non-ACB complex members in companion animals: A 2020-2022 retrospective study.

To evaluate the frequency of Acinetobacter spp., belonging to both Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii (ACB) and non-ACB complex, and their antibiotic resistance profiles in veterinary medicine, a three-year (2020-2022) retrospective study was carried out on sick companion animals. Epidemiological data from different clinical canine, feline, and equine samples, were acquired. For each strain, MALDI-TOF MS identification and susceptibility to a panel of 11 antibiotics, by Kirby-Bauer and E-test methods, were performed. Out of 628 bacteriological examinations, 2.5% resulted positive for strains belonging to Acinetobacter genus. Frequencies of 2.3%, 1.9%, and 3% were obtained from both in-visiting and hospitalized dogs, cats, and horses, respectively. Members of ACB-complex accounted for 50% of isolates. Since all strains resulted susceptible to aminoglycosides and polymyxins, no pandrug-resistant (PDR) species were recorded. While 12.5% A. baumannii resulted extensively-drug resistant (XDR), a higher percentage of multidrug-resistant strains was recorded among non-ACB strains (35.5%) than ACB strains (25%). Susceptibility was observed in the same percentage in both groups (62.5%). All ACB strains confirmed their intrinsic resistances. Non-ACB species showed lower resistances against antipseudomonal penicillins plus beta-lactamase inhibitors (P=0.1306), III generation cephalosporins (P=0.0547), and tetracyclines (P=0.0209) than ACB species. Carbapenem-resistance was observed for XDR A. baumannii (12.5%) and, in particular for MDR non-ACB complex members (25%). To our knowledge, A. lactucae represents the first description in two sick dogs in Italy. Furthermore, our results emphasize the role of non-ACB-complex species as important zoonotic pathogens, which could be reservoirs of clinically relevant resistance profiles.

Unknown spa types, spa repeats, and relatedness of MRSA isolated from horses, dogs, cats, and their human handlers.

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) represents a worrying example of antimicrobial resistance, and it is essential to acquire new information to monitor the spread and limit it further diffusion. This study aimed to characterise 22 MRSA isolates from horses, dogs, cats, and their human handlers focusing on spa typing. In the analysis of the sequences obtained, the spa type is "unknown" (unidentified) and all the sequences except one had repeats previously not known in all databases potentially indicating new spa-repeats. This could possibly indicate either permanent import of novel spa types or in-house microevolution of spa repeats.

Bacterial diversity in semen from stallions in three European countries evaluated by 16S sequencing.

The microbiome plays a significant role in shaping the health and functioning of the systems it inhabits. The seminal microbiome of stallions has implications for the health of the reproductive tract, sperm quality during preservation and antibiotic use in semen extenders. Diverse bacteria are present on the external genital tract and a mix of commensal microorganisms populates various parts of the reproductive tract, influencing the seminal bacterial content. Other sources of bacteria include the environment, semen collection equipment, and personnel. The bacterial load can adversely affect sperm quality and fertility, particularly in artificial insemination, where semen is extended and stored before use. Antibiotics are frequently used to inhibit bacterial growth, but their effectiveness varies depending on the bacterial strains present. The aim of this study was to assess the bacterial diversity in semen from 37 healthy stallions across three European nations (Germany, Portugal, and Sweden) using 16S sequencing. Semen samples were collected from individual stallions at three AI centers; DNA extraction, sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis were performed. Differences in bacterial diversity among the stallions were seen; although bacterial phyla were shared across the regions, differences were observed at the genus level. Climate, husbandry practices, and individual variability likely contribute to these differences. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring antibiotic strategies for semen preservation based on regional bacterial profiles. The study presents a comprehensive approach to understanding the intricacies of the stallion seminal microbiome and its potential implications for reproductive technologies and animal health.

Devosia equisanguinis sp. nov., isolated from horse blood.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-endospore-forming organism isolated from horse blood was studied for its taxonomic allocation. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity comparisons, strain M6-77T grouped within the genus Devosia and was most closely related to Devosia elaeis (97.6 %) and Devosia indica (97.55 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to type strains of other Devosia species was below 97.5 %. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between the M6-77T genome assembly and those of the closest relative Devosia type strains were <85 and <25 %, respectively. Strain M6-77T grew optimally at 25-37 °C (range: 10-36 °C), at a pH range of pH 6.5-10.5 and in the presence of up to 3 % (w/v) NaCl. The fatty acid profile from whole-cell hydrolysates supported the allocation of the strain to the genus Devosia. Major fatty acids were C18 : 1 ω7c, 11-methyl C18 : 1 ω7c and C16 : 0. The quinone system consisted exclusively of ubiquinone Q-10. The polar lipid profile was composed of the major lipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and three unidentified glycolipids. In the polyamine pattern, putrescine was predominant and spermidine was detected in moderate amounts. The diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. In addition, the results of physiological and biochemical tests also allowed phenotypic differentiation of strain M6-77T from the closely related species. Hence, M6-77T represents a new species of the genus Devosia, for which we propose the name Devosia equisanguinis sp. nov., with M6-77T (=CIP 111628T=LMG 30659T=CCM 8868T) as the type strain.

Characterization of a new bacteriocin-like inhibitory peptide produced by Lactobacillus sakei B-RKM 0559.

The biopreservation strategy allows extending the shelf life and food safety through the use of indigenous or controlled microbiota and their antimicrobial compounds. The aim of this work was to characterize an inhibitory substance with bacteriocin-like activity (Sak-59) produced by the potentially probiotic L. sakei strain from artisanal traditional Kazakh horse meat product Kazy. The maximum production of Sak-59 occurred at the stationary phase of the L. sakei growth. Sak-59 showed inhibitory activity against gram-positive meat spoilage bacteria strains of Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and pathogenic gram-negative bacteria strains of Serratia marcescens and Escherichia coli, but not against the tested Lactobacilli strains. Sak-59 activity, as measured by diffusion assay in agar wells, was completely suppressed after treatment with proteolytic enzymes and remained stable after treatment with α-amylase and lipase, indicating that Sak-59 is a peptide and most likely not glycosylated or lipidated. It was concluded that Sak-59 is a potential new bacteriocin with a characteristic activity spectrum, which can be useful in the food and feed industries.

Effects of steam-flaked grains on foals' growth and faecal microbiota.

BACKGROUND: There is little objective information concerning the effect of steam-flaked grains on foal's growth performance and faecal microbiota. To determine the effects of steam-flaked grains on foal's growth performance and faecal microbiota, faecal samples were collection from 18 foals which had been fed either corn, oat or barley diets over the 60 days of the experiment. Body weight and conformation measurements were collected. Next-generation sequencing of the V3 + V4 region of the 16 S rRNA gene was used to assess the microbial composition of faeces. Alpha diversity, Venn graph, Relative abundance and beta diversity are presented. RESULTS: There was a significantly higher larger increase in the body weight of those foals fed barley compared to either corn or oats. There were also significant changes in the Alpha diversity of the gut microbiota. The Shannon and Simpson indices were significantly higher in the barley fed group than those fed corn or oats. The Chao1 index was significantly higher in the oat fed group than the corn or barley fed groups. There were significant changes in the relative abundance of bacteria in the microbiota in terms of phylum, family and genus. The histogram of LDA value distribution showed that the 12 statistically different biomarkers of the bacteria were present. Tax4Fun function annotation clustering heat map showed that functional information was detected from 26 species of bacteria in faecal samples from the foals. CONCLUSIONS: Differences by starch sources were found in overall growth of the foals and in the faecal microbiota if either supplementary corn, oat or barley was fed. Further studies are required to determine the potential impact of the changes in the microbiota on the health and development of foals fed cereal starch of different sources.

Antibody activities in hyperimmune plasma against the Rhodococcus equi virulence -associated protein A or poly-N-acetyl glucosamine are associated with protection of foals against rhodococcal pneumonia.

The efficacy of transfusion with hyperimmune plasma (HIP) for preventing pneumonia caused by Rhodococcus equi remains ill-defined. Quarter Horse foals at 2 large breeding farms were randomly assigned to be transfused with 2 L of HIP from adult donors hyperimmunized either with R. equi (RE HIP) or a conjugate vaccine eliciting antibody to the surface polysaccharide ß-1→6-poly-N-acetyl glucosamine (PNAG HIP) within 24 hours of birth. Antibody activities against PNAG and the rhodococcal virulence-associated protein A (VapA), and to deposition of complement component 1q (C՛1q) onto PNAG were determined by ELISA, and then associated with either clinical pneumonia at Farm A (n = 119) or subclinical pneumonia at Farm B (n = 114). Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Among RE HIP-transfused foals, the odds of pneumonia were approximately 6-fold higher (P = 0.0005) among foals with VapA antibody activity ≤ the population median. Among PNAG HIP-transfused foals, the odds of pneumonia were approximately 3-fold (P = 0.0347) and 11-fold (P = 0.0034) higher for foals with antibody activities ≤ the population median for PNAG or C՛1q deposition, respectively. Results indicated that levels of activity of antibodies against R. equi antigens are correlates of protection against both subclinical and clinical R. equi pneumonia in field settings. Among PNAG HIP-transfused foals, activity of antibodies with C՛1q deposition (an indicator of functional antibodies) were a stronger predictor of protection than was PNAG antibody activity alone. Collectively, these findings suggest that the amount and activity of antibodies in HIP (i.e., plasma volume and/or antibody activity) is positively associated with protection against R. equi pneumonia in foals.

Hematúria macroscópica em equinos associada à infecção por Leptospira interrogans / Macroscopic haematuria in horses associated with Leptospira interrogans infection

Hematúria é uma grave manifestação clínica de doença do sistema urinário, ocorrendo sob as formas micro ou macroscópica. Neste artigo relatam-se dois casos de hematúria macroscópica associada à infecção por Leptospira interrogans sorogrupo Canicola. O exame clínico inicial revelou hematúria macroscópica, taquicardia, taquipneia, febre, elevação do tempo de perfusão capilar, hipomotilidade intestinal, além de icterícia da mucosa oral. Leucocitose, proteinúria, glicosúria, piúria e azotemia foram achados comuns aos dois casos. Teste de Soroaglutinação Microscópica foi realizado para titulação de anticorpos contra Leptospira interrogans. Tratamento incluiu medidas terapêuticas de suporte (fluidoterapia), controle da hematúria e antibioticoterapia. Sete dias após manifestação dos sinais clínicos iniciais, ambos animais receberam alta hospitalar após remissão dos sinais clínicos.

Haematuria is a serious clinical manifestation of urinary system disease, occurring in micro or macroscopic forms. In this article two cases of macroscopic haematuria associated with Leptospira interrogans serogroup Canicolainfection are related. The initial clinical examination revealed macroscopic haematuria, tachycardia, tachypnea, fever, increased capillary perfusion time, intestinal hypomotility, in addition to jaundice of the oral mucosa. Leukocytosis, proteinuria, glycosuria, pyuria and azotemia were common findings in both cases. Microscopic serum agglutination test was performed for titration of antibodies against Leptospira interrogans. Treatment included supportive therapeutic measures (fluid therapy), hematuria control and antibiotic therapy. Seven days after the manifestation of the initial clinical signs, both animals were discharged from the hospital without complications.

Effects of Gasterophilus pecorum infestation on the intestinal microbiota of the rewilded Przewalski's horses in China.

Horse botflies have been a threat to the Przewalski's horses in the Kalamaili Nature Reserve in Xinjiang of China since their reintroduction to the original range. As larvae of these parasites could infest the intestine of a horse for months, they could interact with and alter the structure and composition of its intestinal microbiota, affecting adversely its health. Nonetheless, there are no such studies on the rewilded Przewalski's horses yet. For the first time, this study characterizes the composition of the intestinal microbiota of 7 rewilded Przewalski's horses infected severely by Gasterophilus pecorum following and prior to their anthelmintic treatment. Bioinformatics analyses of the sequence data obtained by amplicon high throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes showed that G. pecorum infestation significantly increased the richness of the intestinal microbial community but not its diversity. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were found the dominant phyla as in other animals, and the parasitic infestation decreased the F/B ratio largely by over 50%. Large reduction in relative abundances of the two genera Streptococcus and Lactobacillus observed with G. pecorum infestation suggested possible changes in colic and digestion related conditions of the infected horses. Variations on the relative abundance of the genus groups known to be pathogenic or symbiotic showed that adverse impact of the G. pecorum infestation could be associated with reduction of the symbiotic genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that are probiotics and able to promote immunity against parasitic infection.

Isolation of Moraxella spp. from horses with conjunctivitis in Southern Brazil.

Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) is the most frequent ocular disease in livestock worldwide and is primarily caused by Moraxella bovis, M. ovis, and/or M. bovoculi. The economic impact of IKC is mainly due to ocular damage, which leads to weight loss, management difficulties, pain and discomfort, and cost of treatments. In horses, limited information is available on the association of Moraxella spp. with keratoconjunctivitis. The present report describes two cases of equine keratoconjunctivitis caused by members of the genus Moraxella. Both animals presented with lacrimation, conjunctivitis, photophobia, mucoid or purulent secretions, blepharitis, and conjunctival hyperemia. The diagnosis of IKC was based on the epidemiological and clinical findings; the etiological agent was identified through bacteriological (culture and biochemistry assays) and molecular testing (PCR and nucleotide sequencing). Our study reports the isolation of Moraxella bovoculi (SBP 88/19) and a putative new species/mutant of Moraxella (SBP 39/19) recovered from ocular secretions in horses. Thus, we suggest the inclusion of Moraxella spp. infection in the differential diagnosis of conjunctivitis in horses in Southern Brazil.