Psychrobacter raelei sp. nov., isolated from a dog with peritonitis.

A strain belonging to the genus Psychrobacter, named PraFG1T, was isolated from the peritoneal effusion of a stray dog during necropsy procedures. The strain was characterized by the phylogenetic analyses based on the nucleotide sequences of 16S and 23S rRNA genes and of gyrB, which placed the strain in the genus Psychrobacter. The nucleotide sequence of the chromosome confirmed the placement, showing an average nucleotide identity of 72.1, 77.7, and 77.5 % with the closest related species, namely Psychrobacter sanguinis, Psychrobacter piechaudii, and Psychrobacter phenylpyruvicus, respectively, thus indicating a novel species. The polyphasic characterization by biochemical and fatty acid profiling as well as MALDI-TOF supported those findings. The strain was halotolerant, capable of growing within a temperature range between 4 and 37 °C, it was positive for catalase and oxidase, indole producing, nitrate reducing, and not able to use 5-keto-d-gluconic acid as a carbon source. Taken together, the data suggest that strain PraFG1T could be considered as representing a novel species, with the name Psychrobacter raelei sp. nov. (type strain PraFG1T=CIP 111873T=LMG 32233T).

Virulence and in vitro antifungal susceptibility of Candida albicans and Candida catenulata from laying hens.

In spite of evidence that domestic and wild birds may act as carriers of human pathogenic fungi, data on the role of laying hens as reservoirs of drug resistant and virulent yeasts is lacking. Here, we assess several virulence factors (phospholipase and haemolysin activity) and the antifungal susceptibility profiles of 84 Candida albicans and 17 Candida catenulata strains isolated from cloacae (group A), faeces (group B) and eggs (group C) of laying hens. Of these strains, 95% C. albicans and 23% C. catenulata strains displayed phospholipase and haemolytic activities. For C. albicans, the highest values of phospholipase (Pz = 0.62) and haemolytic activities (Hz = 0.49) were recorded among the strains from group C whilst for C. catenulata (Pz = 0.54; Hz = 0.49) among those from group A. High minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for azoles and amphotericin B (AmB) were recorded irrespective of their sources in all C. albicans strains. A total of 22 C. albicans strains were multidrug resistant, displaying resistance to fluconazole, itraconazole (ITZ), voriconazole (VOR) and posaconazole (POS). All C. catenulata strains from group C were resistant to ITZ, POS, micafungin and anidulafungin and susceptible to AmB. In this study, C. albicans and C. catenulata isolated from the cloacae, faeces and eggs of laying hens produced phospholipase and haemolysin and might be multidrug resistant. In the environment (faeces) or in eggs, C. albicans and C. catenulata strains might acquire pathogenic virulence traits and/or show multidrug resistance profiles. Based on these results, breeding and handling of laying hens and/or eggs may have implications for human and animal health.

Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) pestanai in Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) and Ixodidae ticks, Italy.

Trypanosomes are haemoflagellate protozoa transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods causing infections in a wide range of mammals, including humans. Adult badgers (Meles meles, n = 2), displaying severe paralysis, ataxia and severe ectoparasite infestation, were rescued from a peri-urban area of Bari (southern Italy). Blood samples and ectoparasites were screened for Trypanosoma spp. by the combined PCR/sequencing approach, targeting a fragment of 18S rRNA gene. Smears of haemolymph, guts and salivary glands of the alive ticks were microscopically observed. No haematological alterations, except thrombocytopenia, were found. Trypomastigotes and epimastigotes were observed in the blood smears of both badgers and Trypanosoma pestanai was molecularly identified. Out of 33 ticks (i.e. n = 31 Ixodes canisuga, n = 2 Ixodes ricinus) and two fleas (Ctenocephalides felis), 11 specimens (n = 5 I. canisuga engorged nymphs, n = 4 engorged females and n = 2 I. ricinus engorged females) tested positive only for T. pestanai DNA. All smears from ticks were negative. The present study firstly revealed T. pestanai in Ixodidae and badgers from Italy, demonstrating the occurrence of the protozoan on the peninsula. Further studies are needed to clarify the occurrence of the only known vector of this parasite, Paraceras melis flea, as well as other putative arthropods involved in the transmission of T. pestanai.

Yeasts isolated from cloacal swabs, feces, and eggs of laying hens.

Domestic and wild birds may act as carriers of human pathogenic fungi, although the role of laying hens in spreading yeasts has never been investigated. We evaluated the presence of yeasts in the cloaca (Group I, n = 364), feces (Group II, n = 96), and eggs (Group III, n = 270) of laying hens. The occurrence and the population size of yeasts on the eggshell, as well as in the yolks and albumens, were assessed at the oviposition time and during storage of eggs at 22 ± 1°C and 4 ± 1°C. A statistically higher prevalence and population size of yeasts were recorded in Group I (49.7% and 1.3 × 104 cfu/ml) and II (63.8% and 2.8 × 105 cfu/ml) than in Group III (20.7% and 19.9 cfu/ml). Candida catenulata and Candida albicans were the most frequent species isolated. Candida famata and Trichosporon asteroides were isolated only from the eggshells, whereas Candida catenulata was also isolated from yolks and albumens. During storage, the yeast population size on the shell decreased (from 37.5 to 8.5 cfu/ml) in eggs at 22 ± 1°C and increased (from 4.6 to 35.3 cfu/ml) at 4 ± 1°C. The laying hens harbor potentially pathogenic yeasts in their gastrointestinal tract and are prone to disseminating them in the environment through the feces and eggs. Eggshell contamination might occur during the passage through the cloaca or following deposition whereas yolk and albumen contamination might depend on yeast density on eggshell.

Dermanysuss gallinae attacks humans. Mind the gap!

Dermanyssus gallinae is a haematophagous ectoparasite primarily known as a pest of domestic and wild birds. It occasionally feeds on a range of mammals, and, more importantly, is of growing concern in human medicine. This review highlights mite attacks on people working with poultry, and updates the increasing incidence of dermanyssosis in urban environments in Europe. Although several cases of dermanyssosis have been documented, there are a number of reasons why diagnosis of D. gallinae infestations in humans is likely to be underestimated. Firstly, medical specialists are not well aware of D. gallinae infestations in humans. There is also a lack of collaboration with specialists from other disciplines. The problem is compounded by misdiagnoses and by the lack of diagnostic tools. We review the literature on human dermanyssosis cases in Europe, and also provide information on the epidemiology, clinical, histo-pathological and immunological aspects of dermanyssosis. We stress the need for improved recognition of this challenging infestation in humans, and provide straightforward recommendations for health practitioners, starting with collection of the correct anamnestic information and including appropriate management methods for case recognition and resolution. Finally, we indicate the most urgent areas to be addressed by future research. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Dermanyssus gallinae is of growing concern in human medicine. Most physicians are not well aware of dermanyssosis in humans. Bio-epidemiological and clinical aspects of this ectoparasitosis are highlighted. Practical key actions for diagnosis and correct management of infestation in humans are provided.

Efficacy of λ-cyhalothrin, amitraz, and phoxim against the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae De Geer, 1778 (Mesostigmata: Dermanyssidae): an eight-year survey.

Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778) is a major problem for the poultry industry worldwide, as it negatively affects virtually all kinds of rearing systems. Therefore, the control of infestation has become a routine process, and its economic cost is constantly increasing. Until now, most of the control strategies have relied on the use of synthetic chemical drugs, but their efficacy is often questioned by the emergence and diffusion of resistant mite populations. With this in mind, the efficacy of λ-cyhalothrin, amitraz, and phoxim has been verified by testing them against 86 mite populations collected from the same number of poultry farms in Italy from 2008 to 2015. Assays were performed according to the filter paper method using the recommended, half, quarter, double and quadruple doses. The results showed that phoxim and amitraz were the most effective acaricides (median efficacies 80.35% and 80.83%, respectively), but amitraz exhibited a sharp fall in its efficacy during 2011 and 2012, while phoxim maintained its high effectiveness up to 2015, when it dropped. The overall median efficacy of λ-cyhalothrin was 58.33%. The data also highlighted the importance of the use of the right concentration, as an increase in dosage was not always useful against resistant populations, while its reduction also diminished efficacy, simultaneously increasing the risk for the development of resistance.

Psittacine beak and feather disease-like illness in Gouldian finches (Chloebia gouldiae).

Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) is a member of the genus Circovirus and causes psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) in Psittaciformes. PBFD is a severe disease generally characterized by immunodeficiency and beak and feather disorders. Although Circovirus spp. have been detected in several nonpsittacine species, little is known about the symptoms and the disease associated with this infection in birds other than Psittaciformes. In this study, we report the identification of Circovirus infection in a flock of Gouldian finches showing beak and feather disorders. Sequence analyses on the rep gene of the virus highlighted a strong similarity at nucleotide and amino acid levels with the corresponding regions of BFDV from psittacine species. By contrast, it was more distant to circoviruses identified in finch and canary.

Characterisation of Pasteurella multocida Strains from Different Lesions in Rabbits.

Pasteurellosis, a disease caused by Pasteurella multocida, is responsible for economic losses in rabbit industrial farms due to rhinitis, conjunctivitis, pneumonia, metritis, mastitis, orchitis, subcutaneous abscesses, otitis, encephalitis, and septicaemic forms. Although the occurrence of the disease is conditioned by predisposing factors that affect the rabbit immune response, the strains of P. multocida involved in the infection may have a different pathogenic ability. Therefore, typing of strains spread among the rabbits is important to assess their pathogenic potential. The aim of this study is to investigate the P. multocida strains responsible for disease in rabbit industrial farms. A total of 114 strains identified from different lesions were serotyped. Additionally, the presence of virulence-associated genes was investigated using three PCR (polymerase chain reaction) protocols. Capsular type A was prevalently found in strains from respiratory lesions while types D and F in those from metritis, mastitis, and other lesions. Different associations between some virulence-associated genes and both capsular type and lesions found in rabbits were detected. The presence of 8 virulence-associated genes seems to increase the occurrence of metritis. In addition, strains belonging to capsular type A and responsible for respiratory disorders especially, were found equipped with 10 and 11 virulence-associated genes. Nevertheless, the presence of strains responsible only for rhinitis was also detected among the latter, suggesting that the pathogenic ability of the bacteria depends on the expression rather than the presence of a gene.

Poisoning by Nerium oleander L. in Franconia Geese.

This study describes the acute poisoning of four 3-month-old Franconia geese (Anser anser) by oleander plants (Nerium oleander). After the accidental ingestion of oleander clippings, the geese exhibited a rapid onset of severe symptoms, leading to mortality within 15-90 min. Necropsy revealed cardiac and renal lesions. Specifically, interstitial edema, red blood cell infiltration, and myofibril loss were observed in the cardiac muscle, and tubular epithelial degeneration, interstitial edema, and hemorrhages were evident in the kidneys. Oleandrin, a glycoside with cardiac effects, was detected in the liver, kidneys, heart, brain, and muscles. The clinical implications underscore the urgency of veterinary intervention upon oleander ingestion, and the specific findings contribute valuable insights into the pathological effects of acute oleander poisoning in geese, aiding veterinarians in prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Phyto-L, Thiosulfonate from Allium spp. Containing Supplement, against Escherichia Coli Strains from Rabbits.

Colibacillosis, caused by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), is one of the most common diseases in rabbit farms, resulting in economic losses due to mortality and decrease in production. Until recently, antimicrobials were used to both treat and prevent disease on livestock farms, leading to the possible risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the selection of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Therefore, interest in alternative control methods, such as the use of natural substances, has increased in the scientific community. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Phyto-L (Pro Tech s.r.l.), a product containing organosulfur compounds (OSCs) such as propyl propane thiosulfonate (PTSO) from Allium spp., against 108 strains of E. coli isolated from rabbits with colibacillosis from 19 farms. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Phyto-L were assessed. Bacterial suspensions with a charge of 108 CFU/mL, corresponding to those found in the rabbit gut under pathologic conditions, were tested with different concentrations from 20 to 0.15 µL/mL of Phyto-L. For each strain, the MIC and concentrations above the MIC were plated on Tryptic Soy agar (TSA) without Phyto-L to assess the MBCs. MIC and MBC values ranged from 1.25 to 5 µL/mL and 1.25 to 20 µL/mL, respectively, depending on the strain tested. The data showed an interesting antibacterial activity of Phyto-L against EPEC strains. Therefore, this product could be effective in preventing colibacillosis in field application, especially considering that 104-105 CFU/g of feces is the amount of E. coli usually found in the gut contents of rabbits under physiological condition.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Cinnamon Essential Oil against Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli from Poultry.

Colibacillosis, caused by E. coli, is responsible for economic losses in the poultry industry due to mortality, decreased production, and the cost of antibiotic treatments. Prevention of colibacillosis is based on improved biosecurity measures and the use of the vaccine performed with O78 E. coli strains, which is responsible for most cases of colibacillosis. Recently, there has been increased interest in other infection control methods, such as the use of natural compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of cinnamon essential oil (CEO) against E. coli strains isolated from poultry. The MIC50 and MIC90 of CEO were determined by testing 117 strains belonging to serogroups O78, O2, O128, O139, isolated from laying hens (91 strains), broilers (10 strains), and turkeys (16 strains). The bacterial strains were tested at cell densities of 108 and 106 CFU/mL. At the cell density of 108 CFU/mL, MIC50 and MIC90 were 0.4 and 0.5 µL/mL for most of the tested strains, while they corresponded to 0.5 µL/mL for all strains isolated from broilers and for strains belonging to serogroup O139. At the cell density of 106 CFU/mL, MIC50 and MIC90 were 0.3 and 0.4 µL/mL, regardless of bird species of origin and for strains belonging to serogroups O78 and O2. In addition, a concentration of 0.04 µL/mL of CEO corresponded both to MIC50 and MIC90 for strains belonging to serogroups O139 and O128. Based on these results, cinnamon essential oil showed an effective antibacterial activity against E. coli strains from poultry and could find field application for the prevention of colibacillosis.

Profiling of Dermanyssus gallinae genes involved in acaricide resistance.

The poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae, is a major threat for the poultry industry worldwide. Chemical compounds have been extensively used for PRM control, leading to selection of resistant mites. Molecular mechanisms of resistance have been investigated in arthropods, showing the role of target-site insensitivity and enhanced detoxification. Few studies are available about those mechanisms in D. gallinae, and none have yet focused on the expression levels of detoxification enzymes and other defense-related genes through RNA-seq. We tested PRM populations from Italy for their susceptibility to the acaricidal compounds phoxim and cypermethrin. Mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) and in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were investigated, detecting mutations known to be associated with acaricide/insecticide resistance in arthropods, including M827I and M918L/T in the vgsc and G119S in the AChE. RNA-seq analysis was performed to characterize metabolic resistance in fully susceptible PRM and in cypermethrin-resistant PRM exposed and unexposed to cypermethrin as well as phoxim resistant PRM exposed and unexposed to phoxim. Detoxification enzymes (including P450 monooxygenases and glutathione-S-transferases), ABC transporters and cuticular proteins were constitutively overexpressed in phoxim and cypermethrin resistant mites. In addition, heat shock proteins were found constitutively and inductively upregulated in phoxim resistant mites, while in cypermethrin resistant mites esterases and an aryl hydrocarbon receptor were constitutively highly expressed. The findings suggest that acaricide resistance in D. gallinae is due to both target-site insensitivity and overexpression of detoxification enzymes and other xenobiotic defense-related genes, which is mostly constitutive and not induced by treatment. Understanding the molecular basis of resistance could be useful to screen or test PRM populations in order to select targeted acaricides and to avoid the abuse/misuse of the few available compounds.

A Safe and Effective Atovaquone-Proguanil Therapeutic Protocol for the Treatment of Avian Malaria by Plasmodium relictum in Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus).

Avian malaria is a re-emerging threat to avian species worldwide. It is sustained by several protozoan species belonging to the genus Plasmodium, mainly Plasmodium relictum. The even wider diffusion of the disease, probably because of the increase in the areas covered by their mosquito vectors, may pose new risks for avian species lacking natural resistance (especially those from artic or sub-artic environments) or those hosted in structures like zoos and wildlife rescue centers. With that premise, this study describes the efficacy and safety of a therapeutic protocol to treat avian malaria in three snowy owls (Bubo scandiacus) hosted in a wildlife rescue center in Apulia, south of Italy, and affected by avian malaria by P. relictum. The protocol consisted of administering 10/4 mg/kg atovaquone/proguanil per os once a day for three consecutive days, repeating this seven days later. Seven days after the end of the treatment, P. relictum was not detected in the birds' blood and no adverse effects were observed during the 60 days of monitoring after the end of the treatment. Therefore, a therapeutic regimen of 10/4 mg/kg/day may be considered safe and effective in a valuable and endangered species such as B. scandiacus.

Novel parvovirus in an outbreak of fatal enteritis in European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus), Italy, 2022.

Starting from June 2022, increased mortality associated with enteric signs was reported in European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) recovered at a regional wildlife rescue center, in Apulia, Italy. Cases of enteric disease were observed until the end of the breeding season, despite increased biosafety measures. A novel parvovirus was identified using metaviromic, and parvovirus-like particles were observed in the stools on electron microscopy observation. The virus was detected in the fecal samples of all the animals tested (n = 9) and in the internal organs (liver, spleen, and kidney) of three out of nine animals using a specific quantitative assay. In the full-length genome, the parvovirus was closely related (90.4% nt) to a chaphamaparvovirus identified in an Amur hedgehog (Erinaceus amurensis) in Asia and to chaphamaparvoviruses (≤ 70% nt) detected in bats and rodents. Since chaphamaparvoviruses are considered as pathogen in rodents, it will be important to investigate the pathogenic role, if any, of these parvoviruses in hedgehogs. IMPORTANCE European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are common in Europe. This species has been shown to harbor occasionally zoonotic pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Exploring the virome of wildlife animals is important for animal conservation and also to assess zoonotic risks. Our metaviromic investigation identified a novel parvovirus from an outbreak of enteritis in European hedgehogs housed in a wildlife rescue center, extending the spectrum of potential viral pathogens in this species.

Enzymatic activity of Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes from breeding rabbits with and without skin lesions.

Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes are zoophilic dermatophytes which can cause skin infections in animals and humans. The clinical expression of this infection strongly varies depending on host, fungal species as well as enzyme production. No comparative studies are available on the enzymatic activities of M. canis and T. mentagrophytes isolated from breeding rabbits. Thus, the aim of this work was to assess the capability of M. canis and T. mentagrophytes isolated from rabbits both with and without lesions in producing different enzymes. The relationship of dermatophyte enzymatic activities and presence/absence of skin lesions has also been investigated. A total of 260 isolates of T. mentagrophytes and 25 isolates of M. canis sampled both from healthy and lesioned skin of rabbits, as well as from air samples of positive farms were examined. The results showed that T. mentagrophytes and M. canis from rabbits produce different enzymes. However, only elastase and gelatinase were linked to the appearance of lesions in T. mentagrophytes infections, whereas lipase in those by M. canis.

Spreading of Pasteurella multocida Infection in a Pet Rabbit Breeding and Possible Implications on Healed Bunnies.

The number of pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and parrots has increased in European families. Social benefits to owners such as decreasing feelings of loneliness and anxiety are provided by pets which are also used in Animal-assisted Therapy (AAT). Nevertheless, human-animal interactions are also associated with health problems including allergies, asthma, and zoonosis. Rabbits may carry potential pathogens for humans. One of the most common bacteria that colonizes the oro-pharynx and the upper respiratory tract of rabbits is Pasteurella (P.) multocida. Transmission of the infection to humans results from scratches, licks, and bites but it also can occur from the inhalation of air particles containing the microorganism. Immunocompromised people or persons with pulmonary disorders are particularly susceptible to the infection. Infected rabbits may carry P. multocida with or without clinical signs. In this paper, the sensitivity to antibiotics and the invasiveness ability of P. multocida identified in a farm of pet rabbits affected by severe pasteurellosis were investigated. The strain was P. multocida belonging to capsular type A which is the type most often detected in humans. The identified strain was susceptible to the tested antibiotics, but it appeared equipped with several virulence genes which are responsible for fimbriae production, adhesion processes to host cells, enzyme production, and are involved in iron acquisition processes. These findings are of particular interest because rabbits recovered from pasteurellosis very often become carriers of the bacteria. Therefore, we suggest considering P. multocida screening in the routine medical checks of rabbits, especially if they are meant to be companion animals for children and elder people, given that the transmission of the pathogen cannot be excluded.

Dermanyssus gallinae: the long journey of the poultry red mite to become a vector.

The possibility that Dermanyssus gallinae, the poultry red mite, could act as a vector of infectious disease-causing pathogens has always intrigued researchers and worried commercial chicken farmers, as has its ubiquitous distribution. For decades, studies have been carried out which suggest that there is an association between a wide range of pathogens and D. gallinae, with the transmission of some of these pathogens mediated by D. gallinae as vector. The latter include the avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis and Gallinarum and influenza virus. Several approaches have been adopted to investigate the relationship between D. gallinae and pathogens. In this comprehensive review, we critically describe available strategies and methods currently available for conducting trials, as well as outcomes, analyzing their possible strengths and weaknesses, with the aim to provide researchers with useful tools for correctly approach the study of the vectorial role of D. gallinae.

In Vitro Antimicrobial Effectiveness Tests Using Garlic (Allium sativum) against Salmonella enterica Subspecies enterica Serovar Enteritidis.

In recent years, there has been a more prudent use of drugs on livestock farms and alternative products have been considered, with a view of reducing the risk of the onset of antibiotic resistance. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) may cause disease in poultry, and it is also responsible for human food poisoning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of garlic against S. Enteritidis and to define its Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)90 and MIC50 values. The study was carried out in vitro, testing 26 S. Enteritidis strains identified in laying hens from various farms in Southern Italy. A preliminary efficacy trial was carried out on two strains, S. Enteritidis and Escherichia coli, using a garlic concentration of 10 mg/mL (1%). Later, 26 strains of S. Enteritidis at 106 Colony Forming Unit (CFU) and 104 CFU were tested with different concentrations of garlic, ranging from 10 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL. Based on the results, intermediate concentrations of garlic, from 5 mg/mL to 4 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL to 3 mg/mL, were used to test 106 CFU and 104 CFU, respectively. The data were statistically analyzed. The MIC90 was 4.75 mg/mL for strains tested at 106 CFU and 4 mg/mL for strains tested at 104 CFU. The results highlight garlic's potential to inhibit the growth of Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis in vitro. Efficacy was dependent on the microbial concentration used. In vivo efficacy trials will be crucial to confirm the efficacy of garlic against S. Enteritidis and to assess whether garlic can be used in poultry flocks to prevent the spread of the bacterium in the field.

Release of DNA from Dermanyssus gallinae during the Biting Process.

Dermanyssus gallinae is a hematophagous ectoparasitic mite that usually infests poultry, but is also known for occasionally attacking other animals and humans. It represents a major problem for poultry systems all over the world, with detrimental effects for both production and animal welfare. Despite the significance of D. gallinae, very little is known about the biting process to date. Therefore, this study has aimed to verify if mite DNA is injected into the host skin during the blood meal. Mite DNA has been detected by seminested PCR from infested chicken skin and quantified by real-time PCR. Furthermore, its localization within the host tissue has been checked by fluorescent in situ hybridization. Results showed that a very little amount of D. gallinae DNA can be released by mites, suggesting that the latter do not introduce whole or partially destroyed cells into the host, but rather it injects traces of nucleic acids, possibly together with merocrine secretions.

Pseudomonas fluorescens group bacteria as responsible for chromatic alteration on rabbit carcasses. Possible hygienic implications.

Bacteria belonging to the genus Pseudomonas are ubiquitous and characterized by a high adaptation capability to different environmental conditions and wide range of temperatures. They may colonize food, sometimes causing alteration. Quite recently, a blue pigmentation due to Pseudomonas fluorescens has been widely reported in mozzarella cheese. In this report, we describe a blue coloration occurred on rabbit meat stored in the refrigeration cell of a slaughterhouse. The alteration was observed after about 72 hours of storage at 4-6°C. Bacteriological analyses were performed, and a microorganism included in the Pseudomonas fluorescens group was identified. The experimental contamination was planned, using a bacterial suspension with 1×108 UFC/ml load to spread on rabbit carcasses. The blue pigmentation appeared after 24 hours of storage in a cell with the same conditions of temperature. The bacterium was reisolated and identified as responsible for the alteration on meat. These findings highlight the importance of considering the members of the genus Pseudomonas and, more specifically, of the P. fluorescens group when the microbiological quality of food is to be ascertained. In fact, even if these bacteria are not considered a public health problem, their presence should be monitored by food industry operators in self-control plans because they may cause alteration in food. In fact, any altered product should be withdrawn from the market in agreement with Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council.