Vaginitis with purulent vaginal discharge caused by artificial insemination using frozen Histophilus somni-contaminated semen.

In April 2020, two cows in Japan, developed reproductive disorders accompanied by vaginitis with purulent discharge within 3 days of artificial insemination (AI) with the same lot of frozen semen. Histophilus somni was isolated from the vaginal swabs of both cows as well as from the same lot of frozen semen used for the AI. This incident marks the first reported case of H. somni infection in cattle through AI. The major outer membrane protein gene sequences and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profiles of the isolates were identical. Moreover, we investigated the antimicrobial activity of 12 frozen semen straws against an H. somni isolate using a disk diffusion test. These straws were sourced from five AI centers and included the same lot of semen used for the AI. Although the composition of semen diluents from individual AI centers is not publicly available, both the same lot of frozen semen used in the AI and other lots produced by the same manufacturer showed lower antimicrobial activity than semen from other manufacturers. These results strongly suggest that the two vaginitis were caused by AI using H. somni-contaminated frozen semen because of insufficient antimicrobial activity to inhibit bacterial growth. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the six antimicrobials recommended for addition to frozen semen in isolates were below the recommended concentrations, suggesting that proper addition could have prevented this incident. This highlights the importance of conducting periodical checks on the antibacterial activity of frozen semen to prevent the transmission of pathogens via AI.

Prevalence and genomic-based antimicrobial resistance analysis of Avibacterium paragallinarum isolates in Guangdong Province, China.

Infectious coryza (IC) is an acute infectious respiratory disease in chickens that is caused by Avibacterium paragallinarum (A. paragallinarum). A. paragallinarum poses a significant threat to poultry health due to its virulence and multidrug resistance. This study isolated and identified 21 A. paragallinarum isolates from Guangdong between 2022 and 2023. Biochemical tests showed that 100% of A. paragallinarum isolates fermented glucose but did not ferment alginate and galactose, and only YZ18 was nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide independent. To determine the genetic relatedness between these isolates and NCBI reference strains, whole-genome-based phylogenetic analysis was employed. In addition, analysis of the 2,000 bp-length hmtp210 gene showed that the hmtp210 gene was strongly associated with A. paragallinarum serotypes. Meanwhile, a PCR assay for serotyping A. paragallinarum was developed based on the hmtp210 gene, this assay has high sensitivity and specificity. The antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates was assessed using the disk diffusion method. The antibiotic resistance genes of isolates were analyzed using the genomic method. Phenotypic resistance to ampicillin (95.2%), streptomycin (95.2%), methotrexate-sulfamethoxazole (90.5%), and tetracycline (85.7%) was most frequent among the isolates. All of the isolates exhibited resistance to multiple drugs, and furthermore, the isolates possessed a collective total of 14 genes associated with antibiotic resistance. This study will contribute to advancing our knowledge of A. paragallinarum antibiotic resistance and provide a scientific basis for the prophylaxis and treatment of IC, and the subsequent rational design of potential clinical therapeutics.

Comparative study of antibacterial activity and stability of D-enantiomeric and L-enantiomeric bovine NK-lysin peptide NK2A.

L-enantiomers of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are sensitive to proteolytic degradation; however, D-enantiomers of AMPs are expected to provide improved proteolytic resistance. The present study aimed to comparatively investigate the in vitro antibacterial activity, trypsin and serum stability, toxicity, and in vivo antibacterial activity of L-enantiomeric bovine NK2A (L-NK2A) and its D-enantiomeric NK2A (D-NK2A). Circular dichroism spectroscopy of D-NK2A and L-NK2A in anionic liposomes showed α-helical structures and the α-helical conformation of D-NK2A was a mirror image of L-NK2A. Both D-NK2A and L-NK2A displayed minimal in vitro and in vivo toxicities. RP-HPLC and mass spectrometry analyses revealed that D-NK2A, but not L-NK2A, was resistant to trypsin digestion. D-NK2A and L-NK2A showed similar in vitro bacterial killing activities against Histophilus somni. Slightly reduced antibacterial activity was observed when D-NK2A and L-NK2A were pre-incubated with serum. Confocal and transmission electron microscopic findings confirmed that both peptides induced disruption of bacterial inner- and outer-membranes. Improved survivals with D-NK2A treatment were observed when compared to L-NK2A in a murine model of acute H. somni septicemia. We conclude that antibacterial activity and mode of action of NK2A are not chiral specific. With further optimization, D-NK2A may be a viable AMP candidate to combat bacterial infections.

Identification, HPG2 Sequence Analysis, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Avibacterium paragallinarum Isolates Obtained from Outbreaks of Infectious Coryza in Commercial Layers in Sonora State, Mexico.

This is the first extensive report on the identification and characterization of Avibacterium paragallinarum (AVP) isolates obtained from outbreaks of infectious coryza (IC) in IC-vaccinated layer flocks from Sonora State in Mexico. Isolates obtained from IC outbreaks during the years 2007, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2019 were identified by conventional PCR test and 16S rRNA gene analysis, serotyped by Page serotyping and genotyped by the recently described partial sequence analysis of the HPG2 region. Furthermore, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were determined by a recently improved minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) test. The conventional PCR test and the 16S rRNA analyses confirmed the isolates as AVP. Serotyping results showed the involvement of isolates belonging to serotypes A, B, and C in the IC outbreaks. Genotyping of the HPG2 region revealed the presence of sequence type (ST)1, ST4, and ST11, of which the latter has also been identified in Europe. The MIC susceptibility test showed that all tested isolates were susceptible for the majority of tested antimicrobials, including erythromycin and tetracycline, which are important antibiotics for the treatment of IC. The IC situation in Sonora State, Mexico, is complex because of the presence of serotypes A, B, and C. This finding emphasizes the importance of biosecurity in combination with the application of the most optimal vaccination programs in the control of IC in Sonora State, Mexico.

Nota de investigación­Análisis de secuencias de la región HPG2 y susceptibilidad antimicrobiana de aislamientos de Avibacterium paragallinarum obtenidos de brotes de coriza infecciosa en aves de postura comerciales en el estado de Sonora, México. Este es el primer informe extenso sobre la identificación y caracterización de aislamientos de Avibacterium paragallinarum (AVP) obtenidos de brotes de coriza infecciosa (IC) de parvadas de ponedoras vacunadas con coriza infecciosa en el estado de Sonora en México. Los aislamientos obtenidos de los brotes de coriza infecciosa durante los años 2007, 2014, 2015, 2017 y 2019 se identificaron mediante una prueba de PCR convencional y el análisis del gene de ARNr 16S, se serotipificaron mediante el método de Page y se genotipificaron mediante el análisis parcial de secuencias descrito recientemente de la región HPG2. Además, se determinaron los perfiles de susceptibilidad a los antimicrobianos mediante la prueba de concentración mínima inhibitoria (MIC) que ha sido mejorada recientemente. La prueba de PCR convencional y los análisis de secuencias del gene ARNr 16S confirmaron que los aislados eran A. paragallinarum. Los resultados de la serotipificación mostraron la participación de aislamientos pertenecientes a los serotipos A, B y C en los brotes de coriza infecciosa. La genotipificación de la región HPG2 reveló la presencia de secuencias del tipo (ST) 1, ST4 y ST11, de los cuales este último también ha sido identificada en Europa. La prueba de susceptibilidad por concentración mínima inhibitoria mostró que todos los aislados analizados eran susceptibles a la mayoría de los antimicrobianos analizados, incluida la eritromicina y la tetraciclina, que son antibióticos importantes para el tratamiento contra la coriza infecciosa. La situación de coriza infecciosa en el estado de Sonora, México, es compleja por la presencia de los serotipos A, B y C. Este hallazgo enfatiza la importancia de la bioseguridad en combinación con la aplicación de los programas de vacunación óptimos en el control de la coriza infecciosa en el estado de Sonora, México.

Occurrence of major and minor pathogens in calves diagnosed with bovine respiratory disease.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is caused by a mixture of viruses and opportunistic bacteria belonging to Pasteurellaceae and Mycoplasma bovis. However, these organisms are also commonly isolated from healthy calves. This study aimed to determine whether the organisms are present in higher numbers in calves sick with acute BRD than in clinically healthy calves, and further to genetically characterize bacteria of the family Pasteurellaceae to understand whether particular types are associated with disease. Forty-six clinically healthy and 46 calves with BRD were sampled by broncheoalveolar lavage (BAL) method in 11 herds geographically spread over Denmark to determine presence and quantity of microorganisms by culture and quantitative real time qPCR. Isolates of Pasteurellaceae were tested for antibiotic resistance and were whole genome sequenced to determine genotypes. Histophilus somni was in particular positively associated with BRD, suggesting particular importance of this organism as likely aetiology of BRD. In addition, quantification of bacteria revealed that higher counts of H. somni as well as of M. haemolytica was also a good indicator of the disease. Pasteurellaceae isolates were susceptible to the commonly used antibiotics in treatment of BRD, and genotypes were shared between isolates from clinically healthy and sick calves.

Bacterial hyperpolarization modulated by polyoxometalates for solutions of antibiotic resistance.

Developing strategies against the antibiotic resistance is a major global challenge for public health. Here, we report the synergy of the combination of Preyssler-type polyoxometalates (POMs) ([NaP5W30O110]14- or [AgP5W30O110]14-) and ribosome-targeting antibiotics for high antibacterial efficiency with low risk of antibiotic resistance. Due to their ultra-small sizes and active surface ligands, POM anions show strong affinity to bacterial cell membrane and impose hyperpolarization of the bacterial cells as well as the decrease of Mg2+ influx by blocking Mg2+ transporters, which finally lead to the structural perturbations of ribosomes and instability of bacterial structures. The bacterial growth can, therefore, be regulated by the presence of POMs: a fraction of Bacillus subtilis shifted to a 'dormant', slow-growing cellular state (an extended lag phase) upon the application of subinhibitory concentration of POMs. An approach to combat antibiotic resistant bacteria by applying POMs at their early growth phase followed by antibiotic exposure is validated, and its high efficiency for bacterial control is confirmed.

Protective Effects of Baicalin on Peritoneal Tight Junctions in Piglets Challenged with Glaesserella parasuis.

Glaesserella parasuis (G. parasuis) causes inflammation and damage to piglets. Whether polyserositis caused by G. parasuis is due to tight junctions damage and the protective effect of baicalin on it have not been examined. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of baicalin on peritoneal tight junctions of piglets challenged with G. parasuis and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Piglets were challenged with G. parasuis and treated with or without baicalin. RT-PCR was performed to examine the expression of peritoneal tight junctions genes. Immunofluorescence was carried out to detect the distribution patterns of tight junctions proteins. Western blot assays were carried out to determine the involved signaling pathways. Our data showed that G. parasuis infection can down-regulate the tight junctions expression and disrupt the distribution of tight junctions proteins. Baicalin can alleviate the down-regulation of tight junctions mRNA in peritoneum, prevent the abnormalities and maintain the continuous organization of tight junctions. Our results provide novel evidence to support that baicalin has the capacity to protect peritoneal tight junctions from G. parasuis-induced inflammation. The protective mechanisms of baicalin could be associated with inhibition of the activation of PKC and MLCK/MLC signaling pathway. Taken together, these data demonstrated that baicalin is a promising natural agent for the prevention and treatment of G. parasuis infection.

Clonal spread of multi-resistant Gallibacterium anatis isolates among Iranian broilers and layers.

Gallibacterium anatis is a common cause of reproductive tract infection in chickens, which leads to reduced egg production and increased mortality. This study was undertaken to investigate prevalence of G. anatis in 12 poultry flocks originating from Iranian provinces with leading chicken production and to determine genetic diversity, antimicrobial resistance, and the presence of major antigens of the isolates investigated. Out of the 120 chicken tracheal samples collected and tested, 84 (70%) were positive for G. anatis. Genotyping by Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis and genome sequencing revealed a total of 24 pulsotypes for 71 strains (at a 87% similarity level) and seven genome clusters comprising 21 strains (97% similarity level), respectively. The combination of the two typing methods confirmed the presence of several genotypes originating from a common ancestor affecting poultry yet also suggested that identical clones were shared among chickens within farms and between different farms. The latter finding is to our knowledge the first example of clonal presence of G. anatis in epidemiologically unrelated farms. The 21 sequenced strains were characterized against a panel of commonly used antibiotics and showed lowered sensitivity to tetracycline (76.2%) and enrofloxacin (90.5%). The widespread presence of multiresistant G. anatis isolates calls for non-antibiotic prophylactics. Three major immunogen genes, gtxA, Gab_1309 and Gab_2312 were detected in the isolates indicating these antigens likely represent effective vaccine targets. A conserved sequence of the gtxA gene across a range of epidemiologically independent strains suggests the use of GtxA for future vaccine development purposes.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of opportunistic pathogens associated with bovine respiratory disease isolated from nasopharyngeal swabs of veal calves in Switzerland.

The composition of the bacterial flora in the calf nasopharynx might influence the risk of bovine respiratory disease (BRD). The aims of the present study were, firstly, to investigate the prevalence of bacteria potentially involved in BRD in the nasopharynx of veal calves and to identify associated risk factors for their presence, and, secondly, to provide data on antimicrobial resistance levels in these bacteria. Deep nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from veal calves on 12 Swiss farms over a period of one year by non-random, but systematic sampling for isolation of Pasteurellaceae and Mycoplasma (M.) bovis and dispar. Associations of potential risk factors with occurrence of these bacteria were tested in multivariable mixed logistic regression analyses, based on information gained from extensive questionnaires completed with the farmers. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for Pasteurellaceae by broth microdilution method to obtain minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC). Pasteurellaceae, including Pasteurella (P.) multocida, Mannheimia (M.) haemolytica, Bisgaard Taxon 39 and Histophilus (H.) somni, were almost twice as prevalent as M. bovis and dispar in this study. Continuous stocking was a risk factor for the presence of Pasteurellaceae, especially when calves originated from more than six suppliers. In young calves (≤ 91 days), feeding of California Mastitis Test (CMT) positive milk was an additional risk factor for the presence of Pasteurellaceae whereas transport of calves by farmers and livestock traders (as opposed to transport only by farmers) increased the risk in older calves (> 91 days). Risk factors for the presence of M. bovis/dispar were higher number of calves per drinking nipple in young calves, and no access to an outside pen and feeding of CMT positive milk in older calves, respectively. While further research will have to investigate the observed associations in more detail, this suggests that management can play an important role in the prevalence of nasopharyngeal bacteria with a potential subsequent involvement in BRD. Antimicrobial resistance differed between the three bacterial species tested in this study and was highest to oxytetracycline and spectinomycin in P. multocida, oxytetracycline and penicillin in M. haemolytica, and ampicillin and penicillin in H. somni. Only two European VetCAST breakpoints (for florfenicol in P. multocida and M. haemolytica) have been published to date, matching the MIC distribution of the present isolate populations well, in contrast to certain commonly applied American Clinical and Laboratory Institute interpretive criteria. This highlights the potential for further refinement of clinical breakpoints in veterinary medicine.

Prevalence and temporal trends in antimicrobial resistance of bovine respiratory disease pathogen isolates submitted to the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory: 2008-2017.

The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence and trends in antimicrobial resistance for bacterial pathogens associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD) isolated from samples submitted to the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL). Data were retrospectively collected from bovine respiratory isolates including Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica, Histophilus somni, and Bibersteinia trehalosi identified at the WVDL between January 2008 and December 2017. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing data were queried from antimicrobial resistance databases at the WVDL. A total of 4,261 isolates were identified. Pasteurella multocida was most frequently identified, accounting for 2,094 isolates (49% of total) over the study period. Mannheimia haemolytica was the second most frequently isolated bacterial respiratory pathogen (n = 1,267, 30%) followed by H. somni (n = 749, 18%) and B. trehalosi (n = 151, 4%). Over the 10-yr period, B. trehalosi had the highest median percentage of isolates that were resistant to at least one antibiotic at 33% (interquartile range: 24, 47) followed by M. haemolytica (13%; 8, 23). For P. multocida, 10% (4, 26) of isolates were classified as resistant to at least one antibiotic, whereas H. somni had the fewest resistant isolates (9%; 3, 15). When comparing 2013-2017 to 2008-2012, the overall percentage of resistant isolates for P. multocida and B. trehalosi decreased, whereas the percentage of resistant isolates for M. haemolytica and H. somni increased. Increased resistance against florfenicol, fluoroquinolones, gentamicin, tilmicosin, and tulathromycin was observed for M. haemolytica. These data show that antimicrobial susceptibility for BRD bacterial pathogens has changed in the population served by the WVDL over this 10-yr period. For P. multocida, resistance is relatively low and has either improved or at least remained constant for the majority of drugs labeled for treatment of respiratory disease in dairy cattle. Veterinarians and producers should be aware of the bacterial pathogens most commonly associated with BRD and work toward early disease detection, proper antibiotic administration, and monitoring lung lesions to ensure that their treatment protocols improve lung health.

Antimicrobial Resistance Profiling of Gallibacterium anatis from Layers Reveals High Number of Multiresistant Strains and Substantial Variability Even Between Isolates from the Same Organ.

In this investigation, data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of 213 Gallibacterium anatis isolates were determined from 93 laying hens originating from 39 flocks. Each flock was sampled three times during its life time for the presence of G. anatis. The broth microdilution method was applied comprising 21 antimicrobial substances. Multidrug resistance was found in 96.2% of the G. anatis isolates. Most of the isolates were resistant to tetracycline (89.2%), tylosin (94.8%), enrofloxacin (58.2%), nalidixic acid (77.4%), and sulfamethoxazole (77.0%). Resistance against antimicrobial substances increased significantly with the age of birds. A total of 99 different AMR profiles were detected. On flock level, different AMR profiles were found in 71.8% of the flocks independent of the sampling time point. On bird level, identical AMR profiles were mostly found in isolates originating from the same organ of a single bird, but 22 such paired isolates differed in their AMR profile. Variations of AMR profiles were found within isolates from a single bird, but from different organs. Isolates from systemic organs were significantly more resistant to different antimicrobial substances compared to isolates from the reproductive tract. No influence could be found in regard to an increase of resistance and applied antibiotic treatment.

Association between antimicrobial drug class for treatment and retreatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and frequency of resistant BRD pathogen isolation from veterinary diagnostic laboratory samples.

Although 90% of BRD relapses are reported to receive retreatment with a different class of antimicrobial, studies examining the impact of antimicrobial selection (i.e. bactericidal or bacteriostatic) on retreatment outcomes and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are deficient in the published literature. This survey was conducted to determine the association between antimicrobial class selection for treatment and retreatment of BRD relapses on antimicrobial susceptibility of Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Histophilus somni. Pathogens were isolated from samples submitted to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory from January 2013 to December 2015. A total of 781 isolates with corresponding animal case histories, including treatment protocols, were included in the analysis. Original susceptibility testing of these isolates for ceftiofur, danofloxacin, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, oxytetracycline, spectinomycin, tilmicosin, and tulathromycin was performed using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Data were analyzed using a Bayesian approach to evaluate whether retreatment with antimicrobials of different mechanistic classes (bactericidal or bacteriostatic) increased the probability of resistant BRD pathogen isolation in calves. The posterior distribution we calculated suggests that an increased number of treatments is associated with a greater probability of isolates resistant to at least one antimicrobial. Furthermore, the frequency of resistant BRD bacterial isolates was greater with retreatment using antimicrobials of different mechanistic classes than retreatment with the same class. Specifically, treatment protocols using a bacteriostatic drug first followed by retreatment with a bactericidal drug were associated with a higher frequency of resistant BRD pathogen isolation. In particular, first treatment with tulathromycin (bacteriostatic) followed by ceftiofur (bactericidal) was associated with the highest probability of resistant M. haemolytica among all antimicrobial combinations. These observations suggest that consideration should be given to antimicrobial pharmacodynamics when selecting drugs for retreatment of BRD. However, prospective studies are needed to determine the clinical relevance to antimicrobial stewardship programs in livestock production systems.

Associations between antimicrobial treatment modalities and antimicrobial susceptibility in Pasteurellaceae and E. coli isolated from veal calves under field conditions.

Antimicrobial consumption, with bovine respiratory disease as main indication, is higher in the veal calf industry compared to other livestock production branches. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible associations between antimicrobial drug use and resistance in Pasteurellaceae and indicator Escherichia (E.) coli from veal calves under field conditions in a prospective trial. Over a period of one year, nasopharyngeal and rectal swabs were collected from 2587 animals on 12 and 43 farms, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on 346 Mannheimia (M.) haemolytica, 1162 Pasteurella (P.) multocida and 2138 E. coli. Drug use was quantified as treatment incidence for each farm based on the used daily dose methodology (TIUDD), separately for group and individual treatments, and for antimicrobial classes. In multivariable mixed logistic regression analyses, risk factors could be identified for reduced susceptibility to certain antimicrobial classes. Group treatment was generally associated with higher rates of not susceptible (NS) M. haemolytica and P. multocida and non-wildtype (non-WT) E. coli. Individual treatment was associated with less NS and non-WT isolates. Age and entry protocol were important confounders with younger animals showing higher rates of NS and non-WT strains. The present findings suggest that, under field conditions, targeted individual treatment of calves can reduce the development of antimicrobial resistance compared to oral group treatment. For the different microorganisms, risk factors for resistance were partially different. This demonstrates that indicator organisms like E. coli do not necessarily reflect the associations observed in respiratory pathogens.

Synthetic bovine NK-lysin-derived peptide (bNK2A) does not require intra-chain disulfide bonds for bactericidal activity.

Bovine NK-lysins are cationic antimicrobial proteins found predominantly in the cytosolic granules of T lymphocytes and NK-cells. NK-lysin-derived peptides show antimicrobial activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Mature NK-lysin protein has six well-conserved cysteine residues. This study was performed to assess whether synthetic bovine NK-lysin-derived peptide (bNK2A) forms disulfide bonds and whether disulfide bonds were essential for bNK2A antimicrobial activity. Two 30-mer bNK2A peptides were synthesized: one with two original cysteines and an analog with cysteines substituted with two serines. Mass spectrometry revealed lack of disulfide bonds in original peptide while CD spectrophotometry showed both peptides have similar α-helical structures. Since both peptides were equally inhibitory to Histophilus somni, disulfide bonds appeared dispensable for synthetic bNK2A peptide antibacterial activity.

Molecular and genetic characterization of the pOV plasmid from Pasteurella multocida and construction of an integration vector for Gallibacterium anatis.

BACKGROUND: The pOV plasmid isolated from the Pasteurella multocida strain PMOV is a new plasmid, and its molecular characterization is important for determining its gene content and its replicative properties in Pasteurellaceae family bacteria. METHODS: Antimicrobial resistance mediated by the pOV plasmid was tested in bacteria. Purified pOV plasmid DNA was used to transform E. coli DH5α and Gallibacterium anatis 12656-12, including the pBluescript II KS(-) plasmid DNA as a control for genetic transformation. The pOV plasmid was digested with EcoRI for cloning fragments into the pBluescript II KS(-) vector to obtain constructs and to determine the full DNA sequence of pOV. RESULTS: The pOV plasmid is 13.5 kb in size; confers sulfonamide, streptomycin and ampicillin resistance to P. multocida PMOV; and can transform E. coli DH5α and G. anatis 12656-12. The pOV plasmid was digested for the preparation of chimeric constructs and used to transform E. coli DH5α, conferring resistance to streptomycin (plasmid pSEP3), ampicillin (pSEP4) and sulfonamide (pSEP5) on the bacteria; however, similar to pBluescript II KS(-), the chimeric plasmids did not transform G. anatis 12656-12. A 1.4 kb fragment of the streptomycin cassette from pSEP3 was amplified by PCR and used to construct pSEP7, which in turn was used to interrupt a chromosomal DNA locus of G. anatis by double homologous recombination, introducing strA-strB into the G. anatis chromosome. CONCLUSION: The pOV plasmid is a wide-range, low-copy-number plasmid that is able to replicate in some gamma-proteobacteria. Part of this plasmid was integrated into the G. anatis 12656-12 chromosome. This construct may prove to be a useful tool for genetic studies of G. anatis.

Essential oils inhibit the bovine respiratory pathogens Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Histophilus somni and have limited effects on commensal bacteria and turbinate cells in vitro.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to determine antimicrobial activities of essential oils (EOs) against bovine respiratory disease (BRD) pathogens and nasopharyngeal commensal bacteria, as well as cytotoxicity in bovine turbinate (BT) cells in vitro. METHODS AND RESULTS: The chemical composition of 16 EOs was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. All EOs were first evaluated for growth inhibition of a single BRD pathogen Mannheimia haemolytica serotype 1 strain (L024A). The most inhibitory EOs (n = 6) were then tested for antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant strains of M. haemolytica (serotypes 1, 2 and 6); the BRD pathogens Pasteurella multocida and Histophilus somni, as well as commensal bacteria that were isolated from the nasopharynx of feedlot cattle. The cytotoxicity of 10 EOs was also evaluated using a BT cell line. The EOs ajowan, thyme and fennel most effectively inhibited all BRD pathogens tested including multidrug-resistant strains with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of ≤0·025% (volume/volume, v/v). For these EOs, the MIC was 2-32 fold greater against commensal bacteria, compared to BRD-associated pathogens. No cytotoxic effects of EOs against BT cells were observed within the tested range of concentrations (0·0125-0·4%, v/v). CONCLUSIONS: The EOs ajowan, thyme and fennel inhibited M. haemolytica, P. multocida and H. somni at a concentration of 0·025% and had minimal antimicrobial activity against nasopharyngeal commensal bacteria and cytotoxicity against BT cells. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study demonstrated that EOs may have potential for intra-nasal administration to mitigate bovine respiratory pathogens in feedlot cattle.

Evaluation of the protective effect of immunization spf DBA/2J mice with selected bacterial, recombinant Hsp60 antigens during Salmonella Enteritidis challenge.

Salmonella Enteritidis is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in humans. Many attempts have been made to develop an effective vaccine against S. Enteritidis for use in poultry, but experiments aimed at the complete elimination of this pathogen from poultry farms have not provided satisfactory results. The development of new generation vaccines against salmonellosis, such as subunit vaccines based on heat shock proteins (HSPs), is strongly justified. The high immunogenicity of Hsp60 isolated from Procaryota, including Salmonella, has been suggested by the presence of IgG anti-Hsp60 antibodies in mice immunized with these proteins. The aim of the studies was to evaluate the protective effects of immunization with recombinant Hsp60 from selected gram-negative bacteria (S. Enteritidis, Escherichia coli, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni) in spf DBA/2 J mice experimentally infected with S. Enteritidis. The study demonstrated that double subcutaneous immunization of mice with a dose of 10 µg rHsp60 induced a specific immune response of IgG antibodies in tested animals. The median lethal dose (LD50) for the murine model spf DBA/2 J orally infected with S. Enteritidis was estimated at 6.84 × 105 cfu/animal. Mice immunized with rHsp60 from gastrointestinal pathogens (S. Enteritidis and E. coli) showed better survival after experimental infection with a 3 × LD50 dose from S. Enteritidis, compared to animals immunized with proteins obtained from respiratory pathogens (P. multocida and H. somni). However, the log-rank analysis did not show significant differences in the survival rates between rHsp60-immunized mice and controls. S. Enteritidis was not isolated any less frequently from internal organs and faeces of rHsp60-immunized mice than from controls. Nevertheless, the level of haptoglobin (but not IL-6) was increased in all mice in which the presence of the pathogen was observed. Bacterial Hsp60 is an interesting candidate for a subunit vaccine, but its use in livestock animals must be further investigated.

Antimicrobial Resistance in Pasteurellaceae of Veterinary Origin.

Members of the highly heterogeneous family Pasteurellaceae cause a wide variety of diseases in humans and animals. Antimicrobial agents are the most powerful tools to control such infections. However, the acquisition of resistance genes, as well as the development of resistance-mediating mutations, significantly reduces the efficacy of the antimicrobial agents. This article gives a brief description of the role of selected members of the family Pasteurellaceae in animal infections and of the most recent data on the susceptibility status of such members. Moreover, a review of the current knowledge of the genetic basis of resistance to antimicrobial agents is included, with particular reference to resistance to tetracyclines, ß-lactam antibiotics, aminoglycosides/aminocyclitols, folate pathway inhibitors, macrolides, lincosamides, phenicols, and quinolones. This article focusses on the genera of veterinary importance for which sufficient data on antimicrobial susceptibility and the detection of resistance genes are currently available (Pasteurella, Mannheimia, Actinobacillus, Haemophilus, and Histophilus). Additionally, the role of plasmids, transposons, and integrative and conjugative elements in the spread of the resistance genes within and beyond the aforementioned genera is highlighted to provide insight into horizontal dissemination, coselection, and persistence of antimicrobial resistance genes. The article discusses the acquisition of diverse resistance genes by the selected Pasteurellaceae members from other Gram-negative or maybe even Gram-positive bacteria. Although the susceptibility status of these members still looks rather favorable, monitoring of their antimicrobial susceptibility is required for early detection of changes in the susceptibility status and the newly acquired/developed resistance mechanisms.

Is Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy Effective for Microbial Load Reduction in Peri-implantitis Treatment? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the microbiological alteration beneficial to peri-implantitis treatment. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42017064215. Bibliographic databases including Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed were searched from inception to 8 January 2017. The search strategy was assembled from the following MeSH Terms: "Photochemotherapy," "Dental Implants" and "Peri-Implantitis." Unspecific free-text words and related terms were also included. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias of included studies. The random-effect model was chosen, and heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 test. Three studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis demonstrated an association between aPDT and reduction in viable bacteria counts for: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (OR = 1.31; confidence interval = 1.13, 1.49; P < 0.00001), Porphyromonas gingivalis (OR = 4.08; confidence interval = 3.22, 4.94; P < 0.00001) and Prevotella intermedia (OR = 1.66; confidence interval = 1.06, 2.26; P < 0.00001). A aPDT appears to be effective in bacterial load reduction in peri-implantitis and has a positive potential as an alternative therapy for peri-implantitis.

Efficacy of Oral Administration of Sodium Iodide to Prevent Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex.

BACKGROUND: The prevention of bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD) in beef cattle is important to maintaining health and productivity of calves in feeding operations. OBJECTIVE: Determine whether BRD bacterial and viral pathogens are susceptible to the lactoperoxidase/hydrogen peroxide/iodide (LPO/H2 O2 /I- ) system in vitro and to determine whether the oral administration of sodium iodide (NaI) could achieve sufficient concentrations of iodine (I) in the respiratory secretions of weaned beef calves to inactivate these pathogens in vivo. ANIMALS: Sixteen weaned, apparently healthy, commercial beef calves from the University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine teaching herd. METHODS: In vitro viral and bacterial assays were performed to determine susceptibility to the LPO/H2 O2 /I- system at varying concentrations of NaI. Sixteen randomly selected, healthy crossbred beef weanlings were administered 70 mg/kg NaI, or water, orally in a blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Blood and nasal secretions were collected for 72 hours and analyzed for I- concentration. RESULTS: Bovine herpesvirus-1, parainfluenza-3, Mannheimia haemolytica and Bibersteinia trehalosi were all inactivated or inhibited in vitro by the LPO/H2 O2 /I- reaction. Oral administration of NaI caused a marked increase in nasal fluid I concentration with a Cmax  = 181 (1,420 µM I), T12 , a sufficient concentration to inactivate these pathogens in vitro. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In vitro, the LPO/H2 O2 /I- system inactivates and inhibits common pathogens associated with BRD. The administration of oral NaI significantly increases the I concentration of nasal fluid indicating that this system might be useful in preventing bovine respiratory infections.