Characterization of Tenacibaculum maritimum isolated from diseased salmonids farmed in Chile reveals high serological and genetic heterogeneity.

The diversity of Tenacibaculum maritimum in Chile remains poorly understood, particularly in terms of antigenic and genetic diversity. This information is crucial for the future development of a vaccine against tenacibaculosis and would increase understanding of this important fish pathogen. With this aim, the biochemical, antigenic, and genetic characteristics were analysed for 14 T. maritimum isolates, recovered from diseased Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) farmed in Chile between 1998 and 2022. Biochemical analysis showed a homogeneity among all the Chilean T. maritimum isolates and all four other strains included for comparison purposes. Serological characterization using dot-blot assaying revealed antigenic heterogeneity with the use of unabsorbed antisera. The majority of isolates showed cross-reactions, identifying three main serological patterns. When the PCR-based serotyping scheme was performed, the existence of antigenic heterogeneity was confirmed. Four Atlantic salmon isolates were 4-0; and most isolates, including the rainbow trout isolate, were 3-1 (n = 9). A turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) isolate was 1-0. Using an existing Multilocus Sequence Typing system, two newly identified sequence types (ST193 and ST198) in the database were detected. ST193 encompassed nine isolates obtained from Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout, while ST198 regrouped four isolates, all retrieved from diseased Atlantic salmon in 2022. These findings highlight significant antigenic and genetic diversity among the Chilean isolates. This information is useful for epizootiology and the selection of suitable candidate strain(s) for vaccine development against tenacibaculosis caused by T. maritimum in Chilean salmon farming.

Molecular analysis of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) isolates from healthy food-producing animals and humans with diarrhoea.

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is a pathogen associated with acute diarrhoea in humans. To determine whether EPEC isolated from healthy food-producing animals possesses the same virulence gene repertoire as EPEC isolated from human with diarrhoea, we compared six typical EPEC (tEPEC) and 20 atypical EPEC (aEPEC) from humans with diarrhoea and 42 aEPEC from healthy animals (swine, sheep and buffaloes), using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), virulence markers, serotyping and subtyping of eae and tir genes. We found that human and animal isolates shared virulence genes, including nleB, nleE and nleF, which were associated with human diarrhoea. Serogroups and serotypes identified in isolates of food-producing animals such as O26:H11, O128:H2, O76:H7, O103, O108, O111 and O145, have previously been implicated in human disease. The subtypes eae and tir were also shared between human and animal isolates, being eae-γ1 and eae-ß1 the most prevalent in both groups, while the most common tir subtypes were α and ß. Despite PFGE analysis demonstrating that EPEC strains are heterogeneous and there was no prevalent clone identified, EPEC isolated from humans and food-producing animals shared some characteristics, such as virulence genes associated with human diarrhoea, indicating that food-producing animals could play a role as reservoirs for those genes.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from pasteurized dairy products from Bahia, Brazil.

The presence of pathogenic Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in dairy products represents a public health concern because of its ability to produce the toxins Stx1 and Stx2, which cause intestinal diseases. Monitoring the stages of milk production and checking dairy products for contamination are crucial steps to ensure dairy safety. This study aimed to report the occurrence of thermotolerant coliforms, E. coli, and STEC strains in pasteurized dairy products and to evaluate the antibiotic resistance profiles, serotypes, and characterizations of the STEC isolates by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. We obtained a total of 138 pasteurized dairy products from 15 processing plants in Bahia, Brazil, to examine coliforms, E. coli, and STEC strains. We found that 43% of samples (59/138) contained thermotolerant coliforms, and 30% (42/138) did not comply with Brazilian regulations. Overall, 6% (9/138) were positive for E. coli and 4% (5/138) were positive for STEC. We recovered 9 STEC isolates from pasteurized cream (2/9), Minas Padrão cheese (2/9), Minas Frescal cheese (4/9), and ricotta (1/9). All isolates were stx2-positive, and 2 were eae-positive. All isolates were negative for the "big 6" STEC serogroups, belonging instead to serotypes ONT:HNT, ONT:H12, O148:H-, OR:H40, OR:HNT, and O148:HNT. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed 100% genetic similarity among 3 isolates from 2 different samples produced in the same production facility, which may suggest cross-contamination. As well, we found isolates that were 98% similar but in samples produced in different production facilities, suggesting a mutual source of contamination or a circulating strain. Two STEC strains exhibited resistance to streptomycin. Although the isolates presented a low resistance profile and no strain belonged to the "big 6" pathogenic group, the circulation of stx2-positive STEC strains in ready-to-eat products highlights the importance of epidemiological surveillance inside the Brazilian dairy chain.

Salmonella in the processing line of farmed Tambatinga (Colossoma macropomum x Piaractus brachypomus) in Mato Grosso, Brazil: serotypes of occurrence and antimicrobial profile.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the dispersion dynamics and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella in the processing of Tambatinga (Colossoma macropomum x Piaractus brachypomus). Thirty fish were monitored during four processing stages (reception, first wash, evisceration, and prepackage area) in a fish slaughterhouse. One hundred and twenty fish surface samples were collected and tested through bacteriological analysis, PCR, serotyping, and antimicrobial resistance profile (disk-diffusion). Of these samples, 7.5% (9/120) were positive for Salmonella, with 0.83% being observed in the pre-packaging phase, indicating a low occurrence at this stage. All the analyzed stages were positive for Salmonella, with the prevalent serovars being Ndolo, Mbandaka, Typhimurium, Rough, and O:16. All strains were sensitive to various antimicrobials. Improvements in microbiological control during all processing stages should be implemented to ensure a Salmonella-free product.

Serotyping versus genotyping in infected sheep and goats with small ruminant lentiviruses.

Despite SRLV infection being endemic in Mexico, there is little information regarding which genotypes are present. We compared serotyping and PCR-sequencing results from sheep and goats infected with SRLV. We separated plasma and peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) from 1940 blood samples from sheep and goats from 12 states across Mexico. To detect SRLV infection, we tested plasma samples using two commercial ELISA kits (VMRD and Eradikit SRLV Screening). Then, we serotyped the infecting virus (A/ B) using Eradikit SRLV Genotyping. PBL DNA was used to detect the proviral genome via PCR. Positive amplicons were sequenced to identify viral genotypes using a phylogenetic analysis. Also, we analysed for residues differences in the sequences of a capsid epitope between genotypes. The serological results indicated a higher detection of seropositive animals using the VMRD ELISA compared to Eradikit, with 21 % and 15.3 % more in sheep and goats respectively. Only 25.7 % of the ELISA serotyping results matched those from PCR-sequencing. PCR-sequencing was able to identify genotype A, B and coinfections in animals classified as indeterminate by the ELISA test. This lack of sensitivity may be related to the lack of epitopes from the matrix and transmembrane peptides used by ELISA screening. Sequences analysis revealed that SRLVs found in sheep cluster with genetic subtypes A2 and B1, while those in goats cluster with subtypes A1 and B1. Serotyping did not prove to be an adequate method for predicting the viral genotype (A and / or B) in infections caused by SRLV.

Seroepidemiological survey for leptospirosis in equines from semiarid region of Paraíba state, Northeastern Brazil / Inquérito soroepidemiológico para leptospirose em equídeos no semiárido da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil

The aim of this survey was to determine epidemiological indicators for leptospirosis in equids from Paraíba state, Northeastern Brazil. A total of 138 equids were sampled from 58 rural properties, and for the diagnosis of leptospirosis it was used the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) with 22 serovars as antigens. A seropositivity found was 40.6% (56/138). The reactive serogroups were Australis (43%), Sejroe (16.3%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (14.3%), Grippotyphosa (10.2%), Canicola (6.1%), Tarassovi (4.1%), Pomona (2%), Ballum (2%) and Hebdomadis (2%). Animals over 36 months of age presented higher chance of get seropositive (odds ratio = 3.04; 95% CI = 1.23 7.56; P = 0.016). The results obtained in the present work point to the high occurrence of seropositive equids for Leptospira sp. in the semiarid of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. As it is the first report of seropositive equidae in Paraíba, other surveys should be conducted in the region aiming to isolate and identify the agent for the determination of the current infection in the animals.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar indicadores epidemiológicos da leptospirose em equídeos do estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. Foram amostrados 138 equídeos provenientes de 58 propriedades rurais, e para o diagnóstico da leptospirose foi utilizado o teste de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM), utilizando uma bateria com 22 sorovares como antígenos. A sororreatividade encontrada foi de 40,6% (56/138). Os sorogrupos reatores foram Australis (43%), Sejroe (16,3%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (14,3%), Grippotyphosa (10,2%), Canicola (6,1%), Tarassovi (4,1%), Pomona (2%), Ballum (2%) e Hebdomadis (2%). Animais com idade acima de 36 meses apresentaram maior chance de serem sororreativos (odds ratio = 3,04; IC 95% = 1,23 7,56; P = 0,016). Os resultados obtidos no presente trabalho apontam para a elevada ocorrência de equídeos sororreagentes para Leptospira sp. no semiárido paraibano, Nordeste do Brasil. Sendo este o primeiro relato de equídeos sororreagentes na Paraíba, outros estudos devem ser conduzidos na região com o objetivo de isolar e identificar o agente para a determinação da infecção corrente nos animais.

Seroepidemiological survey for leptospirosis in equines from semiarid region of Paraíba state, Northeastern Brazil / Inquérito soroepidemiológico para leptospirose em equídeos no semiárido da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil

The aim of this survey was to determine epidemiological indicators for leptospirosis in equids from Paraíba state, Northeastern Brazil. A total of 138 equids were sampled from 58 rural properties, and for the diagnosis of leptospirosis it was used the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) with 22 serovars as antigens. A seropositivity found was 40.6% (56/138). The reactive serogroups were Australis (43%), Sejroe (16.3%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (14.3%), Grippotyphosa (10.2%), Canicola (6.1%), Tarassovi (4.1%), Pomona (2%), Ballum (2%) and Hebdomadis (2%). Animals over 36 months of age presented higher chance of get seropositive (odds ratio = 3.04; 95% CI = 1.23 7.56; P = 0.016). The results obtained in the present work point to the high occurrence of seropositive equids for Leptospira sp. in the semiarid of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. As it is the first report of seropositive equidae in Paraíba, other surveys should be conducted in the region aiming to isolate and identify the agent for the determination of the current infection in the animals.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar indicadores epidemiológicos da leptospirose em equídeos do estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. Foram amostrados 138 equídeos provenientes de 58 propriedades rurais, e para o diagnóstico da leptospirose foi utilizado o teste de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM), utilizando uma bateria com 22 sorovares como antígenos. A sororreatividade encontrada foi de 40,6% (56/138). Os sorogrupos reatores foram Australis (43%), Sejroe (16,3%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (14,3%), Grippotyphosa (10,2%), Canicola (6,1%), Tarassovi (4,1%), Pomona (2%), Ballum (2%) e Hebdomadis (2%). Animais com idade acima de 36 meses apresentaram maior chance de serem sororreativos (odds ratio = 3,04; IC 95% = 1,23 7,56; P = 0,016). Os resultados obtidos no presente trabalho apontam para a elevada ocorrência de equídeos sororreagentes para Leptospira sp. no semiárido paraibano, Nordeste do Brasil. Sendo este o primeiro relato de equídeos sororreagentes na Paraíba, outros estudos devem ser conduzidos na região com o objetivo de isolar e identificar o agente para a determinação da infecção corrente nos animais.(AU)

Diversity and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolated from swines feces and carcasses / Diversidade e resistência aos antimicrobianos de Salmonella isoladas de fezes e carcaças de suínos

The aim of this study was to determine the most frequent Salmonella serovars in swine feces in the farm, piggery’s waiting slaughterhouse and after in their carcasses during slaughter, as well as their antimicrobial resistance profiles. Eighty six strains of Salmonella spp. were used, they were previously isolated from three different lots in different collections. The identification of serovars was done by serotyping and the resistance to antimicrobial agents was determined by disc diffusion. A variety of serovars was observed, and the 86 strains were serologically identified as: 28 (32.55%) S. Typhimurium, 20 (23.26%) S. Agona, 17 (19.77%) S. Infantis, 6 (6.98%) S. Panama, and 15 (17.44%) S. Minnesota. The diversity of serovars indicated that different factors influence the infection of finishing pigs and the persistence of microorganisms in the carcass after slaughter of these animals. More than 50% of the isolates were resistant to nine of the 11 tested antibiotics. The drugs that microorganisms had the highest percentages of sensitivity were sulphazotrim and norfloxacin, 22.1% and 14%, respectively. S. Typhimurium serovar was the most isolated, including in the carcasses, and also showed the largest difference in antimicrobial resistance when compared to other serovars. The profile of multidrug resistance observed in this study highlights to the necessity of a judicious observation of antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic foodborne bacteria.

Objetivou-se determinar os sorovares de Salmonella mais freqüentes em fezes de suínos na granja de terminação, pocilga de espera do frigorífico e em suas carcaças durante o abate, assim como, seus perfis de resistência aos antimicrobianos. Utilizou-se 86 cepas de Salmonella spp previamente isoladas de três lotes diferentes em coletas distintas. A identificação dos sorovares foi realizada por meio de sorotipificação e a resistência aos antimicrobianos foi determinada pela técnica de difusão de discos. Foi observada uma multiplicidade de sorovares, sendo as 86 cepas identificadas sorologicamente como: 28 (32,55%) S. Typhimurium, 20 (23,26%), S. Agona, 17 (19,77%) S. Infantis, 6 (6,98%) S. Panama, e 15 (17,44%) S. Minnesota. A diversidade de sorovares indicou que diferentes fatores influenciam na infecção de suínos em terminação e na persistência do microrganismo na carcaça destes animais após o abate. Mais de 50% dos isolados apresentaram resistência a nove dos 11 antibióticos testados. As drogas as quais os microrganismos apresentaram os maiores percentuais de sensibilidade foram o sulfazotrim e a norfloxacina, 22,1% e 14%, respectivamente. S. Typhimurium foi o sorovar mais isolado, inclusive nas carcaças, e também o que demonstrou maior diferença quanto à resistência aos antimicrobianos, quando comparado aos outros sorovares. O perfil de multirresistência observado neste estudo alerta para a necessidade de vigilância e monitoramento sistemático da resistência aos antimicrobianos em bactérias zoonóticas transmitidas pelos alimentos.

Diversity and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolated from swines feces and carcasses / Diversidade e resistência aos antimicrobianos de Salmonella isoladas de fezes e carcaças de suínos

The aim of this study was to determine the most frequent Salmonella serovars in swine feces in the farm, piggerys waiting slaughterhouse and after in their carcasses during slaughter, as well as their antimicrobial resistance profiles. Eighty six strains of Salmonella spp. were used, they were previously isolated from three different lots in different collections. The identification of serovars was done by serotyping and the resistance to antimicrobial agents was determined by disc diffusion. A variety of serovars was observed, and the 86 strains were serologically identified as: 28 (32.55%) S. Typhimurium, 20 (23.26%) S. Agona, 17 (19.77%) S. Infantis, 6 (6.98%) S. Panama, and 15 (17.44%) S. Minnesota. The diversity of serovars indicated that different factors influence the infection of finishing pigs and the persistence of microorganisms in the carcass after slaughter of these animals. More than 50% of the isolates were resistant to nine of the 11 tested antibiotics. The drugs that microorganisms had the highest percentages of sensitivity were sulphazotrim and norfloxacin, 22.1% and 14%, respectively. S. Typhimurium serovar was the most isolated, including in the carcasses, and also showed the largest difference in antimicrobial resistance when compared to other serovars. The profile of multidrug resistance observed in this study highlights to the necessity of a judicious observation of antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic foodborne bacteria.(AU)

Objetivou-se determinar os sorovares de Salmonella mais freqüentes em fezes de suínos na granja de terminação, pocilga de espera do frigorífico e em suas carcaças durante o abate, assim como, seus perfis de resistência aos antimicrobianos. Utilizou-se 86 cepas de Salmonella spp previamente isoladas de três lotes diferentes em coletas distintas. A identificação dos sorovares foi realizada por meio de sorotipificação e a resistência aos antimicrobianos foi determinada pela técnica de difusão de discos. Foi observada uma multiplicidade de sorovares, sendo as 86 cepas identificadas sorologicamente como: 28 (32,55%) S. Typhimurium, 20 (23,26%), S. Agona, 17 (19,77%) S. Infantis, 6 (6,98%) S. Panama, e 15 (17,44%) S. Minnesota. A diversidade de sorovares indicou que diferentes fatores influenciam na infecção de suínos em terminação e na persistência do microrganismo na carcaça destes animais após o abate. Mais de 50% dos isolados apresentaram resistência a nove dos 11 antibióticos testados. As drogas as quais os microrganismos apresentaram os maiores percentuais de sensibilidade foram o sulfazotrim e a norfloxacina, 22,1% e 14%, respectivamente. S. Typhimurium foi o sorovar mais isolado, inclusive nas carcaças, e também o que demonstrou maior diferença quanto à resistência aos antimicrobianos, quando comparado aos outros sorovares. O perfil de multirresistência observado neste estudo alerta para a necessidade de vigilância e monitoramento sistemático da resistência aos antimicrobianos em bactérias zoonóticas transmitidas pelos alimentos.(AU)

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli isolated from diarrheic calves in Argentina.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is the most common and global cause of neonatal calf diarrhea, but there is a little information regarding calf ETEC strains in Argentina. In this study, five ETEC isolates from diarrheic dairy calves (2-10 d old) from Buenos Aires and Cordoba, Argentina were characterized on the basis of virulence gene (VG) pattern, O:H serotyping, hemolytic phenotype, phylogenetic group affiliation, antimicrobial (AM) resistance profile, and presence of integron class 1 and 2. The five isolates were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of 18 bovine VGs and showed the following genotypes: F5+/F41+/sta+ (D242), F5+/sta+ (D158), F5+/sta+ (D157), F5+ (D151-9), and F5+/iucD+ (D151-5). These VGs confer pathogenic potential and most of them are associated with the ETEC pathotype. The five isolates showed a non-hemolytic phenotype, belonged to five different serotypes: O101:H-, O141:H-, O60:H-, ONT:H10, and ONT:H-, and were assigned to the phylogenetic group A by the quadruplex Clermont PCR method. The AM resistance of the three isolates D242, D157, and D151-5 was determined by agar disk diffusion method for 24 AMs and they exhibited a multi-resistance phenotype (resistance to four different AM classes: Cephalosporins, Penicillins, Macrolides, and Ansamycins). In addition, class 1 integrons were found in the isolate D151-5 containing the dfrA17-aadA5 gene cassette and in the bovine ETEC reference strain FV10191 containing the dfrA1-aadA1 gene cassette. The present study revealed for the first time the occurrence of multi-resistant ETEC associated with neonatal diarrhea in dairy calves in Argentina. This finding may be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Salmonella serotype assignment by sequencing analysis of intergenic regions of ribosomal RNA operons.

Salmonella laboratorial detection is usually carried out by bacteriological culture and serological methods. Salmonella isolates are then classified into more than 2,650 serotypes with different somatic (O) and flagellar (H) antigenic combinations. More recently, DNA analysis methods were developed and applied for the identification of Salmonella serotypes, including intergenic spacer regions (ISRs) that separates DNA-encoding ribosomal subunits (rRNA gene) in Salmonella genomes. The present study aimed to evaluate the nucleotide diversity of the ISRs in 2 rRNA operons (rrnB and rrnH) for the assignment of Salmonella serotypes. A total of 63 Salmonella isolates (bacterial cultures) from 21 serotypes were obtained in the period of 2014 to 2017. DNA was extracted, and PCRs were used to detect the genus Salmonella and 4 important serotypes: Enteritidis, Gallinarum, Heidelberg, and Typhimurium. ISRs of the operons rrnB and rrnH were amplified by PCR and then sequenced. All sequence results were submitted to BLASTn search and were aligned in comparison to 72 Salmonella reference nucleotide sequences. The results demonstrated that 60 (95.2%) samples returned a sequence of the same serotype (determined by the traditional serological procedure) after searching in BLASTn and/or in the alignment with the reference sequences for both operons (rrnB and rrnH). These PCR-sequencing procedures had a general agreement index of 0.792 based on the Kappa analysis, 98.7% sensitivity value, 100% specificity, and 98.4% accuracy. Three different phylogenetic trees were generated from the alignments with the sequences of rrnH, rrnB, and rrnH plus rrnB and isolates clustered in specific branches according to the serotypes.

Endocarditis vegetativa en lechones causadas por Streptococcus suis serotipo 9 / Vegetative endocarditis in piglets caused by Streptococcus suis serotype 9 / Endocardite vegetativa em leitões causada por Streptococcus suis sorotipo 9

La endocarditis vegetativa es una importante alteración del endocardio del cerdo, siendo casi siempre asociada las infecciones sistémicas provocadas por bacterias. Fue identificado como un agente causante de endocarditis vegetativa por Streptococcus suisserotipo 9 en cerdos de edad de 7 a 10 y 30 días de edad. Ese caso resultó ser de interés debido a la edad de los animales y el serotipo identificado. Al ser una lesión de causa crónica, endocarditis vegetativa en los lechones jóvenes es considerada inusual, no siendo relatada previamente en la literatura. Por otra parte, no se encontró relato que relaciona el serotipo 9 como causador de endocarditis vegetativa causado en lechones jóvenes.

Vegetative endocarditis is an important endocardium alteration in swine, related with bacterial systemic infection. It was identified Streptococcus suis serotype 9 as the causative agent of the vegetative endocarditis in piglets with 7 to 10 and 30 days of age. This case arouses interest due the age of the affected animals and the identified serotype. Because it is a chronic injury, the vegetative endocarditis is considered unusual in piglets and it is not report previously in the literature. Furthermore, it was not found report that relates serotype 9 causing vegetative endocarditis in young piglets.

A endocardite vegetativa é uma importante alteração do endocárdio do suíno, quase sempre associada a infecções sistêmicas provocadas por bactérias. Foi identificado como agente causador de endocardite vegetativa Streptococcus suis sorotipo 9, em leitões de 7 a 10 e 30 dias de idade. Esse caso mostrou-se de interesse devido à idade dos animais acometidos e o sorotipo identificado. Por ser uma lesão de causa crônica, a endocardite vegetativa em leitões jovens é considerada incomum, não sendo relatada anteriormente na literatura. Além disso, não foi encontrado relato que relacione o sorotipo 9 como causador de endocardite vegetativa em leitões jovens.

Endocarditis vegetativa en lechones causadas por Streptococcus suis serotipo 9 / Vegetative endocarditis in piglets caused by Streptococcus suis serotype 9 / Endocardite vegetativa em leitões causada por Streptococcus suis sorotipo 9

La endocarditis vegetativa es una importante alteración del endocardio del cerdo, siendo casi siempre asociada las infecciones sistémicas provocadas por bacterias. Fue identificado como un agente causante de endocarditis vegetativa por Streptococcus suisserotipo 9 en cerdos de edad de 7 a 10 y 30 días de edad. Ese caso resultó ser de interés debido a la edad de los animales y el serotipo identificado. Al ser una lesión de causa crónica, endocarditis vegetativa en los lechones jóvenes es considerada inusual, no siendo relatada previamente en la literatura. Por otra parte, no se encontró relato que relaciona el serotipo 9 como causador de endocarditis vegetativa causado en lechones jóvenes.(AU)

Vegetative endocarditis is an important endocardium alteration in swine, related with bacterial systemic infection. It was identified Streptococcus suis serotype 9 as the causative agent of the vegetative endocarditis in piglets with 7 to 10 and 30 days of age. This case arouses interest due the age of the affected animals and the identified serotype. Because it is a chronic injury, the vegetative endocarditis is considered unusual in piglets and it is not report previously in the literature. Furthermore, it was not found report that relates serotype 9 causing vegetative endocarditis in young piglets.(AU)

A endocardite vegetativa é uma importante alteração do endocárdio do suíno, quase sempre associada a infecções sistêmicas provocadas por bactérias. Foi identificado como agente causador de endocardite vegetativa Streptococcus suis sorotipo 9, em leitões de 7 a 10 e 30 dias de idade. Esse caso mostrou-se de interesse devido à idade dos animais acometidos e o sorotipo identificado. Por ser uma lesão de causa crônica, a endocardite vegetativa em leitões jovens é considerada incomum, não sendo relatada anteriormente na literatura. Além disso, não foi encontrado relato que relacione o sorotipo 9 como causador de endocardite vegetativa em leitões jovens.(AU)

Frequency, serotyping and antimicrobial resistance pattern of Salmonella from feces and lymph nodes of pigs / Isolamento, sorotipagem e padrões de resistência a antimicrobianos de Salmonella em fezes e linfonodos de suínos

Salmonellosis is a foodborne disease caused by bacteria of the genus Salmonella, being pigs and pork-products potentially important for its occurrence. In recent decades, some serovars of Salmonella have shown increase of resistance to conventional antimicrobials used in human and animal therapy, with serious risks for public health. The aim of this study was to evaluate feces (n=50), mediastinal (n=50), mesenteric (n=50) and mandibular (n=50) lymph nodes obtained from slaughter houses for Salmonella spp. Positive samples were serotyped and subjected to an in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility test, including the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production. Salmonella species were identified in 10% (20/200) of total samples. From these, 20% (10/50) were identified in the submandibular lymph nodes, 18% (9/50) in the mesenteric lymph nodes, 2% (1/50) in feces and 0% (0/50) in the mediastinal lymph nodes. The serotypes found were Salonella Typhimurium (55%), S. enterica subsp. enterica 4,5,12: i: - (35%), S. Brandenburg and S. Derby with 5% (5% each). All strains showed resistance to at least one antimicrobial; 90% were resistant to four or more antimicrobials, and 15% were multidrug-resistant. Resistance to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline and nalidixic acid was particularly prevalent amongst the tested serovars. Here, we highlighted the impact of pigs in the epidemiological chain of salmonellosis in domestic animals and humans, as well as the high antimicrobial resistance rates of Salmonella strains, reinforcing the necessity for responsible use of antimicrobials for animals as an emergent One Health issue, and to keep these drugs for human therapy approaches.(AU)

Nas últimas décadas, o aumento de cepas circulante de Salmonella concomitantemente a resistência microbiana tem despertado a preocupação dos órgãos de Saúde Pública. Deste modo, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi pesquisar a presença de Salmonella a partir de fezes (n=50), linfonodos mediastinos (n=50), mesentéricos (n=50) e submandibular (n=50) oriundos de um abatedouro suíno. As cepas isoladas foram sorotipadas e testadas quanto a resistência antimicrobiana. A presença de Salmonella isolada foram em 10% (20/200) do total de amostras, sendo 20% dos linfonodos submandibulares, 18% dos linfonodos mesentéricos e 2% das fezes. Os sorotipos encontrados foram S. Typhimurium (55%), S. enterica subsp. enterica 4,5,12: i: - (35%), S. Brandenburg (5%) e S. Derby (5%). Todas a cepas apresentaram resistência a pelo menos um antimicrobiano testado, sendo 90% resistente pelo menos quatro antimicrobianos. Destes, 15% foram classificadas como multidrogas resistentes. Os antimicrobianos mais resistentes entre os sorovares isolados foram a ciprofloxacina, tetraciclina e o ácido nalidixico. A presença de cepas de Salmonella resistente a antimicrobianos na espécie suína tem gerado um grande impacto epidemiológico entre homem e animal, reforçando cada vez mais a necessidade do uso adequado de drogas principalmente relacionado com o tema "One Health".(AU)

Characterization of Streptococcus suis through serotyping, SE-AFLP and virulence profile / Caracterização de Streptococcus suis por sorotipagem, SE-AFLP e perfil de virulência

Streptococcus suis is one of most important pathogens in the swine industry worldwide. Despite its importance, studies of S. suis characterization in South America are still rare. This study evaluates S. suis isolates from distinct Brazilian states, from 1999 to 2004, and its molecular and serological characterization. A total of 174 isolates were studied. S. suis identification was confirmed by PCR and isolates were further serotyped and genotyped by SE-AFLP and amplification of virulence markers. Serotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 18, 22 and 32 were identified among the studied isolates, and only 4% were characterized as non-typeable. The mrp+/epf+/sly+ genotype was the most frequent. The SE-AFLP analysis resulted in 29 patterns distributed in three main clusters with over 65% of genetic similarity. Isolates presented a slight tendency to cluster according to serotype and origin; however, no further correlation with virulence genotypes was observed.(AU)

Streptococcus suis é um dos patógenos de maior importância para indústria suinícola mundial. Apesar de sua importância, a caracterização de isolados de S. suis na América do Sul ainda é pouco descrita. O presente estudo descreve a avaliação de isolados de S. suis provenientes de diferentes Estados brasileiros, e sua caracterização sorológica e molecular. Foram avaliados 174 isolados de S. suis e os mesmos foram submetidos a SE-AFLP e pesquisa de marcadores de virulência. Os sorotipos 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 18, 22 e 32 foram identificados dentre os isolados estudados e apenas 4% foram caracterizados como não tipáveis. O perfil de virulência mrp+/epf+/sly+ foi o mais frequente. A análise do SE-AFLP resultou em 29 perfis distribuídos em três grupos principais com mais de 65% de similaridade genética. Os isolados apresentaram tendência de se agrupar segundo origem e sorotipo; no entanto, não foi observada correlação entre os grupamentos e os perfis de virulência.(AU)

Characterization of Streptococcus suis through serotyping, SE-AFLP and virulence profile / Caracterização de Streptococcus suis por sorotipagem, SE-AFLP e perfil de virulência

Streptococcus suis is one of most important pathogens in the swine industry worldwide. Despite its importance, studies of S. suis characterization in South America are still rare. This study evaluates S. suis isolates from distinct Brazilian states, from 1999 to 2004, and its molecular and serological characterization. A total of 174 isolates were studied. S. suis identification was confirmed by PCR and isolates were further serotyped and genotyped by SE-AFLP and amplification of virulence markers. Serotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 18, 22 and 32 were identified among the studied isolates, and only 4% were characterized as non-typeable. The mrp+/epf+/sly+ genotype was the most frequent. The SE-AFLP analysis resulted in 29 patterns distributed in three main clusters with over 65% of genetic similarity. Isolates presented a slight tendency to cluster according to serotype and origin; however, no further correlation with virulence genotypes was observed.(AU)

Streptococcus suis é um dos patógenos de maior importância para indústria suinícola mundial. Apesar de sua importância, a caracterização de isolados de S. suis na América do Sul ainda é pouco descrita. O presente estudo descreve a avaliação de isolados de S. suis provenientes de diferentes Estados brasileiros, e sua caracterização sorológica e molecular. Foram avaliados 174 isolados de S. suis e os mesmos foram submetidos a SE-AFLP e pesquisa de marcadores de virulência. Os sorotipos 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 18, 22 e 32 foram identificados dentre os isolados estudados e apenas 4% foram caracterizados como não tipáveis. O perfil de virulência mrp+/epf+/sly+ foi o mais frequente. A análise do SE-AFLP resultou em 29 perfis distribuídos em três grupos principais com mais de 65% de similaridade genética. Os isolados apresentaram tendência de se agrupar segundo origem e sorotipo; no entanto, não foi observada correlação entre os grupamentos e os perfis de virulência.(AU)

Prevalence of Salmonella enterica and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in zoo animals from Chile.

Salmonella (S.) enterica and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are foodborne pathogens. Here, we report the prevalence of S. enterica and STEC in feces of 316 zoo animals belonging to 61 species from Chile. S. enterica and STEC strains were detected in 7.5% and 4.4% of animals, respectively. All Salmonella isolates corresponded to the serotype Enteritidis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of S. Enteritidis in the culpeo fox (Lycalopex culpaeus), black-capped capuchin (Sapajus apella) and Peruvian pelican (Pelecanus thagus) and the first STEC report in Thomson's gazelle (Eudorcas thomsonii).

Vigilance for Salmonella in Feedstuffs Available in Costa Rica: Prevalence, Serotyping and Tetracycline Resistance of Isolates Obtained from 2009 to 2014.

Relevant epidemiological information is provided in this report for Salmonella based on data obtained from a Costa Rican surveillance program for animal feeds. In addition to prevalence, a description in terms of serotypes and tetracycline (TET) resistance of the isolates is included. A total of 1725 feed and feed ingredients samples were analyzed during 2009 and 2014, from which 110 Salmonella strains were recovered (76 from poultry, 23 from meat and bone meal [MBM], 3 from pet foods, and 8 from other feed). Retrieved isolates were serotyped and tested for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against TET. Salmonella strains were found mainly from poultry feed (different growth stages, n = 76/110; 69.1%) and MBM (n = 23/109; 21.1%). The rest of the isolates were recovered from feather meal, pet food, fish meal (n = 3/110; 2.3% each) and swine feed (n = 1/110; 0.9%). From the different serotypes recovered (n = 21), the most common were Salmonella Give (n = 18; 13.8%) and Salmonella Rissen (n = 6; 4.6%) for MBM and Salmonella Havana (n = 14; 10.8%), Salmonella Rissen, Salmonella Soerenga, and Salmonella Schwarzengrund (n = 8; 6.2% each) in poultry feed. Recovered strains were regarded to be sensitive or have an intermediate resistance to TET as evidenced by their MIC50 and MIC90 concentrations of 4 and 8 µg/mL for MBM and poultry feed, respectively. Compound feed and MBM samples exhibited strains characterized by 86.8 and 88.9% of the isolates classified (according to CLSI, 2015 ) as sensitive, 7.7 and 3.7% as intermediate, and 5.5% (with >256 µg/mL as the highest concentration) and 7.4% (with 64 µg/mL as the highest concentration) as resistant to TET, respectively. Salmonella serovars Anatum and Havana exhibited the highest resistance profile >256 and 128 µg/mL, respectively. Hence, MBM and poultry feed seem to be a target of interest if Salmonella incidence is to be controlled. Serotypes recovered have in the past demonstrated pathogenic capability; therefore, hereafter a stricter surveillance program may be in order.

Salmonella Isolates in the Introduced Asian House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) with Emphasis on Salmonella Weltevreden, in Two Regions in Costa Rica.

The Asian house gecko Hemidactylus frenatus has been widely introduced in Costa Rica and tends to establish in human settlements. Some studies in other invaded countries have suggested that this gecko plays a significant role in the epidemiology of salmonellosis and it is of value to public health. To our knowledge, no studies have examined Salmonella from this species in Costa Rica. Therefore, we collected 115 geckos from houses in two Costa Rican regions. We examined gut contents for Salmonella through microbiological analysis. Presumptive Salmonella spp. were sent to a reference laboratory for serotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Molecular typing was also conducted with the main Salmonella isolates of zoonotic relevance in Costa Rica. H. frenatus was found in 95% of the houses surveyed. Salmonella was isolated in 4.3% of the samples, and four zoonotic serovars were detected. None of the isolates were resistant to the antibiotics most frequently used for salmonellosis treatment in Costa Rica. All Salmonella isolates from the lower gut of H. frenatus are associated with human salmonellosis. Pulsotypes from Salmonella enterica serotype Weltevreden were identical to the only clone previously reported from human samples in Costa Rica. Molecular typing of Salmonella Weltevreden suggested that H. frenatus harbors a serovar of public health importance in Costa Rica. Results demonstrated that H. frenatus plays a role in the epidemiology of human salmonellosis in two regions of Costa Rica. However, more detailed epidemiological studies are needed to understand better the role of the Asian house gecko with human salmonellosis, especially caused by Salmonella Weltevreden, and to quantify its risk in Costa Rica accurately.

Serodiversity and antimicrobial resistance profiles of detected Salmonella on swine production chain in Chiang Mai and Lamphun, Thailand

Background: Foodborne illness is growing public health problem worldwide. Salmonella is recognized as a major causeof this problem. Salmonella serotyping is a phenotypic characteristics which provided useful epidemiological markers forprimary discrimination. The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistant of this pathogen have become a major publichealth concern. The objectives of this study were to determine Salmonella serotypes, and antimicrobial resistance profileson swine production chain (Farm-to-slaughtering process) in Chiang Mai and Lamphun, Thailand.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 300 Salmonella strains were randomly selected from isolates recovered in2011-2013 in Chiang Mai and Lamphun, Thailand, including the isolates from fecal, lymph node, pest and environmentalsamples. Serotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by WHO National Salmonella and Shigella center(Thailand). Salmonella isolates were serotyped by agglutination tests with antisera (S&A Reagents Lab Ltd., Thailand) onthe basis of somatic-O, as well as phase 1 and phase 2 flagellar antigens according to the Kauffmanne-White scheme. Inaddition, all serotyping Salmonella isolates were detected for antimicrobial susceptibility testing by using the disk diffusion method of the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute. Ten antimicrobial agents were determined. The data werecollected and analyzed for descriptive statistical analysis by Epi Info ™7. Twenty-one Salmonella serotypes were detectedin both farms and slaughterhouses. Salmonella Rissen is the highest frequency found in both farms and slaughterhouses(30.7% and 38.0%, respectively). Thirty three antimicrobial resistance patterns were demonstrated. There were including10 common patterns isolated from pig farms and slaughterhouses. The highest frequency...(AU)