Antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli derived from an integrated agroforestry-livestock system in Deli Serdang Regency, Indonesia.

Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a significant global concern. Epidemiological data do not provide a robust description of the potential risks associated with AMR in the integrated agroforestry-livestock systems in Indonesia. Thus, the present study investigated the phenotypic and multidrug resistance (MDR) profiles of Escherichia coli strains isolated from the feces of livestock raised in the agro-silvopastoral system in Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra Province. Materials and Methods: A standard microbiological culture procedure was followed to isolate the organism and test antibiotic susceptibility using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion protocol. Furthermore, the multiple antibiotic resistance index was determined. Univariate analysis was conducted to identify the risk factors associated with AMR. Results: The vast majority (77.5%) of livestock farmers were aged >30 years. All farmers were men and had no higher education (100% of them). The majority of the animal species managed were cattle and goats (37.5% each) and the livestock grazing pasture system (67.5%). In addition, the majority of farmers reported high antimicrobial use on their farms (87.5%). Of the samples (n = 142) analyzed, n = 70 were positive, with an overall prevalence of 44.4%. The species-specific prevalences of E. coli were 32.5%, 47.8%, and 50% in buffalo, goat, and cattle, respectively. Ampicillin and tetracyclines exhibited high resistance levels among the studied animal species. A relatively lower MDR for E. coli was associated with grazing on the pasture. Conclusion: The findings from the current study provide baseline epidemiological information for future robust studies aimed at elucidating the drivers and patterns of AMR in agro-silvopastoral systems in the study area or elsewhere.

Ectoparasites of dogs (Canis familiaris) from northeastern Nigeria: an epidemiological study.

Ectoparasites of dogs represent an important group of parasites. They often suck blood, cause pruritis, and could serve as vectors of many pathogens of veterinary and public health importance. In northeastern Nigeria, there is a lack of data regarding ectoparasites of dogs. Therefore, this study was undertaken to explore the external parasites of dogs and the associated epidemiological risk factors. A total of 1041 dogs (mean age = 8.5 ± 2.1 months) from residential house visit (54.9%) and those attending veterinary clinic (45.1%) were sampled in northeastern Nigeria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis assessed epidemiological risk factors associated with canine ectoparasitic infections. Of the 1041 dogs screened, 92.5% (963/1047) harbored one or more ectoparasites. Rhipicephalus sanguineus (52.4%), Linognathus setosus (7.8%), Ctenocephalides canis (2.3%), and Otodectes cynotis canis (1.4%) were the significantly encountered tick, lice, fleas, and mite species, respectively. Being female dog (OR = 1.8; p = 0.01), cross (OR = 2.2; p = 0.029), and exotic breeds (OR = 2.4; p = 0.02), < 7 months (OR = 3.1; p = 0.04) and 7-12 months (OR = 2.1; p = 0.01) aged dogs as well as rainy season (OR = 1.9; p = 0.02) were strong predictors for tick infestation. Similarly, cross (OR = 7.2; p = 0.001) and local breeds (OR = 2.8; p = 0.0001), dogs aged > 12 months (OR = 2.5; p = 0.03), and dogs used for hunting (OR = 3.2; p = 0.01) and as security guards (OR = 3.8; p = 0.01) were strongly associated with lice infestation. Results from this study revealed a high prevalence of external parasites parasitizing majority of the sampled dogs. Some of these parasites may serve as vectors of zoonotic pathogens posing public health risks.

High prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and multidrug resistance among bacterial isolates from diseased pets: Retrospective laboratory data (2015-2017).

Laboratory surveillance and the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) trends and patterns among local isolates have been highly effective in providing comprehensive information for public health decision-making. A total of 396 cases along with 449 specimens were received for antibiotic susceptibility testing at a public university veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Malaysia between 2015 and 2017. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated (n = 101, 13%) bacteria, followed by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (n = 97, 12%) and Streptococcus canis (n = 62, 8%). In cats, S. pseudintermedius isolates were highly resistant to azithromycin (90%), while the E. coli isolates were highly resistant to doxycycline (90%), tetracycline (81%), and cephalexin (75%). About 55% of S. pseudintermedius and 82% of E. coli were multi-drug resistant (MDR). In dogs, S. intermedius isolates were highly resistant to aminoglycosides neomycin (90.9%) and gentamicin (84.6%), and tetracycline (75%). Whereas the E. coli isolates were highly resistant to cephalexin (82.1%) and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (76.5%). MDR was observed in 60% of S. intermedius and 72% of E. coli from dogs. Generally, the bacterial isolates from cats demonstrated higher levels of resistance to multiple antibiotics compared to those from dogs.

On-Farm Practices Associated with Multi-Drug-Resistant Escherichia coli and Vibrio parahaemolyticus Derived from Cultured Fish.

Aquaculture activities have been implicated as responsible for the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), leading to broad dissemination and transference of antibiotic resistance to pathogens that affect humans and animals. The current study investigates the on-farm practices and environmental risk factors that can potentially drive the development and emergence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in the aquaculture system. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 19 red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) and 13 Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer, Bloch 1970) farms on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire pertaining to farm demography, on-farm management practices and environmental characteristics. Multi-drug-resistant E. coli (n = 249) and V. parahaemolyticus (n = 162) isolates were analyzed using multi-level binary logistic regression to identify important drivers for the occurrence and proliferation of the MDR bacteria. On-farm practices such as manuring the pond (OR = 4.5; 95% CI = 1.21-16.57) were significantly associated with the occurrence of MDR E. coli, while earthen ponds (OR = 8.2; 95% CI = 1.47-45.2) and human activity adjacent to the farm (OR = 4.6; 95% CI = 0.75-27.98) were associated with an increased likelihood of MDR V. parahaemolyticus. Considering the paucity of information on the drivers of AMR in the aquaculture production in this region, these findings indicate the targeted interventions implementable at aquaculture farms to efficiently abate the risk of MDR amongst bacteria that affect fish that are of public health importance.

Epidemiological study of gastrointestinal helminths among dogs from Northeastern Nigeria: a potential public health concern.

Understanding the epidemiology of canine parasitic infections, gastrointestinal helminthic infections in particular, is crucial for designing an efficient control programs targeted at minimizing the risks of zoonotic transmission. A total of 470 dogs attending veterinary clinics in Northeastern Nigeria were screened for gastrointestinal helminths using standard parasitological techniques. Epidemiological risk factors associated with the canine parasitic infections were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. In total, 77.9% (366/470) of dogs had harboured one or more species of the gastrointestinal helminths: Ancylostoma caninum (40.2%), Toxocara canis (35.1%) Trichuris vulpis (26.6%), Spirocerca lupi (5.7%), Taenia/Echinococcus (12.3%), Dipylidium caninum (10.9%) and Diphyllobothriid ova (2.8%). Female dogs (OR=2.1; p=0.02), local breeds (OR=2.3; p<0.01), younger dogs (OR=3.2; p<0.001), dogs adopted as security guards (OR=1.8; p<0.01) and poor body condition score (OR=3.1; p<0.001) were strongly associated with A. caninum infection. For T. canis and T. vulpis, younger dogs (OR=2.5; p=0.02 and OR=2.3; p<0.01) and poor body condition score (OR=4.2; p<0.001 and OR=2.2; p<0.01) were the strong predictors for infection, whereas female dogs (OR=2.8; p=0.02), younger dogs (OR=4.1; p<0.001) and poor body condition score (OR=4.0; p<0.001) were strongly associated with D. caninum infection in dogs. The results revealed high prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths-some of which have zoonotic potential-among dogs underlying huge public health risk.

Survey of antibodies to Rift Valley fever virus and associated risk factors in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) slaughtered in Maiduguri abattoir, Borno State, Nigeria.

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an emerging mosquito-borne zoonosis that threatens public health and animal agriculture in the endemic areas causing devastating epizootics characterized by abortion storms and high mortalities, especially in newborn animals. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and investigate risk factors associated with exposure to the virus in camels slaughtered in Maiduguri abattoir, Borno State of Nigeria. Camels presented for slaughtered were sampled and data on age, sex, source or origin, utility, presence of post-mortem lesions, body weights and body condition score were collected. Blood samples were collected and sera were harvested and stored at - 20 °C until tested. The sera were tested using a commercial ELISA kit based on the manufacturer's instructions. The overall seroprevalence in the study was 20.7% (95% CI, 13.6-30.0). The analysis showed no significant differences between the presence of antibodies and variables that included the sex of camels (χ2 = 0.015, df = 1, p = 0.904) and the presence of post-mortem lesion on the carcass (χ2 = 0.009, df = 1, p = 0.925). There were significant differences between presence of antibodies and three variables that included the age (χ2 = 4.89, df = 1, p = 0.027), the source (χ2 = 7.077, df = 2, p = 0.029) and the main utility (χ2 = 8.057, df = 3, p = 0.045) of the camels. It was concluded that camels presented for slaughter at the Maiduguri abattoir have evidence of exposure to the RVF virus and maybe means of transmission of the virus. Regular monitoring and control of transboundary animal movements were recommended in the study area.

High Levels of Antibiotic Resistance in Isolates From Diseased Livestock.

Overuse of antimicrobials in livestock health and production beyond therapeutic needs has been highlighted in recent years as one of the major risk factors for the acceleration of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of bacteria in both humans and animals. While there is an abundance of reports on AMR in clinical isolates from humans, information regarding the patterns of resistance in clinical isolates from animals is scarce. Hence, a situational analysis of AMR based on clinical isolates from a veterinary diagnostic laboratory was performed to examine the extent and patterns of resistance demonstrated by isolates from diseased food animals. Between 2015 and 2017, 241 cases of diseased livestock were received. Clinical specimens from ruminants (cattle, goats and sheep), and non-ruminants (pigs and chicken) were received for culture and sensitivity testing. A total of 701 isolates were recovered from these specimens. From ruminants, Escherichia coli (n = 77, 19.3%) predominated, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (n = 73, 18.3%). Antibiotic sensitivity testing (AST) revealed that E. coli resistance was highest for penicillin, streptomycin, and neomycin (77-93%). In addition, S. aureus was highly resistant to neomycin, followed by streptomycin and ampicillin (68-82%). More than 67% of E. coli isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR) and only 2.6% were susceptible to all the tested antibiotics. Similarly, 65.6% of S. aureus isolates were MDR and only 5.5% were susceptible to all tested antibiotics. From non-ruminants, a total of 301 isolates were recovered. Escherichia coli (n = 108, 35.9%) and Staphylococcus spp. (n = 27, 9%) were the most frequent isolates obtained. For E. coli, the highest resistance was against amoxicillin, erythromycin, tetracycline, and neomycin (95-100%). Staphylococcus spp. had a high level of resistance to streptomycin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline and gentamicin (80-100%). The MDR levels of E. coli and Staphylococcus spp. isolates from non-ruminants were 72.2 and 74.1%, respectively. Significantly higher resistance level were observed among isolates from non-ruminants compared to ruminants for tetracycline, amoxicillin, enrofloxacin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.

Salmonella in native "village" chickens (Gallus domesticus): prevalence and risk factors from farms in South-Central Peninsular Malaysia.

Village chicken or Ayam Kampung, common to Southeast Asian countries, has always been regarded as superior in comparison to commercial broiler chicken in terms of wholesomeness and health benefits. The current study investigates the prevalence and risk factors of Salmonella among village chicken flocks from the central and southern states of Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 35 village flocks were sampled from Selangor (n = 19), Melaka (n = 10), Johor (n = 4), and Negeri Sembilan (n = 2). In total, 1,042 samples were collected; these included cloacal swabs (n = 675), eggs (n = 62), pooled drinking water (n = 175), pooled feeds (n = 70), and pooled flies (n = 60). Isolation of Salmonella from cloacal swabs, poultry drinking water, and feeds was carried out according to the protocols and recommendations of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) terrestrial manual. The prevalence of Salmonella at an individual bird-level was 2.5% (17/675, 95% CI: 1.6 to 4.0). All eggs screened were negative; in the case of environmental samples, however, Salmonella was detected in 5.14% (9/175), 7.14% (5/70), and 5.0% (3/60) for water, feed, and flies, respectively. A total of 34 isolates and 8 Salmonella serotypes were identified. Weltevreden (20.6%) was the most common, followed by Typhimurium and Agona (17.6%), Albany and Enteritidis (8.8%), Molade (5.9%), Corvallis and Schleissheim (2.9%), and others grouped as Salmonella spp. (11.8%). Multivariable logistic regression models revealed that Salmonella positivity among flocks could be strongly predicted by storage of feeds (uncovered feeds; OR = 10.38; 95% CI: 1.25 to 86.39; p = 0.030) and uncovered water tanks (uncovered tank; OR = 6.43; 95% CI: 1.02 to 40.60; p = 0.048). The presence of Salmonella in village chickens in the study area was lower than that of commercial chickens in Malaysia.

A review of Salmonella enterica with particular focus on the pathogenicity and virulence factors, host specificity and antimicrobial resistance including multidrug resistance.

Salmonella genus represents the most common foodborne pathogens frequently isolated from food-producing animals that is responsible for zoonotic infections in humans and animal species including birds. Thus, Salmonella infections represent a major concern to public health, animals, and food industry worldwide. Salmonella enterica represents the most pathogenic specie and includes > 2600 serovars characterized thus far. Salmonella can be transmitted to humans along the farm-to-fork continuum, commonly through contaminated foods of animal origin, namely poultry and poultry-related products (eggs), pork, fish etc. Some Salmonella serovars are restricted to one specific host commonly referred to as "host-restricted" whereas others have broad host spectrum known as "host-adapted" serovars. For Salmonella to colonize its hosts through invading, attaching, and bypassing the host's intestinal defense mechanisms such as the gastric acid, many virulence markers and determinants have been demonstrated to play crucial role in its pathogenesis; and these factors included flagella, capsule, plasmids, adhesion systems, and type 3 secretion systems encoded on the Salmonella pathogenicity island (SPI)-1 and SPI-2, and other SPIs. The epidemiologically important non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) serovars linked with a high burden of foodborne Salmonella outbreaks in humans worldwide included Typhimurium, Enteritidis, Heidelberg, and Newport. The increased number of NTS cases reported through surveillance in recent years from the United States, Europe and low- and middle-income countries of the world suggested that the control programs targeted at reducing the contamination of food animals along the food chain have largely not been successful. Furthermore, the emergence of several clones of Salmonella resistant to multiple antimicrobials worldwide underscores a significant food safety hazard. In this review, we discussed on the historical background, nomenclature and taxonomy, morphological features, physical and biochemical characteristics of NTS with a particular focus on the pathogenicity and virulence factors, host specificity, transmission, and antimicrobial resistance including multidrug resistance and its surveillance.

A retrospective study of bovine tuberculosis at the municipal abattoir of Bauchi State, Northeastern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) still remains a major zoonotic bacterial disease affecting livestock and humans worldwide. The disease remains a poorly managed tropical disease in most developing countries of the world; where in addition to productivity losses and significance in international trade, it posed a major public health threat to both humans and animals. A retrospective study was designed to investigate the occurrence of bTB lesions at Bauchi municipal abattoir. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study utilized abattoir records spanning a period of 10 years (2004-2013). The records indicated that a total of 1,08,638 heads of cattle comprising n = 56,070 males and n = 52,570 females were slaughtered at the municipal abattoir during the study period. RESULT: Of these heads, n = 1230 (1.13%) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07, 1.19) had tuberculous lesions. The annual occurrence during the study period varied significantly (p<0.001) from 0.53% (95% CI: 0.40, 0.67) to 1.87% (95% CI: 1.66, 2.10) in 2010 and 2012, respectively. Females had a significantly higher (p<0.001) prevalence of 2.10% (95% CI: 1.98, 2.23) compared with the males 0.23% (95% CI: 0.19, 0.27). The distribution of suspected gross bTB lesions in different organs showed 11.87% in the lungs, 5.93% in the liver, 1.14% in the heart, and 0.49% accounted for generalized bTB. However, none was observed on the lymph nodes and intestines. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that bTB persists in Bauchi State with annual variations during the study period. This study highlights the importance of meat inspection as an important tool for detecting the presence of bTB lesions.

Seroprevalence of brucellosis among cattle slaughtered in three municipal abattoirs of Gombe state, Northeastern Nigeria.

AIM: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis among cattle slaughtered at three municipal abattoirs of Gombe State, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 200 blood samples collected from slaughtered cattle of different breeds (Sokoto Gudali - 50, White Fulani - 102, Red bororo - 34, and Crossbreeds - 14), sex (males - 19 and females - 181), and from different locations (Billiri - 30, Yamaltu Deba - 50, and Gombe - 120) were screened for brucellosis using rose bengal plate test (RBPT), serum agglutination test (SAT), and microtiter agglutination test (MAT). RESULTS: Of the 200 serum samples analyzed, 7 (3.5%), 10 (5.0%) and 18 (9.0%) were positive by RBPT, SAT and MAT, respectively. The results showed no statistically significant association between sex and seropositivity to bovine brucellosis. However, seropositivity of bovine brucellosis was higher in females than in males. Similarly, no statistically significant association was observed between breed and occurrence of bovine brucellosis. Moreover, the prevalence of brucellosis was higher in Sokoto Gudali as compared with the other breeds. Based on the study locations, higher seroprevalence was observed in animals screened from Billiri as compared with those from other locations (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The presence of Brucella abortus antigen in the sera of slaughtered cattle in Gombe state poses a significant public health risk. Therefore, it is important to carry out further epidemiological studies on fulani herdsmen and cattle herds in the study area, in order to explore the risk factors associated with the occurrence and perpetuation of brucellosis among cattle herds, ascertain the prevalence and status of the disease among both farms and nomadic herds.

Prevalence of coccidiosis among village and exotic breed of chickens in Maiduguri, Nigeria.

AIM: Coccidiosis is an important enteric parasitic disease of poultry associated with significant economic losses to poultry farmers worldwide. This survey was conducted from June 2014 through July 2015 with the main goal of investigating the prevalence and associated risk factors of coccidiosis among village and exotic breeds of chickens in Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 600 fecal samples from live and slaughtered birds comprising 284 young, 141, growers and 175 adult birds; 379 male and 221 female birds; 450 exotic and 150 local breeds of birds were randomly collected either as bird's fresh droppings or cutting open an eviscerated intestine of slaughtered birds, while noting their age, sex, and breeds. Samples were analyzed using standard parasitological methods and techniques. RESULTS: An overall prevalence rate of 31.8% (95% confidence interval: 28.07-35.52) was obtained. Higher prevalence rates were recorded in growing birds 58.9% (50.78-67.02), female birds 35.3% (29.00-41.60), exotic birds 42.4% (37.83-46.97), and broiler birds 68.7% (61.28-76.12). Similarly, higher infection rates were also observed among birds sampled from Mairi ward 66.7% (56.03-77.37), intensive management system 46.5% (41.61-51.39), and constructed local cages 54.0% (46.02-61.98). The difference in prevalence of coccidiosis among age groups, breeds, among exotic breeds, sampling sites, husbandry management systems, and litter management systems was statistically significant (<0.0001). However, no significant difference (p>0.05) of infection rates was observed in sex. CONCLUSION: Coccidiosis is endemic in both commercial and backyard poultry farms in Maiduguri due to poor management practices encouraging Eimeria oocysts build-up. It is therefore, recommended that poultry farmers should practice strict biosecurity measures on their farms, creating awareness on the prevalence of coccidiosis, routine vaccination against coccidiosis and educating poultry farmers on the need for maintaining good hygienic standards and good flock health management.

Prevalence of salmonella infection in dogs in maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria.

The prevalence and antimicrobial sensitivity of Salmonella from dogs in Maiduguri Metropolis were determined using standard bacteriological methods to assess the risk of possible transmission of Salmonella infection from dogs to humans. Of 119 samples, Salmonella was isolated from 52 (43.7%). Males had higher prevalence of 50.0% compared with 34.7% in females (P < 0.05). Dogs older than 24 months had higher prevalence of 61.0% and the lowest was seen in dogs aged 13-24 months (P < 0.05). The prevalence of 31.8%, 41.2%, and 58.8% was observed in dogs aged 3-6, 10-12, and 7-9 months, respectively. High prevalence of 49.5% was observed in Mongrels, while Terrier and Alsatian breeds had 30.0% and 8.3%, respectively. Salmonella isolates from Alsatian and Terrier breeds showed about 100% susceptibility to all the tested antimicrobials. Higher percentage of the Salmonella isolates from Mongrels also showed susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (89.7%), amoxicillin (87.6%), vancomycin (86.6%), and chloramphenicol (84.5%). However about 50% of these isolates showed resistance to ofloxacin. The carrier status of Salmonella is high among dogs especially Mongrels. Therefore good environmental hygiene, discouraging straying coupled with feeding of dogs with properly cooked and uncontaminated feeds was recommended to mitigate risk of human salmonellosis.