Bioactive carbohydrate polymers from marine sources as potent nutraceuticals in modulating obesity: a review.

The majority of bioactive polysaccharides are present in some marine creatures. These polysaccharides are considered as promising anti-obesity agents, their anti-obesity properties involve a number of mechanisms, including suppression of lipid metabolism and absorption, impact on satiety, and prevention of adipocyte differentiation. Obesity is linked to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic syndromes. In this review various bioactive polysaccharides like chitin, chitosan, fucosylated chondroitin sulphate, chitooligosaccharides and glycosaminoglycans have been discussed for their anti-obesity effects through various pathways. Critical evaluation of observational studies and intervention trials on obesity, lipid hypertrophy, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes was done with a primary focus on specific marine fauna polysaccharide as a source of seafood that is consumed all over the world. It has been observed that consumption of individual seafood constituents was effective in reducing obesity. Thus, marine derived novel bioactive polysaccharides have potential applications in food and pharmaceutical industries.

The development and validation of the One Health Community Assessment.

Interdisciplinary collaborations to address human, animal, and environmental health have been emphasized since the inception of the One Health framework. A quantitative survey instrument was developed to measure perceptions of the impacts of pets on One Health. Using the exploratory sequential mixed methods approach, 20 interviews were conducted with individuals from a racially diverse and low-socioeconomic status community in the U.S. to understand their perceptions of One Health. Data from those interviews informed the development of a Likert scale survey measuring individual perceptions of community, human, pet, and environmental health and welfare, as well as the connections between the domains of the One Health triad (human, animal, and environment). The resulting One Health Community Assessment (OHCA) was administered in two urban and two rural underserved U.S. communities longitudinally (2018-2021) through door-to-door data collection as well as phone, email, and text surveys. Validation of the instrument was completed using data collected in the third and fourth years of the study (n = 654). Factor analysis with orthogonal varimax rotation was used to assess the structure and internal consistency of the OHCA. Five subscales explained 42.4% of the variance in our 92-item instrument: community health (Cronbach's α = 0.897), human health (α = 0.842), pet health (α = 0.899), environmental health (α = 0.789), and connections between domains of One Health (α = 0.762). The OHCA represents the first reliable and validated instrument to measure the impacts of pets on One Health.

Assessment of the Risk Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevalence between Cats and Dogs in America and Europe: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic represented a huge obstacle for public health and demonstrated weaknesses in surveillance and health promotion systems around the world. Its etiological agent, SARS-CoV-2, of zoonotic origin, has been the target of several studies related to the control and prevention of outbreaks and epidemics of COVID-19 not only for humans but also for animals. Domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, have extensive contact with humans and can acquire the infection both naturally and directly from humans. The objective of this article was to summarize the seroprevalence findings of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats and correlate them with the strength of infection risk between each of them. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis following the recommendations of PRISMA 2020. The search and selection of papers was carried out using in vivo experimental works with animals using the descriptors (MeSH/DeCS) "Animal", "Public Health", "SARS-CoV-2" and "Pandemic" (together with AND) in English, Portuguese or Spanish for Science Direct, PUBMED, LILACS and SciELO databases. The ARRIVE checklist was used for methodological evaluation and the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis v2.2 software with the Difference Risk (RD) test to evaluate statistical inferences (with subgroups by continent). Cats showed greater susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 compared to dogs both in a joint analysis of studies (RD = 0.017; 95% CI = 0.008-0.025; p < 0.0001) and in the American subgroup (RD = 0.053; 95% CI = 0.032-0.073; p < 0.0001), unlike the lack of significant difference on the European continent (RD = 0.009; 95% CI = -0.001-0.018; p = 0.066). Therefore, it was observed that cats have a greater interest in health surveillance due to the set of biological and ecological aspects of these animals, but also that there are a set of factors that can influence the spread and possible spillover events of the virus thanks to the anthropozoonotic context.

Emerging Approaches for Mitigating Biofilm-Formation-Associated Infections in Farm, Wild, and Companion Animals.

The importance of addressing the problem of biofilms in farm, wild, and companion animals lies in their pervasive impact on animal health and welfare. Biofilms, as resilient communities of microorganisms, pose a persistent challenge in causing infections and complicating treatment strategies. Recognizing and understanding the importance of mitigating biofilm formation is critical to ensuring the welfare of animals in a variety of settings, from farms to the wild and companion animals. Effectively addressing this issue not only improves the overall health of individual animals, but also contributes to the broader goals of sustainable agriculture, wildlife conservation, and responsible pet ownership. This review examines the current understanding of biofilm formation in animal diseases and elucidates the complex processes involved. Recognizing the limitations of traditional antibiotic treatments, mechanisms of resistance associated with biofilms are explored. The focus is on alternative therapeutic strategies to control biofilm, with illuminating case studies providing valuable context and practical insights. In conclusion, the review highlights the importance of exploring emerging approaches to mitigate biofilm formation in animals. It consolidates existing knowledge, highlights gaps in understanding, and encourages further research to address this critical facet of animal health. The comprehensive perspective provided by this review serves as a foundation for future investigations and interventions to improve the management of biofilm-associated infections in diverse animal populations.

Animal Health Discourse during Ecological Crises in the Media-Lessons Learnt from the Flood in Thessaly from the One Health Perspective.

Due to the increasing risk of extreme events caused by climate change (i.e., floods, fires and hurricanes) or wars, European veterinary public health may need some improvement. Utilizing a mix of qualitative (participatory observation) and quantitative methods (Internet mining), we analyzed the Greek media's responses to the millennial flood in Thessaly (September 2023), focusing on animal health (including wild, companion animals and livestock) and public sentiment towards epizootic/epidemic threats. The study revealed a gap in crisis management plans regarding veterinary-related issues, emphasizing the need for comprehensive emergency response strategies. Our findings show how (i) the lay referral system is projecting the perception of epidemic threats into the population; (ii) the emotional load of images of animal carcasses is misused by media creators aiming for a big audience; and (iii) pets' owners are creating online communities for the searching and treatment of their pets. Our results stress the importance of integrating crisis communication in consecutive phases of the discourse, such as the following: (i) weather change; (ii) acute flood; (iii) recovery; and (iv) outbreaks, into veterinary practices to better prepare for such disasters.

Survey of Animal Neoplastic Cases Diagnosed in Nigerian Veterinary Teaching Hospitals, 2000-2017.

Incidence data from 17-year veterinary neoplasm surveillance and registration were reviewed. Most of the neoplastic cases diagnosed in Nigerian veterinary teaching hospitals (VTHs) were in the avian (49%) and canine species (44%). Fewer cases were recorded in the equine (3.2%), bovine (2.4%), ovine (1.5%), caprine (0.3%) and porcine (0.15%) species. Marek's disease was the most prevalently diagnosed neoplastic disease of domestic animals in Nigerian VTHs from 2000-2017. Also, the Nigerian local breed had a higher mean distribution than any other dog breed and this was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Nearly all of the neoplastic cases diagnosed, were found in females (60.4%) and so the mean distribution of sex was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The digestive system, with 296 (46.25%) cases, was the anatomic location where the majority of the neoplastic cases were found. However, the mean distribution of different neoplastic anatomic sites was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, little emphasis is given to the appropriate diagnosis and recording of neoplastic cases that are diagnosed. The study provides information regarding the prevalence and distribution of tumours in different animal species consulted in Nigeria veterinary teaching hospitals. To illustrate all of this, ArcGIS software was used. Veterinary clinicians, pathologists and epidemiologists from Nigeria may benefit from the results of this study by freely accessing some specific data regarding the breed, the age group or the gender of some animal species diagnosed with different tumours.

Clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and tolerance acquisition in infants with cow's milk protein allergy in a private center in Lima, Peru for the period 2021-2022.

BACKGROUND: Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) remains relatively understudied in Latin America. METHODS: In this observational study, we enrolled 64 patients with a median age of 3 months, of whom 60% were male. Patients included had a history of IgE-mediated reactions with IgE sensitization or non-IgE-mediated reactions or symptoms following exposure to cow's milk. They underwent skin prick test, ImmunoCAP, fecal calprotectin (FC), and fecal eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), in addition to double-blinded placebo-controlled oral food challenges (DBPCFC), with clinical evolution and tolerance acquisition observed over 1 year. RESULTS: Malnutrition was present in 78.1% of patients, and 87.5% had a family history of atopy, with 51.6% receiving exclusive breastfeeding. Gastrointestinal manifestations were prevalent in 90.6% of patients, followed by dermatological manifestations (10.9%), with only 2 experiencing anaphylaxis. IgE-mediated CMPA was observed in only six patients. In those with non-IgE-mediated CMPA, FC had a median of 284 mg/dL (IQR: 138.5-415.5), while EDN had a median of 508.5 mg/dL (IQR: 160.25-868). One year after diagnosis, median FC significantly decreased (p < 0.0001), and malnutrition prevalence reduced to 17.1%. Moreover, 81% of patients acquired tolerance following DBPCFC, with 52% utilizing nutritional replacement formulas at diagnosis. Notably, 94% of those extensively hydrolyzed casein-based formulas achieved tolerance (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: Our findings provide a foundational framework for future investigations into CMPA diagnosis, tolerance acquisition, and the utilization of hypoallergenic formulas tailored to the unique characteristics of our region.

Experimental necrotizing enterocolitis using oral lipopolysaccharide and protective role of breastmilk. / Enterocolitis necrotizante experimental con lipopolisacárido oral y función protectora de la leche materna.

INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening condition that afflicts neonates. Breastfeeding has demonstrated to play a protective role against it. By administering lipopolysaccharides (LPS) orally in newborn rats (NBR), we have developed an experimental model to induce NEC-like gut damage. Our aim was to assess the macroscopic and microscopic appearance of the gut, to evaluate the presence of NEC and study the role of breast milk (BM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: NBR were divided into 3 groups: Group A (control, n= 10) remained with the mother, group B (LPS, n= 25) was isolated after birth, gavage-fed with special rat formula and oral LPS, then submitted to stress (hypoxia after gavage) and group c (BM, n= 12) was breastfed once after birth, then isolated, and submitted to stress like group B. On day 4, NBR were sacrificed, and intestine was harvested and assessed. RESULTS: In the control group NEC was not present either macroscopically or histologically. Both groups submitted to stress (B and C) presented a global incidence of NEC of 73%. Most of group B developed histologic signs of NEC (85%) and group C showed a statistically lower incidence of NEC (50%, p= 0.04), playing the BM a protective role against NEC (OR= 0.19; 95% CI: 0.40-0.904). CONCLUSION: Our model showed a significant incidence of NEC in NBR (73%) with the same protective role of BM as in newborn humans, achieving a reliable and reproducible experimental NEC model. This will allow us to investigate new potential therapeutic targets for a devastating disease that currently lacks treatment.

INTRODUCCION: La enterocolitis necrotizante (ECN) es una enfermedad potencialmente mortal que afecta a los neonatos, y frente a la que la leche materna ha demostrado tener un papel protector. Administrando lipopolisacáridos (LPS) por vía oral en ratas recién nacidas (RRN), hemos desarrollado un modelo experimental para inducir un daño intestinal similar al que provoca la ECN con objeto de evaluar el aspecto macroscópico y microscópico del intestino, y de ese modo, analizar la presencia de ECN y estudiar el papel que desempeña la leche materna (LM). MATERIAL Y METODOS: Las RRN se dividieron en tres grupos: el grupo A (control, n= 10) permaneció con su madre; el grupo B (LPS, n= 25) fue aislado tras el nacimiento, alimentado por sonda con una fórmula especial para ratas y LPS oral, y sometido a estrés (hipoxia tras sonda); y el grupo C (LM, n= 12) fue alimentado con leche materna tras el nacimiento y posteriormente aislado y sometido a estrés al igual que el grupo B. El día 4 se sacrificó a las RRN y se recuperaron sus intestinos para su posterior evaluación. RESULTADOS: En el grupo de control, no se observó ECN ni macroscópica ni histológicamente, mientras que los dos grupos sometidos a estrés (B y C) presentaron una incidencia global de la ECN del 73%. La mayoría de los sujetos del grupo B desarrollaron signos histológicos de ECN (85%), y los del grupo C registraron una incidencia de la ECN estadísticamente menor (50%, p= 0,04), lo que significa que la LM desempeña una función protectora frente a la ECN (OR= 0,19; IC 95%: 0,40-0,904). CONCLUSION: Nuestro modelo reveló una incidencia significativa de la ECN en RRN (73%), desempeñando la LM la misma función protectora que en el caso de los humanos recién nacidos, lo que significa que este modelo experimental de ECN es fiable y reproducible. Gracias a dicho logro, podremos investigar nuevos y potenciales objetivos terapéuticos para una peligrosa enfermedad que, a día de hoy, carece de tratamiento.

Analysis of Gizzerosine in Foodstuffs by HPLC Involving Pre-column Derivatization with o-Phthaldialdehyde.

Gizzerosine [2-amino-9-(4-imidazolyl)-7-azanonanoic acid] is a toxic amino acid formed from histamine and lysine at high temperatures, and may be present in foodstuffs (e.g., fishmeal and meat-bone meal) for animals including cats and dogs. Here we developed a simple, rapid, sensitive, specific, and automated method for the analysis of gizzerosine in foodstuffs by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) involving pre-column derivatization with o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) in the presence of N-acetylcysteine (instead of the usual 2-mercaptoethanol or ethanethiol reagent). OPA reacted immediately (within 1 min) with gizzerosine in an autosampler at room temperatures (e.g., 20-25 °C), and their derivative was directly injected into the HPLC column. The highly fluorescent gizzerosine-OPA derivative was well separated from the OPA derivatives of all natural amino acids known to be present in physiological fluids (e.g., plasma), proteins and foodstuffs, and was detected at an excitation wavelength of 340 nm and an emission wavelength of 450 nm. The total time for chromatographic separation (including column regeneration) was 20 min per sample rather than 40 min and longer in previous HPLC methods. The detection limit for gizzerosine was at least 6 pmol/ml in an assay solution (HPLC vial) or at least 0.09 pmol per injection into the HPLC column. The analysis of gizzerosine was linear between 1 and 100 pmol per injection. When gizzerosine was extracted from foodstuffs, its detection limit was at least 875 pmol/g foodstuff or at least 0.21 mg/kg foodstuff. Our routine HPLC technique does not require any cleanup of samples or the OPA derivatization products (including the OPA-gizzerosine adduct), and is applicable for the analysis of gizzerosine in both foodstuffs and animal tissues.

Active surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in companion animals: A pilot study in a Spanish Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

The role of small animal veterinary hospitals in the onset and dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant organisms (AMROs) is still not clear, and the implementation of an internal surveillance systems is a cost-effective tool to better understand their impact. The aim of this study was to describe a pilot program of active surveillance in a Spanish Veterinary Teaching Hospital, developed to estimate the detection frequency of AMROs in the commensal flora of patients and in the environment. Surveillance was focused on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococci (MRS), third generation cephalosporins resistant gram-negative bacteria (3GCR-GNB), and carbapenems-resistant gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB). Oral and perirectal swabs were collected in the same dogs and cats hospitalized > 48 h, at their admission and before their discharge. Out of 50 patients sampled, 24% (12/50) were carriers at admission of at least one of the three investigated AMROs. Twenty-eight percent of patients (14/50) acquired at least one AMRO during the hospital stay. MRS detection frequency at admission was 12% (6/50), while acquisition was 6% (3/50). 3GCR-GNB detection frequency was 14% at admission (7/50) and acquisition 22% (11/50), while CR-GNB detection frequency was 2% at admission (1/50) and acquisition 2% (1/50). Environmental surveillance (98 samples) showed a total detection frequency of 22.4% for MRS (22/98), 2% for 3GCR-GNB and CR-GNB (2/98). Clinical staff' shoe soles showed high detection frequency for MRS (50%). 3GCR Escherichia coli was the most isolated species in patients (n = 17). The results show how active surveillance can be used as a tool to assess the impact of AMROs in veterinary hospitals to subsequently build up tailored control plans based on specific issues.

Molecular characterization and prevalence of ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales in livestock and poultry slaughterhouses wastewater in Iran.

Beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales bacteria cause severe hard-to-treat infections. Currently, they are spreading beyond hospitals and becoming a serious global health concern. This study investigated the prevalence and molecular characterization of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase and AmpC-type ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE, AmpC-PE) in wastewater from livestock and poultry slaughterhouses in Ardabil, Iran. A total of 80 Enterobacterales bacteria belonging to 9 species were identified. Among the isolates, Escherichia coli (n = 21/80; 26.2%) and Citrobacter spp. (n = 18/80; 22.5%) exhibited the highest frequency. Overall, 18.7% (n = 15/80) and 2.5% (n = 2/80) of Enterobacterales were found to be ESBL and AmpC producers, respectively. The most common ESBL producer isolates were E. coli (n = 9/21; 42.8%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 6/7; 85.7%). All AmpC-PE isolates belonged to E. coli strains (n = 2/21; 9.5%). In this study, 80% of ESBL-PE and 100% of AmpC-PE isolates were recovered from poultry slaughterhouse wastewater. All ESBL-PE and AmpC-PE isolates were multidrug-resistant. In total, 93.3% of ESBL-PE isolates harbored the blaCTX-M gene, with the blaCTX-M-15 being the most common subgroup. The emergence of ESBL-PE and AmpC-PE in wastewater of food-producing animals allows for zoonotic transmission to humans through contaminated food products and contaminations of the environment.

The prospects of automation in drug discovery research using silkworms.

We have established several models of infectious diseases in silkworms to explore disease-causing mechanisms and identify new antimicrobial substances. These models involve injecting laboratory-cultured pathogens into silkworms and monitoring their survival over a period of days. The use of silkworms is advantageous because they are cost-effective and raise fewer ethical concerns than mammalian subjects, allowing for larger experimental group sizes. To capitalize on these benefits, there is a growing importance in mechanizing and automating the experimental processes that currently require manual labor. This paper discusses the future of laboratory automation, specifically through the mechanization and automation of silkworm-based experimental procedures.

Corrigendum: Rapid typing of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Fourier-transform Infrared spectroscopy informs infection control in veterinary settings.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1334268.].

Alternative hosts of Leishmania infantum: a neglected parasite in Europe.

Multi-host pathogens that infect various animal species and humans are considered of great importance for public and animal health. Leishmania spp. parasites are a characteristic example of such pathogens. Although leishmaniosis in humans is endemic for about 100 countries around the world it is classified as a neglected tropical disease. There are three main forms of leishmaniosis in humans: cutaneous (CL), visceral (VL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniosis (MCL). Each year, about 30,000 new cases of VL and more than 1 million new cases of CL are recorded. In Europe L. infantum is the dominant species with dogs being reservoir hosts. Apart from dogs, infection has been recorded in various animals, which suggests that other species could play a role in the maintenance of the parasite in nature. Herein we provide an in-depth review of the literature with respect to studies that deal with Leishmania infantum infections in domestic and wild animal species in Europe. Given the fact that domesticated and wild animals could contribute to the incidences of leishmaniosis in humans, the aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review which could potentially be used for the development of measures when it comes to the control of the Leishmania infantum parasite.

An Illustrated Scoping Review of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics of Canine and Feline Brain Tumors.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used pervasively in veterinary practice for the antemortem diagnosis of intracranial tumors. Here, we provide an illustrated summary of the published MRI features of primary and secondary intracranial tumors of dogs and cats, following PRISMA scoping review guidelines. The PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant records, and input from stakeholders was solicited to select data for extraction. Sixty-seven studies of moderate to low-level evidence quality describing the MRI features of pathologically confirmed canine and feline brain tumors met inclusion criteria. Considerable variability in data inclusion and reporting, as well as low case numbers, prohibited comparative data analyses. Available data support a holistic MRI approach incorporating lesion number, location within the brain, shape, intrinsic signal appearances on multiparametric sequences, patterns of contrast enhancement, and associated secondary changes in the brain to prioritize differential imaging diagnoses, and often allows for accurate presumptive diagnosis of common intracranial tumors. Quantitative MRI techniques show promise for improving discrimination of neoplastic from non-neoplastic brain lesions, as well as differentiating brain tumor types and grades, but sample size limitations will likely remain a significant practical obstacle to the design of robustly powered radiomic studies. For many brain tumor variants, particularly in cats, there remains a need for standardized studies that correlate clinicopathologic and neuroimaging data.

The current state of phage therapy in livestock and companion animals.

In a global context, bacterial diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria have inflicted sustained damage on both humans and animals. Although antibiotics initially appeared to offer an easy treatment for most bacterial infections, the recent rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria, stemming from antibiotic misuse, has prompted regulatory measures to control antibiotic usage. Consequently, various alternatives to antibiotics are being explored, with a particular focus on bacteriophage (phage) therapy for treating bacterial diseases in animals. Animals are broadly categorized into livestock, closely associated with human dietary habits, and companion animals, which have attracted increasing attention. This study highlights phage therapy cases targeting prominent bacterial strains in various animals. In recent years, research on bacteriophages has gained considerable attention, suggesting a promising avenue for developing alternative substances to antibiotics, particularly crucial for addressing challenging bacterial diseases in the future.

The Protective Effect of Crocin on Rat Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Exposed to Aluminum Chloride as an Endocrine Disruptor.

Background: Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have the ability to self-renew and proliferate which gives them healing properties in various tissues. Aluminium chloride (AlCl3) is a chemical compound with harmful effects on health; oxidative stress caused by Aluminium has been reported previously. Crocin, a major component of Crocus sativus (saffron), has antioxidant properties and has shown therapeutic potential. Researchers have been looking for ways to reduce the harmful effects of AlCl3. Methods: To investigate whether crocin can reduce AlCl3 cytotoxicity, rat Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BM-MSCs) were isolated, cultured and divided into four experimental groups. The first group was the control, which was untreated cells. The second and third groups were treated with crocin (50, 100, 250, 500 µM) and AlCl3 (20, 25, 30 mM) for 24 hr. The fourth group was pre-treated with crocin (250, 500 µM) for 24 hr and then treated with AlCl3 (20 mM) overnight. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay. Mineralization was evaluated by alizarin red staining. Sox-2 and E-cadherin expression were measured using real-time PCR. Results: The results showed that AlCl3 caused cytotoxicity on BM-MSCs and decreased the mRNA expression of Sox-2 and E-cadherin, which are important for the maintenance of self-renewal and proliferation of BM-MSCs. In contrast, crocin protected the self-renewal characteristic of BM-MSCs by increasing Sox-2 expression and also preserved the proliferative effects on BM-MSCs by upregulating E-cadherin expression (***p≤0.001). Conclusion: Overall, the study suggests that crocin can protect BM-MSCs from AlCl3-induced cytotoxicity by upregulate Sox-2 expression and E-cadherin expression. This suggests that crocin may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of AlCl3-induced toxicity.

Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Characterization of Listeria Spp. Isolated from Various Sources in Ethiopia: A Comprehensive Review.

Listeriosis is an important foodborne zoonotic disease affecting humans and animals in Ethiopia. This review aims to synthesize the epidemiology, prevalence, distribution, and antimicrobial resistance of Listeria species in the country. The literature reveals a widespread occurrence of Listeria infection in humans, animals, and food products, with an average prevalence of 21.6% for Listeria species and 6.9% for L. monocytogenes. Three sequence types (STs) of L. monocytogenes (2, 145, and 18) and twelve STs of L. innocua (1489, 1619, 603, 537, 1010, 3186, 492, 3007, 1087, 474, 1008, and 637) were reported from milk and dairy products. Contamination rates ranged from 4.1% to 42.9% across livestock, dairy, slaughterhouses, and processing facilities, indicating faults in production practices. Sporadic human listeriosis outbreaks have occurred since 1967, causing meningitis, perinatal infections, and deaths, with recent studies showing L. monocytogenes isolation in up to 10.4% of febrile patients, confirming foodborne transmission. Non-pathogenic Listeria species were also common on farms and in facilities. Ovine listeriosis poses a threat to Ethiopia's sheep and goat industries, with over 40% seroprevalence in some herds. Comprehensive control measures across the food chain are needed to curb contamination and protect public health. Isolates from various foods show antibiotic resistance to first-line agents but susceptibility to others like gentamicin and cephalosporins. In conclusion, this review synthesizes evidence on Listeria distribution in Ethiopia's food system and disease burden, highlighting the need for improved food safety policies and awareness.

Effect of Intra-ovarian Injection of Mesenchymal Stem Cells or its Conditioned Media on Repeated OPU-IVEP Outcomes in Jersey Heifers and Its Relationship with Follicular Fluid Inflammatory Markers.

Background: Repeated Ovum Pick Up (OPU) could have a detrimental effect on ovarian function, reducing In Vitro Embryo Production (IVEP). The present study examined the therapeutic effect of adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) or its Conditioned Medium (ConM) on ovarian trauma following repeated OPU. Resolvin E1 (RvE1) and Interleukin-12 (IL-12) were investigated as biomarkers. Methods: Jersey heifers (n=8) experienced 11 OPU sessions including 5 pre-treatment and 6 treatment sessions. Heifers received intra-ovarian administration of MSCs or ConM (right ovary) and Dulbecco's Modified Phosphate Buffer Saline (DMPBS; left ovary) after OPU in sessions 5 and 8 and 2 weeks after session 11. The concentrations of RvE1 and IL-12 in follicular fluid was evaluated on sessions 1, 5, 6, 9, and 4 weeks after session 11. Following each OPU session, the IVEP parameters were recorded. Results: Intra-ovarian administration of MSCs, ConM, and DMPBS did not affect IVEP parameters (p>0.05). The concentration of IL-12 in follicular fluid increased at the last session of pre-treatment (Session 5; p<0.05) and remained elevated throughout the treatment period. There was no correlation between IL-12 and IVEP parameters (p>0.05). However, RvE1 remained relatively high during the pre-treatment and decreased toward the end of treatment period (p<0.05). This in turn was associated with decline in some IVEP parameters (p<0.05). Conclusion: Intra-ovarian administration of MSCs or ConM during repeated OPU did not enhance IVEP outcomes in Bos taurus heifers. The positive association between RvE1 and some of IVEP parameters could nominate RvE1 as a promising biomarker to predict IVEP parameters following repeated OPU.

The forecasting power of the mucin-microbiome interplay in livestock respiratory diseases.

Complex respiratory diseases are a significant challenge for the livestock industry worldwide. These diseases considerably impact animal health and welfare and cause severe economic losses. One of the first lines of pathogen defense combines the respiratory tract mucus, a highly viscous material primarily composed of mucins, and a thriving multi-kingdom microbial ecosystem. The microbiome-mucin interplay protects from unwanted substances and organisms, but its dysfunction may enable pathogenic infections and the onset of respiratory disease. Emerging evidence also shows that noncoding regulatory RNAs might modulate the structure and function of the microbiome-mucin relationship. This opinion paper unearths the current understanding of the triangular relationship between mucins, the microbiome, and noncoding RNAs in the context of respiratory infections in animals of veterinary interest. There is a need to look at these molecular underpinnings that dictate distinct health and disease outcomes to implement effective prevention, surveillance, and timely intervention strategies tailored to the different epidemiological contexts.