Comparison of meniscal fibrochondrocyte and synoviocyte bioscaffolds toward meniscal tissue engineering in the dog

Tissue engineering is a promising field of study toward curing the meniscal deficient stifle; however the ideal cell type for this task is not known. We describe here the extraction of synoviocytes and meniscal fibrochondrocytes from arthroscopic debris from six dogs, which were cultured as tensioned bioscaffolds to synthesize meniscal-like fibrocartilage sheets. Despite the diseased status of the original tissues, synoviocytes and meniscal fibrochondrocytes had high viability at the time of removal from the joint. Glycosaminoglycan and collagen content of bioscaffolds did not differ. Meniscal fibrochondrocyte bioscaffolds contained more type II collagen, but collagen deposition was disorganized, with only 30–40% of cells viable. The collagen of synoviocyte bioscaffolds was organized into sheets and bands and 80–90% of cells were viable. Autologous, diseased meniscal fibrochondrocytes and synoviocytes are plausible cell sources for future meniscal tissue engineering research, however cell viability of meniscal fibrochondrocytes in the tensioned bioscaffolds was low.     

Minimally invasive synovium harvest for potential use in meniscal tissue engineering

Tissue engineering is being investigated as a means for treating avascular meniscal injury or total meniscal loss in human and veterinary patients. The purpose of this study was to determine if an arthroscopic tissue shaver can be used to collect viable synoviocytes for in vitro culture during therapeutic stifle arthroscopy, with the long term goal of producing autologous meniscal fibrocartilage for meniscal tissue engineering. Synovium was harvested arthroscopically from 13 dogs with naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament deficiency and obtained from 5 dogs with patellar luxation via arthrotomy. Cells harvested via arthroscopy and arthrotomy were treated with a chondrogenic growth factor protocol and analyzed for meniscal-like matrix constituents including collagens type I, II, and glycosaminoglycans. Arthrotomy and Arthroscopic origin cells formed contracted tissues containing collagen I, II and small amounts of GAG. These surgical methods provide clinically relevant access to synoviocytes for potential use in meniscal tissue engineering.     

Effects of growth factors on equine synovial fibroblasts seeded on synthetic scaffolds for avascular meniscal tissue engineering

Across species, the avascular portion of the knee meniscus cannot heal spontaneously if severely injured. The most common treatment is meniscectomy which results in osteoarthritis. The objective of this study was to assess the fibrochondrogenic potential of equine fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) seeded on scaffolds under the influence of growth factors in vitro to determine the potential of developing a novel cell-based repair strategy. Cultured FLS were seeded onto synthetic scaffolds in a rotating bioreactor under the influence of three growth factor regimens: none, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) alone, and bFGF plus transforming growth factor (TGF-β₁) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). Constructs were analyzed for mRNA expression and production of fibrochondroid extracellular matrix constituents. Type II collagen and aggrecan mRNA were significantly higher in growth factor-treated groups (p < 0.05). Despite sub-optimal extracellular matrix production, FLS can exhibit fibrochondral characteristics and may have potential for cell-based tissue engineering for avascular meniscal regeneration.     

Western European epidemiological survey for parvovirus and coronavirus infections in dogs

An epidemiological survey for canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine coronavirus (CCoV) infections was conducted in Western Europe. A total of 156 faecal samples were collected from dogs with diarrhoea in Spain (n = 47), Italy (n = 39), France (n = 26), Germany (n = 21), the United Kingdom (n = 8), Belgium (n = 10), and the Netherlands (n = 5). Using molecular assays for virus detection and characterisation, CPV and CCoV were found to be widespread in European dog populations, either alone or in mixed infections. In agreement with previous reports, the original type CPV-2 was shown not to circulate in European dogs. The recently identified virus variant CPV-2c was predominant in Italy and Germany and present at high rates in Spain and France but was not detected in the UK or Belgium. Except for the UK, CCoV genotype I was identified in all European countries involved in the survey, albeit at a lower prevalence rates than CCoV genotype II.     

Ivermectin and moxidectin resistance characterization by larval migration inhibition test in field isolates of Cooperia spp. in beef cattle,Mato Grosso do Sul,Brazil

Ivermectin (IVM) resistance of Cooperia spp. in cattle has become an increasing and global problem. The early detection of anthelmintic resistance (AR) is important to propose strategies to slow down the development of resistance and requires sensitive, reliable, economic high-throughput and practical tests. The purpose of the present study was to apply a larval migration inhibition test (LMIT) for evaluating IVM and MOX efficacy against well-characterized field isolates of Cooperia spp. infecting cattle in Brazil. Eight isolates were used for IVM and seven for MOX. The following EC50 values of IVM were observed for the isolates: susceptible, 1.16 ηmol; Nova Alvorada do Sul I, 4.09 ηmol (RF = 3.52); Campo Grande BNA, 3.57 ηmol (RF = 3.07); Campo Grande TBR, 4.09 ηmol (RF = 3,52); Nova Alvorada do Sul II, 2.50 ηmol (RF = 2.15); Bandeirantes, 11.35 ηmol (RF = 9.78); Campo Grande II, 6.03 ηmol (RF = 5.20); and Porto Mortinho, 8.63 ηmol (RF = 7.44). For MOX, the following EC50 values were observed: susceptible, 0.75 ηmol; Campo Grande BNA, 0.93 ηmol (RF = 1.24); Campo Grande TBR, 0.36 ηmol (RF = 0.48); Nova Alvorada do Sul II, 2.57 ηmol (RF = 3.42); Bandeirantes, 1.43 ηmol (RF = 1.90); Campo Grande II, 1.08 ηmol (RF = 1.44); and Porto Mortinho, 0.49 ηmol (RF = 0.65). The LMIT used in the present study can be a useful tool for in vitro evaluation of IVM, but not of MOX. However, such methodology cannot be used in large-scale studies yet. The isolates of Cooperia spp. showed various degrees of resistance to IVM, though remaining susceptible to MOX.     

The impact of dystocia on dairy calf health,welfare, performance and survival

Up to one-third of dairy calves are born after dystocia and this is a major cause of calf mortality. This study investigated the neonatal physiology, survival, health and subsequent growth of dairy calves following dystocia and is the first longitudinal study to analyse multiple effects and to look beyond the perinatal period.A total of 455 live born Holstein calves (N: No assistance, n = 360; FN: Farmer assistance but normally presented calf, n = 82; FM: Farmer assistance of malpresented calf, n = 13) were followed from birth to first service (heifers) or until leaving the farm (bulls). Compared to N calves, FN and FM animals had higher salivary cortisol concentrations at day 1 (P < 0.001) and FN calves had lower passive immune transfer (P = 0.03). Dystocia had no biologically significant impact on rectal temperature throughout the first 4 days (P > 0.05). During the first 60 days, FM calves had a higher proportion of days with non-routine health treatments (P < 0.05) and, by the time of weaning, mortality in FN and FM heifers was higher than in N calves (2.8×; P < 0.01). However, in surviving calves, growth to first service was not affected by dystocia category (P > 0.05).Calves which survive dystocia experience lower passive immunity transfer, higher mortality and higher indicators of physiological stress. Such calves have poorer welfare in the neonatal period and possibly beyond. Strategies need to be implemented to improve the subsequent health and welfare of such calves and to lower the incidence of dystocia.     

Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects of fusidic acid on Babesia and Theileria parasites

Fusidic acid known to has antibacterial, antifungal, and antimalarial activities. Fusidic acid blocks translation elongation factor G gene in Plasmodium falciparum. In the present study, the inhibitory effects of fusidic acid on the in vitro growth of bovine and equine Babesia parasites were evaluated. The inhibitory effect of fusidic acid on the in vivo growth of Babesia microti was also assessed. The in vitro growth of four Babesia species that were tested was significantly inhibited (P < 0.05) by micromolar concentrations of fusidic acid (IC₅₀ values = 144.8, 17.3, 33.3, and 56.25 μM for Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, Babesia caballi, and Theileria equi, respectively). Combinations of fusidic acid with diminazene aceturate synergistically potentiated its inhibitory effects in vitro on B. bovis and B. caballi. In B. microti-infected mice, fusidic acid caused significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of the growth of B. microti at the dose of 500 mg/kg BW relative to control group. These results indicate that fusidic acid might be incorporated in treatment of babesiosis.     

A miniature lighted stylet for fast oral endotracheal intubation in rabbits

Efficient oral endotracheal intubation of laboratory animals is a challenging technique in veterinary research. This study introduces a miniaturized lighted stylet for rabbit intubation. An experiment with repeated measures on two factors was used to assess the feasibility and efficacy of this method. The first factor compared stylet intubation vs. laryngoscopic intubation. The second compared three practitioners, one with prior experience and two without. Success rates on the initial attempt were not statistically different (χ² = 2.46, P = 0.12). The time difference between methods was significant (F = 41.007, P < 0.001), although the effect of practitioners was not (F = 1.038, P = 0.365). The mean ± SD of the intubation time, combining results from the three practitioners, was 20.34 ± 17.15 s for the stylet method and 57.58 ± 64.21 s for the laryngoscopic method. The results of this study demonstrate that lighted stylet intubation is efficient, robust, and independent of practitioner experience.     

A field trial of infrared thermography as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for early detection of digital dermatitis in dairy cows

Infrared thermography (IRT) was used to detect digital dermatitis (DD) prior to routine claw trimming. A total of 1192 IRT observations were collected from 149 cows on eight farms. All cows were housed in tie-stalls. The maximal surface temperatures of the coronary band (CB) region and skin (S) of the fore and rear feet (mean value of the maximal surface temperatures of both digits for each foot separately, CB_max and S_max) were assessed. Grouping was performed at the foot level (presence of DD, n = 99; absence, n = 304), or at the cow level (all four feet healthy, n = 24) or where there was at least one DD lesion on the rear feet, n = 37). For individual cows (n = 61), IRT temperature difference was determined by subtracting the mean sum of CB_max and S_max of the rear feet from that of the fore feet.Feet with DD had higher CB_max and S_max (P < 0.001) than healthy feet. S_max was significantly higher in feet with infectious DD lesions (M-stage: M2 + M4; n = 15) than in those with non-infectious M-lesions (M1 + M3; n = 84) (P = 0.03), but this was not the case for CB_max (P = 0.12). At the cow level, an optimal cut-off value for detecting DD of 0.99 °C (IRT temperature difference between rear and front feet) yielded a sensitivity of 89.1% and a specificity of 66.6%. The results indicate that IRT may be a useful non-invasive diagnostic tool to screen for the presence of DD in dairy cows by measuring CB_max and S_max.     

Selection for breed-specific long-bodied phenotypes is associated with increased expression of canine hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia (HD) is the most common skeletal disease in purebred dogs. Radiographic schemes developed to reduce prevalence through selective breeding have had limited success, but the role of selecting for morphological characteristics prized in the show-ring and dictated by breed standards has not been fully explored. This study correlated published scores of hip pathology with measurements of body length to height ratio from photographs of Best-of-Breed specimens from 30 breeds (n = 12/breed) to establish whether selection criteria could be compromising welfare by increasing susceptibility to HD.Relative body length correlated strongly with higher rates of HD by breed data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (Spearman r = 0.727, P < 0.001), the British Veterinary Association (r = 0.701, P < 0.001), and the Australian Veterinary Association (r = 0.577, P < 0.01). By favouring body shapes that are longer than they are tall, judges may be inadvertently selecting for conformational attributes predisposing dogs to HD, suggesting that ambiguity in breed standards and extreme relative body length phenotypes can engender serious welfare consequences and need to be re-evaluated.     

Variability of scores in the 2008 Olympic dressage competition and implications for horse training and welfare

Olympic dressage involves “an intimate unity between a human and a non-human” and is scored by a subjective judging process, under the auspices of the Fédération Equestre Internationale whose Code of Conduct declares the welfare of the horse as paramount. Dressage is of particular interest to equitation scientists and equine ethologists because it embodies the full range of the stimulus-response contingencies that operate in all of the Olympic disciplines. In Fédération Equestre Internationale dressage competition, collective marks are awarded across four domains immediately after each performance. Collective marks are designed to summarize the performance of horse and rider and must reflect the qualities of the entire performance. They are derived from the observation of the judges of the separate test movements. The 4 collective marks include: (1) paces; (2) impulsion; (3) submission; and (4) the rider's position and seat; correctness and effect of the aids (rider signals). The definition of submission in this context makes reference to lightness and other qualities that align with optimal ridden horse welfare. We assessed the characteristics of these marks in horses competing in the 2008 Olympic Games Grand Prix (GP; n = 46) and Grand Prix Special (GPS; n = 25) dressage competitions. We also examined the effect of judge location and used Pearson correlation coefficients to explore relationships between collective marks and test-movement scores. All 4 collective marks correlated with each other significantly (P < 0.001). The weakest correlation was between paces and submission (r = 0.22) and the strongest between impulsion and rider position scores (RPS) (r = 0.59). In the GP, paces and submission scores were less correlated with test movement scores than the impulsion and RPS scores. In the GPS, submission scores were less correlated with individual movements than the other collective marks. Indeed, they failed to significantly correlate with 19 of 32 movement scores (P < 0.05). RPS varied most in the GP (standard deviation = 0.73) whereas submission scores varied most in the GPS (standard deviation = 0.65). A REML analysis across both competitions showed all collective marks were significant in predicting final percentage scores but submission (F = 31.27) made the least significant contribution (paces, F = 61.3; impulsion, F = 69.77; RPS F = 53.01; P < 0.001 for all values). These results speak of considerable variability in judging and suggest that, despite the relevance of submission to horse welfare, judges have considerable difficulty scoring in this domain and aligning their scores with overall performance.     

Grade is an independent prognostic factor for feline mammary carcinomas: A clinicopathological and survival analysis

Feline mammary carcinomas (FMC) are highly infiltrative tumours which show a strong tendency for local recurrence and metastasis. Histological type assessment of these tumours is not sufficiently discriminatory in predicting prognosis and in this study the prognostic significance of the Elston and Ellis method of histological grading was evaluated. Ninety-two feline mammary carcinomas from 84 cats were graded and 64 queens were included in a follow-up study.Grade was significantly related to tumour size (P = 0.006), clinical stage (P = 0.005), lymphovascular invasion (P < 0.0001), mitotic index (P < 0.0001), Ki67 index (P = 0.001), overall survival (P = 0.0001) and disease-free survival (P < 0.0001). Cox regression analysis identified grade as an independent prognostic factor. Multivariable analysis also showed regional lymph node metastasis and lymphovascular emboli as independent prognostic factors related to overall survival and to disease-free-survival, respectively. The study demonstrated that histological grading can be used as a prognostic factor to evaluate the biological behaviour of FMC.     

Evaluation the Clinitek status™ automated dipstick analysis device for semiquantitative testing of canine urine

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the Clinitek status™ analyser using Multistix10SG™/Microalbustix™ dipsticks (all: Siemens Dx) for canine urine (n = 101) compared to reference methods: visual reading (Combur9 dipstick, Roche), refractometry, microscopy, and quantitative protein/creatinine analysis (Pentra400, AxonLab). The automated analyses were done twice and visual tests were performed by two examiners.An excellent to good concordance was demonstrated between the first/second analysis with the Multistix10SG and the Combur9 dipstick, respectively with Cohen’s κ-values ranging from 0.776 to 1.000. Agreement between both dipsticks was good for glucose (κ = 0.753), blood (κ = 0.793), protein (κ = 0.788), and moderate for bilirubin (κ = 0.431) and ketones (κ = 0.540). In 6/101 specimens, false positive ketone reactions were obtained with the Multistix10SG™. Multistix10SG™ could not be used for determination of pyuria or specific gravity. Semiquantitative/quantitative protein results correlated well (ρ = 0.90) and creatinine measurements moderately (ρ = 0.76). Due to automated data transmission to the laboratory information system, the Clinitek status™ is of advantage in veterinary laboratories/clinics.     

Entamoeba infections in different populations of dogs in an endemic area of Lahore,Pakistan

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite that affects humans and other primates all over the world. It is a common waterborne pathogen in endemic areas that have fecal oral transmission cycle. The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence of E. histolytica and other Entamoeba species cysts in three different dog populations. Fecal samples from 600 dogs were collected and processed to detect Entamoeba cysts using the triple fecal test (light microscopy) and fecal antigens of E. histolytica were detected using a fecal antigen ELISA (TechLab E. histolytica II). Because it is impossible to differentiate E. histolytica from Entamoeba dispar and E. moshkovskii, using light microscopy we referred to all cysts morphologically consistent with E. histolytica as E. histolytica/dispar/moskovskii to reflect this uncertainty. Samples from 197 household dogs without clinical signs, 122 samples from household dogs exhibiting clinical signs of diarrhea, dysentery and vomiting and 281 stray dogs with no specific clinical signs were examined. Entamoeba histolytica-like cysts were observed in 94 (15.6%, 95% CI = ±3.88) by triple fecal test microscopy and E. histolytica antigens were demonstrated in 66 (11%, 95% CI = ±4.41) by fecal antigen ELISA in 600 fecal samples. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in prevalence were found between the three populations. Twenty (10.1%, 95% CI = ±7.86) and 11 (5.6%, 95% CI = ±7.70) of 197 fecal samples from household dogs without clinical signs were positive by microscopy and by antigen ELISA, respectively. Twenty-nine (23.8%, 95% CI = ±6.58) and 23 (18.8%, 95% CI = ±7.81) of 122 the fecal samples from household dogs with clinical signs were positive by microscopy and by antigen ELISA, respectively. Forty-five (16.01%, 95% CI = ±5.62) and 32 (11.3%, 95% CI = ±6.38) of 281 fecal samples from stray dogs were positive by microscopy and by fecal antigen ELISA, respectively. Dogs from the youngest age group (6 months to 1 year) were more likely to be E. histolytica antigen positive than were dogs from the other two older age groups, with a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) between all age groups. Statistically, no significant (P ≥ 0.05) difference of prevalence was seen in male and female dogs. The local dogs had the highest prevalence rate of E. histolytica antigens (36 of 246, 14.2%, 95% CI = ±6.32) followed by imported breeds (11 of 115, 9.5%, 95% CI = ±10.4) and crossbred (19 of 239, 8.3%, 95% CI = ±7.47), indicating a significant (P ≤ 0.05) trend of positivity between various breeds of dogs. These findings suggest that dogs may play an important role in the epidemiology of this pathogen.     

Elastin content is high in the canine cruciate ligament and is associated with degeneration

Cruciate ligaments (CLs) are primary stabilisers of the knee joint and canine cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) and rupture is a common injury. Elastin fibres, composed of an elastin core and fibrillin containing microfibrils, are traditionally considered minor components of the ligament extracellular matrix (ECM). However, their content and distribution in CLs is unknown. The purposes of this study were to determine the elastin content of canine CLs and to ascertain its relationship to other biochemical components and histological architecture.Macroscopically normal CLs were harvested from Greyhounds (n = 11), a breed with a low risk of CCLD. Elastin, collagen and sulfated glycosaminoglycan content were measured and histological scoring systems were developed to quantify ECM changes using a modified Vasseur score (mVS) and oxytalan fibre (bundles of microfibrils) staining. Elastin contents were 9.86 ± 3.97% dry weight in the cranial CL and 10.79 ± 4.37% in the caudal CL, respectively, and did not alter with advancing histological degeneration. All CLs demonstrated mild degenerative changes, with an average mVS score of 11.9 ± 3.3 (maximum 24). Increasing degeneration of the ligament ECM showed a positive correlation (r = 0.690, P < 0.001) with increased oxytalan fibre staining within the ECM.Elastin is an abundant protein in CLs forming a greater proportion of the ligament ECM than previously reported. The appearance of oxytalan fibres in degenerative CL ECM may reflect an adaptive or reparative response to normal or increased loads. This finding is important for future therapeutic or ligament replacement strategies associated with cranial CL injury.     

Cryptosporidium scrofarum n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) in domestic pigs (Sus scrofa)

We describe the morphological, biological, and molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium pig genotype II and propose the species name Cryptosporidium scrofarum n. sp. to reflect its prevalence in adult pigs worldwide. Oocysts of C. scrofarum are morphologically indistinguishable from C. parvum, measuring 4.81–5.96 μm (mean = 5.16) × 4.23–5.29 μm (mean = 4.83) with a length to width ratio of 1.07 ± 0.06 (n = 400). Oocysts of C. scrofarum obtained from a naturally infected pig were infectious for 8-week-old pigs but not 4-week-old pigs. The prepatent period in 8-week-old Cryptosporidium-naive pigs was 4–6 days and the patent period was longer than 30 days. The infection intensity of C. scrofarum in pigs was generally low, in the range 250–4000 oocysts per gram of feces. Infected pigs showed no clinical signs of cryptosporidiosis and no pathology was detected. Cryptosporidium scrofarum was not infectious for adult SCID mice, adult BALB/c mice, Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), southern multimammate mice (Mastomys coucha), yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis), or guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). Phylogenetic analyses based on small subunit rRNA, actin, and heat shock protein 70 gene sequences revealed that C. scrofarum is genetically distinct from all known Cryptosporidium species.     

Supplementing Guinea grass with fresh sweet potato foliage for milk production by Bunaji and N'Dama cows in early lactation

Forage from three sweet potato cultivars (A = TIS-87/0087; B = TIS-8164; C = TIS-2532.OP.1.13 at 30% daily dry matter intake), dried brewers' grains (DBG) and cottonseed meal (CSM) each at 2.5 kg were supplemented to Guinea grass (GG) to form four diets: Diet A = GG + TIS-87/0087; Diet B = GG + TIS-8164; Diet C = GG + TIS-2532.OP.1.13, and Diet D = GG + DBG + CSM (as control). Treatments were assigned as 4 × 4 Latin squares design over 60 days (10-day adaptation and 5-day sampling) using Bunaji and N'Dama cows in early lactation. The 48-h rumen dry matter (DM) degradation ranged (P < 0.01) from 407 g kg^? 1 DM for GG to 791 g kg^? 1 DM for sweet potato cultivar TIS-87/0087. Bunaji dry matter intake varied (P < 0.05) between 7.1 kg day^? 1 in Diet B and 8.9 kg day^? 1 in Diet D, but was similar (P > 0.05) among diets for the N'Dama cows. The metabolisable energy (ME) intakes were higher for Diet D although, it recorded the least efficiency of ME utilization for milk production. Milk yields were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the Bunaji than the N'Dama cows, which is typical of their true breed differences. Total solids, ash, protein, fat, and sugar contents of the milk were similar among diets for both cow breeds, except Bunaji ash contents that ranged (P < 0.05) from 0.77 g 100 g^? 1 for Diet B to 0.83 g 100 g^? 1 for Diet D. The results suggest that sweet potato forage could be utilized as whole or partial replacement for DBG and CSM to save cost under smallholder farming systems.     

Pharmacokinetics,plasma protein binding and bioavailability of moxifloxacin in Muscovy ducks after different routes of administration

In this study the disposition kinetics and plasma availability of moxifloxacin in Muscovy ducks after single intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.) and oral (p.o.) administrations of 5 mg kg^?1 b.wt. were investigated. The concentrations of moxifloxacin in the plasma were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection on samples collected at frequent intervals after drug administration. Following intravenous injection, the decline in plasma drug concentration was bi-exponential with half-lives of (t_1/2α) 0.22 ± 0.10 h and (t_1/2β) 2.49 ± 0.26 h for distribution and elimination phases, respectively. The volume of distribution at steady-state (V_dss) was 1.02 ± 0.14 l kg^?1 and the total body clearance (Cl_tot) was 0.32 ± 0.11 l kg^?1 h^?1, respectively. After intramuscular and oral administration of moxifloxacin at the same dose the peak plasma concentrations (C_max) were 2.38 ± 0.43 and 2.11 ± 0.36 μg ml^?1 and were obtained at 1.47 ± 0.26 and 1.83 ± 0.16 h (T_max), respectively, the elimination half-lives (T_1/2el) were 3.14 ± 0.42 and 2.63 ± 0.44 h, respectively, and AUC_0–24 were 15.87 ± 2.35 and 14.52 ± 2.37 μg ml^?1 h^?1, respectively. The systemic bioavailabilities were 96.36 ± 11.54% and 86.79 ± 12.64%, respectively. In vitro plasma protein binding percent was 32%. We concluded that moxifloxacin might be clinically interesting alternative for the treatment of most sensitive bacterial infections in Muscovy ducks.     

Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 and L22 display probiotic potential in vitro and protect against Salmonella-induced pullorum disease in a chick model of infection

Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 (L. reuteri ATCC 55730) and L. reuteri L22 were studied for their probiotic potential. These two strains were able to produce an antimicrobial substance, termed reuterin, the maximum production of reuterin by these two strains was detected in the late logarithmic growth phase (16 h in MRS and 20 h in LB broths). These two strains could significantly reduce the growth of Salmonella pullorum ATCC 9120 in MRS broth, L. reuteri ATCC 55730 with a reduction of 48.2 ± 4.15% (in 5 log) and 89.7 ± 2.59% (in 4 log) respectively, at the same time, L. reuteri L22 was 69.4 ± 3.48% (in 5 log) and 80.4 ± 3.22% respectively. L. reuteri ATCC 55730 was active against the majority of the pathogenic species, including S. pullorum ATCC 9120 and Escherichia coli O₇₈, while L. reuteri L22 was not as effective as L. reuteri ATCC 55730. The two potential strains were found to survive variably at pH 2.5 and were unaffected by bile salts, while neither of the strains was haemolytic. Moreover, L. reuteri ATCC 55730 exhibited variable susceptibility towards commonly used antibiotics; but L. reuteri L22 showed resistant to most antibiotics in this study. L. reuteri ATCC 55730 consequently was found to significantly increase survival rate in a Salmonella-induced pullorum disease model in chick. To conclude, strain L. reuteri ATCC 55730 possesses desirable probiotic properties, such as antimicrobial activity and immunomodulation in vitro, which were confirmed in vivo by the use of animal models.