Vaccination with an autogenous bacterin fails to prevent colonization by Brachyspira intermedia in experimentally infected laying chickens

Avian intestinal spirochaetosis (AIS) is a disease complex affecting adult laying and breeding chickens associated with infection by anaerobic intestinal spirochaetes of the genus Brachyspira. Options for control of AIS are limited, as few effective antimicrobial agents are registered for use in laying chickens. One of the two most commonly encountered pathogenic species in AIS is B. intermedia, and the aim of the current study was to determine whether a B. intermedia bacterin vaccine would help control AIS caused by this species. An autogenous bacterin was prepared from B. intermedia strain HB60 and given twice intramuscularly at a 3-week interval to 12 laying chickens housed in individual cages. Twelve non-vaccinated control chickens were placed in adjacent cages in the same room. Two weeks after the second vaccination all the chickens were experimentally challenged with B. intermedia HB60 by crop tube. Subsequently faeces were cultured for spirochaetes every 2-3 days, faecal water content and chicken weight were measured weekly, and egg numbers and weights were recorded daily. Serum was taken prior to both vaccinations, at the time of challenge and at euthanasia. The chickens were killed 6 weeks post-challenge. The vaccinated chickens showed seroconversion to the vaccine, but antibody levels declined significantly post-infection. In comparison, the non-vaccinated chickens showed seroconversion post-infection. The reason for the reduction in the antibody levels in the vaccinated chickens after infection was not explained. At some point all the chickens excreted spirochaetes in their faeces, and the duration of excretion was not different between vaccinated and non-vaccinated chickens. There were no differences in faecal water content, chicken weights, egg production, or gross and microscopic caecal lesions between vaccinated and non-vaccinated chickens. In conclusion, an autogenous bacterin vaccine did not prevent infection with B. intermedia in laying chickens.     

Experimental study on the role of Brachyspira alvinipulli in intestinal spirochaetosis of geese

Ten one-day-old goslings were inoculated orally with a Brachyspira alvinipulli strain isolated from the large intestine of geese that had died of intestinal spirochaetosis (Group A), 10 day-old goslings were inoculated orally with a B. hyodysenteriae strain (Group B), and a third group of 10 goslings (Group C) served as uninfected control. The goslings were observed daily for clinical signs. They were sacrificed on days 7, 14, 21 and 35 days postinfection (PI), and necropsied. Segments of the large intestine were subjected to histopathological, immunohistochemical, electron microscopic (TEM, SEM) and microbiological examinations. Mortality did not occur during the experimental period. However, in both groups the caecum of the goslings killed by bleeding was slightly dilated, in its lumen there was a watery, yellowish and frothy content, and the mucous membrane was slightly swollen. By histopathological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic examination, B. alvinipulli and B. hyodysenteriae could be detected in the caecum or colon, in the lumen of the glands and sometimes among the glandular epithelial cells in goslings of the respective groups, and could be reisolated from these organs by culturing. A mild inflammation of the intestinal mucosa was also noted. In transverse section of the brachyspirae, numerous (16-22) periplasmic flagella could be detected inside the outer sheath, also depending on the plane of section.     

血管瘤禽白血病病毒FJ0610株的分离与鉴定

为了解禽白血病病毒在商品蛋鸡中的流行情况,试验采用病理剖检、聚合酶链式反应(PCR)以及间接免疫荧光试验(IFA)等方法对送检的疑似禽白血病病毒感染的商品蛋鸡进行了病毒分离与鉴定,并对分离株的致瘤相关基因gp85基因进行测序,与国内外各亚群禽白血病病毒进行对比。结果表明:分离、鉴定到1株J亚群血管瘤禽白血病病毒,命名为FJ0610;分离株gp85基因核苷酸序列同源性在11.5%～94.5%之间,其中与血管瘤禽白血病毒株ZH-08株同源性最高,而与E亚群毒株同源性最低;基于gp85核苷酸序列的系统进化分析表明FJ0610株的gp85序列与ZH-08株的亲缘关系最近。     

禽白血病p27抗原检测阳性与病毒分离的相关性比较

本试验以80只300日龄的A品系蛋鸡为试验对象,分5个日龄段按翅号采集蛋清、泄殖腔棉拭子,无菌抗凝血和血清.用ALV p27抗原检测试剂盒检测蛋清和泄殖腔棉拭子.将无菌抗凝血分离血浆接种DF-1细胞,培养一周后用同样方法检测上清收集液,分析该群鸡只在不同日龄段泄殖腔棉拭子阳性、蛋清样本阳性和病毒分离阳性之间的相关性.用ALV-Ab抗体试剂盒检测各日龄段血清的抗体水平.此外,选取某一日龄段蛋清和泄殖腔拭子样本用4个不同厂家的ALV p27抗原检测试剂盒进行检测比较.结果表明,5个日龄段泄殖腔棉拭子平均阳性率为61％,蛋清样本平均阳性率为72.6％,病毒分离平均阳性率为48.8％.5个日龄段ALV的抗体阳性率一直为零;4个厂家的ELISA试剂盒对同一批样本的检测结果表明,IDEXX试剂盒的敏感度最高.本试验为外源性鸡白血病病毒检测及鸡白血病净化其方法的应用、试剂盒的选择、减少判定的误差、提高净化效果提供了一定的科学依据.     

禽呼肠孤病毒RT—LAMP快速检测方法的建立

根据GenBank中登录的禽呼肠孤病毒（Aviem reovirus,ARV）S1基因序列设计了特异对应靶序列中的6个基因区段的4条引物,以此建立了一种快速、准确的ARV逆转录环介导等温扩增（RT—LAMP）检测方法,并对此方法的反应条件进行了优化。结果表明,该方法能够特异地扩增ARV,而对其他常见的禽类病毒均无扩增作用,特异性强、重复性好;检测ARV的灵敏度为4ELD50,是RT-PCR方法的10倍;在反应产物中添加SYBR GREEN Ⅰ染料后,可通过肉眼观察有无荧光直接判定结果。     

不同来源木聚糖酶在模拟胃液和肠液中的稳定性评价

试验研究了市售8种不同来源木聚糖酶在模拟胃、肠液中的稳定性。分别将不同来源木聚糖酶产品在模拟胃、肠液中培养0、1、2和3h后测定其酶活存留率,用以评估不同来源木聚糖酶在模拟胃、肠液中的稳定性。结果表明：8种木聚糖酶在模拟胃、肠液中的稳定性差异较大,在模拟胃液中,耐受性最好的是酶Ⅳ、酶Ⅶ和酶Ⅷ,3 h后存留率分别为：105%、98%和106%;耐受性最差的为酶Ⅰ,3 h后存留率仅为4%;在模拟肠液中,耐受性最好的是酶Ⅰ,3 h后存留率为99%;耐受性最差的为酶Ⅳ,3 h后存留率为44%。     

Phenotypic and molecular characterization of Brachyspira spp. isolated from laying hens in different housing systems

Several species of intestinal spirochaetes, Brachyspira (B.) alvinipulli, B. intermedia and B. pilosicoli, may cause reduced egg production and faecal staining of eggshells in chickens. The aim of this study was to characterize potentially pathogenic and presumably non-pathogenic Brachyspira spp. from commercial laying hens. Selective culture, phenotyping, PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were used and clinical data were collected. Phenotypic profiles were obtained for 489 isolates and 351 isolates obtained after subculture, and 30 isolates were selected for molecular characterization. Seven isolates were positive by a B. intermedia-specific PCR based on the nox gene, and two were positive in a B. hyodysenteriae-specific 23S rRNA gene based PCR. By comparative phylogenetic analysis in combination with PCR and phenotyping, seven isolates were identified as B. intermedia, eight isolates as B. innocens, five as B. murdochii, and three isolates each as B. alvinipulli and "B. pulli". The remaining four isolates could not be assigned to any presently recognized species. Co-infection with several species or genetic variants of Brachyspira spp. were detected in some flocks and samples, suggesting a high level of diversity. Organic flocks with access to outdoor areas were at higher risk (RR=2.3; 95% CI 1.5-3.6) for being colonized than chickens in other housing systems. No significant differences between colonized and non-colonized flocks were found regarding clinical parameters, i.e. mortality, egg production, faecally contaminated eggshells, and wet litter. Our results show that a combination of traditional laboratory diagnostics, molecular tests and phylogeny is needed for identification of Brachyspira sp. from chickens.     

Zinc is involved in regulation of secretion from intestinal epithelium in weaned piglets

The objective was to study the effect of serosal zinc (Zn) on intestinal chloride (Cl⁻) secretion in vitro by the Ussing chamber technique. The secretagogues used to stimulate Cl⁻ secretion were serotonin (5-HT), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and forskolin (FSK). In addition correlations between organ and plasma Zn levels vs. the responses to 5-HT were studied. The results revealed an attenuating effect of serosal Zn on the secretory response to 5-HT, VIP and FSK. Furthermore, negative correlations between secretory responses to 5-HT vs. ADG and plasma Zn concentrations were found, whereas the responses to 5-HT did not correlate to the Zn concentration in liver or intestinal mucosa. It is suggested, that dietary Zn reduces diarrhoea directly through a regulatory role of serosal Zn on Cl⁻ secretion and indirectly by improving the nutritional status, which may stabilize the function of the intestinal epithelium.     

The role of rodents in avian influenza outbreaks in poultry farms: a review

Wild migratory birds are associated with global avian influenza virus (AIV) spread. Although direct contact with wild birds and contaminated fomites is unlikely in modern non-free range poultry farms applying biosecurity measures, AIV outbreaks still occur. This suggests involvement of other intermediate factors for virus transmission between wild birds and poultry. This review describes current evidence of the potential role of rodents in AIV transmission from wild birds to poultry and between poultry houses. Rodents can be abundant around poultry houses, share their habitat with waterfowl and can readily enter poultry houses. Survival of AIV from waterfowl in poultry house surroundings and on the coat of rodents suggests that rodents are likely to act as mechanical vector. AIVs can replicate in rodents without adaptation, resulting in high viral titres in lungs and nasal turbinates, virus presence in nasal washes and saliva, and transmission to naïve contact animals. Therefore, active AIV shedding by infected rodents may play a role in transmission to poultry. Further field and experimental studies are needed to provide evidence for a role of rodents in AIV epidemiology. Making poultry houses rodent-proof and the immediate surroundings unattractive for rodents are recommended as preventive measures against possible AIV introduction.     

Antimicrobial susceptibility of porcine Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and Brachyspira pilosicoli isolated in Sweden between 1990 and 2010

Background

The anaerobic spirochetes Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and Brachyspira pilosicoli cause diarrheal diseases in pigs. Their fastidious nature has hampered standardization of methods for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. For monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility wild type cutoff values are needed to define where the wild type distribution of MICs ends and no approved cutoffs are available for Brachyspira spp. In this study antimicrobial susceptibility data for both species (in total 906 isolates) were compiled and analyzed and wild type cut off values for B. hyodysenteriae proposed.

Methods

The MICs of tiamulin, valnemulin, tylosin, tylvalosin, doxycycline and lincomycin were determined by broth dilution in brain heart infusion broth supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum.

Results

The compiled MICs from the broth dilution tests of the B. hyodysenteriae type strain, B78^T (ATCC® 27164^T), showed that the method yields reproducible results. In an international perspective the frequencies of isolates with decreased antimicrobial susceptibility were low among both B. hyodysenteriae and B. pilosicoli. However, in B. pilosicoli a constant level of 10-15% isolates with tiamulin MICs >4 μg/ml was detected between 2002 and 2010 and in B. hyodysenteriae a gradual increase in tiamulin MICs was seen between 1990 and 2003 although this increase has ceased during the last years. The wild type cutoff values proposed for B. hyodysenteriae are: tiamulin >0.25 μg/ml, valnemulin >0.125 μg/ml, tylosin >16 μg/ml, tylvalosin >1 μg/ml, lincomycin >1 μg/ml and doxycycline >0.5 μg/ml.

Conclusions

The broth dilution method used in this study has over the years generated tightly grouped MIC populations for the field isolates and reproducible results for the control strain B78^T and is therefore a suitable antimicrobial susceptibility test method for monitoring of Brachyspira spp. Here we propose wild type cutoff values for six antimicrobial agents for B. hyodysenteriae tested by broth dilution based on MIC distributions and the current knowledge on mechanisms of resistance in this species. There are few studies on antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and MIC distributions in B. pilosicoli but to some extent the cutoff values proposed for B. hyodysenteriae may be applicable also for monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility in B. pilosicoli.     

禽白血病防控技术进展

禽白血病(Avian Leukosis,AL)是一种重要的免疫抑制性疾病,给养禽业造成了较大的经济损失。本文对禽白血病防控技术进行综述,以期为临床防控禽白血病提供参考。     

Antibody responses against avian reovirus nonstructural protein sigmaNS in experimentally virus-infected chickens monitored by a monoclonal antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Crude antigen preparations from avian reovirus (ARV)-infected chicken embryo fibroblasts (sigmaNS) or from bacterially expressed protein sigmaNS (esigmaNS) were captured by monoclonal antibody 1E1(MAb 1E1) against ARV nonstructural protein sigmaNS immobilized on the ELISA plates and were used as the MAb capture ELISA for antibody detection. Sixty one-week-old specific pathogenic free (SPF) chickens were divided into six groups and were vaccinated with live or inactivated ARV vaccine preparations in different combinations or inoculated with a virulent ARV strain. Sera collected from the birds were tested for their antibody responses to ARV nonstructural protein sigmaNS. Using the MAb capture ELISAs, the level of nonspecific binding reactions was tested on the serum samples obtained weekly from mock-infected SPF chickens from 1 to 25 weeks and compared to the results tested by the conventional ELISA. The results indicated that both MAb capture ELISAs had lower nonspecific bindings than those in the conventional ELISA, even in older birds. Antibody responses against ARV sigmaNS of the birds which received the inactivated vaccine twice (group I), inactivated vaccine followed by a live vaccine (group II), or a live vaccine followed by boosting with an inactivated vaccine (group III) were detected by MAb captured ELISA with sigmaNS crude antigens. The absorbance values increased rapidly at 1-2 weeks after boosting, approximated a peak at 5-6 weeks of age, and maintained this throughout the length of the experiment. The absorbance values of the MAb capture ELISA showed a good correlation to the SN titers ( r value > 0.85). On the other hand, serum samples from the birds which received the live vaccine twice (group IV) or were inoculated with a virulent ARV (group V) did not show antibody responses to sigmaNS, similar to those from the mock-infected birds (group VI), as the absorbance values maintained at a low level (below 0.5) throughout the length of the experiment. Similar results were obtained in the sera detected by MAb capture ELISA with crude esigmaNS antigens, except that the absorbance values in the sera from the birds in group III were gradually increased and later approximated a peak at 11 weeks of age and maintained this throughout the length of the experiments. The results suggest that MAb capture ELISAs can be readily used to detect antibody responses of the birds against ARV nonstructural protein sigmaNS which may reflect an immune status of a chicken flock, receiving ARV vaccine as long as including an inactivated vaccine.     

Comparative pathogenesis in specific-pathogen-free chickens of two strains of avian hepatitis E virus recovered from a chicken with Hepatitis–Splenomegaly syndrome and from a clinically healthy chicken

Avian hepatitis E virus (avian HEV) is the primary causative agent of Hepatitis–Splenomegaly (HS) syndrome in chickens. Recently, a genetically unique strain of avian HEV, designated avian HEV-VA, was recovered from healthy chickens in Virginia. The objective of this study was to experimentally compare the pathogenicity of the prototype strain recovered from a chicken with HS syndrome and the avian HEV-VA strain in specific-pathogen-free chickens. An infectious stock of the avian HEV-VA strain was first generated and its infectivity titer determined in chickens. For the comparative pathogenesis study, 54 chickens of 6-week-old were assigned to 3 groups of 18 chickens each. The group 1 chickens were each intravenously inoculated with 5 × 10^2.5 50% chicken infectious dose of the prototype strain. The group 2 received the same dose of the avian HEV-VA strain, and the group 3 served as negative controls. Six chickens from each group were necropsied at 2, 3 and 4 weeks post-inoculation (wpi). Most chickens in both inoculated groups seroconverted by 3 wpi, and the mean anti-avian HEV antibody titers were higher for the prototype strain group than the avian HEV-VA strain group. There was no significant difference in the patterns of viremia and fecal virus shedding. Blood analyte profiles did not differ between treatment groups except for serum creatine phosphokinase levels which were higher for prototype avian HEV group than avian HEV-VA group. The hepatic lesion score was higher for the prototype strain group than the other two groups. The results indicateded that the avian HEV-VA strain is only slightly attenuated compared to the prototype strain, suggesting that the full spectrum of HS syndrome is likely associated with other co-factors.     

苏云金芽胞杆菌在小鼠肠道的消长及对小鼠肠道菌群的影响

利用选择性培养平板计数法,研究了苏云金芽胞杆菌(Bt)营养体和芽胞在小鼠肠道的数量消长及对小鼠肠道生理性有益菌群(大肠杆菌、双歧杆菌和乳酸杆菌)数量的影响,同时利用基于16S rDNA作为分子标记的变性梯度凝胶电泳(DGGE)研究了Bt对小鼠肠道微生物多样性的影响。结果表明:Bt营养体和芽胞在小鼠肠道内很快死亡,也未对小鼠肠道有益菌群数量和细菌多样性产生不良影响。说明苏云金芽胞杆菌(Bt)营养体及芽胞对小鼠是安全的。     

Molecular characterization of avian polyomavirus isolated from psittacine birds based on the whole genome sequence analysis

Seven avian polyomaviruses (APVs) were isolated from seven psittacine birds of four species. Their whole genome sequences were genetically analyzed. Comparing with the sequence of BFDV1 strain, nucleotide substitutions in the sequences of seven APV isolates were found at 63 loci and a high level of conservation of amino acid sequence in each viral protein (VP1, VP2, VP3, VP4, and t/T antigen) was predicted. An A-to-T nucleotide substitution was observed in non-control region of all seven APV sequences in comparison with BFDV1 strain. Two C-to-T nucleotide substitutions were also detected in non-coding regions of one isolate. A phylogenetic analysis of the whole genome sequences indicated that the sequences from the same species of bird were closely related. APV has been reported to have distinct tropism for cell cultures of various avian species. The present study indicated that a single amino acid substitution at position 221 in VP2 was essential for propagating in chicken embryonic fibroblast culture and this substitution was promoted by propagation on budgerigar embryonic fibroblast culture. For two isolates, three serial amino acids appeared to be deleted in VP4. However, this deletion had little effect on virus propagation.     

益生菌调节肠道菌群及免疫调节作用机理

益生菌是指改善宿主微生态平衡而发挥有益作用,达到提高宿主健康水平和健康状态的活菌制剂及其代谢产物。本文以乳酸菌、双歧杆菌和芽孢杆菌等几种常见的食用或饲用益生菌为对象,论述其调节肠道菌群和免疫调节作用的机理。     

Use of canine small intestinal submucosa allograft for treating perineal hernias in two dogs

Here, we describe two dogs in which canine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) was implanted as a biomaterial scaffold during perineal herniorrhaphy. Both dogs had developed severe muscle weakness, unilaterally herniated rectal protrusions, and heart problems with potential anesthetic risks. Areas affected by the perineal hernia (PH) located between the internal obturator and external anal sphincter muscles were reconstructed with naïve canine SIS sheets. In 12 months, post-operative complications such as wound infections, sciatic paralysis, rectal prolapse, or recurrence of the hernia were not observed. Symptoms of defecatory tenesmus also improved. Neither case showed any signs of rejection or specific immune responses as determined by complete and differential cell counts. Our findings demonstrate that canine SIS can be used as a biomaterial scaffold for PH repair in dogs.     

B亚型禽偏肺病毒RT-LAMP快速检测方法的建立与应用

利用Primer Explorer V4在线软件设计针对B亚型禽偏肺病毒(aMPV)F基因的特异性引物,并从反应时间、温度、各组分浓度等方面优化了反应体系和反应条件,建立了B亚型aMPV逆转录环介导等温核酸扩增(RT-LAMP)快速检测方法.该方法能够在63℃条件下1h内实现B亚型aMPV F基因片段的特异性扩增,与其他病毒,如H9N2亚型禽流感病毒(AIV)、新城疫病毒(NDV)、传染性支气管炎病毒(IBV)、传染性法氏囊病病毒(IBDV)等的核酸无交叉反应.反应结果可直接用肉眼判断.对质粒DNA的最小检测量为1×102拷贝/μL.利用建立的检测方法对20份疑似aMPV样品进行检测,其阳性检出率为10％.结果表明,建立的B亚型aMPV RT-LAMP检测方法具有快速、准确、特异性强、灵敏度高的特点,可应用于相关疾病的临床诊断.