The occurrence and characterization of Campylobacter spp. in silver gulls (Larus argentatus), three-toed gulls (Rissa tridactyla) and house sparrows (Passer domesticus)

Altogether 16 Campylobacter (C.) isolates could be recovered from 65 Herring gulls: 5 x C. laridis, 2 x C. jejuni biovar 1, 4 x C. jejuni biovar 2 and 5 x C. coli. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 15 out of 51 samples from Kittiwakes: 2 x C. jejuni biovar 1 and 13 x C. laridis. All C. coli isolates grew on agar containing 1.5% NaCl. Two Campylobacter isolates from 50 House sparrows differed from all other isolates by a distinct beta-hemolysis and other phenotypic characteristics and could not be associated with a certain Campylobacter species. Epidemiological aspects and the possible role of the examined birds as a source of infection for man and domestic animals are discussed.     

The "diseased" or "dead" guillemots (Uria aalge), three-toed gulls (Rissa tridactyla), silver gulls (Larus argentatus) and laughing gulls (Larus ridibundus) found in the area of the German Bay, 1982-1985

Between 1982 and 1985 the cadavers of 50 Guillemots (Uria aalge), 41 Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), 26 Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) and 34 Black-headed Gulls (Larus ridibundus) were examined pathological, bacteriological and virological. The probable cause of death was established. Parasitosis were particularly prevalent in Herring Gulls (49%), where the main infection--as in Black-headed Gulls--was with Cestoides. In Kittiwakes and Guillemots mainly Spiruroideae were recorded. The commonest bacterium isolated in organs and intestinal tract was Escherichia coli, followed by Aeromonas hydrophila and Clostridium perfringens. Salmonella were found in the organs of 5% and in the intestinal tract of 3% of the birds. The species of Salmonella most frequently isolated was Salmonella typhimurium varieties copenhagen. Also recorded were Yersinia intermedia Serovar 0:17 (1x), Pseudomonas spp. (2x), bacteria of the Haemophilus-Pasteurella-Actinobacillus group (1x), Pasteurella multocida (2x), Moraxella septicaemiae (1x), Campylobacter spec. (1x), Mycoplasma spec. (6x), DNase positive Staphylococcus spec. (4x) and Streptococcus spec. (6x). Less in evidence among the birds examined were fungus diseases with Aspergillus spec. (4x) and Blastomyces spec. (4x). As for viruses one Guillemot was found to have an Adenovirus and another one to have a Paramyxovirus. From one of the Herring Gulls there also was isolated a Paramyxovirus, from a second one to a Reovirus. Three other species isolated have get to be identified. The chief cause of sickness and death in the Guillemots was oil-contamination. The majority of the examined Kittiwakes and Herring Gulls were victims of pathogenic agents. Many of the Black-headed Gulls died through traumata as gunshots or road traffic etc. In order to establish the causes of sickness and death in seabirds and to ascertain the importance of the various species as possible carriers of infectious diseases, a systematic series of investigation will be necessary. Without this it will not be possible to assess their epidemiological relevance for other wild birds, domestic poultry and humans.     

Residues of DDE and PCB in eggs from herrring gull (Larus argentatus) and common gull (Larus canus) in Norway

In 1969 294 eggs from herring gull were collected from eight different localities in Norway. The eggshell thicknesses were measured, and 10 eggs from each locality were analysed by gas liquid chromatography for organochlorine insecticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PGB).Residues of DDE were demonstrated in all eggs, the concentrations varying from 0.2 to 5.4 p.p.m. in herring gull, and from 0.2 to 3.5 p.p.m. in common gull. DDT occurred only in four eggs from herring gull and then only in concentrations of from 0.1 to 0.3 p.p.m. Other organochlorine insecticides were not detected. Residues of PGB were found in all eggs from herring gull in concentrations of from 0.2 to 3.8 p.p.m. PGB 10, and in six out of nine eggs from common gull, from trace to 0.8 p.p.m. PGB 10.The analysed material showed a positive correlation between amounts present of DDE and of PGB.There was a significant difference between localities concerning the contents of DDE and PGB in eggs from herring gull. This variance may be taken into consideration by using the herring gull as an indicator organism, since this bird, especially in the northern part of Norway, is migratory.The residue concentrations of DDE and PGB were markedly higher in eggs from herring gull than in eggs from common gull. It is suggested that this may be related to the difference between these species in their feeding habits.The residues of organochlorines demonstrated in this investigation do not seem to have had any effect on eggshell thickness in herring gull.     

Prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli in dogs in a cross-sectional, community-based study

The prevalence of carriage of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli was determined in 183 healthy dogs from a semi-rural community in Cheshire. Isolates were tested against a panel of antimicrobials and by PCR to detect resistance genes. In the suspected ESBL-producing isolates, the presence of bla(SHV), bla(TEM), bla(CTX-M) and bla(AmpC) genes was determined by PCR and sequencing. A total of 53 (29 per cent, 95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 22.4 to 35.5 per cent) dogs carried at least one AMR E coli isolate. Twenty-four per cent (95 per cent CI 17.9 to 30.2 per cent) of dogs carried isolates resistant to ampicillin, 19.7 per cent (95 per cent CI 13.9 to 25.4 per cent) to tetracycline and 16.9 per cent (95 per cent CI 11.5 to 22.4 per cent) to trimethoprim. A bla(TEM) gene was detected in 39 of 54 ampicillin-resistant isolates, a tet(B) gene in 12 of 45 tetracycline-resistant isolates, and a dfr gene in 22 of 33 trimethoprim-resistant isolates. Multidrug-resistant isolates were demonstrated in 15 per cent (28 of 183; 95 per cent CI 10.1 to 20.5 per cent) of dogs. Nine suspected ESBL-producing E coli were isolated, of which only one was confirmed by double disc diffusion testing. Two of these isolates carried the bla(TEM-1) gene and seven carried the bla(CMY-2) gene.     

Cross-sectional study of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in horses. Part 1: Prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Reasons for performing study: The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria such as methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and antimicrobial‐resistant Escherichia coli represents a significant problem. However, the carriage of such bacteria by horses in the UK has not been well characterised. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of nasal carriage of MRSA and faecal carriage of antimicrobial‐resistant E. coli amongst horses in the general equine community of the mainland UK. Methods: A cross‐sectional study of horses recruited by 65 randomly selected equine veterinary practices was conducted, with nasal swabs and faecal samples collected. Faecal samples were cultured for antimicrobial‐resistant E. coli. Nasal swabs were cultured for staphylococcal species; methicillin‐resistant isolates identified as S. aureus were characterised by SCCmec and spa gene typing. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to calculate prevalence estimates with adjustment for clustering at practice and premises levels. Spatial variation in risk of antimicrobial resistance was also examined. Results: In total, 650 faecal samples and 678 nasal swabs were collected from 692 horses located on 525 premises. The prevalence of faecal carriage of E. coli with resistance to any antimicrobial was 69.5% (95% CI 65.9–73.1%) and the prevalence of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing E. coli was 6.3% (95% CI 4.1–9.6%). The prevalence of nasal carriage of MRSA was 0.6% (95% CI 0.2–1.5%). Spatial analysis indicated variation across the UK for risk of carriage of resistant and multidrug‐resistant (resistant to more than 3 antimicrobial classes) E. coli. Conclusions and potential relevance: Carriage of MRSA by horses in the community appears rare, but the prevalence of antimicrobial‐resistant E. coli (including ESBL‐producing E. coli) is higher. A high prevalence of antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria could have significant health implications for the horse population of the UK.     

Longitudinal study of antimicrobial-resistant commensal Escherichia coli in the faeces of horses in an equine hospital

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria represents a considerable problem for human and veterinary medicine, causing complications in the treatment of infections. Resistance in Escherichia coli from horses has been documented in commensal and pathogenic strains, but little information exists regarding the prevalence of such bacteria in hospitalised horses or associated risk factors. A longitudinal cohort study was conducted of 103 horses admitted to a referral equine hospital for more than 48 h, with faecal samples collected on hospital admission and subsequently every two days until discharge. Horses undergoing radioactive gamma scintigraphic examination, un-weaned foals and mares with un-weaned foals were excluded. Data were collected from enrolled animals, including antimicrobial treatment history and hospitalisation details. Samples were cultured for resistant E. coli; isolates had their antimicrobial resistance profile determined. High sample prevalence for resistant E. coli was identified for all antimicrobials examined except co-amoxiclav. The prevalence of resistance was consistently lower at admission, rising to a peak 4 days post-admission. Risk factors were analysed using multilevel, multivariable modelling, which identified significant clustering of resistance outcomes within horses. For all outcomes except trimethoprim resistance, the day the sample was obtained was significant, with increased risk of resistance for samples taken on day 2 or later. Antimicrobial treatment in the previous seven days and increased total daily dosages of cotrimoxazole prescribed in the hospital in the previous 24-48 h were associated with increased risk. Location within the hospital and admission reason were significant risk factors for some resistance outcomes. High levels of multidrug-resistant E. coli (47.7% of samples) and extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing E. coli (27.3% of samples) were recovered; such bacteria could significantly complicate treatment if they were the cause of infection and may represent a risk to personnel in close contact with hospitalised horses.     

Cross-sectional study of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in horses. Part 2: Risk factors for faecal carriage of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli in horses

Reasons for performing study: The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria such as antimicrobial‐resistant and extended spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Escherichia coli represents a significant problem for human and veterinary medicine. Despite this, the risk factors for faecal carriage of such bacteria by horses in the UK, particularly those in the wider community, have not been well described. Objectives: To characterise the risk factors for faecal carriage of antimicrobial‐resistant E. coli amongst horses in the mainland UK. Methods: A cross‐sectional study of horses recruited by 65 randomly selected equine veterinary practices was conducted, with a faecal sample collected and self‐administered questionnaire completed by the horse owner. Faecal samples were cultured for antimicrobial‐resistant E. coli, with isolates confirmed as E. coli having their antimicrobial resistance profile determined. Multilevel, multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate risk factors for the carriage of antimicrobial‐resistant E. coli in the sample population. Results: Faecal samples and completed questionnaires were obtained for 627 horses located on 475 premises. Recent hospitalisation, contact with specific types of nonequid animals, the type of premises, the surrounding land use, the reason for veterinary treatment received in the last 6 months and antimicrobial treatment in the previous 10 days were identified as risk factors for many of the antimicrobial‐resistance outcomes considered. Being stabled on the same yard as a recently hospitalised horse was identified as a risk factor for increased risk of carriage of ESBL‐producing E. coli. Conclusions and potential relevance: Increasing antimicrobial resistance may have significant health implications for the horse population of Great Britain. This form of epidemiological investigation highlights potential risk factors that may be controlled to limit the extent of the problem.     

Detection and characterization of Salmonella strains from laughing gulls (Larus ridibundus)]

25 and 17 Salmonella strains could be isolated from 429 and 423 blackheaded gulls (Larus ridibundus), respectively, during two years of examination. S. typhimurium was the most frequent serovar. All strains of S. typhimurium belonged to the biochemovar c (inosite and rhamnose negative), nearly a third of isolates caused a mannose-sensitive hemagglutination of guinea pig erythrocytes. This result is in contradiction to the literature. Furthermore the phagovars, the plasmid profiles and the resistance against chemotherapeutics were tested. The Salmonella carriage by gulls presumably reflects the contamination of the environment.     

Clonal spread of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli isolates among pups in two kennels

Although the dog breeding industry is common in many countries, the presence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria among pups in kennels has been infrequently investigated. This study was conducted to better understand the epidemiology of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from kennel pups not treated with antimicrobials. We investigated susceptibilities to 11 antimicrobials, and prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) in 86 faecal E. coli isolates from 43 pups in two kennels. Genetic relatedness among all isolates was assessed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Susceptibility tests revealed that 76% of the isolates were resistant to one or more of tested antimicrobials, with resistance to dihydrostreptomycin most frequently encountered (66.3%) followed by ampicillin (60.5%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (41.9%), oxytetracycline (26.7%), and chloramphenicol (26.7%). Multidrug resistance, defined as resistance against two or more classes of antimicrobials, was observed in 52 (60.5%) isolates. Three pups in one kennel harboured SHV-12 ESBL-producing isolates. A comparison between the two kennels showed that frequencies of resistance against seven antimicrobials and the variation in resistant phenotypes differed significantly. Analysis by PFGE revealed that clone sharing rates among pups of the same litters were not significantly different in both kennels (64.0% vs. 88.9%), whereas the rates among pups from different litters were significantly different between the two kennels (72.0% vs. 33.3%, P < 0.05). The pups in the two kennels had antimicrobial-resistant E. coli clones, including multidrug-resistant and ESBL-producing clones. It is likely that resistant and susceptible bacteria can clonally spread among the same and/or different litters thus affecting the resistance prevalence.     

The prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli in two species of invasive alien mammals in Japan

The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in 128 Escherichia coli isolates was investigated in two species of invasive alien mammals (IAMs): the small Asian mongoose (SAM) and Japanese weasel (JW). The SAM is found on the main island of Okinawa, Japan, where a large number of livestock is available, and the JW is present on a small island, where is isolated from the main island, and have a small number of livestock. We focused on the two IAMs, inhabiting under the different environments, and compared their prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli. In the comparison of the frequencies of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli isolates between the SAM and JW, JW showed significantly higher prevalence of resistance against three drugs, ampicillin, chlortetracycline and nalidixic acid, compared with SAM's test results (P<0.05). The bla(TEM) gene and the aph1 gene were detected in 35 subjects (91%) of ampicillin-resistant isolates and 6 subjects (100%) of kanamycin-resistant isolates, respectively. The tet (A) gene was detected in 62 subjects (46%) of CTC-resistant isolates, and the tet (B) gene was detected in 25 subjects (8%) of those in IAM. The present results suggest that some IAMs were the carrier of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and their genes, and the frequencies of these resistances were different between two IAM species.     

Evaluation of a survey approach to estimating the prevalence of cattle carrying antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli

A random survey of farms in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland provides estimated of the prevalence of calves, finishers and cows carrying ampicillin, apramycin and/or nalidixic acid resistant Escherichia coli. While the survey provides information on the geographical variation in risk, the results are of limited value for interpreting causality.     

A comparative ultrastructural study of the pecten oculi in adult,juvenile, and nestling yellow‐legged gulls,Larus michahellis (Naumann, 1840)

This study aimed at examining the histological structure of the pecten oculi in the adult yellow‐legged gull, Larus michahellis, and at two moments of postnatal development: during the posthatch (nestling) and juvenile periods. Particular attention was paid to differences in the diameter of vessels, the thickness of the basement membrane, and ultrastructural features of endothelial and pigmented stromal cells. Capillary endothelial cells displayed numerous microvillous‐like folds projecting from their internal and external surfaces. Intercellular spaces between capillaries were occupied by pigmented stromal cells. The ultrastructure of pecten oculi underwent noticeable changes during postnatal development. The examination of the capillaries in nestlings, juveniles, and adults revealed that the formation process of vessels and pigmented stromal cells did not complete itself in the posthaching phase. The prominent feature of endothelial cells of capillaries in nestlings was that the microvilli were longer than in juvenile and adult cells, and the capillary lumen was therefore reduced. In this sense, their pigmented stromal cells showed fewer melanosomes, lacked intercellular spaces, and cellular junctions could still be observed. These results provide evidence that the pecten oculi during the posthatching phase maintains immature morphological features consistent with a role of pigmented stromal cells in the blood‐retina barrier.     

Agroenvironmental determinants associated with the presence of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli in beach waters in Quebec, Canada

Exposure to microorganisms resistant to antimicrobials may constitute a health risk to human populations. It is believed that one route of exposure occurs when people engage in recreational activities in water contaminated with these microorganisms. The main objective of this study was to explore population-level and environmental determinants specifically associated with the presence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) generic Escherichia coli isolated from recreational waters sampled from beaches located in southern Quebec, Canada. Water samples originated from the Quebec provincial beach surveillance program for the summers of 2004 and 2005. This study focused on three classes of determinants, namely: agricultural, population-level and beach characteristics for a total of 19 specific factors. The study was designed as a retrospective observational analysis and factors were assessed using logistic regression methods. From the multivariable analysis, the data suggested that the percentage of land used for spreading liquid manure was a significant factor associated with the presence of AMR E. coli (OR=27.73). Conceptually, broad factors potentially influencing the presence of AMR bacteria in water must be assessed specifically in addition to factors associated with general microbial contamination. Presence of AMR E. coli in recreational waters from beaches in southern Quebec may represent a risk for people engaging in water activities and this study provides preliminary evidence that agricultural practices, specifically spreading liquid manure in agricultural lands nearby beaches, may be linked to the contamination of these waters by AMR E. coli.     

Isolation and characterization of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli from national horse racetracks and private horse-riding courses in Korea

Limited information is available regarding horse-associated antimicrobial resistant (AR) Escherichia (E.) coli. This study was designed to evaluate the frequency and characterize the pattern of AR E. coli from healthy horse-associated samples. A total of 143 E. coli (4.6%) were isolated from 3,078 samples collected from three national racetracks and 14 private horse-riding courses in Korea. Thirty of the E. coli isolates (21%) showed antimicrobial resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent, and four of the AR E. coli (13.3%) were defined as multi-drug resistance. Most of the AR E. coli harbored AR genes corresponding to their antimicrobial resistance phenotypes. Four of the AR E. coli carried class 1 integrase gene (intI1), a gene associated with multi-drug resistance. Pulsed-field gel electrophoretic analysis showed no genetic relatedness among AR E. coli isolated from different facilities; however, cross-transmissions between horses or horses and environments were detected in two facilities. Although cross-transmission of AR E. coli in horses and their environments was generally low, our study suggests a risk of transmission of AR bacteria between horses and humans. Further studies are needed to evaluate the risk of possible transmission of horse-associated AR bacteria to human communities through horse riders and horse-care workers.     

Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles and Clonal Relatedness of Canine and Feline Escherichia coli Pathogens Expressing Multidrug Resistance in the United States

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is increasing among Escherichia coli isolates associated with spontaneous infection in dogs and cats. Objectives: To describe E. coli resistance phenotypes and clonal relatedness and their regional prevalence. Animals: Isolates of E. coli (n = 376) collected from dogs and cats in the United States between May and September 2005. Methods: Isolates submitted from the South, West, Northeast, and Midwest regions of the United States were prospectively studied. Phenotype was based on E‐test susceptibility to 7 antimicrobials. Isolates were classified as no (NDR), single (SDR), or multidrug resistance (MDR). Clonal relatedness was determined by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Results: One hundred and ninety‐three (51%) isolates expressed resistance to at least 1 drug, yielding 42 phenotypes. SDR isolates (n = 84; 44%, 8 phenotypes), expressed resistance most commonly to amoxicillin (30%, n = 25) and least commonly to cefpodoxime (1%, n = 1). MDR isolates (n = 109; 56%, 31 phenotypes) were resistant to amoxicillin (96%, n = 105), amoxicillin‐clavulanate (85%, n = 93), and enrofloxacin (64%, n = 70); 18% (n = 20) were resistant to all drugs tested. The frequency of MDR did not differ regionally (P= .066). MDR minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were 6‐fold higher than SDR MICs (P < .0001). Dendrograms of 91 isolates representing 25 phenotypes revealed 62 different PFGE profiles. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: E. coli strains spontaneously infecting dogs and cats are genetically and phenotypically diverse. Given the current prevalence of MDR among clinical isolates of E. coli in United States, implementation of a robust surveillance program is warranted.     

Ocular disease caused by the trematode Philophthalmus lachrymosus in free-living kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus) of Brazil

In this study, clinical, parasitological and histopathological findings of thirteen kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus) found infected with eyeflukes in Brazil are presented. Parasites detected in the ventral conjunctival fornix were identified as Philophthalmus lachrymosus [mean intensity of infection: 16 (5–36) worms/bird]. Eleven birds (85%) presented signs of systemic disease, such as emaciation, dehydration and depressed consciousness. Conjunctival hyperemia was observed in 22 eyes (85%). Keratitis, corneal ulcers, corneal abscess and chemosis were also detected in some eyes (4–8%). Histopathologic lesions, likely due to the parasite attachment to the conjunctiva, were found in the eyes of one infected bird that died from unrelated causes. Philophthalmosis by P. lachrymosus is here reported as a clinically relevant eye disease in kelp gulls.     

Serologic confirmation of Ehrlichia equi and Borrelia burgdorferi infections in horses from the northeastern United States

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether horses living in tick-infested areas of northeastern United States with clinical signs of borreliosis or granulocytic ehrlichiosis had detectable serum antibodies to both Borrelia burgdorferi and Ehrlichia equi. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: Serum samples from 51 clinically normal horses, 14 horses with clinical signs of borreliosis, and 17 horses with clinical signs of granulocytic ehrlichiosis. PROCEDURE: Serum B burgdorferi or E equi antibodies were measured by use of an ELISA, immunoblot analysis, or indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) staining. RESULTS: Of the 82 serum samples tested, 37 (45.1%) and 13 (15.9%) had detectable antibodies to B burgdorferi or E equi, respectively. Test results indicated that 12 horses had been exposed to both agents, 11 of these horses had granulocytic ehrlichiosis. The ELISA regularly detected antibodies to the following recombinant protein (p) antigens of B burgdorferi: p29, p37, p39, and p41-G. The use of immunoblot analysis confirmed ELISA results by indicating antibody reactivities to antigens of whole-cell B burgdorferi having molecular masses of predominantly 31, 34, 37, 39, 41, 58, and 93 kd. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Horses living in areas where ticks (Ixodes scapularis) abound are sometimes exposed to multiple pathogens. Analyses for specific recombinant borrelial antibodies using an ELISA can help separate horses with borreliosis from those with granulocytic ehrlichiosis, even when antibodies to both etiologic agents are detected in serum samples. Analysis using immunoblots is sensitive, and along with ELISA or IFA procedures, is suitable for confirming a clinical diagnosis of each disease.