Association between quantitative bacterial culture of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and antibiotic requirement in dogs with lower respiratory tract signs

BackgroundHistorically, positive bacterial cultures from the lower respiratory tract (LRT) have been considered clinically relevant when quantitative bacterial cultures of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were >1700 colony forming units (cfu)/mL. However, this threshold might not accurately predict a requirement for antibiotics.ObjectivesTo study whether quantitative BALF bacterial culture results were predictive of antibiotic requirement in dogs with LRT signs.AnimalsThirty‐three client‐owned dogs.MethodsCross‐sectional study. Dogs with positive quantitative bacterial culture of BALF were included. Dogs were divided into 2 groups, depending on whether they had a LRT infection requiring antibiotics (LRTI‐RA) or LRT disease not requiring antibiotics (LRTD‐NRA), based on thoracic imaging features, presence of intracellular bacteria on BALF cytology, and response to treatment. Predictive effect of cfu/mL and BALF total nucleated cell count (TNCC) on antibiotic requirement, adjusting for ongoing or prior antibiotic therapy and age, were studied using logistic regression.ResultsTwenty‐two and 11 dogs were included in the LRTI‐RA and LRTD‐NRA groups, respectively. The cfu/mL was not significantly predictive of antibiotic requirement, independent of ongoing or prior antibiotic treatment and age (LRTI‐RA: median, 10 000 cfu/mL; range, 10‐3 × 10⁸; LRTD‐NRA: median, 10  000 cfu/mL; range, 250‐1.3 × 10⁹; P = .27). The TNCC was not significantly predictive of antibiotic requirement when only dogs with bronchial disease were considered (LRTI‐RA: median, 470 cells/μL; range, 240‐2260; LRTD‐NRA: median, 455 cells/μL; range, 80‐4990; P = .57).Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceThe cfu/mL is an inappropriate measure for determining whether antibiotics are of benefit in dogs with LRT signs.     

Effects of lung site and fluid volume on results of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis in horses.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was analyzed in healthy horses, using different lavage fluid volumes and lung sites. The only significant difference in the cellular composition of BAL fluid between the right and left lungs was the mast cell numbers, which were significantly higher in the left lung. Total cell count ranged from 34 to 330 cells/microliter for the right lung and 43 to 330 cells/microliter for the left lung. Percentage of neutrophils ranged from 1 to 7% in the right lung and 1 to 5% in the left lung. The small-volume (50 ml) lavage had a greater percentage of neutrophils and a lesser percentage of mast cells in the large-volume (350 ml) lavage. Statistical difference in the composition of BAL fluid recovered was not detected between the 3 sequential 100-ml lavages and a single 300-ml lavage, except that macrophages were significantly higher in the 3 sequential 100-ml lavages. Values for BAL fluid analysis in healthy horses have varied considerably and this variation is from a failure to adhere to any standard technique for volume of fluid infused.     

Apoptotic effects of tamoxifen on leukocytes from horse peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid

A reduction in inflammatory cell apoptosis is an important concept in the maintenance of inflammation and a potential target for the resolution of inflammation in many inflammatory diseases. Dysregulation of apoptosis has been implicated in a range of diseases, including tumors, neurodegenerative disorders and autoimmunity, and may also be implicated in allergic asthma. In horses, recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is an asthma-like condition that is characterized increased survival neutrophil bronchial. Tamoxifen is a synthetic, non-steroidal, anti-estrogen agent that is widely used for treating all stages of breast cancer and has been approved for the prevention of breast cancer in high-risk women. The observed efficacy of tamoxifen has been attributed to both growth arrest and the induction of apoptosis. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the ability of tamoxifen to induce apoptosis in vitro in granulocytic cells from peripheral blood and in mononuclear cells from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in horses. Flow cytometry using commercial AnnexinV-FITC and propidium iodide was used to quantify early and late apoptotic leukocytes, respectively. The results showed a significant increase in early apoptosis in peripheral blood and bronchial granulocytic cells treated with tamoxifen. The rate of early apoptosis of mononuclear cells from blood and BALF when incubated with tamoxifen was significantly lower compared with granulocytic cells. We did not observe a direct effect of tamoxifen on late apoptosis in any of the in vitro assays in the cell types used here. These results indicate that the apoptotic mechanisms under these experimental conditions would affect only blood and BALF granulocytic cells, particularly in early apoptosis. Finally, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to better understand apoptotic mechanisms because tamoxifen could be used to treat chronic, inflammatory pathologies associated with granulocytes and allergic diseases, such as asthma or equine RAO.     

The effects of wilting and storage temperatures on the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of stylo silage

In order to clarify the ensiling characteristics of stylo (Stylosanthes guianensis Swartz), the effects of wilting (no wilting, light wilting and heavy wilting) and storage temperatures (10°C, 20°C, 30°C and 40°C) on the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of stylo silage were investigated. Wilting had no significant influence on the contents of crude protein, ether extract and acid detergent fiber, and numbers of lactic acid bacteria, aerobic bacteria, yeasts and mold (P > 0.05). Heavy wilted material, wilted for 12 h, had higher neutral detergent fiber content and lower water‐soluble carbohydrate content than unwilted and light wilted materials (P < 0.05). Wilting and storage temperatures had significant effects on pH value, acetic acid, butyric acid and NH₃‐N contents of stylo silage (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Wilting tended to reduce acetic acid and NH₃‐N contents and improve the fermentation quality of stylo silage. In all the silages, no wilting silage ensiled at 30°C had the highest butyric acid content (P < 0.05). High temperature of 40°C markedly restricted the growth of lactic acid bacteria and aerobic bacteria in silage, irrespective of wilting. The wilted silage or silage stored at low temperature had poor aerobic stability.     

Influence of an aerobic fungus grown on solid culture on ruminal degradability and on a mixture culture of anaerobic cellulolytic bacteria

In this work, the effect of a solid fungal culture of Aspergillus niger (An) grown on coffee pulp on the in situ ruminal degradability (RD) of corn stover was evaluated. In addition, the effect of its extracts on the in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) and on a mixed culture of anaerobic cellulolytic bacteria (MCACB) was also investigated. The solid ferment was a crude culture of An, grown on coffee pulp. Regarding in situ RD, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between treatment with 200 g/day of the solid culture and control (no solid culture added) on dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre on RD. All the water extracts (pH 4, 7 and 10) enhanced IVDMD and stimulated the cellulolytic activity on a MCACB. Ultrafiltration results showed that active compounds with a molecular weight lower than 30 kDa were responsible for the effect on MCACB. Such results suggest that the effects of the solid An culture in RD are related to the presence of water soluble compounds having a molecular weight lower than 30 kDa.     

Effects of pentoxifylline on pulmonary function and results of cytologic examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in horses with recurrent airway obstruction

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) administration on lung function and results of cytologic examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in horses affected by recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). ANIMALS: 10 RAO-affected horses. PROCEDURES: 6 horses were orally administered PTX (16 g) mixed with corn syrup, and 4 horses were administered corn syrup alone, twice daily for 14 days. Pulmonary function was evaluated before administration (day 0) and on days 8 and 15. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed on days 0 and 15. Reversibility of airway obstruction was assessed by measuring pulmonary function before and after administration of atropine (0.02 mg/kg, IV). Serum concentration of PTX was measured in 4 horses 30 minutes and 2 and 4 hours after administration of PTX on days 1, 2, 3, 7 and 14. RESULTS: Administration of PTX to BAO-affected horses resulted in a decrease in elastance value on day 8 and on elastance and resistance (RL) values on days 8 and 15. Results for cytologic examination of BAL fluid obtained on day 15 did not differ significantly, compared with values for day 0. Values of RL decreased in all horses following administration of atropine. When mixed in corn syrup and administered orally, PTX was poorly absorbed in horses, and there was noticeable variation in serum PTX concentrations over time and among horses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on these results, it can be concluded that administration of PTX at high doses improved respiratory function of RAO-affected horses maintained in an unfavorable environment.     

致狐狸肺炎大肠杆菌血清鉴定与毒力基因检测

为了确定狐狸肺炎源致病性大肠杆菌(Escherichia coli,E.coli)流行血清型与毒力基因的携带情况并分析其相关性,2016—2017年采集河北省部分地区患肺炎死亡的狐狸的肺脏、心血等组织142份中分离到了105株E.coli,且RT-PCR检测犬瘟热病毒为阴性,人工感染小鼠致病性试验结果显示105株分离菌株中77株为致病性E.coli。采用玻片凝集试验和PCR方法分别检测77株致病性E.coli血清型和毒力基因,结果显示:77株致病性E.coli有9种血清型,其中以O1、O8、O78、O12为流行的优势致病血清型,77株致病性E.coli携带14种不同毒力基因,以irp2、fyuA、papC、fimC、iucD^a、colv、hlyF、ompT 8种毒力基因检出率较高,在32.5%～98.7%之间,其余毒力基因检出率较低。狐狸肺炎源致病性E.coli的优势血清型携带的毒力基因较多,至少携带9种毒力基因,流行的优势血清型与毒力基因之间具有一定的相关性。狐狸肺炎源E.coli流行血清型代表株TS(O1)1、QH(O8)2、QH(O78)3、TS(O12)4均对狐狸很强的致病性。本试验为狐狸肺炎源致病性E.coli防控提供了参考依据。     

猪流行性腹泻与大肠杆菌混合感染的诊断及防制

2011年11月,四川某规模化猪场发生一起以2～7日龄哺乳仔猪腹泻、脱水和高发病率为特征的传染病,发病率为75%,死亡率达50%以上,给猪场造成了很大的经济损失。根据流行病学调查、临床症状观察、病畜剖检和实验室诊断,最终确诊为猪流行性腹泻与大肠杆菌混合感染。根据诊断结果采取积极的防制措施,取得了较好效果。     

健康猪肠道菌群的分离培养与耐药性分析

为了解猪肠道正常菌群的耐药性及其临床意义,从健康猪新鲜粪便中,分别采用麦康凯琼脂、MRS增菌液与HYA琼脂、MRS增菌液与TYP琼脂分离大肠杆菌、乳酸杆菌和双歧杆菌,并挑取单个菌落进行形态染色观察、生化鉴定及药敏试验。结果发现,大肠杆菌对克林霉素和红霉素有较强耐药性,乳酸杆菌对诺氟沙星有较强耐药性,而双歧杆菌对诺氟沙星、氯霉素有较强耐药性,提示正常菌群的耐药性可能是影响肠道病原菌感染及其治疗效果的不可忽视因素。     

禁抗后仔猪细菌性腹泻的临床诊断与防治

为了促进食品安全和养猪业的健康发展,禁止在饲料中使用促生长抗生素势在必行.随着我国的饲料禁抗相关法规的推行,饲料企业被严格禁止在饲料生产过程中加入抗生素,这也导致了猪场疾病尤其是肠道疾病的高发,而仔猪肠道发育未完全,免疫系统未发育成熟,更容易发生严重的腹泻甚至死亡.文章对几种常见的仔猪细菌性腹泻疾病进行了回顾,病原包括...     

台湾基因Ⅰ型鸡传染性支气管炎病毒SCTW株的分离鉴定及致病性研究

为分离鉴定鸡传染性支气管炎病毒(IBV)及其致病性,本研究通过病料鸡胚接种和鸡胚尿囊液的RT-PCR检测,从四川某养鸡场的发病鸡群中分离出一株IBV.其S1基因测序分析表明,该病毒分离株属于台湾基因Ⅰ型(TWⅠ)IBV,命名为SCTW株,这是中国大陆地区首次分离的TWⅠ型IBV.将该分离株与禽源致病性大肠杆菌(E.coli)分别或混合感染15日龄白羽肉鸡以鉴定其致病性,结果显示:SCTW分离株具有较强的致病性;而且E.coli的混合感染可明显增加SCTW的发病率和病死率,使其组织病理变化更加严重.因此,加强IBV的流行病学调查,做好E.coli的防治,对鸡传染性支气管炎(IB)的防制有重要的意义.     

整株玉米不同成熟阶段对其青贮品质及有氧稳定性的影响

随着整株玉米不断成熟,其干物质(DM)、淀粉、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)和酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)含量不断增加,而可溶性碳水化合物(WSC)、水分含量不断降低。成熟早期高含量的WSC为乳酸菌提供了大量的发酵底物,可促进青贮发酵,但高水分会降低青贮料的有氧稳定性;成熟后期,低水分和低含量的WSC使青贮达不到理想的发酵效果,此外,高木质化也导致青贮料消化率降低。综合各方面因素,在1/3乳腺期到2/3乳腺期阶段青贮的整株玉米无论是发酵效果还是有氧稳定性方面均可达到较好效果。     

规模化猪场大肠杆菌病防控策略探析

猪大肠杆菌病是养猪生产过程中比较容易发生一种细菌性传染病,能够造成哺乳仔猪发生黄痢、白痢,以及保育猪发生水肿病.虽然猪场规模化程度得到很大的提升,但猪大肠杆菌病仍是困扰猪场管理者的重要猪病,影响着猪场的盈利水平.因此,文章主要从临床分类、临床症状、病理变化、防控策略4个方面进行阐述,以期为猪场管理者、兽医工作者防控该病...     

Effect of microbial and chemical additives on the fermentation and aerobic stability of alfalfa silage ensiled at 2 dry matters and subjected to air stress during storage

We evaluated the effects of different types of additives on the fermentation and aerobic stability of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) ensiled at 2 dry matters (DM). Alfalfa was untreated (CTRL) or treated with sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sodium nitrite (SFE), or microbial inoculants (Lactobacillus plantarum MTD1 [LP] or L. buchneri 40788 and Pediococcus pentocaseus 12455 [LBPP]) at a moderate (38%) and high (46%) DM using a completely randomized design with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments. High DM silage was higher (P < 0.01) in pH, had less lactic and acetic acid (P < 0.01) and had more yeasts (P < 0.05) and molds (P < 0.01) than moderate DM silage. Recovery of DM declined (P < 0.01) for CTRL and LP treated silages with increasing DM but was not different between LBPP and SFE treatments. Compared to CTRL, LBPP had a lower (P < 0.01) DM recovery at the moderate DM, but SFE had the greatest (P < 0.01) recovery of all treatments at the high DM. Treatment with LBPP increased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of acetic acid and 1,2 propanediol (PD) compared with other treatments (P < 0.01). Numerically, fewer yeasts were found in additive treated silages compared with CTRL, but they were statistically (P < 0.01) lower only when treated with SFE. Treatment with LP resulted in a small improvement in aerobic stability at the moderate but not high DM. In contrast, treatment with SFE and LBPP markedly improved (P < 0.01) the aerobic stability of alfalfa silage at both DM. Whereas SFE and LBPP were similar in their improvements in aerobic stability at the DM, LBPP was better (P < 0.01) than SFE at the high DM. A higher (P < 0.01) concentration of acetic acid in LBPP compared with other treatments was most likely responsible for better stability. This study showed that LBPP and SFE resulted in increases in the aerobic stability of alfalfa silage and it is the first study showing SFE, can markedly improve the aerobic stability of alfalfa silage.     

Effect of marinade containing thyme and orange oils on broiler breast fillet and whole wing aerobic bacteria during refrigerated storage

Raw meat typically hosts spoilage organisms and sometimes hosts pathogens; to combat this, natural antimicrobial interventions have gained interest among consumers. In a previous study a marinade containing a thyme-orange essential oils combination (TOC) at the 0.5% level was found to inhibit Salmonella and Campylobacter species. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of a salt-phosphate marinade solution with 0.5% TOC (treatment) or without TOC (control) applied by vacuum tumbling on the shelf life of broiler breast fillets and whole wings. The total aerobic and facultative mesophiles (TAM) occurring naturally on these products during refrigerated storage for 14 d (at 1, 7, 10, and 14 d) were enumerated. A total of 48 (24 for each trial) skinless breast fillets and 48 (24 for each trial) whole wings were used for the 2 trials. For each trial, 12 of the 24 breast fillets or wings were marinated using the control marinade solution and the remaining 12 were marinated in the treatment marinade solution. On d 1, 7, 10, and 14, 3 treatment and 3 control breast fillets and wings were randomly selected for TAM enumeration. Sample rinsates were plated in duplicate and incubated at 35°C for 48 h. Thyme-orange combination marinade significantly reduced TAM numbers on d 1, 7, and 10 compared with the controls. Log reductions of 0.3, 0.9, and 1.1 were recorded on d 1, 7, and 10, respectively. The difference in TAM between the treated and untreated whole wings was not significant. Therefore, 0.5% TOC in marinade can be used as a natural antimicrobial to reduce TAM on skinless breast fillets; however, a higher concentration may be required for skin-on products.     

藏系绵羊公羔大肠杆菌和球虫混合感染的诊治

因试验需要,从西藏山南地区措美县购买了41只实验用藏系绵羊公羔,抵达拉萨1 d后羔羊陆续发生腹泻,排黑色恶臭粥样粪便,个别羔羊排血便,病情严重并有死亡情况发生。经临床诊断、剖检及实验室检查,确诊为大肠杆菌和球虫混合感染。同时,对分离培养的大肠杆菌进行药物敏感试验,结果发现,其对庆大霉素、阿米卡星、先锋霉素Ⅴ、头孢他啶4种药物敏感。以抗菌消炎、补充体液、防止电解质紊乱、防止自体酸中毒、抗休克为治疗原则,采取一系列综合治疗措施,2周后病羊痊愈。     

乳酸菌添加剂对王草青贮发酵品质及有氧稳定性的影响

为提高王草青贮发酵品质与有氧稳定性,对材料水分含量(高、中、低)和添加剂(无添加:CK;乳酸菌A:LA;乳酸菌B:LB;乳酸菌A与B混合添加:LA+LB)的影响进行了研究。试验结果表明,所有处理的王草发酵品质都良好,中水分含量王草的发酵品质优于高水分和低水分。LA对王草发酵品质无显著影响,但使高、中水分含量王草发酵品质达到最佳。LB与LA+LB显著增加了高、中水分含量王草的pH值(P<0.05),极显著降低了乳酸/乙酸、乳酸/总酸和乳酸含量 (P<0.01),明显增加了乙酸含量。青贮开封后,LB与LA+LB处理的王草青贮料有氧稳定性较好。