Resistance to various antibiotics of Salmonella and Escherichia coli isolated from registrable farm feeds

Resistance to 20 antibiotics of 128 Salmonella and 97 Escherichia coli isolates from various registrable farm feeds was determined. A high frequency of comparatively low levels of resistance was found in both the Salmonella and E. coli isolates. This, together with an elevated frequency of multiple resistance, indicates that problems related to an effective transfer in bacterial populations of resistance to certain antibiotics are a distinct possibility. The addition of antibiotics, such as penicillin and tetracyclines, to animal feeds can create conditions for rapid selection amongst bacteria resistant to antibiotics. The numbers of resistant bacteria in the animal environment may be increased and may lead to the development of veterinary and human health problems from the possible transfer of antimicrobial resistance from animal pathogens to human pathogens or spreading in the human population of animal pathogens resistant to antibiotics. There is a need for caution in the use of antibiotics, particularly in animal feeds. Extended survey of, and epidemiological research on, farm feeds, manufacturing mills and animal production units are emphasized.     

Hormonal profile and morphological changes in pig ovaries after intraovarian infusions of Escherichia coli endotoxin

The purpose of this study was to estimate morphological changes in the ovary and size of the production of steroid hormones during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle in pigs after intraovarian infusions of Escherichia coli endotoxin. Polish Large White gilts (n = 15) of similar age (7-8 months) and body weight (90-110 kg) with two controlled subsequent estrous cycles were used. The animals were randomly divided into two groups: control (n = 9, the 10th day of the estrous cycle,) and treated with Escherichia coli endotoxin (n = 6, the same day of the estrous cycle). The gilts were infused with Escherichia coli endotoxin at a dose of 1 mg three times a day during six consecutive days, from the 14th to the 19th day of the estrous cycle. Plasma concentrations of progesterone (P4), androstenedione (A4), testosterone (T), estrone (E1) and estradiol-17 beta (E2) were determined by radioimmunoassay method. Infusions of Escherichia coli endotoxin resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the production of P4, A4, T, E1 and E2 in the luteal phase as compared with the levels found in the control animals. Plasma level of P4, A4 and T was decreased by 84.6%, 86.0% and 73.0%, respectively. Plasma concentrations of E1 and E2 in some cases exceeded 5 pg/ml, nevertheless in the majority of the samples they were under sensitivity of the method. Escherichia coli endotoxin infusions resulted in a considerable decrease in the size of the ovaries, and morphological changes characteristic for acute and chronic inflammation were observed.     

Susceptibility to antibiotics of Escherichia coli strains isolated from diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic livestock in Trinidad.

The sensitivity of strains of Escherichia coli isolated from calves, piglets, lambs and kids in Trinidad to seven antibiotics was determined. Two hundred and sixty-four (91.3%) of 289 strains isolated from diarrhoeic animals and 173 (87.4%) of 198 strains from non-diarrhoeic animals exhibited resistance to one or more antibiotics. The difference was not statistically significant (P > or = 0.05; X2). Regardless of health status, isolates from lambs were least resistant (75.0%) and those from piglets most resistant (96.7%) and the difference was significant (P < or = 0.001; X2). Strains of E. coli were most resistant to streptomycin (81.3%) and tetracycline (78.9%) and least resistant to chloramphenicol (4.3%) and gentamycin (4.7%). The predominant antibiotic resistance pattern for isolates from all sources was streptomycin-tetracycline (27.9%). It was concluded that the widespread prevalence of resistance to antibiotics reflects their misuse in the local environment.     

Study of the pathological effect of Escherichia coli endotoxin in rams

This experimental study was carried out on nine adult rams. Rams were injected intravenously with Escherichia coli endotoxin serotype 055:B5. The regimen of injections is described fully. Blood and semen samples were collected periodically to evaluate the changes in blood and semen picture. The reproductive as well as the visceral organs were collected and examined macroscopically and microscopically. The results of the study revealed that sperm cell abnormalities and serum testosterone level were increased, and sperm acrosomal abnormalities were significantly increased. The total leucocytic count was significantly decreased. The histopathological examination revealed severe testicular degeneration in addition to various other lesions in the visceral organs. Scanning electron microscope of the sperm cells revealed detached acrosomes, knobbed acrosomes and coiled tails.     

Plasma concentration of sulphadimethoxine in pigs after multiple dosing and during injections of Escherichia coli endotoxin

The effect of endotoxin induced fever on the steady state concentration of sulphadimethoxine in pigs has been studied.Sulphadimethoxine 20 mg/kg b.wt. was injected at 9 a.m. in an ear vein each day for eleven days. From day 6 until the end of the experiment, endotoxin fromEscherichia coli 1.5 g/kg b.wt. was injected at 9 a.m. and at 3 p.m. The plasma concentration versus time curves were calculated by means of a computer program, assuming a two-compartment model. During the endotoxin injections the plasma concentrations were simulated and compared with those calculated.It was not possible to show any clinically significant changes in pharmacokinetics of sulphadimethoxine after the start of endotoxin injections.     

Suppression of preovulatory luteinizing hormone surges in heifers after intrauterine infusions of Escherichia coli endotoxin

A study was conducted to test the hypothesis that high cortisol concentrations associated with products of infections (endotoxin) cause derangement in the neuroendocrine mechanism controlling ovulation in heifers. Eight Holstein heifers were given 2 injections of prostaglandin (PG), 11 days apart, to synchronize estrus. Starting from 25 hours after the second injection of PG (PG-2), the uterus of each heifer was infused with 5 ml of pyrogen-free water (control, n = 3) or Escherichia coli endotoxin (5 micrograms/kg of body weight) in 5 ml of pyrogen-free water (treated, n = 5), once every 6 hours for 10 treatments. Blood samples were obtained every 15 minutes via indwelling jugular catheter for an hour before and 2 hours after each infusion, then hourly until an hour before the next infusion. Ultrasonography of the ovaries was performed every 12 hours, starting 24 hours after PG-2 injection until 96 hours after PG-2 injection. Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone and cortisol were determined by validated radioimmunoassays. Changes in cortisol concentrations were not detected in control heifers with preovulatory luteinizing hormone surges at 60 to 66 hours after PG-2 injection, followed by ovulations 72 to 96 hours after PG-2 was injected. None of the treated heifers ovulated, and the resulting follicular cysts (14 to 18 mm diameter) persisted for 7 to 21 days. In all treated heifers, serum cortisol concentrations increased (4- to 10-fold) during the first 2 hours after each infusion and then decreased gradually until the next infusion. Luteinizing hormone concentrations remained at baseline values throughout the treatment period in all treated heifers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of pentoxifylline and polymyxin B on the acute-phase-response to Escherichia coli endotoxin in dwarf goats

The purpose of this study was to assess whether polymyxin B together with pentoxifylline, had beneficial effects on the acute-phase-response to E. coli endotoxin in the dwarf goat ( n  = 6). Polymyxin B partly neutralizes E. coli endotoxin by forming inactive polymyxin B-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) complexes; pentoxifylline has been reported to suppress the LPS-induced production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α). E. coli LPS (0.0067 μg/kg/min over 30 min) induced fever, tachycardia, inhibition of rumen motility, a decline in WBC, lymphopenia, and decreases in plasma zinc and iron concentrations. Most of the haematological, blood biochemical and clinical effects of E. coli LPS were significantly reduced by polymyxin B pretreatment (0.1 mg/kg/min over 30 min, i.v.). Pentoxifylline (0.3 mg/kg/min over 30 min, i.v.) did not reduce the clinical and blood biochemical effects of E. coli LPS, however, it modulated the number of circulating neutrophils. No synergistic effects were observed after i.v. infusion of polymyxin B with pentoxifylline. The lack of synergy may be due to the production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines other than TNF-α.     

In vitro evaluation of the impact of silver coating on Escherichia coli adherence to urinary catheters

A silver-coated urinary catheter was compared to a non-silver-coated urinary catheter for the ability to reduce adherence of 6 isolates of Escherichia coli. Catheters were incubated with E. coli strains for 0, 24, 48, and 72 h. Broth was sampled at all time points to determine CFU/mL. Catheters were subjected to sonication to determine adhered bacteria at all time points, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to semi-quantitatively assess biofilm formation. Silver-coated catheters had significantly less adhered bacteria than non-silver-coated catheters at times 24, 48, and 72 h. Subjectively, silver-coated urinary catheters had less biofilm formation than non-silver-coated urinary catheters as assessed by SEM. Silver coating of catheters was associated with reduced adherence of E. coli in an in vitro evaluation. Testing of catheters in dogs in vivo is required to determine if there is a reduction in catheter-associated urinary tract infections.     

Effects of an infusion of dopamine on the cardiopulmonary effects of Escherichia coli endotoxin in anaesthetised horses

Horses with colic may be endotoxaemic and subsequently develop hypotension during anaesthesia for surgical operation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of dopamine as a means to improve cardiovascular function in anaesthetised endotoxaemic horses. Nine horses (five in group 1 and four in group 2) were anaesthetised with thiopentone and guaifenesin and anaesthesia was maintained with halothane. After approximately one hour, facial artery pressure, heart rate, pulmonary artery pressure, cardiac output, temperature, pHa, PaCO2, PaO2, base excess, packed cell volume, plasma protein concentration and white cell count were measured (time 0). Escherichia coli endotoxin was infused intravenously over 15 minutes in both groups. Group 2 horses were given an intravenous infusion of dopamine (5 micrograms kg-1 min-1) starting five minutes after the start of the endotoxin infusion and continuing for 60 minutes. Measurements were made at 15 minute intervals for 120 minutes. In group 1, one horse died during the endotoxin infusion and in two other horses mean facial artery pressures decreased to 50 mm Hg. Total pulmonary vascular resistance and packed cell volume were significantly increased. Cardiac output, cardiac index and change in mean arterial pressure were significantly greater in group 2 horses than in group 1 horses. Conversely, diastolic pulmonary artery pressure, total vascular resistance and total pulmonary resistance were significantly less in group 2 than in group 1. PaO2, base excess and white blood cell count were significantly decreased in both groups. It was concluded that dopamine improved cardiovascular function in the presence of endotoxaemia and attenuated the rate of haemoconcentration, but had no effect on the development of decreased PaO2 or metabolic acidosis.     

In vitro evaluation of three bacterial culture systems for the recovery of Escherichia coli from equine blood

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a commercial conventional blood culture system (BCS), a commercial resin-containing BCS, and a commercial lysis-centrifugation-based BCS for the recovery of Escherichia coli from equine blood samples inoculated with that organism. SAMPLE POPULATION: Samples of blood obtained from a clinically normal horse that were inoculated with E coli. PROCEDURES: Blood samples were aseptically collected and inoculated with an E coli specimen (50 CFUs/mL) that had been previously isolated from a foal with sepsis. Subsequently, samples were spiked with gentamicin at a concentration of 30 mug/mL, and 10 mL of each mixture was inoculated into 1 bottle or tube of each BCS. Samples were processed and incubated according to the manufacturer's guidelines and inoculated onto 5% sheep blood agar plates. Plated samples were examined macroscopically at regular intervals for as long as 72 hours. Detection of E coli and time to detection were recorded for each medium. RESULTS: Detection frequency of E coli was significantly greater by use of the resin-containing BCS (14/23 bottles) than that achieved by use of the conventional BCS (7/23 bottles) or the lysis-centrifugation-based BCS (0/10 tubes). Mean detection time (6 hours after plating) did not differ between the BCS with conventional medium and the BCS with resincontaining medium. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that a BCS with resin-containing medium may provide clinical benefit in the successful recovery of E coli from the blood of foals with sepsis that have been previously administered gentamicin.     

我国猪源和鸡源大肠杆菌抗生素耐药性相关基因研究进展

大肠杆菌作为一种条件致病菌和重要的耐药性指示菌,国内外已有大量猪源、鸡源大肠杆菌耐药性相关基因的研究报道.受动物种属、地域等来源性差异,以及耐药机制、亚型等因素的影响,研究中涉及很多种不同的耐药性相关基因,且检出率也不尽相同.根据耐受抗菌药物种类,对这些基因作用机理及分布情况等方面综述,以期为研究大肠杆菌耐药性产生机制...     

Escherichia coli isolates from young calves in Bavaria: in vitro susceptibilities to 14 anti-microbial agents

During the occasional testing of Escherichia coli from faecal samples of young calves we observed multi-resistant isolates. Because of the significance of E. coli as an indicator bacterium for resistance trends we tested E. coli populations of young calves over a longer period. Here we present the results of a retrospective study comparing isolates from 1998 to 2000. Moreover, we compared, in a clinical study, the resistance rates of E. coli populations from 67 hospitalized calves both before and after hospitalization (with or without anti-microbial therapy), and with their anamnestic data of antibiotic usage. The highest resistance rates were found to be more than 80% for tetracyclines, ampicillin, sulfonamide/trimethoprim combinations, and chloramphenicol. A significant increase or decrease over the years was not observed. In analysing the data of hospitalized calves, an increase of resistance to some anti-microbials had to be registered that seemed to be connected with the selective pressure due to agents used in the clinic. In comparing anamnestic data and resistance rates it became obvious that reliable data are not easily available and that a number of potential anti-microbial influence factors have to be taken into account.     

武汉地区鸭源致病性大肠杆菌体外耐药性测定

禽大肠杆菌是家禽常见的病原菌之一,可引起家禽胚胎死亡、败血症、纤维性心包炎、气囊炎等一系列疾病,给养鸭业造成严重的经济损失。随着集约化养鸭业的迅速发展,饲养密度增加,鸭大肠杆菌病越来越多,支原体、病毒性及其他细菌性感染、环境因素常加重或诱发大肠杆菌病。     

Equine Escherichia coli endotoxemia: comparison of intravenous and intraperitoneal endotoxin administration.

Certain physiologic and hematologic data were determined in ponies given Escherichia coli endotoxin by three routes: single IV dose, single intraperitoneal (IP) dose, and multiple IP boluses. In all ponies, the reaction was characterized by weakness, depression, peripheral circulatory abnormalities, and pyrexia. The pyrexia was more severe and was sustained in the ponies given multiple IP bolus endotoxin. Changes in packed cell volume, peripheral blood neutrophil, lymphocyte, and thrombocyte counts, and blood glucose were noticed in the three groups. Blood lactate and beta-glucuronidase values were determined and increases occurred only in the two IP endotoxin administration groups. A fibrinogen increase was observed in only the multiple IP bolus group. Attempts were made to correlate the lactate and beta-glucuronidase values with the severity and prognosis of the endotoxemia response. In general, the single IV bolus and, to a lesser extent, the single IP bolus endotoxin produced abrupt but transient responses. The multiple IP bolus endotoxin administration produced a more gradual and sustained response, which was more closely comparable with a clinical gastrointestinal disease problem than the other routes of administration produced.     

Weaning of piglets. Effects of an exposure to a pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli

The influence of weaning on day 32 and a simultaneous challenge with a pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli was studied in eight piglets. Another nine weaned but non-infected piglets were used as controls. The distribution of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) into subpopulations, as well as their response when stimulated in vitro by pokeweed mitogen, changed in a similar manner during post-weaning in both groups. In contrast, superior responses were recorded for PBMC collected from the challenged pigs when stimulated in vitro with concanavalin A and with a heat-inactivated extract of the E. coli strain used for infection, respectively. Despite a successful colonization of the challenge strain, no clinical signs of disease were recorded. Nor did the daily weight gain or the number of E. coli, enterococci, or Clostridium perfringens excreted per gram of faeces differ between the groups. However, the weaning induced a marked decrease in the diversity of coliforms in individual piglets, which announced a reduced colonization resistance of that flora. Also, a decreased homogeneity between coliform floras of different piglets was observed following weaning. The decreased homogeneity indicated that different strains of E. coli were predominant in different animals, which may in turn facilitate the spread of pathogenic strains. The enteric changes were more pronounced and lasted longer in infected animals. Still, the influence of a sole pathogenic strain of E. coli was not enough to induce post-weaning diarrhoea.     

Assessment of the ovine acute phase response and hepatic gene expression in response to Escherichia coli endotoxin

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial membrane endotoxin, induces a systemic inflammatory response (IFR) through the activation of blood monocytes and hepatic kupffer cells. These cells secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines, which subsequently activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) to release cortisol, an anti-inflammatory hormone that regulates the IFR and subsequent immune response (IR). The intent of this study was to characterize the acute phase response in female sheep challenged systemically with a range of doses of Escherichia coli endotoxin. Yearling ewes were challenged with an i.v. bolus dose of LPS (0, 200, 400, 600 ng/kg BW) and the acute phase response assessed by measuring serum interleukin (IL)-6 and cortisol concentrations, and the febrile response over time. A follow-up liver biopsy study was performed to determine kinetic differences in the expression of eight candidate hepatic genes between LPS dose groups using real-time RT-PCR. The initial time trail did not follow a linear dose response relationship with respect to the febrile and HPAA response to LPS challenge. Serum IL-6 concentrations increased in the two highest treatment groups but did not correlate with the observed febrile and HPAA response. The expression of Toll-like receptor 4, CD14, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-1beta, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), and tachykinin precursor 1 hepatic genes was dependent on both the dose and the kinetics of the response to LPS.     

Clinical and clinico-pathological effects of Escherichia coli endotoxin in mature cattle.

The effects of intravenous administration of Escherichia coli endotoxin were studied in eight mature lactating cows. Three cows were studied following intrammary infection with E. coli. Significant clinical findings are presented. Significant clinico-pathological findings include leukopenia, decreased blood serum calcium concentrations and increased levels of serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase and serum ornithine-carbamyl transferase. Significant elevations of plasma corticosteroids were also noted.     

Comparison of necrotoxigenic Escherichia coli isolates from farm animals and from humans

Necrotoxigenic Escherichia coli (NTEC) isolated from animals and humans can belong to the same serogroups/types and produce or carry the genes coding for fimbrial and afimbrial adhesins of the same family, P, S, F17, and/or AFA, raising the question of a potential zoonotic source of human infection. The main purpose of this study was to compare 239 NTEC1 strains (45 from cattle, 65 from humans and 129 from piglets) and 98 NTEC2 strains from cattle, using a uniform and standardized typing scheme. The O serogroups and the biotypes recognized amongst NTEC1 and NTEC2 strains were quite varied, although some were more frequently observed (serogroups O2, O4, O6, O8, O18, O78, and O83 and biotypes 1, 2, 5, 6, and 9). Hybridization, results with gene probes for the P family (PAP probe), S family (SFA probe), AFA family (AFA probe), F17 family (F17 probe) of fimbrial and afimbrial adhesins, could differentiate most NTEC1 strains, which are PAP-, SFA- and/or AFA-positive, from NTEC2 strains, which are mainly F17- and/or AFA-positive, but were of no help in differentiating between NTEC1 strains from cattle, humans, and piglets. All but seven (98%) NTEC1 and NTEC2 strains were serum resistant, 199 (59%) produced an aerobactin, and colicin (I, V, or unidentified) was produced by 22-34% of them. On the other hand, more than 90% of the NTEC1 strains were haemolytic on sheep blood agar compared with only 40% of the NTEC2 strains. Production of a classical haemolysin, active on sheep erythrocytes, and hybridization with the PAP probe were associated in a majority of NTEC1 strains (63-81%), but very rarely in NTEC2 strains (3%). Production of enterohaemolysin and hybridization with the PAP probe were much less frequently associated in NTEC strains (1-9%). It was thus possible neither to completely differentiate NTEC1 strains from cattle, humans, and pigs, nor to define a signature for the NTEC strains. Necrotoxigenic E. coli must still be identified on the basis of the production of the Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factors 1 or 2 (or of their encoding genes) and complete differentiation of NTEC1 strains from cattle, humans, and piglets, use additionnal methods.     

中药提取物恢复耐药大肠杆菌对氨基糖苷类药物敏感性的研究

为考察五倍子、黄芩、黄连、艾叶、鱼腥草5种中药提取物恢复耐药大肠杆菌对氨基糖苷类抗生素敏感性的作用,采用1/2 MIC中药提取物对耐药菌株进行耐药性消除,通过影印培养法筛选出耐药性消除菌落,观察耐药消除率和消除子MIC值变化,并检测质粒及耐药基因rmt B的携带情况。结果表明:5种中药提取物对耐药大肠杆菌均有一定的抑制作用,耐药菌经1/2 MIC作用48 h后,五倍子、黄芩、黄连、艾叶、鱼腥草的耐药消除率分别为20.67%、21.33%、17.33%、16.67%、9.33%;消除子对庆大霉素(GEN)、卡那霉素(KAN)、阿米卡量(AMK)、新霉素(NEO)的MIC值均由高度耐药(512μg/m L)降至敏感(2~4μg/m L);5种中药提取物不能使耐药菌质粒丢失,却能导致耐药基因rmt B丢失。5种中药提取物可能是通过使高度耐氨基糖苷类药物的细菌丢失耐药主效基因来恢复对药物敏感性的。