Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter and Salmonella in layer flocks in Honshu,Japan

Campylobacter and non-typhoidal Salmonella are the major causes of bacterial gastrointestinal infections in humans. Although antimicrobial therapy is typically not recommended in many cases of these infections, it may be life-saving in patients with severe symptoms. Since chicken eggs and meat derived from layers are destined for human consumption, we investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of these two bacterial genera in 82 layer flocks at chicken processing plants in Honshu, Japan. Campylobacter was isolated from 77 flocks (93.9%). Resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin was documented in 42.3 (30/71), 16.9 (12/71), and 14.1% (10/71) of Campylobacter jejuni, respectively. Multilocus-sequence typing identified ST4389 and ST5262 as the most frequent C. jejuni sequence types. In C. coli, resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin was found in 20.0 (7/35), 20.0 (7/35), and 25.7% (9/35), respectively. The most frequent sequence type in C. coli was ST8292. Erythromycin resistance was not observed among Campylobacter species. Salmonella was isolated from 14 flocks (17.1%). The two most frequent serovars were Salmonella Corvallis and S. Braenderup. Neither S. Enteritidis nor S. Infantis were isolated. Streptomycin resistance was observed in six isolates (26.1%), and all isolates were susceptible to cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin. Thus, chicken eggs and meat derived from layers are possible sources of these bacterial infections in humans. The antimicrobial susceptibility of these isolates was maintained, reflecting restrictions on the use of antimicrobial agents on layers.     

Prokaryotic Expression of PEB1A Protein of Campylobacter jejuni and Establishment of an Indirect ELISA

In order to develop an indirect ELISA method to detect Campylobacter jejuni antibody, PEB1A gene of Campylobacter jejuni was cloned and amplified by PCR, the prokaryotic expression vector pET32a-PEBIA was constructed, and then transferred into the expression strain E.coli BL21 (DE3), and obtained about 47 ku of soluble protein. Western blotting result showed that the expressed recombinant protein had good biological activity, an indirect ELISA method for detecting antibody against Campylobacter jejuni was developed using expressed PEB1A protein as coating antigen,and detected its specificity, sensitivity, repeatability, respectively. The results showed that the established method for detection of Campylobacter jejuni antibody critical value was 0.3424. This method only specifically reacts with Campylobacter jejuni positive sera, and had no cross-reactivity with other antiserum and strong specificity. In addition, the coefficients of variations in both inter-and intra-assay were less than 5% indicating that it had good repeatability and stability. The establishment of this method could be applied to the rapid detection of Campylobacter jejuni in serum, and provided basis for further prevention and control of Campylobacter jejuni diarrhea.     

A Sero-Epidemiological Study of Haemophilus Somnus Infection in Dairy Cattle

Akhtar, S., Farver, T.B. and Riemann, H.P., 1997. A sero-epidemiological study of Haemophilus somnus infection in dairy cattle. Veterinary Research Communications, 21 (4), 229-239Five repeated cross-sectional serological surveys of 790 dairy cattle in 4 dairy herds between December 1985 and February 1987 provided an opportunity to study the changes in the seroprevalence of Haemophilus somnus across the 5 surveys and with respect to some demographic and disease variables. The demographic variables included were age (heifers or cows) and farm, representing two groups of herds (two herds in each group, located in the Central and Northern Valleys of California). The serological status of cattle as either negative or positive against H. somnus, Campylobacter fetus and Leptospira hardjo were determined with enzyme linked-immunosorbent assays. Logistic regression analysis was used to compute maximum likelihood estimates of adjusted odds ratios and their respective 95% confidence intervals.The baseline risk of being H. somnus seropositive in the cattle observed at first sampling did not vary significantly during the study period after adjustment for the effects of covariates. Only at first sampling were cows about twice as likely to be H. somnus seropositive than heifers. At samplings 1 and 3, but not at 2 and 5, being in the herds of the Central Valley appeared protective. In contrast, at sampling 4 the cattle in herds in the Central Valley were about 7 times more likely to be H. somnus seropositive. C. fetus-positive cattle were about 3 times more likely to be H. somnus seropositive at sampling 1 only. The relationship between H. somnus status and L. hardjo was not significant during the study period.     

家禽养殖环节弯曲菌分布特点

弯曲菌是世界范围内引起人细菌性胃肠炎的主要病原菌,近年来由其引起的弯曲菌病发生率呈指数增长趋势,而家禽作为弯曲菌的天然宿主是人类弯曲菌病的主要来源。论文针对家禽养殖环节,对鸡群中弯曲菌的流行状况、耐药性及鸡群中弯曲菌来源等方面的研究进展进行分析,以期为家禽养殖环节弯曲菌的防控措施制定提供参考。     

Investigation of the Role of Campylobacter Infection in Suspected Acute Polyradiculoneuritis in Dogs

Background

Acute polyradiculoneuritis (APN) is an immune‐mediated peripheral nerve disorder in dogs that shares many similarities with Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) in humans, in which the bacterial pathogen Campylobacter spp. now is considered to be a major triggering agent. Little information is available concerning the relationship between APN and Campylobacter spp. in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To estimate the association between Campylobacter spp. infection and APN. Associations with additional potential risk factors also were investigated, particularly consumption of raw chicken.

Animals

Twenty‐seven client‐owned dogs suffering from suspected APN and 47 healthy dogs, client‐owned or owned by staff members.

Methods

Case‐control study with incidence density‐based sampling. Fecal samples were collected from each enrolled animal to perform direct culture, DNA extraction, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of Campylobacter spp. In some cases, species identification was performed by sequence analysis of the amplicon. Data were obtained from the medical records and owner questionnaires in both groups.

Results

In cases in which the fecal sample was collected within 7 days from onset of clinical signs, APN cases were 9.4 times more likely to be positive for Campylobacter spp compared to control dogs (P < 0.001). In addition, a significant association was detected between dogs affected by APN and the consumption of raw chicken (96% of APN cases; 26% of control dogs). The most common Campylobacter spp. identified was Campylobacter upsaliensis.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Raw chicken consumption is a risk factor in dogs for the development of APN, which potentially is mediated by infection with Campylobacter spp.     

鸡空肠弯曲菌对SPF雏鸡致病性研究

用鸡空肠弯曲菌（Ｃａｍｐｙｔｏｂａｃｅｃｒｉｅｊｕｎ：）对１日龄ＳＰＦ（Ｓｐｃｉｉｃ－ｐａｔｈｏｇｅｎｆｒｃｅ）雏鸡进行感染实验。随机将６０只１日龄ＳＰＦ雏鸡分为４组，那和对照组，每组１５只。分别用含菌７．５Ｘ１０８ＣＦＵ／ｍｌ、７．５ｘ１０４ＣＦＵ／ｍｌ，７．５×１０２ＣＦＵ／ｍｌ布氏肉汤菌液经口时ｔ、Ｊ、Ｉ组接种。接种后分别于２、４、６，８、１０日踏踏机取３只／组、经剖构观察病理变化；从心血、肝、胆汁、脾、肠内容物分离病原菌，测量肠道内物空肠弯曲菌菌数。得出以下结论；经口接种３．７５ｘ１０２ＣＦＵ空场弯曲菌即可造成１日龄ＳＰＦ雏鸡感染发病；感染鸡的主要病理变化为肝脏表面有点状，条索状或片状出血，同时伴有形状不规则大小不等的黄白色坏死灶，盲肠膨大充满气泡，十二指肠、空肠、直肠粘膜有散在的小出血点，首选检苗材料为胆汁、其次是脾、肝等器宫。     

The association between antibody titres againstCampylobacter fetus and reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle

The relationship between the antibody titres againstCampylobacter fetus and various indices of reproductive efficiency was studied in a cross-sectional study of 178 dairy cows from three California Dairy Herd Improvement Association herds. Blood samples were collected from the lactating cows during December 1986. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine the antibody titres of the cow againstCampylobacter fetus, Haemophilus somnus andLeptospira hardjo and were classified as either negative or positive. The status of a cow as either negative or positive againstCampylobacter fetus andHaemophilus somnus represents serological evidence of natural exposure to the corresponding bacterial agents. However, the status againstLeptospira hardjo was assumed to reflect a vaccinal titre since all the cows studied had been routinely vaccinated against this organism in September 1986. The data on demographic and reproductive parameters pertained only to the current lactation of the cows and were obtained from Dairy Herd Improvement Association individual cow records of December 1986. Five indices of reproductive efficiency were used, namely the recent calving interval, the calving-to-conception interval, the calving-to-last-service interval, the number of services per conception, and the number of services since last calving. The serological status againstHaemophilus somnus, Leptospira hardjo and other covariates suggested by the results of previous studies were included in modelling the relationships of interest. Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were carried out to study the adjusted relationship ofCampylobacter fetus with each measure of reproductive efficiency.Multivariate analyses revealed that the adjusted relationship forCampylobacter fetus with all five measures of reproductive efficiency was non-significant (p > 0.05). Among the covariates,Leptospira hardjo had a strong and independent relationship with recent calving interval, the unstandardized partial regression coefficient being -0.77. The possible biological mechanisms of these associations are discussed.Abbreviations BMDP biomedical computer programs - DHIA dairy herd improvement association - ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay - ICR individual cow record - PSS physiological saline solution - SD standard deviation; Other abbreviations are shown in Table I     

Enteropathogenic bacteria in dogs and cats: diagnosis, epidemiology, treatment, and control

This report offers a consensus opinion on the diagnosis, epidemiology, treatment, and control of the primary enteropathogenic bacteria in dogs and cats, with an emphasis on Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli associated with granulomatous colitis in Boxers. Veterinarians are challenged when attempting to diagnose animals with suspected bacterial-associated diarrhea because well-scrutinized practice guidelines that provide objective recommendations for implementing fecal testing are lacking. This problem is compounded by similar isolation rates for putative bacterial enteropathogens in animals with and without diarrhea, and by the lack of consensus among veterinary diagnostic laboratories as to which diagnostic assays should be utilized. Most bacterial enteropathogens are associated with self-limiting diarrhea, and injudicious administration of antimicrobials could be more harmful than beneficial. Salmonella and Campylobacter are well-documented zoonoses, but antimicrobial administration is not routinely advocated in uncomplicated cases and supportive therapy is recommended. Basic practices of isolation, use of appropriate protective equipment, and proper cleaning and disinfection are the mainstays of control. Handwashing with soap and water is preferred over use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers because spores of C. difficile and C. perfringens are alcohol-resistant, but susceptible to bleach (1:10 to 1:20 dilution of regular household bleach) and accelerated hydrogen peroxide. The implementation of practice guidelines in combination with the integration of validated molecular-based testing and conventional testing is pivotal if we are to optimize the identification and management of enteropathogenic bacteria in dogs and cats.     

The occurrence of Cryptosporidium parvum,Campylobacter and Salmonella in newborn dairy calves in the Manawatu region of New Zealand

AIM: To determine the occurrence of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, Campylobacter spp and Salmonella spp in faecal samples taken from newborn dairy calves on 24 dairy farms in the Manawatu region of New Zealand.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the 2002 calving season. Faecal samples were collected from 185 newborn calves from a convenience sample of 24 dairy farms. The samples were tested microscopically for the presence of C. parvum oocysts, and bacteriologically for the presence of Campylobacter spp and Salmonella spp.

RESULTS: Infections with C. parvum were identified in 33/156 (21.2%) calves from 10 farms. More than 10⁶ oocysts/g (OPG) faeces were detected in calves from four farms. Campylobacter spp were isolated from 58/161 (36%) calves from 18 farms; in particular, C. jejuni subsp jejuni was isolated from 11/161 (6.8%) calves from seven farms. Salmonellae were not detected.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the short and concentrated calving pattern and the long interval between calving seasons characterising most dairy farms in New Zealand, C. parvum is widespread among calves. Campylobacter spp, especially C. jejuni, rapidly colonise the intestinal tract of newborn calves.

RELEVANCE: This study provided an estimate of the ecological impact of newborn dairy calves with regard to the potentially zoonotic enteric pathogens most frequently isolated from human gastrointestinal infections in New Zealand.     

Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis typing of Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus isolated from sheep abortions in New Zealand

AIMS: To genotype Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus isolates cultured from sheep abortions submitted to diagnostic laboratories in New Zealand during the year 2000 breeding season. To compare the types found nationally with those found in the Hawke' Bay region in 1999, and strains held in the New Zealand Reference Culture Collection, Medical Section (NZRM) from a study published in 1987.

METHODS: Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus isolates cultured by veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the year 2000 breeding season, from sheep abortions from throughout New Zealand, were typed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). In addition, seven freeze-dried C. fetus subsp. fetus isolates (strain numbers 2939–2945) from the NZRM, representing restriction types a–g found amongst sheep abortion isolates in a study published in 1987, were typed using PFGE.

RESULTS: In total, 293 C. fetus subsp. fetus isolates from 200 farms were obtained from veterinary diagnostic laboratories. Twenty-two distinct PFGE profiles were identified amongst the isolates. PFGE type B1 was predominant in each region of New Zealand and was identified from 66% of farms overall. Of the C. fetus subsp. fetus restriction types a–g lodged with the NZRM, 3/7 had PFGE profiles indistinguishable from profiles found in the current study. The other four restriction types had PFGE profiles that were unique but similar to those found in the current study.

CONCLUSIONS: PFGE type B1 was predominant amongst the C. fetus subsp. fetus isolates cultured from sheep abortions in each region of New Zealand in the year 2000, as was found in Hawke' Bay in 1999. The similarity between PFGE profiles of C. fetus subsp. fetus sheep abortion isolates from 1987 and 2000, and the relative prevalence of the PFGE groups, suggests that there has been no major genotypic shift in the population of C. fetus subsp. fetus implicated in sheep abortion in New Zealand during this time.