Search Results (107)

Zoonotic Campylobacter species (ZCS), particularly C. jejuni and C. coli, cause major foodborne gastroenteritis and poultry is the principal reservoirs. However, there is limited data on Campylobacter transmission risk practices and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Nigeria. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence, AMR, and risk practices aiding Campylobacter transmission in two major slaughterhouses processing poultry carcasses in Enugu State, Nigeria. Four hundred poultry faecal samples were analysed for zoonotic Campylobacter organisms using standard protocols. Antimicrobial resistance was profiled via Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion technique, against eight antimicrobial agents. Risk practices were assessed through slaughterhouse observations and interviews with 56 workers. The overall prevalence of Campylobacter infections was 14.5% (58/400), while the species-specific prevalence were 13% (52/400) and 1.5% (6/400) for C. coli and C. jejuni, respectively. Campylobacter colonisation was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in broilers, and during the wet season. The AMR profile of the isolates against the eight antibiotics tested was: Amoxicillin/clauvlanic acid (100%), vancomycin (100%), tetracycline (96.6%), ciprofloxacin (55.2%), chloramphenicol (44.8%), ceftazidime (10.3%), azithromycin (3.4%) and streptomycin (3.4%). All the 58 Campylobacter isolates were multidrug-resistant. The multiple antibiotic resistance indices ranged from 0.4 to 0.9, with a mean of 0.7. Major risk practice associated with ZCS transmission include non-use of personal protective equipment (100%), slaughtering on unsanitary surfaces (100%), using visibly unclean water for meat processing (100%), improper manual evisceration (75%), eating or drinking during processing (64.4%), slaughtering sick animals (37.5%), inadequate cleaning of surfaces and equipment after use (21.4%) and consuming raw meat during carcass processing (19.6%). The findings reflect critical gaps in food safety, occupational health, prudent antimicrobial use in poultry farming and zoonotic disease control, emphasizing the need for antibiotic regulation, training on hygienic meat processing, public education, infrastructural development of slaughterhouse facilities, and inter-sectorial collaboration to curb Campylobacter contamination and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Full article

This study aimed to identify bacterial isolates associated with mortality events in Salmo trutta rearing farms in Spain and to assess their antibiotic resistance profiles. The analysis covered five fish farms: two with a recent history of antibiotic use and three without any antibiotic application in the six months prior to sampling. Tissue samples were collected from moribund fish displaying clinical signs such as erratic swimming, ocular hemorrhages, fin hemorrhages, and skin lesions during disease outbreaks in 2022 and 2023. The samples were analyzed using real-time PCR, amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and the ITS-1 intergenic spacer, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. A total of 19 bacterial isolates were identified, with Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Aeromonas spp., being the most prevalent. Other identified taxa included Plesiomonas sp., Hafnia alvei, Pseudomonas fulva, and Kluyvera intermedia, as well as Gram-positive species such as Carnobacterium maltaromaticum, Lactococcus sp., and Enterococcus faecium. Notably, resistant strains were found in four of the five farms, even in those that had not administered antibiotics, suggesting that environmental contamination and anthropogenic factors may significantly contribute to the spread of resistance. Environmental stressors—such as sudden increases in water temperature and high turbidity caused by suspended organic matter—appeared to precede mortality peaks. The findings highlight the role of Aeromonas spp. as a key bacteria associated with mortality events in S. trutta and underscore the multifactorial nature of antibiotic resistance in aquaculture. No florfenicol-resistant isolates were detected in the farms where it is routinely used, indicating that florfenicol remains an effective antibiotic in aquaculture. However, the continuous and systematic monitoring of its use remains essential. The detection of bacteria not traditionally associated with fish pathology in samples from diseased animals suggests the need for further studies into their pathogenic potential. Overall, this descriptive study emphasizes the importance of preventive health strategies, prudent antibiotic use, and environmental monitoring to mitigate bacterial diseases and limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance in brown trout farming. These findings align with a One Health perspective, linking aquaculture practices, ecosystem integrity, and public health. Full article

The growth of aquaculture production in recent years has revealed multiple challenges, including the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in aquatic animal production, which is currently attracting significant attention from multiple one-health stakeholders. While antibiotics have played a major role in the treatment of bacterial infections for almost a century, a major consequence of their use is the increase in AMR, including the emergence of AMR in aquaculture. The AMR phenomenon creates a situation where antibiotic use in one system (e.g., aquaculture) may impact another system (e.g., terrestrial–human). Non-prudent use of antibiotics in aquaculture and animal farming increases the risk of AMR emergence, since bacteria harboring antibiotic resistance genes can cross between compartments such as wastewater or other effluents to aquatic environments, including intensive aquaculture. Transferable antimicrobial resistance gene (AMG) elements (plasmids, transposons, integrons, etc.) have already been detected in varying degrees from pathogenic bacteria that are often causing infections in farmed fish (Aeromonas, Vibrio, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, Edwardsiella, etc.). This review of current veterinary approaches for the prevention and control of AMR emergence in aquaculture focuses on the feasibility of alternatives to antimicrobials and supplemental treatment applications during on-farm bacterial disease control and prevention. The use of vaccines, bacteriophages, biosurfactants, probiotics, bacteriocins, and antimicrobial peptides is discussed. Full article

Background: Canine pyoderma and otitis externa are prevalent bacterial skin infections in veterinary practice, frequently complicated by the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Objectives: To investigate the frequency, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles, and frequency of MDR bacterial isolates from dogs with pyoderma or otitis externa in Hong Kong. Methods: A retrospective study of bacterial isolates from 215 clinical samples collected from dogs presenting with pyoderma (n = 63) or otitis externa (n = 152) at veterinary clinics across Hong Kong between 2018 and 2022. Bacterial isolates were identified and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 13 antimicrobial classes. Results: Staphylococcus spp., particularly S. pseudintermedius, were the most commonly isolated species, followed by Pseudomonas spp. and Proteus spp. High resistance rates were observed for orbifloxacin (61.3% in pyoderma; 76.7% in otitis externa), doxycycline (59.3%; 69.2%), clindamycin (62%; 68.9%), and enrofloxacin (50%; 55.5%). Most isolates were sensitive to ofloxacin, ticarcillin–clavulanate, tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, cefpodoxime, cefuroxime, and cefixime. MDR was detected in 67.5% of pyoderma and 66.8% of otitis externa isolates. Gram-negative bacteria exhibited significantly higher MDR rates than Gram-positive isolates. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index averaged 0.41 for pyoderma and 0.52 for otitis externa isolates. We found no significant associations between MDR and non-modifiable risk factors (i.e., age, sex, breed, and reproductive status). Conclusions: These findings highlight the critical need for prudent antimicrobial use and continuous surveillance of AMR trends in companion animals. A higher focus should be placed on topical antiseptic therapy, with oral antibiotics used only in exceptional cases and after susceptibility testing. From a One Health perspective, the potential transmission of MDR bacteria between companion animals and humans underscores the importance of a coordinated approach to antimicrobial stewardship across both veterinary and human medicine. Full article

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to tuberculosis (TB) is rare and associated with high mortality. Management is further complicated by comorbidities and ICU-related complications. Methods: We report a 43-year-old woman with post-polio sequelae and uncontrolled diabetes who developed ARDS due to pulmonary TB, complicated by recurrent nosocomial infections and gastrointestinal bleeding. Early bronchoscopy and GeneXpert MTB/RIF PCR were performed on ICU Day 2, enabling anti-TB therapy initiation by ICU Day 3. The patient received lung-protective ventilation, prone positioning, tailored antibiotics, and multidisciplinary care. Results: The patient’s clinical course was complicated by two episodes of ventilator-associated pneumonia and gastrointestinal bleeding, but with individualized management, she achieved ventilator weaning and functional recovery. Conclusions: Early TB recognition in ARDS is crucial. Multidisciplinary ICU management, including prudent steroid use, improves outcomes. Full article

Background and Objectives: The transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy-vestibular approach (TOETVA) and parathyroidectomy-vestibular approach (TOEPVA) are scar-free alternatives to conventional surgery but are classified as clean-contaminated due to the oral incision, raising concerns about surgical site infections (SSIs). This study evaluates whether perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (pABX) alone is sufficient compared to extended antibiotic prophylaxis (eABX) in preventing SSIs in TOET/PVA, particularly considering the surgical learning curve. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study analyzed 162 patients undergoing TOET/PVA at a single center from January 2018 to June 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: 82 received eABX (intravenous cefazolin preoperatively plus 7 days of oral amoxicillin/clavulanate), and 80 received pABX alone (intravenous cefazolin). The inclusion criteria included complete postoperative hemogram and C-reactive protein (CRP) records; exclusions comprised other surgical approaches or missing data. Outcomes included postoperative white blood cell (WBC) count, CRP levels, and complications (seroma, cellulitis, and flap perforation), defined using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. The statistical analysis comprised t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression, adjusting for confounders like age and sex. Results: The postoperative WBC and CRP levels were significantly higher in the pABX group (p = 0.001), but all values remained within the laboratory normal limits. Complications were observed in 14 patients: seroma in 11, cellulitis in 2, and flap perforation in 1. Complications occurred more frequently in the eABX group but without statistical significance (p = 0.103). The duration of surgery was longer in the eABX group (117.93 ± 52.35 vs. 72.44 ± 22.54 min, p = 0.001) and was an independent predictor of complications (OR = 1.018, 95% CI: 1.006–1.031, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis alone does not increase the risk of SSIs compared to extended prophylaxis in TOETVA. However, eABX may be prudent during the learning curve due to longer operative times and higher complication risks. Future prospective, randomized trials are needed to standardize prophylaxis regimens. Full article

Monitoring Campylobacter and antimicrobial resistance is critical, as its presence in the food chain, particularly in poultry, represents a serious threat to public health. However, despite its significant impact, this bacterium remains largely underestimated and under-surveilled in many countries, including Morocco. The current study aims to understand the occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in different poultry production systems, highlighting the importance of continuously monitoring antimicrobial susceptibility in these bacteria. For this purpose, 300 poultry samples were collected from a slaughterhouse and 254 from traditional markets in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region. The research on Campylobacter was performed according to the standard ISO10272-1(2017), and the confirmation of Campylobacter species was carried out using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Additionally, the disk diffusion method was employed to assess antimicrobial susceptibility, and conventional PCR was utilized to detect the presence of the tet(O) gene in tetracycline-resistant strains. Out of 554 samples collected, 159 (28.7%) tested positive for Campylobacter, of which 84% were identified as Campylobacter coli and 16% as Campylobacter jejuni. Moreover, the results revealed a notably higher detection of Campylobacter in traditional markets (41.33%) than in slaughterhouses (19.85%). Additionally, it was more prevalent in chicken samples (35.37%) than in turkey samples (22.02%). Campylobacter resistance to antimicrobials revealed a resistance rate of 99% to ciprofloxacin, 73% to ampicillin, 82% to tetracycline, 29% to erythromycin, and 0% to gentamicin, as well as to the association of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Among the strains with a phenotypic resistance profile to tetracycline, 80% carried the tet(O) gene. The results provide an overview of the current state of antibiotic resistance in Campylobacter in Morocco. They underline the urgent need for the prudent use of antimicrobials and may encourage further research into the development of new antimicrobial agents. They also highlight the importance of raising awareness of the risk of carcass contamination Full article

The vaginal microbiota plays a crucial role in bovine reproductive health in the periparturient period. This study aimed to characterize the naturally occurring bacterial species in the vaginal microbiome of healthy Holstein Frisian cows and evaluate their antibiotic sensitivity. Vaginal samples were collected from 44 healthy cows on three dairy farms. A total of 54 bacterial species were detected, with Gram-positive bacteria comprising 87% of the isolates. The most prevalent genera were Bacillus, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus. Antibiotic susceptibility tests indicated that some isolates carried resistance genes, but most remained sensitive to commonly used antibiotics. The average vaginal mucosa pH was 7.2. These findings provide valuable insights into the diversity of vaginal microbiota of healthy dairy cows. Understanding the bacterial composition and antibiotic susceptibility can support reproductive health management and prudent use of antibiotics in dairy herds. Full article

Bacteriological examination of uterine secretions provides essential information for the prevalence of bovine uterine pathogens and their influence on fertility. The objective of the present study was to determine the uterine pathogens in cases of clinical endometritis in two Holstein-Friesian dairy farms between 21 and 27 days after calving and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 14 antimicrobials for Trueperella pyogenes (T. pyogenes). Overall, the prevalence of T. pyogenes (Farms A and B) was 46.3% and 22% (p < 0.01), respectively. In contrast, Farm B had significantly more cases (p < 0.001) of Escherichia coli, but the distribution of uterine pathogens was similar. Regarding the prevalence of any bacteria, Farm B also had significantly more bacteria (p < 0.001) than Farm A. T. pyogenes isolates were highly susceptible to amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, tylosin, and cephalosporins, such as ceftiofur, cefquinome, and cephalexin with MIC₉₀ of ≤2 μg/mL. At the same time, MIC₉₀ of tulathromycin, lincomycin, and florfenicol were between 4 and 8 μg/mL and of doxycycline, enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline, and gentamicin, were between 16 and 32 μg/mL, respectively. Meanwhile, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim showed the highest MIC₉₀ (>32 μg/mL). In summary, T. pyogenes with high MIC₉₀ against oxytetracycline, gentamicin, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim were found, which calls attention to the prudent use of antibiotics. Full article

Background/Objectives: Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial use (AMU) is needed to understand risks and implement policies. Collecting AMU data in the context of disease prevalence and therapeutic outcomes has been suggested for improving AMU. We describe the process of developing an information and communication technology (ICT) system to monitor AMU, diseases and treatment outcomes in poultry in East Africa. Methods: A prototype system to register drug sales in veterinary pharmacies, a mobile application for farmers to report their AMU, and a database for monitoring was developed. Contact information for participating veterinarians was included as well as information about poultry diseases, husbandry, AMR and prudent use of antibiotics. The system was pilot-tested for a 6-month period in Kenya. Results: A total of 15,725 records were submitted by the 14 participating pharmacies and 91 records were entered by the 15 participating farmers. Overall, the participants were positive about the system and were able to use it. The information available was appreciated by the farmers. The pharmacy representatives appreciated getting an overview of their sales and stated that it had given them new insights. Conclusions: Despite some challenges, the concept of the developed ICT system could be useful for future monitoring of animal health and the use of pharmaceuticals in animals, and connecting farmers with veterinarians to improve animal health management. Our results underline the importance of close collaboration with stakeholders so that developed tools can be transferred to national ownership after the finalization of externally funded projects. Full article

Background/Objectives: The growing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics is a serious problem in health care. The present study aims to assess the drug resistance of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from infections in a multispecialty hospital over a 6-year period. Methods: Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed using the VITEK^®2 automated system (Biomerieux). Results and Conclusions: Based on data from the analyzed hospital, MRSA strains were the etiological factor of 18–28% of S. aureus infections. In each year from 2017 to 2022, the percentage of MSSA strains steadily exceeded the number of MRSA strains. The MRSA strains isolated show significant sensitivity to antibiotic groups other than β-lactams, such as aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, cotrimoxazole, linezolid and vancomycin. Ciprofloxacin is the antibiotic to which S. aureus displays the second-highest resistance, after methicillin. In the case of MRSA strains, almost 100% lack of sensitivity to quinolines was found. An increase in the number of infections caused by strains of the Enterococcus genus was observed. For E. faecium strains, the percentage of vancomycin-resistant strains reached as much as 41% in 2018. Among the resistant strains in E. faecalis, VREs (Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci) slightly predominate, while GREs (Glycopeptide-Resistant Enterococci) are much more prevalent in E. faecium. The data show that the percentage of S. pneumoniae strains insensitive to ampicillin ranged from 6% to 17%. In 2017, the percentage of strains resistant to this antibiotic reached 17%, while in 2022, their share decreased to 9%. In 2021–2022, the percentage of strains resistant to erythromycin was as high as 33%. This resistance is related to the MLS (macrolides, lincosamides, streptogramines B) mechanism. An increase in S. pneumoniae resistance to 100% was observed in 2017 and 2019. In the analyzed six-year period, from 2020 (beginning of the pandemic), in some groups of antibiotics, a significant increase in consumption in DDD/100 person-days was recorded. This is most visible in the case of fluoroquinolones. The analysis carried out will increase the effectiveness of empirical therapy in the hospital and the prudent use of antibiotics to limit the selection of multidrug-resistant strains. Full article

To safeguard against microbial diseases and maintain optimal silk yields, the sericulture industry relies on antibiotics to promote the health, well-being, and vitality of silkworms (Bombyx mori). Antibiotics are commonly incorporated into synthetic diets for rearing silkworms or included as key components in bed disinfectant formulations. The silkworm-rearing industry’s reliance on antibiotics has led to concerns about the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Previous research has uncovered a dual role for antibiotics: not only do they prevent disease, but they also promote silkworm growth by reshaping the gut microbiome and enhancing nutrient absorption, highlighting the need for judicious use. Therefore, there is a critical need for prudent management and further exploration of alternative growth-promoting strategies to minimize resistance risks. This study investigates the relationship between antibiotic administration and silkworm growth, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying antibiotic-induced effects and assessing the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) emergence and dissemination. Full article

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria from companion animals poses significant public health risks. Prudent antibiotic use, particularly through pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics modeling, is crucial for minimizing resistance. We investigated the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of amoxicillin (AMX) against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. A pharmacokinetic study was conducted on healthy dogs subcutaneously injected with a dose of 15 mg/kg AMX. The antibacterial efficacy of AMX was evaluated against a standard strain from animals (KCTC 3344) and clinical isolates from dogs (B-2, B-7, and B-8), with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.25, 0.5, 64, and 16 μg/mL, respectively. The half-life of AMX was 7 h, allowing for extended drug efficacy. The time above MIC (%T $>$ MIC) values indicated that the AMX concentrations were maintained above MICs of the two susceptible strains (KCTC 3344 and B-2) for more than 80% of the time when dosed at a one-day interval, suggesting an effective treatment. The area under the curve over 24 h/MIC ratios confirmed the bacteriostatic, bactericidal, and bacterial eradication effects of AMX against S. pseudintermedius strains, except for B-7 (the most resistant strain). These results support improved clinical dosing strategies for AMX against S. pseudintermedius infections in dogs. Full article

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has surfaced as a critical challenge to public health on a global scale. The precise and swift identification of resistance to antimicrobial agents, along with timely and suitable antimicrobial therapy paired with effective stewardship practices, is crucial for managing the rise and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. The objective of our investigation was to outline the antimicrobial resistance profile of Staphylococcus spp., a significant contributor to canine otitis, a prevalent condition in dogs, isolated in Western Romania. Methods and Materials: All data were collected from clinical cases of canine otitis externa which presented at the University Clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Timișoara/Romania. A clinical evaluation was conducted, from which era swabs are usually collected and sent for analysis at the laboratory. Laboratory analysis included the microbiological examination for identifying Staphylococcus spp. and determining antibiotic susceptibility phenotypes. Statistical analysis was implemented on all data that were collected. The ear swabs were processed with standard procedures for cultivating and identifying bacteria. The resulting subcultures were processed to determine the staphylococcal species on the GP ID Cards of the Vitek^® 2 automatic system. The antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were detected by the Vitek^® 2 system using an AST-GP80 card. These isolated Staphylococcus spp. strains were further processed by real-time PCR and PCR-RFLP. Results: Of all the auricular exudate samples analyzed, 76 were positive for Staphylococcus spp. (59.38%). Within these, in 82% of auricular samples, six distinct Staphylococcus spp. were identified (Staphylococcus (S.) pseudintermedius, S. intermedius, S. hyicus, S. delphiny, S. shleiferi, and S. aureus). Our data indicate that the PCR-RFLP assay is a practical approach to S. pseudintermedius identification, allowing for discrimination from the other Staphylococcus Intermedius Group (SIG) species and important staphylococcal pathogens of dogs. The highest frequency of resistant S. pseudintermedius isolates was detected against tetracycline (21/34; 61.76%; p-value 0.003), gentamicin (20/34; 58.82%), and kanamycin (20/34; 58.82%). Conclusions: These results are essential to guide the prudent use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine. They will also help design efficient control strategies and measure their effectiveness. Full article

Antibiotic resistance poses a serious threat to the current healthcare system, negatively impacting the effectiveness of many antimicrobial treatments. The situation is exacerbated by the widespread overuse and abuse of available antibiotics, accelerating the evolution of resistance. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel approaches to therapy to overcome established resistance mechanisms. Plants produce molecules capable of inhibiting bacterial growth in various ways, offering promising paths for the development of alternative antibiotic medicine. This review emphasizes the necessity of research efforts on plant-derived chemicals in the hopes of finding and creating novel drugs that can successfully target resistant bacterial populations. Investigating these natural chemicals allows us to improve our knowledge of novel antimicrobial pathways and also expands our antibacterial repertoire with novel molecules. Simultaneously, it is still necessary to utilize present antibiotics sparingly; prudent prescribing practices must be encouraged to extend the effectiveness of current medications. The combination of innovative drug research and responsible drug usage offers an integrated strategy for managing the antibiotic resistance challenge. Full article