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Veterinary Sciences Apr 2024Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) represents the most common conjunctival tumor in horses and frequently results in vision loss and surgical removal of the...
Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) represents the most common conjunctival tumor in horses and frequently results in vision loss and surgical removal of the affected globe. Multiple etiologic factors have been identified as contributing to OSSN progression, including solar radiation exposure, genetic mutations, and a lack of periocular pigmentation. Response to conventional treatments has been highly variable, though our recent work indicates that these tumors are highly responsive to local immunotherapy. In the present study, we extended our investigation of OSSN in horses to better understand how the ocular transcriptome responds to the presence of the tumor and how the ocular surface microbiome may also be altered by the presence of cancer. Therefore, we collected swabs from the ventral conjunctival fornix from 22 eyes in this study (11 with cytologically or histologically confirmed OSSN and 11 healthy eyes from the same horses) and performed RNA sequencing and 16S microbial sequencing using the same samples. Microbial 16s DNA sequencing and bulk RNA sequencing were both conducted using an Illumina-based platform. In eyes with OSSN, we observed significantly upregulated expression of genes and pathways associated with inflammation, particularly interferon. Microbial diversity was significantly reduced in conjunctival swabs from horses with OSSN. We also performed interactome analysis and found that three bacterial taxa (, and ) had significant correlations with more than 100 upregulated genes in samples from animals with OSSN. These findings highlight the inflammatory nature of OSSN in horses and provide important new insights into how the host ocular surface interacts with certain microbial populations. These findings suggest new strategies for the management of OSSN in horses, which may entail immunotherapy in combination with ocular surface probiotics or prebiotics to help normalize ocular cell and microbe interactions.
PubMed: 38668434
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11040167 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is a mixture of therapeutically active C, C, C and other minor components. Despite its decades-long use in pigs and other...
Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is a mixture of therapeutically active C, C, C and other minor components. Despite its decades-long use in pigs and other species, its intramuscular (IM) pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PKs/PDs) are unknown in piglets. Furthermore, the PKs of many drugs differ between healthy and sick animals. Therefore, we investigated the PKs of gentamicin after a single IM dose (10 mg/kg) in healthy piglets and piglets that were intranasally co-infected with and (PM). The plasma concentrations were measured using validated liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The gentamicin exposure was 36% lower based on the area under the plasma concentration-time curve and 16% lower based on the maximum plasma concentration (C) in the infected piglets compared to the healthy piglets, while it was eliminated faster (shorter half-life and larger clearance) in the infected piglets compared to the healthy piglets. The clearance and volume of distribution were the highest for the C component. C, C and C accounted for 22-25%, 33-37% and 40-42% of the total gentamicin exposure, respectively. The PK/PD target for the efficacy of aminoglycosides (C/minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) > 10) could be exceeded for PM, with a greater magnitude in the healthy piglets. We suggest integrating this PK information with antibiotic susceptibility data for other bacteria to make informed antibiotic and dosage regimen selections against piglet infections.
PubMed: 38667048
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13040372 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024This study aim to explore the application of microdialysis in pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) integration of cefquinome against in a porcine experimental...
This study aim to explore the application of microdialysis in pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) integration of cefquinome against in a porcine experimental lung infection model. The model was established via intratracheal inoculation where average bacterial counts (CFU) in the lungs of infected pigs reached 6.57 log CFU/g after 3 h. The PK profiles of unbound cefquinome in lung dialysates were determined following intramuscular injection of single doses of 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg. Lung dialysate samples were collected using microdialysis at a flow rate of 1.5 μL/min until 24 h. The PD studies were conducted over 24 h based on 10 intermittent dosing regimens and total daily doses ranged from 0.25 to 4 mg/kg and dosage intervals included 12 and 24 h. The lung tissue was collected after 24 h of treatment and homogenized for bacterial counts. The relationships between PK/PD parameters derived from lung dialysates and drug efficacy were analyzed using an inhibitory sigmoid E model. The percentage of time the free drug concentration exceeded the minimum inhibitory concentration (%T > MIC) was the PK/PD index best describing the antimicrobial activity ( = 0.96) in the porcine experimental infection model. The %T > MIC values required to achieve net bacterial stasis, 1, 2 and 3 log CFU/g reductions in the lung were 22.45, 28.86, 37.62, and 56.46%, respectively. Cefquinome exhibited time-dependent characteristics against . These results provide valuable insights into the application of microdialysis in PK/PD integration model studies and optima regimen of cefquinome for the treatment of porcine respiratory diseases caused by .
PubMed: 38596468
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1390336 -
Veterinary Research Apr 2024Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) is a bacterium frequently associated with porcine pleuropneumonia. The acute form of the disease is highly contagious and often...
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) is a bacterium frequently associated with porcine pleuropneumonia. The acute form of the disease is highly contagious and often fatal, resulting in significant economic losses for pig farmers. Serotype diversity and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of APP strains circulating in north Italian farms from 2015 to 2022 were evaluated retrospectively to investigate APP epidemiology in the area. A total of 572 strains isolated from outbreaks occurring in 337 different swine farms were analysed. The majority of isolates belonged to serotypes 9/11 (39.2%) and 2 (28.1%) and serotype diversity increased during the study period, up to nine different serotypes isolated in 2022. The most common resistances were against tetracycline (53% of isolates) and ampicillin (33%), followed by enrofloxacin, florfenicol and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (23% each). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was common, with a third of isolates showing resistance to more than three antimicrobial classes. Resistance to the different classes and MDR varied significantly depending on the serotype. In particular, the widespread serotype 9/11 was strongly associated with florfenicol and enrofloxacin resistance and showed the highest proportion of MDR isolates. Serotype 5, although less common, showed instead a concerning proportion of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole resistance. Our results highlight how the typing of circulating serotypes and the analysis of their antimicrobial susceptibility profile are crucial to effectively manage APP infection and improve antimicrobial stewardship.
Topics: Swine; Animals; Serogroup; Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Enrofloxacin; Farms; Retrospective Studies; Pleuropneumonia; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Sulfamethoxazole; Trimethoprim; Italy; Swine Diseases; Actinobacillus Infections; Serotyping; Thiamphenicol
PubMed: 38594744
DOI: 10.1186/s13567-024-01305-x -
Journal of Investigative Medicine High... 2024(formerly classified as ) is a gram-negative bacillus (GNB) that occurs as an opportunistic pathogen in neonates and immunocompromised patients. species have been...
(formerly classified as ) is a gram-negative bacillus (GNB) that occurs as an opportunistic pathogen in neonates and immunocompromised patients. species have been implicated in nosocomial settings leading to infections involving the urinary tract, respiratory tract, liver, biliary tract, meninges, and even in rarer conditions-blood stream infection and infective endocarditis (IE). Gram-negative bacilli are responsible for 3% to 4% of all IE cases and have been traditionally associated with intravenous drug users. Patients with non-HACEK (species other than species, species) GNB IE have poor clinical outcomes with higher rates of in-hospital mortality and complications. The American Heart Association (AHA) and Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) both recommend the use of combination antibiotic therapy with a beta-lactam (penicillins, cephalosporins, or carbapenems) and either an aminoglycoside or fluoroquinolones for 6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) to treat IE due to non-HACEK GNB. is becoming more recognized due to its inherent resistance to ampicillin and emerging drug resistance to beta lactams and aminoglycosides requiring carbapenem therapy. Our case is of a 75-year-old male with no previously reported history of primary or secondary immunodeficiency disorders who developed blood stream infection. His infectious work-up revealed mitral valve IE and septic cerebral emboli resulting in ischemic infarcts. This case illustrates the importance of recognizing GNB organisms as rising human pathogens in IE cases even without active injection drug use or nosocomial exposure.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Male; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Citrobacter koseri; Cross Infection; Endocarditis, Bacterial; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Heart Valve Diseases; United States; North American People; Georgia
PubMed: 38577758
DOI: 10.1177/23247096241239544 -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Apr 2024The production of succinic acid from corn stover is a promising and sustainable route; however, during the pretreatment stage, byproducts such as organic acids,...
The production of succinic acid from corn stover is a promising and sustainable route; however, during the pretreatment stage, byproducts such as organic acids, furan-based compounds, and phenolic compounds generated from corn stover inhibit the microbial fermentation process. Selecting strains that are resistant to stress and utilizing nondetoxified corn stover hydrolysate as a feedstock for succinic acid production could be effective. In this study, A. succinogenes CICC11014 was selected as the original strain, and the stress-resistant strain A. succinogenes M4 was obtained by atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) mutagenesis and further screening. Compared to the original strain, A. succinogenes M4 exhibited a twofold increase in stress resistance and a 113% increase in succinic acid production when hydrolysate was used as the substrate. By conducting whole-genome resequencing of A. succinogenes M4 and comparing it with the original strain, four nonsynonymous gene mutations and two upstream regions with base losses were identified. KEY POINTS: • A high-stress-resistant strain A. succinogenes M4 was obtained by ARTP mutation • The production of succinic acid increased by 113% • The mutated genes of A. succinogenes M4 were detected and analyzed.
Topics: Zea mays; Succinic Acid; Actinobacillus; Plant Breeding; Fermentation; Mutation
PubMed: 38558151
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13112-7 -
BMC Veterinary Research Mar 2024The objective of this study was to examine the inter-relationships between pig farm management and facilities (as assessed by questionnaire) and post-mortem lung lesion...
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to examine the inter-relationships between pig farm management and facilities (as assessed by questionnaire) and post-mortem lung lesion (lung score assesment), which are the result of respiratory infections. The relationships between carcass characteristics and post-mortem lung lesion scores were also investigated.
RESULTS
Questionnaire responses were collected from 22 self-selecting pig farmers about their farm facilities/management and health condition of the respiratory system of pigs, including the occurrence of clinical respiratory signs, results of laboratory testing for respiratory pathogens, and the use of respiratory vaccines. When fatteners were sent to the abattoir, their carcasses (n = 1,976) were examined for evidence of respiratory disease by lung lesion (pleuritis pneumonia-like (PP-like) and enzootic pneumonia-like (EP-like) lesions) scoring and the Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Index (APPI) was calculated. Carcass characteristics were recorded and, retrospectively, the prevalence of cachectic pigs was calculated. Using these variables, the relationships between farm facilities/management and lung lesions scores and the relationships between the latter and carcass characteristics and cachexia were explored. The key findings relating farm facilities and management to lung lesions were: slatted floors were associated with significantly higher EP-like lesions scores than litter bedding in weaners, single-stage fattening in the same building was associated with significantly higher EP-like lesions scores than two-stage fattening, but herd size, stocking density, use of all-in/all-out (AIAO) rule, technological break duration and variation in daily temperature did not affect lung lesions scores. The key findings relating lung lesion scores to carcass characteristics were: a significant, negative correlation between EP-like scores and carcass weight but not with other carcass characteristics, a significant positive correlation between PP-like scores and carcass meat content and prevalence of cachectic carcasses and a significant positive correlation between lung APPI and prevalence of cachectic carcasses.
CONCLUSIONS
It can be concluded that both farm facilities and management affect lung lesions scores and that the latter affect carcass characteristics. Lung lesion scoring is an inexpensive technique suitable for rapid monitoring of large numbers of carcasses that can be performed after animal slaughter. It provides useful information to inform producers about possible deficits in farm facilities or management and is a predictor of economic loss due to poorer quality carcasses.
Topics: Swine; Animals; Farms; Retrospective Studies; Lung; Swine Diseases; Pneumonia
PubMed: 38539145
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03968-2 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Influenza A viruses (IAVs) infect the respiratory tract of mainly humans, poultry, and pigs. Co-infections with pathogenic lung bacteria are a common event and...
INTRODUCTION
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) infect the respiratory tract of mainly humans, poultry, and pigs. Co-infections with pathogenic lung bacteria are a common event and contribute to the severity of disease progression. Neutrophils are a major cell type of the innate immune system and are rapidly recruited to the site of infection. They have several effector functions to fight invading pathogens such as the secretion of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs are known to promote the growth of bacteria, especially if degraded by nucleases.
METHODS
In this study, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from 45 field-infected pigs was analyzed for 1) NET markers, 2) influence on growth of lung bacteria, and 3) impact on neutrophil functions. BALF samples from 21 IAV-positive pigs and 24 lung diseased but IAV-negative pigs were compared.
RESULTS
Here, we show that neutrophils in the lungs of IAV-positive pigs release vesicular NETs. Several NET markers were increased in the BALF of IAV-positive pigs compared with the BALF from IAV-negative pigs. The amount of NET markers positively correlated with the viral load of the IAV infection. Interestingly, the BALF of IAV-positive pigs enhanced the growth of bacteria belonging to the family of Pasteurellaceae as potential coinfecting bacteria. These effects were weaker with the BALF derived from IAV-negative pigs with other lung infections. The intensity of oxidative burst in neutrophils was significantly decreased by BALF from IAVpositive pigs, indicating impaired antimicrobial activity of neutrophils. Finally, the lung milieu reflected by IAV-positive BALF does not enable neutrophils to kill but rather enhances its growth.
DISCUSSION
In summary, our data show that an IAV infection is affecting neutrophil functions, in particular the release of NETs and ROS. Furthermore, IAV infection seems to provide growth-enhancing factors for especially coinfecting Pasteurellaceae and reduces the killing efficiency of neutrophils.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Swine; Neutrophils; Reactive Oxygen Species; Bronchoalveolar Lavage; Bacteria; Dimercaprol; Influenza A virus
PubMed: 38449874
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1325269 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Numerous factors are known to influence reproductive efficiency in ewes, but few studies have investigated the potential role of vaginal microbiota in sheep reproductive...
INTRODUCTION
Numerous factors are known to influence reproductive efficiency in ewes, but few studies have investigated the potential role of vaginal microbiota in sheep reproductive success. The objective of this study was to thoroughly characterize the ewe vaginal microbiota throughout the course of pregnancy.
METHODS
Vaginal samples were collected from 31 pregnant Hampshire and Hampshire X Suffolk crossbred ewes on a weekly basis from pre-breeding to pregnancy testing and then biweekly until just after lambing. To characterize the vaginal microbial communities, DNA was extracted and 16S rRNA gene Illumina MiSeq amplicon sequencing was performed.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Alpha diversity metrics indicated an increase in species richness, evenness, and overall diversity throughout gestation. Distinct shifts in the bacterial communities were observed during gestation and were segregated into three periods: early gestation, a transitional period and mid/late gestation. During early gestation, , and unclassified were found in greater relative abundance. During the transitional period, a population shift occurred characterized by increasing relative abundance of and . During mid/late gestation, , and had the greatest relative abundance. These shifts in the microbial population throughout the ewe's gestation are likely related to hormonal changes triggered by the growing conceptus, specifically increasing blood concentration of progesterone. The transitional period shift in vaginal microbial communities potentially aligns with the placental take-over of progesterone production from the corpus luteum at approximately day 50 after conception (gestational week 7). Understanding the observed variability of the vaginal microbiota throughout pregnancy will allow for future comparison of ewes that did not become pregnant or had abnormal pregnancies, which could lead to the discovery of potential bacterial biomarkers for pregnancy outcome; this understanding could also lead to development of probiotics to improve sheep reproductive success.
PubMed: 38426061
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1359678 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.742877.].
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.742877.].
PubMed: 38414652
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1350387