Veterinaria Italiana (Journal)
Not a member yet
578 research outputs found
Sort by
Virulence gene profiles, antimicrobial resistance and phylogenetic groups of fecal Escherichia coli strains isolated from broiler chickens in Algeria
Full text linkThe objective of the study was to determine the virulence and antimicrobial resistance traits of 100 fecal E. coli strains isolated from clinically healthy chickens in Algeria. Most of isolates belonged to phylogroups A (45%) and B1 (37%) and showed a great diversity in DNA profiles. The genes fimH, tsh, entB, iutA, irp2, fyuA, iroN, sitA, etsA, etsB, eitA, iss, traT, ompT, hlyF, vat, ibeA, cvaA, cvaB5, cvaB3, cvaC, cma and cbi were detected. Combinations of virulence genes defined 67 virulence profiles. High resistance rates (62-97%) were noted for amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefazolin, fluoroquinolones, tetracycline, trimethoprim, sulfonamides and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and 93% of strains were multidrug-resistant. Combinations of resistance phenotypes defined 59 resistance patterns. The genes blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M-1, tetA, tetB, qnrB, qnrS1, sul1, sul2, sul3, dfrA1, dfrA7, dfrA12 and dfrA14 were identified and class 1 integrons were detected in 49% of isolates. A rate of 37% of strains was resistant to mercury, with the presence of merA gene. The study reports the presence in the avian strains isolated from fecal swabs of virulence genes of plasmid origin characteristic of ExPEC strains associated with high resistance to first-line antibiotics and class 1 integrons, this augurs a risk for human and animal health
The reliability and forensic soundness of the equine shin circumference measurement in living animals versus post‑mortem examination
Full text linkCatastrophic injuries in racehorses mostly involve the metacarpal region. Although many studies describe fractures of equine limbs, few examine the relationship between bone morphometrics and musculoskeletal problems in racing horses. And yet, according to the regulation of some Italian traditional races, the shin circumference represents a qualifying prerequisite for horses to be admitted to races. This study aims to evaluate the conformity of the shin circumference measurement in living animals and in post‑mortem examinations, in order to evaluate the forensic reliability of these measurements. The right and left distal forelimbs from 11 horses of 5 different breeds were examined. The shin circumference was measured at 3 time points: in the living animal before slaughter/euthanasia, 5 hours post‑mortem, and after 14‑days of cold storage. The isolated limbs were also weighed in both of the post‑mortem examinations. In the examined sample, the mean shin circumference was 24.0 ± 2.4 cm in living animals, 22.9 ± 2.5 cm 5 hours post‑mortem, and 22.4 ± 2.3 cm after 14‑days of cold storage, with a highly significant difference between these measurements (P < 0.001). There was also a significant decrease in the limbs’ weight between the 2 post‑mortem examinations (P < 0.001). According to our findings, the post‑mortem measurement significantly underestimates the in vivo dimensions of the shin circumference, even when performed a few hours after death; the forensic soundness of this parameter is therefore limited
Virulence gene profiles of rabbit enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated in Northern Italy
Full text linkThe virulence gene profile of 26 rabbit enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strains, isolated from 17 colibacillosis outbreaks located in two regions of Northern Italy, was determined using an Echerichia coli virulence DNA microarray. All strains were classified according to their determined biotype, sero- and phylo-group. The distribution of virulence genes encoding for the Locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE), LEE type III secretion system (T3SS), non-LEE T3SS translocated proteins and adherence factors was also determined. All strains but one belonged to phylogroups A and B1. A prevalent association between the O103 serogroup with the rhamnose-negative phenotype (biotype 12 or 14) was found. The most prevalent LEE profile found in tested strains was ler/cesT/espA-1/espB-3/tir-1/eae(beta)/espD-2/escN/eprJ. All strains possessed either the adhesive factor rabbit-2 (afr/2) or the plasmid Rabbit adherence locus (ral) gene and 24 of them an additional individual or combined set of colonization factors efa1/lifA, lpfA and paa genes. Finally, the combined or single presence of a set of LEE and/or non-LEE effector proteins encoding genes, namely espG, cif, map and nle family genes, attested to the genetic potential of investigated strains to induce pathologic lesions to the host. The application of microarray-based technologies in assessing the genetic profile of rabbit E. coli is a reliable, cost-effective candidate for large scale investigations in monitoring programs aimed to survey the circulation of pathogenic strains within rabbit production units, their zoonotic genetic potential and to select E. coli strains eligible for vaccinal prophylaxis in fattening rabbit production
Comparison between endometrial protein profile in Holstein-Friesian heifers and female prepubertal calves
Full text linkThe protein profile of each tissue depends on the expression of genes that are regulated, among others, by sex steroids. Comparing the profiles of sexually immature and mature females should therefore define markers of age-related changes. The aim of this study is to compare the pattern of proteins in the endometrium of heifers and pre-pubertal female calves by using difference in gel electrophoresis (DIGE), and to identify the presence and amount of similar or significantly different proteins. Endometrial samples were collected in slaughterhouse from heifers aged between 14-27 months (n = 6; sexually mature) and calves between 0.5-2 months (n = 6; sexually immature). All animals were healthy, Holstein-Friesian bred animals. Samples were subjected to fluorescent staining and 2D electrophoresis. Out of more than 900 spots detected in the endometrium of heifers, 73% were similar to calves. Selected spots were identified. Angiopoietin-2 and dynamin-like protein were detected only in heifers. These proteins are involved in angiogenesis and cell membrane remodelling, respectively. Aldose reductase, and phospholipase, which are important for prostaglandin metabolism, were present in different amounts in both sources. These results help to further understand the mechanism of steroid hormone action and look for markers of bovine endometrium status. Moreover, fluorescent staining appeared to be an useful tool when comparing 2 samples from different sources
Evaluating African horse sickness virus in horses and field-caught Culicoides biting midges on the East Rand, Gauteng Province, South Africa
Full text linkA prospective study was undertaken during 2013 and 2014, to determine the prevalence of African horse sickness virus (AHSV) in Culicoides midges and the incidence of infection caused by the virus in 28 resident horses on two equine establishments on the East Rand, Gauteng Province, South Africa. Field caught Culicoides midges together with whole blood samples from participating horses were collected every two weeks at each establishment. Culicoides midges and blood samples were tested for the presence of AHSV RNA by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Nine immunised horses became infected with AHSV during the study period, although infections were subclinical. African horse sickness virus was also identified from a field-collected midge pool. The observations recapitulate previously published data in another setting, where further investigation is warranted to determine what role subclinical infection plays in the diseases epidemiology
Pharmaco-epidemiological evaluation of veterinary antimicrobial prescriptions for cattle, swine, small ruminants, poultry, rainbow trout, and food-producing horses in Umbria in 2014
Full text linkVeterinary antimicrobial use could lead to problems such as the spread of antimicrobial resistance or the presence of residues in animal-derived products for human consumption. Related to this, data on drug consumption is in strong demand. The aims of this study are therefore to evaluate a regional Defined Daily Dose (DDDvet_Umbria) for all of the antimicrobials prescribed in Umbria during 2014 and to analyse prescriptions for cattle, swine, small ruminants, poultry, rainbow trout, and food-producing horses. Consumption, prevalence, and intensity of use indicators are calculated. Swine, poultry, and fish were the most treated species during 2014. Beta-lactams were the most frequently consumed antimicrobials for these species. Critically important antimicrobials were mostly prescribed for swine, poultry, and cattle. Colistin was the most frequently used critically important antimicrobial to treat swine and poultry. This study helps to better understand antimicrobial consumption in food-producing animals by overcoming the limitations of other proposed approaches. Our data are useful for quantifying antimicrobial consumption, identifying problematic farms, and supports a comparison among different animal species. Results highlight that the critical sectors in drug consumption – where the highest use of antibiotics were found – are swine, poultry, and trout farms
Monitoring honey bee healthin five natural protected areas in Italy
Full text linkThe health status of the honey bee populations has attracted a great amount of interest in recent years. We investigated honey bee health in five natural protected areas in Italy from October 2009 to December 2010. Areas were selected to represent a wide range of bio‑geographical zones including alpine, continental, and Mediterranean. Within each of these natural protected areas, one apiary of 20 colonies near potential pollution sources (e.g., agricultural areas, industrial areas, or urban settlements) and another apiary of 20 colonies far from possible sources of pollutants have been placed. To monitor honey bee health, colony mortality was related to: honey bee pathologies, environment (Naturality Index, plant protection products and heavy metal exposure), and apiary management. Anthropogenic pollutants and pathogens did not have significant effects on colony mortality while environment and the poor colony management skills of the beekeepers did
Animal assisted interventions in practice: mapping Italian providers
Full text linkAnimal assisted interventions (AAI) have become increasingly popular in Western countries during the last fifty years, attracting a lot of attention both from the general public and the scientific community. In Italy, similarly to other countries, this evolution has been accompanied by the diffusion of associations delivering AAI. What is the current state of AAI in Italy? How many realities are dealing with AAI? What professionals and animals are involved? The results of the questionnaire here reported have the objective to answer these questions, outlining a snapshot of the distribution and the main features of AAI within Italian territory. According to the 208 respondents, the sector has seen a remarkable expansion over the last twenty years. AAI providers are located mainly in the North and Centre of the country, the majority of them are arranged in associations or AAI specialized centers and work mainly with dogs and equids in animal assisted activity (AAA) programs addressed to disabled people and children. The picture of the sector still appears fragmented in particular regarding team of professionals involved and their training; nonetheless, the recent set up of national guidelines by the Italian authorities has the objective of standardizing the field and defining best practices for each type of intervention