1,721,002 research outputs found
Seroprevalence of Ascaris suum compared to milk spot prevalence at slaughter in Italian fattening pigs
No full textAscaris suum is one of the most important parasites of pigs. Apart from liver condemnation due to lesions caused
by migrating larvae (“milk spots”), A. suum infections can compromise weight gain, feed conversion efficacy, as
well as meat quality. The true prevalence of infection depends on the diagnostic test used and is often under-
estimated. We compared liver inspection at slaughter with serology, based on the recognition of a purified
A. suum haemoglobin or complete homogenate of the 3rd stage larvae isolated from lungs, in nine pig farms in
northern Italy. Liver lesions were found on all farms with prevalence ranging from 3.8% to 98.3%. All farms were
also positive for circulating antibodies against As-Hb and As-Lung-L3, with prevalence among pigs on each farm
ranging from 36.4–100% and 54.5–100%, respectively. Seroprevalence was consistently higher when compared
to the prevalence of milk spots at slaughter. The higher sensitivity of the ELISA tests combined with their ease of
use makes them an interesting tool to evaluate A. suum infection levels
Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens in dog and cat: A questionnaire study in Italy
Get PDFDirofilaria immitis and D. repens are vector-borne parasites of dogs and cats, with zoonotic potential, endemic in many parts of Europe, including Italy. Control and prevention of dirofilariosis are essential points to reduce their diffusion in animals and humans and veterinarians are the main subjects involved in this “battle”. With the aim to better understand current practice by veterinarians, an online questionnaire on different aspects of D. immitis and D. repens was sent to companion animal veterinary facilities registered with the Italian Veterinary chamber. The overall response rate was 25%. Approximately 47% had diagnosed at least one case of Dirofilaria spp. in dogs in the last year and approximately 6% had diagnosed at least one case of Dirofilaria spp. in cats. Of the 662 facilities surveyed, 83.8% used serology to diagnose heartworm infection. For the diagnosis of D. repens infection in dogs and cats, a high percentage of facilities relied on an external laboratory. Most recommended beginning prevention of canine heartworm disease in April-May. Topical and injectable moxidectin and oral ivermectin were the two most commonly used preventives for D. immitis in dogs. The drug most commonly used for heartworm adulticide treatment in dogs was melarsomine. This study show that veterinary facilities ians working in an endemic area for D. immitis and D. repens are aware of recent developments in adulticide therapy. Results would suggest however that diagnosis is not always carried out according to what is currently recommended by international guidelines and that the timing for starting prevention may not be optimal
Antibiotic resistance and resistance genes in Salmonella enterica isolated from pork meat and pig carcasses in Northern Italy.
No full textIntroduction- The selective pressure imposed by the widespread use of antimicrobial agents in veterinary medicine may have contributed to the dissemination of multidrug resistant bacterial strains. Moreover, an increase in antibiotic resistance has been reported recently in Salmonella spp. isolated from foods of animal origin. Notoriously, multi-drug resistance in S. enteric can be associated both with specific genes and non-specific resistance mechanisms. Aims- The objectives of this study were to assess the isolation frequency, to determine the serotype and to evaluate the antibiotic resistance of Salmonella spp. isolated from pork meat, pork meat preparations and pig carcasses. Above all S. Enterica isolates were screened to investigate the relationship between the antibiotic resistance towards ampicillin, gentamicin, sulfamethoxazole and tetracycline and the presence of the related genes blaPSE-1 , ant(2’’)-Ia, sul-1,tet(A), tet(B) and tet(G) and marRAB. Materials and methods- S. enteric isolated among 2004 and 2009 from pork meat, pork meat preparations and pig carcasses were analyzed using both phenotypic and molecular methods. Antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was tested for ampicillin, gentamicin, sulfamethoxazole and tetracycline. Simplex and multiplex PCR protocols were used for detecting the presence of resistance genes. Results- The most frequently isolated serovars were S. Derby and S. Typhimurium. S. Rissen was isolated only from pig carcasses. Most Salmonella isolates were resistant to tetracycline; the antibiotic pattern Am, Sxt and Te was observed in the majority of isolates. Tet(A) and tet(B) genes were mainly detected in S. enterica isolated from pig carcasses. The presence of marRAB was higher in S. Enteric isolated from pork meat. Discussion- The correlation between the resistance phenotypes and the related genes was not always shown; this may be due to the limited selection of investigated genes or to non-specific resistance mechanisms. In our study there was no correlation between the presence of marRAB and resistance towards tetracycline. Conclusions- The high presence of Multi Drug Resistant S. enterica isolated from foodstuff represents a risk for public health, especially when microorganisms are resistant to antibiotics with different mechanisms of action. Moreover, the lack of correlation between the phenotypic resistance and the related selected genes suggests the presence of other specific or non-specific mechanisms involved in the antibiotic resistance phenomenon
Antibacterial activity of metal complexes based on cinnamaldehyde thiosemicarbazone analogues
Get PDFThe development of microbial antibiotic resistance has become one of the biggest threats to global health and the search for new molecules active against resistant pathogenic strains is a challenge that must be tackled. In many cases nosocomial infections are caused by bacteria characterized by multi-drug resistance patterns and by their ability to produce biofilms. These properties lead to the persistence of pathogens in the hospital environment. This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of three thiosemicarbazone derivatives based on a compound containing the cinnamaldehyde natural scaffold but possessing different logPow values. These molecules are then used as ligands to prepare complexes of the Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions. All these compounds, ligands and complexes, were screened in vitro on stains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae for their antibacterial activity. Despite their molecular similarity they revealed variegated behaviors. Only two of them present interesting antimicrobial properties and have also been studied to verify their stability in solution. The compound with the lowest partition coefficient is the most promising. The minimal bactericidal concentration on K. pneumoniae and E. coli of these substances are very interesting and demonstrate that the use of metalloantibiotics is a promising device to fight antibiotic resistance
Listeria monocytogenes in raw milk and artificially contaminated aliquots
No full textIn Italy cow’s raw milk can be sold in vending machine since 2004 and it could be consider a Ready-To-Eat food. However, raw milk was not exempt from biological hazards, in fact Italian legislation dictated that the statement “to be consumed prior boiling” should be posted on vending machines to protect public health. A brief heat treatment of raw milk could be a higher risk for the public health. Therefore, the European legislation imposed that L. monocytogenesmust not exceed the limit of 100 CFU/mL, corresponding to Food Safety Objective (FSO), for non risk group population, and the absence of the pathogen for the immune-compromised individuals and neonates.
This study compares the efficiency of the Surface Spread Plate (SSP) and the Most Probable Number (MPN) techniques in recovering L. monocytogenes from artificially contaminated raw milk samples. Moreover L. monocytogenesis enumerated from raw milk samples using the same techniques and the colony count at 30°C is determined in raw milk purchased from vending machines in Northern Italy.
The MPN technique was able to recover L. monocytogenes in the artificially contaminated raw milk aliquots at different times of analysis and for different values of inoculums with a major frequency than the SSP technique. The techniques did not show the same efficiency in recovering L. monocytogenes from artificially contaminated raw milk aliquots. The SSP technique did not always detect concentration of the pathogen that exceed the Food Safety Objective (FSO) (absent in 25 g) for the at risk population groups.
The food safety of cow’s raw milk contaminated with low level of L. monocytogenescould not be guaranteed for at risk population when consuming such product. Both techniques reported a similar efficiency in the detection of L. monocytogenes from raw milk aliquots for concentration value higher than 100 CFU/mL and thus above the FSO. However the SSP technique proved to be more efficient in detecting Listeriain cow’s raw milk
IMMUNOPHENOTYPING OF T CELL POPULATIONS IN OVINE CYSTIC ECHINOCOCCOSIS (ECHINOCOCCUS GRANULOSUS)
No full textIntroduction: Ovine hydatidosis (OH; Echinococcus granulosus) is endemic in several European
countries surrounding the Mediterranean basin. It has been reported that early, establishment-phase
cysts stimulate a Th1-type immune response, while established phase cysts are associated with a
Th2, immuno-suppressive type profile. The aim of the present study was to differentiate and enumerate
T cell sub-populations present in the adventitia in established cysts from E. granulosus-naturally
infected sheep.
Materials and Methods: A total of 18 established cysts were obtained from naturally infected
sheep. Samples were frozen and 5 μm-thick serial sections were stained with anti-CD4, anti-CD8
and anti-Foxp3 monoclonal antibodies. Stained tissue sections were analyzed at 40× magnification.
Positive cells were enumerated in five consecutive fields of the adventitial layer of the cyst. Three
co-authors performed blinded, independent enumeration and mean values ± standard deviations,
were calculated. Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney tests for non-parametric distribution between CD4+
and CD8+ cells were performed and p-Values less than 0.01 were considered to be significant.
Results: In all except 5 cyst, the number of CD4+ T lymphocytes was significantly higher (p = 0.009)
than CD8+ cells. Foxp3+ cells were present in 17 cysts and made up approximately 35% of total T
cell counts in those cysts.
Conclusions: The results of the present study may contribute to identifying the immunological features
involved during the different developmental stages of Cystic Echinococcosis (CE), including
early establishment. Furthermore, the understanding of established-phase associated immunity
may offer insights into immunotherapeutic strategies in human CE
Efficacy of topical administration of prallethrin-permethrin-piperonyl butoxide (Bronco® Equine Fly Spray) for the treatment and control of flies and other nuisance insects of horses
Get PDFNumerous biting and nuisance insects are a noted cause of discomfort and stress to horses. Pyrethrins and pyrethroids have been used for many years in numerous formulations for the control of insect pests in animals, humans and environment. There are, however, few studies reporting their field efficacy in horses. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the repellent activity of a spray formulation based on prallethrin and permethrin synergized with piperonyl butoxide (BRONCO® Equine Fly Spray, Farnam Companies, Inc., USA) against annoying and harmful insects for horses in field conditions. Nine horses of mixed breed were divided into 2 groups (treatment and control). Pre-treatment insect counts were compared to daily counts for 4 days post-treatment (pt). One minute after the administration of the product (day 0), all the horses were negative for the presence of insects. All counts up to the 6-h pt check remained negative for Hippobosca equina, tabanid flies and Simulium spp., showing 100% efficacy. This remained above 90% throughout the study. For the H. equina, the repellent efficacy remained > 99.7% for all 4 days pt, for tabanid flies > 93.3% and for Simulium spp. > 97.4%. The efficacy against Musca spp. decreased from 82.2% at day 0 to 62.2% at day 3. Treatment was well-tolerated. In conclusion, despite the low number of tested horses, Bronco® has demonstrated high insecticide and repellent efficacy and a good persistence, maintained for up to 4 days post-treatment, against the most common species of insects harmful for horses
Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in free-range, organic pigs in Italy using serological and molecular methods
No full textTwenty-one free ranging pigs from three organically managed farms in northern Italy were examined for Toxoplasma gondii infection status by meat juice serology. DNA was extracted from all 21 animals and analysed for T. gondii by multilocus nested PCR-RFLP. Results showed a 95.2% prevalence in serology, while PCR was positive in 57.1% of infected pigs. Genotyping of amplified loci for Type I, Type II and Type I/II patterns, suggests the presence of more than one clonal genotype in circulation in these animals. Results of the present study highlight the high exposure to T. gondii in organic pig farms in Italy, indicating a potential risk for meat consumption
Dirofilaria immitis in Italian Cats and the Risk of Exposure by Aedes albopictus
No full text: Background: Dirofilaria immitis, the agent of canine and feline heartworm disease (HWD), is a widespread mosquito-borne helminth. The true prevalence of HW infection in cats is likely underestimated due to the difficulty in establishing a definitive diagnosis. Aedes albopictus, a recognized competent vector for D. immitis, is currently considered the most invasive mosquito species worldwide and Italy presents the highest abundance of Ae. albopictus in Europe. Materials and Methods: The present study was aimed at evaluating the current seroprevalence of D. immitis antibodies in cats in Italy. Further, the ecological niche model (ENM) was applied to evaluate the potential future risk of feline HWD associated with the presence of Ae. albopictus. Results: Sera of 812 Italian cats were analyzed, and the average prevalence of D. immitis antibodies was 12%. Seropositivity was significantly associated with age (<6 years), whereas there was no association with sex or geographical area. Data obtained with the risk map showed that the highest risk of infection was found in northern inland areas and along coastal areas, whereas the lowest risk was identified at higher altitudes. The ENM correctly classified most of the areas where D. immitis seropositive cats were found, with 80.4% occurring in high and very high-risk areas. Conclusions: Results of the present study suggest that cats in Italy are exposed to D. immitis infection, and that routine prevention should be part of the general health care protocols in cats. Moreover, the resulting risk maps indicate that areas with a suitable habitat for Ae. albopictus may put cats at risk of exposure to D. immitis
Is Yersinia bercovieri surpassing Yersinia enterocolitica in wild boars (Sus scrofa)?
No full textYersiniosis was the fourth reported zoonosis in the European Union in 2018. As well-known, pigs are recognized important reservoirs of Y. enterocolitica. The study was focused on Y. enterocolitica detection in mesenteric lymph nodes and rectal samples of 305 wild boars, but Y. bercovieri was more common, being isolated from 108 animals (35.4%). Cold season (p = 1.17*10-5) and young age (p = 0.004) significantly increased Y. bercovieri detection. Y. enterocolitica 1A belonging to six serotypes (O:4,32-4,33; O:5; O:6,30-6,31; O:7,8-8-8,19; O:10-34; O:12,25-12,26) was isolated from 8.2% (25/305) of the animals. Cold season significantly affected (p = 0.037) Y. enterocolitica detection
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