Multidrug-Resistant of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Strains in Chicken Feces Intended for Consumption in Open Spaces of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Resistant bacteria can be transmitted to humans through feces or contaminated meat from local chickens. Bacterial strains were isolated from the intestinal contents of 400 local chicken samples from various sales sites. These strains were then characterized using bacteriological and biochemical methods to identify resistant strains. In a study conducted in Ouagadougou, we systematically collected chicken fecal samples from 20 locations across the city, followed by isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. using specific enrichment and culture methods, as well as Escherichia coli. Bacterial strains were characterized using antibiotic resistance profiles were determined through agar diffusion tests, revealing sensitivity or resistance to a range of antibiotics based on established scientific criteria. The results showed that out of the 400 samples collected, 81.25% and 63.5% were contaminated by Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., respectively. Among these, 86.15% of identified Escherichia coli and 50.78% of Salmonella spp. displayed resistance to at least one tested antibiotic. Among 280 Escherichia coli isolates identified resistant to at least one antibiotic, 31.07% were resistant to cefotaxime (CTX), 20.35% to ceftazidime (CAZ), 21.07% to ceftriaxone (CTR), 75% to amoxicillin clavulanic acid (AMC), 23.57% aztreoname (ATM) and 27.14% were resistant to imipenem (IMP). In the case of the 129 Salmonella spp. isolates resistant to at least one tested antibiotic, 34.88% were resistant to CTX;41.08% to CAZ;35.65% to CTR, 92% to AMC, 39.53% to ATM and finally 47.28% were resistant to IMP. Our study revealed high prevalence of resistance in bacterial strains isolated from local chickens sold outdoors in Ouagadougou. These findings raise significant public health concerns, due to the possible transmission of these resistant strains to humans through the consumption of contaminated meat, thus complicating the treatment of bacterial infections.

The Transport and Persistence of Escherichia coli in Leachate from Poultry Litter Amended Soils

Fecal coliform bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) are one of the main sources of groundwater pollution. An assessment of the transport and Persistence of E. coli in poultry litter amended Decatur silty Clay soil and Hartsells Sandy soil was conducted using soil columns and simulated groundwater leaching. Enumeration of initial E. coli was determined to range from 2.851 × 103 to 3.044 × 103 CFU per gram of soil. These results have been used in a batch study to determine the persistence rate of E. coli in Decatur silty Clay soil and Hartsells Sandy soil. Results prove that E. coli survival growth rate increases for clay soil later than and at a higher rate than sandy soil. The column study has determined that E. coli was transported at a rate of 3.7 × 106 CFU for Decatur silty loam and 6.3 × 106 CFU for Hartsells sandy per gram of soil. Further, linear regression analysis predictions show higher porosity and soil moisture content affect transport, and Hartsells sandy soil has higher transport of E. coli due to its higher porosity and lower volumetric water content.

Growth Inhibition of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis from Various Types of Honey

Honey has long been considered a wound treatment used to keep cuts and other epidermal injuries clean. This study tested that claim by comparing manuka honey used in medicine today, local unprocessed honey taken straight from a hive, and pasteurized honey found at a store, on strains of E. coli and S. epidermidis. The study evaluated the effects these honeys had on bacterial growth to determine which had the greatest inhibition of bacterial growth. To determine this, plates streaked with strains of E. coli or S. epidermidis bacteria and agar wells filled with one of the honeys were incubated and subsequently the diameter of the zone of inhibition was measured. After 20 trials using each honey and bacteria type, manuka and unprocessed were shown to have a statistically significant advantage over the pasteurized honey at inhibiting the growth of E. coli and S. epidermidis, though it was variable whether manuka had an advantage over the unprocessed honey.

重组体pET-28a-alkB/E.coli降解页岩油泥石油烃的功能研究

为了降解页岩油泥中的石油烃,构建基因工程菌,表达石油烃降解关键酶以提高油泥的降解效果。以Pseudomonas qingdaonensis基因组为模板扩增alkB基因,连接至载体pET-28a,转化至E.coli BL21(DE3)中,SDS-PAGE和Western-blot鉴定表达的外源蛋白。pET-28a-alkB/E.coli处理原油和页岩油泥,采用气相色谱法评估降解效果。发现alkB基因在大肠杆菌中能表达外源蛋白,且14 d原油及页岩油泥的降解率分别为47.5%和47.1%,表明重组体pET-28a-alkB/E.coli具备降解页岩油泥石油烃的功能。

Exploring the modulatory role of bovine lactoferrin on the microbiome and the immune response in healthy and Shiga toxin‑producing E.coli challenged weaned piglets

Background Post-weaned piglets suffer from F18+Escherichia coli(E.coli)infections resulting in post-weaning diar-rhoea or oedema disease.Frequently used management strategies,including colistin and zinc oxide,have contrib-uted to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.Novel antimicrobials capable of directly interacting with pathogens and modulating the host immune responses are being investigated.Lactoferrin has shown promising results against porcine enterotoxigenic E.coli strains,both in vitro and in vivo.Results We investigated the influence of bovine lactoferrin(bLF)on the microbiome of healthy and infected weaned piglets.Additionally,we assessed whether bLF influenced the immune responses upon Shiga toxin-producing E.coli(STEC)infection.Therefore,2 in vivo trials were conducted:a microbiome trial and a challenge infection trial,using an F18+STEC strain.BLF did not affect theα-andβ-diversity.However,bLF groups showed a higher relative abundance(RA)for the Actinobacteria phylum and the Bifidobacterium genus in the ileal mucosa.When analysing the immune response upon infection,the STEC group exhibited a significant increase in F18-specific IgG serum levels,whereas this response was absent in the bLF group.Conclusion Taken together,the oral administration of bLF did not have a notable impact on theα-andβ-diversity of the gut microbiome in weaned piglets.Nevertheless,it did increase the RA of the Actinobacteria phylum and Bifi-dobacterium genus,which have previously been shown to play an important role in maintaining gut homeostasis.Furthermore,bLF administration during STEC infection resulted in the absence of F18-specific serum IgG responses.

Study on Outer Membrane Protein Patterns of Escherichia coli O38,O53 and O75 Isolated from Chickens

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the outer membrane protein （OMP） patterns of Escherichia coli 038, 053 and 075 isolates from chickens. [Method] Eight pathogenic E. coil isolates with various serotypes were used as experimental materials to extract OMP by using supersonic schizolysis method and Sarcosyl. After SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, OMP patterns of the extracted products were determined based on the OMP model diagram. [Result] OMP of eight E. coil isolates with three serotypes were divided into three patterns, to be specific, 2 075 isolates respectively belonged to OMP-I and OMP-II pattern, 1 053 isolate belonged to OMP-II pattern, and 5 038 isolates belonged to OMP-I and OMP-III pattern. [Conclusion] Experimental results showed that E. coli isolates with the same serotype may belong to completely different OMP patterns, while serologically unrelated isolates may belong to the same OMP pattern. OMP of E. coil isolates with the same serotype may generate genetic differentiation; in addition, OMP of E. coli isolates with different serotypes may have different genetic correlation.

Impact of an oligosaccharide-based polymer on the metabolic profiles and microbial ecology of weanling pigs experimentally infected with a pathogenic E.coli

Background Our previous study has reported that supplementation of oligosaccharide-based polymer enhances gut health and disease resistance of pigs infected with enterotoxigenic E.coli(ETEC)F18 in a manner similar to carbadox.The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of oligosaccharide-based polymer or antibiotic on the host metabolic profiles and colon microbiota of weaned pigs experimentally infected with ETEC F18.Results Multivariate analysis highlighted the differences in the metabolic profiles of serum and colon digesta which were predominantly found between pigs supplemented with oligosaccharide-based polymer and antibiotic.The relative abundance of metabolic markers of immune responses and nutrient metabolisms,such as amino acids and carbohydrates,were significantly differentiated between the oligosaccharide-based polymer and antibiotic groups(q<0.2 and fold change>2.0).In addition,pigs in antibiotic had a reduced(P<0.05)relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillaceae,whereas had greater(P<0.05)Clostridiaceae and Streptococcaceae in the colon digesta on d 11 post-inoculation(PI)compared with d 5 PI.Conclusions The impact of oligosaccharide-based polymer on the metabolic and microbial profiles of pigs is not fully understood,and further exploration is needed.However,current research suggest that various mechanisms are involved in the enhanced disease resistance and performance in ETEC-challenged pigs by supplementing this polymer.

Characteristics of β-Lactamase Synthesis in E. coli and K. pneumanie Strains in Nosocomial Infections

Background: Recently micro-organisms that synthesize extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBLs) were increased. The peculiarities of ESBL synthesis of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains that cause nosocomial urinary tract infections, surgical site infections and pneumonia in surgical clinic were studied. ESBL synthesis were observed 38.9% of E. coli strains obtained from urine, 92.3% of strains obtained from surgical site infections, and 50% of strains obtained from sputum. ESBL synthesis were observed 37.5% of K. pneumoniae strains obtained from urine, 85.7% of strains obtained from surgical site infections, and 60% of strains obtained from sputum. Different levels of ESBL synthesize of E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains isolated from different pattern is discussed. Conclusion. ESBL synthesis is common in E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains, which cause nosocomial infections. The frequency of occurrence of ESBL s synthesis among of these strains depends on clinical forms of nosocomial infections.

Evaluating the Potential of Nitrofurantoin and Fosfomycin for E.coli UTIs: A Susceptibility Study

This study was designed to find the susceptibility of Nitrofurantoin and Fosfomycin among urinary isolates of Escherichia.coli.Four hundred(400)urine samples were collected for susceptibility of nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin among urinary isolates of E.coli.All indoor and outdoor patients'urinary samples yielded growth of E.coli.Mid-stream urine specimens were inoculated on blood agar and CLED agar and incubated at 35±2°C.Growth was observed,and Escherichia coli was identified by Gram staining,Catalase,Motility test and API 20E(Bio murex)as per standard procedure.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolates for nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin was carried out by the modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines ATCC 25922.E.coli was used as a quality control strain.A total of 400 samples were tested susceptibility of nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin among urinary isolates of E.coli during this period.A total of 400 samples yielded the growth of E.coli,out of which 178(44.5%)were male and 222(55.5%)were female samples.Among males,18(10%)were tolerant to nitrofurantoin,and 2(1.1%)were tolerant to fosfomycin.Among females,9(4.09%)were susceptible to nitrofurantoin while 6(2.72%)were susceptible to fosfomycin.Among age groups below 45 years old,6(4.76%)were tolerant to nitrofurantoin,and 2(1.58%)were sensitive to fosfomycin.Between 46-66 years old,4(2.81%)were sensitive to nitrofurantoin,and 3(2.11%)were sensitive to fosfomycin.Between 67-90 years old,17(12.87%)were sensitive to nitrofurantoin,and 4(3.03%)were tolerant to fosfomycin.Fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin showed good susceptibility in urinary isolates of E.coli and can be used empirically in our setup.

Antimicrobial Drug Resistance Pattern of <i>Escherichia coli</i>Isolated from Chickens Farms with Colibacillosis Infection

Colibacillosis refers to any localized or systemic infection caused entirely or partly by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). Colibacillosis in mammals is most often a primary enteric or urinary tract disease, whereas colibacillosis in poultry is typically a localized or systemic disease occurring secondarily when host defenses have been impaired or overwhelmed by virulent E. coli strains. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial drug resistance pattern of Escherichia coli isolated from broiler chickens farms with colibacillosis infection. Dead birds from commercial broiler chicken farms showing signs of colibacillosis were necropsied and swab samples were collected from internal organs and blood aseptically for the isolation of Escherichia coli. Pure colonies of the bacteria were isolated on solid media and the isolates were identified as E. coli based on morphological and biochemical characteristics. For determination of susceptibility to antibacterial agents, the disc diffusion method on Muller-Hinton agar was used. The following antimicrobial agents were tested: gentamycin, oxytetracyline, colistin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, nalidixic acid, co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole), norefloxacin, lincospectin and cefuroxime. The drug resistance patterns of the organisms were determined as a percentage and reported at three levels: susceptible, intermediate and resistant. All the isolates of Escherichia coli showed resistance to several antibiotics and a pattern of multiple drug resistance was observed. The highest rate of resistance was observed against nalidixic acid (100%) and the least rate of resistance was observed against gentamycin (17%). According to the results of this research care must be taken to avoid secondary infection (colibacillosis) in chicken farms and also avoid in careless antimicrobial consumption in food animals including chickens.

Isolation and Identification of Drug-resistant Escherichia coli Strains from Chickens

[Objective] This study aimed to isolate and identify the drug-resistant Es- cherichia coli strains from chickens. [Method] E. coli strains were isolated from the fecal samples collected from five chicken farms around Shangqiu City, and verified by biochemical and pathogenic assay. [Result] Among the 35 isolated E. coli stains, 11 E. coil stains were sensitive to florfenicol, amikacin, neomycin and gentamicin; 12 E. coli stains were moderately sensitive to ciprofloxacin, doxycycline and norfloxacin; 15 E. coil stains were resistant against erythromycin, penicillin and streptomycin. [Conclusion] Strengthening biosecurity measures, rationally using vaccine and choosing effective antibiotics are the most cost-efficient methods to control E. coli.

PCR Detection of Pilus-associated Genes and Serotype Identification of Pathogenic Escherichia coli Isolated from Chickens in the Jidong Area

[ Objective] This study aimed to explore the presence of type I pill （fimC gene） and P pill （papC gene） and identify the serotype of pathogenic E. coli isolated from chickens in the Jidong Area. [ Method] Type I pill （fimC gene） and P pill （papC gene） were detected by PCR. The serotype was identified by con- ventional agglutination test. [ Result ] The results showed that 100% of chicken-derived E. coil strains expressed type I pill （fimC gene） ; 39.1% （9/23） of chick- en-derived E. coli strains expressed P pill （papC gene）. In addition, 23 isolates of chicken-derived E. coil were assigned to 14 O serotypes, including O78, O93, O 45, O101, O38, O88, O24, O1, O163, O53, O15, O87, O34 and O29, among which O78 was the dominant serotype that accounted for 42.8% （6/14） of the total strain number. [ Conclusion] Chicken-derived E. coli strains in the Jidong Area belonged to 14 serotypes, and 078 was the dominant serotype; 83.3% of 078 serotvDe E. coli strains expressed both tvDe I Dill and P Dill.

Detection of new antibiotic resistance gene profile in Escherichia coliassociated with avian leukosis virus infection from broiler chickens

The Escherichia coli(E.coli)is prevailing worldwide,but the epidemiology of E.coli infections feature regional distribution characteristics to some extent.E.coli,as a zoonotic pathogen,can be transferred from animals to humans through food chain or via contact with wounds,causing a public health risk.We reported the swelling of proventriculus and tracheal bleeding following the death in two broiler chickens(Gallus gallus domesticus)from Beijing,China.To investigate whether a virus was involved in the infection,Madin Darby Bovine Kidney(MDCK)cells were co-cultured with supernatants of proventriculus,trachea and spleen homogenates.The avian leucosis virus was detected in the samples of proventriculus and trachea,but the avian influenza virus,the Newcastle disease virus and the avian infectious laryngotracheitis virus were not detected.E.coli isolates were resistant to almost all the antimicrobial as tested except for the combinations of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim.PCR tests demonstrated the presence of antibiotic resistance genes in these E.coli isolates and further research revealed a novel gene profile with the presence of CTX-M-1,gyrA,gyrB,oqxA,oqxB,parC and Sul2 antibiotic resistance genes in a strain isolated from a proventriculus sample.These results demonstrated that the presence of antibiotic resistant E.coli would not necessarily cause outbreak of large-scale disease.However,when the bacteria carrying new antibiotic resistance genes enter the environment,it may result in the development of more virulent strains which will potentially impact human and animal health.

Characterization by PCR of Escherichia coli from Beef and Chicken Used in Restaurants in YaoundéCameroon

Meat constitutes the main source of protein and occupies an important place in our diet. Indeed, the production of poultry and beef has increased. However, the hygienic quality of meat is not always guaranteed. Microorganisms such as Escherichia coli can be found in meat and can cause various infections including diarrhea, dysentery, food poisoning, gastroenteritis or typhoid fever. Thus, the present study was designed to characterize Escherichia coli (E. coli) from beef and chicken consumed in restaurants in Yaoundé Cameroon. A total of 105 meat samples (60 beef and 45 chickens) were subjected to microbial culture for E. coli isolation and further confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using primers EC-F and EC-R that are specific to E. coli 16S rRNA gene. The supplier source, storage, and transport conditions were taken into consideration during sample analysis and data processing. This study revealed that 77/105 samples (73.33%) were positive for E. coli following microbial culture and 35 (33.33%) were positive for E. coli following molecular examination. A statistically significant difference was observed when PCR and microbial culture were used to assess for E. coli in beef and a non-statistically significant difference was observed in the case of chicken meat. Also, a statistically significant difference was noticed with the different transport conditions, but this wasn’t the case with the supplier source as well as the storage conditions where a non-statistically significant difference was seen. This study revealed that PCR-based methods are fast and reliable in the identification and characterization of Escherichia coli in meats (beef and chicken) as well as in assessing the prevalence of pathogenic E. coli, in Cameroon.

Multiple Antimicrobial Resistance of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli from Small-Scaled Poultry Farms and Retail Chicken

Antibiotics used for agricultural purpose has contributed to the increased prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of ESBL-producing E. coli in small-scaled poultry farms and retail chicken. The cultured E. coli isolates were subjected to phenotypic tests, susceptibility tests, and the polymerase chain reaction for detection of blacTX-M, blasHv, and blaTEM genes. From 120 samples each of chicken feces, retail chicken, soil and chicken feed, ESBL-producing E. coli isolates were detected in 75.9%, 63.6%, 39.2%, and 13.3% of the samples, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration （MICs） values indicated that ESBL-producing E. coli were resistance to ampicillin （MIC 〉 32 μg/mL）, gentamicin （M1C ≥ 16 μg/mL）, cefotaxime （MIC 〉 4 μg/mL） and cefhiaxone （MIC 〉 4 gg/mL）, respectively. The total resistance for imipenem was also observed at 1.0% （MIC ≥ 4 gg/mL） and none of the isolates were resistant to ceftazidime （MIC 〉 16 μg/mL）. ESBL-producing E. coli from chicken feces and retail chicken carried blasHv gene at a rate of 6.8% and 5.7%, respectively and blaCTX-M gene was also revealed at 2.9% in retail chicken. Moreover, ESBL-producing E. coli isolated from soil harbored blasnv and blaCTX-M genes at 5%. None of the feed samples yielded ESBLs genes. Twenty three resistance patterns were observed for multi-resistant ESBL-producing E. coli. This study highlights the prevalence of multi-antimicrobial resistant ESBL-producing E. coli in small-scaledpoultry farms and retail chicken, hence the need to review poultry management practices to minimize the occurrence.

Wild-type MIC Distribution and Epidemiological Cut-off Value and Resistant Characteristics of Colistin Against Escherichia Coli from Chickens

The aim of the present study was to investigate minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)distributions by broth microdilution(BMD)method and to determine the preliminary epidemiological cut-off value(ECV)of colistin by epidemiological cut-off(ECOFF)finder against E.coli from chickens in China.Anal swabs were collected from chicken farms in China.BMD method was used to measure MIC50 and MIC90 of colistin which were 2 and 4μg•mL^(-1),respectively.MIC frequency distributions for colistin were used to estimate preliminary ECV(8μg•mL^(-1)).High percentages of resistance to ampicillin(94.12%),nalidixic acid(94.12%),enrofloxacin(94.12%),tetracycline(94.12%),ciprofloxacin(88.24%),florfenicol(88.24%),neomycin(64.71%),gentamicin(58.82%),levofloxacin(58.82%),doxycycline(88.24%)and cefalexin(76.47%)were found.In addition,low percentages of resistance to amikacin(5.88%),spectinomycin(17.65%)and fosfomycin(41.18%)were noted.Notably,amoxicillin,sulfisoxazole and trimethoprim resulted in a 100%resistance generation efficacy rate.Prevalence of mcr-1 in E.coli(9/17)in chromosomal DNA was higher than mcr-4(2/17)gene,and mcr-1(5/17)was higher than mcr-4(3/17)in plasmid.

Screening of Chinese Herbal Medicines Resistant to Chicken Escherichia coli and Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus

[Objective] This study aimed to screen Chinese herbal medicines resistant to Chicken Escherichia coli and infectious laryngotracheitis virus. [Methed] Conven- tional punch method, test tube method and plate dilution method were adopted for in vitro susceptibility test of chicken E, coil strains O5 and O8 using 13 kinds of Chi- nese herbal medicines including Sanguisorba officinalis, Coptis chinensis, Anemar- rhena asphodeloides, Strobilanthes cusia, Agastache rugosa, etc.; chicken embryo inoculation experiment was adopted to screen Chinese herbal medicines resistant to chicken infectious laryngotracheitis virus. [Result] Sanguisorba officinalis, Fructus mume, Rheum officinale, Coptis chinensis, Herba Taraxaci, Anemarrhena asphode- Ioides, Scutellaria baicalensis and Rhizoma Fagopyri Cymosi had ideal antibacterial effect against chicken E. coil strain O5; Sanguisorba officinalis, Fructus mume, Rheum officinale, Coptis chinensis, Herba taraxaci and Rhizoma Fagopyri Cymosi had ideal antibacterial effect against chicken E. coil strain 08; other Chinese herbal medicines showed relatively poor or no antibacterial effect. Results of chicken embryo inoculation experiment showed that nine kinds of Chinese herbal medicines showed relatively strong anti-lLTV effect, including Forsythia suspensa, Radix Isatidis, Fofium isatidis, Flos Ionicerae, Radix codonopsis, Radix astragali, Atractylodes, Radix gly- cyrrhizae, and Pericarpium granati. [Conclusion] The study laid the foundation for fur- ther development of Chinese herbal compound preparations to treat chicken cofibacil- Iosis, infectious laryngotracheitis and other bacterial, viral diseases.

Effects of dietary supplementation of probiotic,Clostridium butyricum,on growth performance,immune response,intestinal barrier function,and digestive enzyme activity in broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli K88

Background： Colibacillosis caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coil （E. coil} results in economic losses in the poultry industry. Antibiotics are usually used to control colibacillosis, however, E. coli has varying degrees of resistance to different antibiotics. Therefore the use of probiotics is becoming accepted as an alternative to antibiotics. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Clostfidium butyricum （C. butyficum） on growth performance, immune response, intestinal barrier function, and digestive enzyme activity in broiler chickens challenged with Eschefichia coli （E. coil） K88. Methods： The chickens were randomly divided into four treatment groups for 28 days. Negative control treatment （NC） consisted of birds fed a basal diet without E. coil K88 challenge and positive control treatment （PC） consisted of birds fed a basal diet and challenged with E. coil K88. C. buO/ricum probiotic treatment （CB） consisted of birds fed a diet containing 2 x 107 cfu C. buO/ricum/kg of diet and challenged with E. coil K88. Colistin sulfate antibiotic treatment （CS） consisted of birds fed a diet containing 20 mg colistin sulfate/kg of diet and challenged with E. coil K88. Results： The body weight （BW） and average day gain （ADG） in the broilers of CB group were higher （P 〈 0.05） than the broilers in the PC group overall except the ADG in the 14-21 d post-challenge. The birds in CB treatment had higher （P 〈 0.05） concentration of tumor necrosis factor-a （TNF-a） at 3 and 7 d post-challenge, and higher （P 〈 0.05） concentration of interleukin-4 （IL-4） at 14 d post-challenge than those in the PC treatment group. The concentration of serum endotoxin in CB birds was lower （P 〈 0.05） at 21 d post-challenge, and the concentrations of serum diamine oxidase in CB birds were lower （P 〈 0.05） at 14 and 21 d post-challenge than in PC birds. Birds in CB treatment group had higher （P 〈 0.05） jejunum villi height than those in PC, NC, or CS treatment at 7, 14, and 21 d post-challenge. In comparison to PC birds, the CB birds had lower （P 〈 0.05） jejunum crypt depth during the whole experiment. The birds in CB or CS treatment group had higher （P 〈 0.05） activities of amylase and protease at 3, 7, and 14 d post-challenge, and higher （P 〈 0.05） activity of lipase at 3, 7 d post-challenge than PC birds.

Escherichia coli tetracycline efflux determinants in relation to tetracycline residues in chicken

Objective:To screen for Escherichia coli(E.coli)resistant to tetracycline,followed by identification of tet efflux genes by polymerase chain reaction(PCR).In addition,detection of tetracycline residues in chicken livers and kidneys were conducted using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS-MS).Methods:Strains of E.coli were isolated from samples of chicken colon and screened for tetracycline resistance.Tetracycline genes conferring resistance(Tc^r)were detected by polymerase chain reaction(PCR).Most of the isolates were resistant to tetracycline(97.9%).Results:PCR analysis indicated that Tc^r E.coli R-plasmids contained tet(A),tet(B)and a combination of both efflux genes.None of the isolates contained other efflux tet genes tet(C,D,E and Y).High performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS-MS),a sensitive technique,was used to detect residues of chlortetracycline(CTC),oxytetracyeline(OTC),doxveycline(DC)in chicken livers and kidneys.The samples containing tetracycline residues were at 0.13-0.65pg/μL levels.Conclusions:Tetracycline and other antibiotics are commonly used in the poultry and meat production industry for prevention of microbial infections.Multiple antibiotic resistant bacteria in Oman have increased to alarming levels,threatening public health,domestic and may have adverse effect on environment.

Development of a Multiplex PCR for Diagnosis of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus from Cows with Endometritis

Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus are the major agents of cow endometritis in dairy cows. A multiplex PCR （SEB-mPCR） was established based on the conserved genes of S. aureus, E. coli and B. cereus, and the detection limits were 103, 102 and 103 CFU mL-1, respectively. SEB-mPCR could not amplify genomic DNA of pathogenic bacteria of other common bovine diseases. A total of 309 vaginal discharge samples from cows with endometritis were tested by SEB-mPCR. Of the samples, 23.95% had the three kinds of bacteria detected, 17.15% had S. aureu and E. coli, 9.39% had E. coli and B. cereus, and 9.71% had S. aureus and B. cereus. The rates of infections with S. aureus, E. coli and B. cereus were 11.35, 16.18 and 9.06%, respectively. Therefore, SEB-mPCR has a potential as a diagnosis tool for endometritis in dairy cows.