scholarly journals Evaluation of Antibiotic Dissemination into the Environment and Untreated Animals, by Analysis of Oxytetracycline in Poultry Droppings and Litter

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 853
Author(s):  
Ekaterina Pokrant ◽  
Karina Yévenes ◽  
Lina Trincado ◽  
Gigliola Terraza ◽  
Nicolás Galarce ◽  
...  

Oxytetracycline (OTC) is widely used in broiler chickens. During and after treatment a fraction of OTC is excreted in its original form and as its epimer, 4-epi-OTC in droppings. To address the transfer of OTC into the environment, we evaluated the dissemination of OTC and 4-epi-OTC from treated birds to the environment and sentinels, through the simultaneous analysis of broiler droppings and litter. Male broiler chickens were bred in controlled conditions. One group was treated by orogastric tube with 80 mg kg−1 of OTC and two groups received no treatment (sentinels). OTC+4-epi-OTC were analyzed and detected by a HPLC-MS/MS post the end of treatment. The highest concentrations of OTC+4-epi-OTC were detected in the droppings of treated birds 14-days following the end of treatment (2244.66 µg kg−1), and one day following the end of treatment in the litter (22,741.68 µg kg−1). Traces of OTC+4-epi-OTC were detected in the sentinels’ droppings and litter (<12.2 µg kg−1). OTC+4-epi-OTC can be transferred from treated birds to the environment and to other untreated birds. The presence and persistence of OTC+4-epi-OTC in litter could contribute to the selection of resistant bacteria in the environment, increasing the potential hazard to public and animal health.

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (10) ◽  
pp. 1847
Author(s):  
Gessica Perin ◽  
Matheus D. Baldissera ◽  
Matheus Fernandes ◽  
Mauricio Barreta ◽  
Renata A. Casagrande ◽  
...  

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens, and the possibility of antibiotic residues in meat and meat products are seen as a threat to animal and human health. The search for alternatives to conventional drugs, including natural compounds, is an interesting approach to prevent the adverse effects of antibiotics. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the addition of tannin (as a quebracho extract) in the diet of broiler chickens could be used to replace in-feed antimicrobials and coccidiostatic drugs, to exert positive effects on animal health and performance. The use of tannin in the diet of broiler chicks as an additive (at 0.5% for 1–10-day-old birds; and 1.0% for 11–42-day-old broiler chickens) enhanced their bodyweight, weight gain and daily weight gain on Day 42 of life, compared with the untreated control group (P &lt; 0.05). However, these findings were not observed when tannin was added at 0.5%. Moreover, broiler chickens fed with an extract containing tannins showed higher erythrocyte counts, as well as haemoglobin and haematocrit concentrations than did those in the control group, whereas counts of total leukocytes and lymphocytes were lower (P &lt; 0.05). The use of a diet with tannins did not influence meat quality compared with a diet containing zinc bacitracin and salinomycin, which altered some parameters associated with meat colour. Moreover, the diet with tannins reduced (P &lt; 0.05) the number of oocysts of Eimeria sp. (36-day-old broilers) and the total faecal bacterial counts (42-day-old broilers) compared with the control group. Finally, intestinal histopathology showed that the addition of tannins minimised the degree of lesions (Degree 1) compared with the control group (Degree 3). On the basis of these results, we concluded that the use of quebracho extract containing tannins can be a suitable approach to improve the performance of broiler chickens, replacing in-feed antibiotics and coccidiostatic drugs. The use of tannins did not change meat quality; however, it caused positive effects on the immune system, and exerted potent bactericidal and coccidiostatic properties, reinforcing its use as a replacement for conventional drugs.


2018 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lina Merkeviciene ◽  
Irena Klimiene ◽  
Rita Siugzdiniene ◽  
Marius Virgailis ◽  
Raimundas Mockeliunas ◽  
...  

Humans and animals share the same bacterial species including the resistant ones. For that reason, epidemiological studies in domestic and wild animals should be performed on a regular basis. Wild, particularly migratory birds, should be investigated as potential carriers of antimicrobial resistant bacteria that can be spread globally in a short time. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and to characterize multi-resistant Escherichia coli in wild birds. Three hundred and ninety two samples were obtained from different bird species including gulls (Larus spp.), mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), mute swans (Cygnus olor), as well as other species of birds. Phenotypical and genotypical resistance of E. coli was investigated. In total 60 isolates from 179 tested were resistant to three or more antimicrobial classes and treated as multi-resistant (33.5%; 95% CI 21.56–45.44); the isolates were obtained from gulls, mallards, swans, and rooks. All of the strains demonstrated resistance to aztreonam and cefpodoxime. The most frequent resistance prevalence of the above-mentioned isolates in vitro was also demonstrated to ampicillin (82%), ampicillin/sulbactam (68%), cefazolin (66%), ceftriaxone (55%), and ciprofloxacin (47%). All E. coli isolates were susceptible to amikacin. The results of polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of the genes encoding resistance to beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, tetracycline, amphenicols, trimethoprim, and sulphonamides. Consequently, wild birds might constitute a potential hazard to human and animal health by transmitting multi-resistant E. coli strains to waterways and other environmental sources via bird faeces.


This article presents the results of studying the impact of housing and feeding conditions on broiler chickens of Hubbard RedBro cross, as well as the quality of products obtained when using floor and cage content, in a farm. It established that when receiving a mixed feed of own production using feed raw materials grown on a farm without the use of pesticides, a statistically significant decrease in potentially dangerous substances for animal health is recorded. Compared with factory feed, it has reduced the content of pesticides by 14 times, and mercury and arsenic by 24 times, cadmium by five times, and lead by ten times. The results of the study of economic indicators of growing Hubbard RedBro cross broiler chickens, as well as the chemical composition and quality of carcasses, indicated that there was no significant difference between the floor and cell conditions of keeping. Still, the use of a diet based on eco-feeds contributed to a statistically significant decrease in the concentration of toxic metals in the muscles of the poultry of the experimental groups. As a result, it found that the use of the studied compound feed in the diets of broiler chickens increased the indicators of Biosafety and ensured the production of environmentally safe ("organic") poultry meat products.


Author(s):  
Ana Rita Almeida ◽  
Marta Tacão ◽  
Joana Soares ◽  
Inês Domingues ◽  
Isabel Henriques

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens due to worldwide antibiotic use is raising concern in several settings, including aquaculture. In this work, the selection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) was evaluated after exposure of zebrafish to oxytetracycline (OTC) for two months, followed by a recovery period. The selection of ARB in water and fish was determined using selective media. The abundance of tetA genes was estimated through qPCR. Higher prevalence of ARB was measured in all samples exposed to the antibiotic when compared to control samples, although statistical significance was only achieved five days after exposure. Isolates recovered from samples exposed to the antibiotic were affiliated with Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas. Various antibiotic susceptibility profiles were detected and 37% of the isolates displayed multidrug resistance (MDR). The selection of the tetA gene was confirmed by qPCR at the highest OTC concentration tested. Two MDR isolates, tested using zebrafish embryos, caused significant mortality, indicating a potential impact on fish health and survival. Overall, our work highlights the potential impact of antibiotic contamination in the selection of potential pathogenic ARB and ARGS.


Antibiotics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Cristina Uruén ◽  
Gema Chopo-Escuin ◽  
Jan Tommassen ◽  
Raúl C. Mainar-Jaime ◽  
Jesús Arenas

Multidrug resistant bacteria are a global threat for human and animal health. However, they are only part of the problem of antibiotic failure. Another bacterial strategy that contributes to their capacity to withstand antimicrobials is the formation of biofilms. Biofilms are associations of microorganisms embedded a self-produced extracellular matrix. They create particular environments that confer bacterial tolerance and resistance to antibiotics by different mechanisms that depend upon factors such as biofilm composition, architecture, the stage of biofilm development, and growth conditions. The biofilm structure hinders the penetration of antibiotics and may prevent the accumulation of bactericidal concentrations throughout the entire biofilm. In addition, gradients of dispersion of nutrients and oxygen within the biofilm generate different metabolic states of individual cells and favor the development of antibiotic tolerance and bacterial persistence. Furthermore, antimicrobial resistance may develop within biofilms through a variety of mechanisms. The expression of efflux pumps may be induced in various parts of the biofilm and the mutation frequency is induced, while the presence of extracellular DNA and the close contact between cells favor horizontal gene transfer. A deep understanding of the mechanisms by which biofilms cause tolerance/resistance to antibiotics helps to develop novel strategies to fight these infections.


Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 228
Author(s):  
Michaela Projahn ◽  
Jana Sachsenroeder ◽  
Guido Correia-Carreira ◽  
Evelyne Becker ◽  
Annett Martin ◽  
...  

Cefotaxime (CTX)-resistant Enterobacteriaceae are still an ongoing challenge in human and veterinary health. High prevalence of these resistant bacteria is detected in broiler chickens and the prevention of their dissemination along the production pyramid is of major concern. The impact of certain on-farm interventions on the external bacterial contamination of broiler chickens, as well as their influence on single processing steps and (cross-) contamination, have not yet been evaluated. Therefore, we investigated breast skin swab samples of broiler chickens before and during slaughter at an experimental slaughter facility. Broiler chickens were previously challenged with CTX-resistant Escherichia coli strains in a seeder-bird model and subjected to none (control group (CG)) or four different on-farm interventions: drinking water supplementation based on organic acids (DW), slow growing breed Rowan × Ranger (RR), reduced stocking density (25 kg/sqm) and competitive exclusion with Enterobacteriales strain IHIT36098(CE). Chickens of RR, 25 kg/sqm, and CE showed significant reductions of the external contamination compared to CG. The evaluation of a visual scoring system indicated that wet and dirty broiler chickens are more likely a vehicle for the dissemination of CTX-resistant and total Enterobacteriaceae into the slaughterhouses and contribute to higher rates of (cross-) contamination during processing.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 65-65
Author(s):  
Julang Li ◽  
Nadeem Akhtar ◽  
Celina Osakowicz ◽  
Lauren Fletcher ◽  
Karmin O ◽  
...  

Abstract Intestinal disorders and colitis affect both animals and humans. The pathogenesis behind the inflammation is complex and not entirely understood. Furthermore, the significant rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria has emphasized an urgent need for alternative anti-infective therapies. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is one of the appealing alternative to antibiotics due to their antimicrobial activity, mode of actions, and potential role in tissue repair. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays an important role in intestinal proliferation and differentiation and thus promotes intestinal development. Using food grade microorganisms such as Lactococcus lactis and yeast as hosts, our laboratory has produced recombinant porcine protegrin-1 (PG-1), a pig originated antimicrobial peptide and EGF via fermentation. Oral administration of PG-1 reduced Citrobacter rodentium induced intestinal infection in mice. This was evidenced by reduced histopathological changes in the colon, prevention of body weight loss, milder clinical signs of disease, and ultimately more effective clearance of bacterial infection. On the other hand, animal trials using the recombinant EGF demonstrated that it enhances intestinal development and growth of early weaned pig fed with antibiotic-free diet. Moreover, piglets challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherchia coli (E. coli) K88 showed similar beneficial responses to EGF as those fed diets with antibiotic in terms of improving gain to feed ratio and lowering oxidative stress. Taken together, our findings suggest the potential for cost-effective production and application of recombinant bioactive proteins as alternatives to antibiotics in animal health and production.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 784-788 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuela Crispo ◽  
C. Gabriel Sentíes-Cué ◽  
George L. Cooper ◽  
Grace Mountainspring ◽  
Charles Corsiglia ◽  
...  

Infectious coryza, caused by Avibacterium paragallinarum, is an acute respiratory disease of poultry that can result in substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic losses. In March 2017, the Turlock branch of the California Animal Health and Food Safety laboratory system encountered an unusual clinical and pathologic presentation of infectious coryza in 6 live, 29-d-old, commercial broiler chickens that were submitted for diagnostic investigation. Antemortem evaluation revealed severe neurologic signs, including disorientation, torticollis, and opisthotonos. Swollen head–like syndrome and sinusitis were also present. Histologically, severe sinusitis, cranial osteomyelitis, otitis media and interna, and meningoencephalitis were noted, explaining the clinical signs described. A. paragallinarum was readily isolated from the upper and lower respiratory tract, brain, and cranial bones. Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) was also detected by PCR, and IBV was isolated in embryonated chicken eggs. Based on sequencing analysis, the IBV appeared 99% homologous to strain CA1737. A synergistic effect between A. paragallinarum and IBV, resulting in exacerbation of clinical signs and increased mortality, may have occurred in this case. A. paragallinarum should be considered among the possible causes of neurologic signs in chickens. Appropriate media should be used for bacterial isolation, and the role of additional contributing factors and/or complicating agents should be investigated in cases of infectious coryza.


1990 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 854-855 ◽  
Author(s):  
ROLAND NAU ◽  
A.B.J SPEEKENBRINK

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