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Introduction: Veterinary clinical microbiology laboratories play a key role in antimicrobial stewardship, surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and prevention of healthcare associated-infections. However, there is a shortage of international harmonized guidelines covering all steps of veterinary bacterial culture from sample receipt to reporting. Methods: In order to gain insights, the European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment (ENOVAT) designed an online survey focused on the practices and interpretive criteria used for bacterial culture and identification (C&ID), and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of animal bacterial pathogens. Results: A total of 241 microbiology laboratories in 34 European countries completed the survey, representing a mixture of academic (37.6%), governmental (27.4%), and private (26.5%) laboratories. The C&ID turnaround varied from 1 to 2 days (77.8%) to 3-5 days (20%), and 6-8 days (1.6%), with similar timeframes for AST. Individual biochemical tests and analytical profile index (API) biochemical test kits or similar were the most frequent tools used for bacterial identification (77% and 56.2%, respectively), followed by PCR (46.6%) and MALDI-TOF MS (43.3%). For AST, Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion (DD) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination were conducted by 43.8% and 32.6% of laboratories, respectively, with a combination of EUCAST and CLSI clinical breakpoints (CBPs) preferred for interpretation of the DD (41.2%) and MIC (47.6%) results. In the absence of specific CBPs, laboratories used human CBPs (53.3%) or veterinary CBPs representing another body site, organism or animal species (51.5%). Importantly, most laboratories (47.9%) only report the qualitative interpretation of the result (S, R, and I). As regards testing for AMR mechanisms, 48.5% and 46.7% of laboratories routinely screened isolates for methicillin resistance and ESBL production, respectively. Notably, selective reporting of AST results (i.e. excluding highest priority critically important antimicrobials from AST reports) was adopted by 39.5% of laboratories despite a similar proportion not taking any approach (37.6%) to guide clinicians towards narrower-spectrum or first-line antibiotics. Discussion: In conclusion, we identified a broad variety of methodologies and interpretative criteria used for C&ID and AST in European veterinary microbiological diagnostic laboratories. The observed gaps in veterinary microbiology practices emphasize a need to improve and harmonize professional training, innovation, bacterial culture methods and interpretation, AMR surveillance and reporting strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial stewardship is one of the cornerstones in the battle against antimicrobial resistance. Restrictive legislation aims to foster antimicrobial stewardship. Prophylactic prescription of antimicrobials is still a widespread practice in canine breeding management to prevent suspected infectious infertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of restrictive legislation in Germany (Veterinary Home Pharmacy Ordinance, TÄHAV) based on resistance profiles of common bacterial isolates from the vaginal tract by comparing the resistance situation before (time frame (TF1)) and after (TF2) its amendment. In total, results of 13,373 antimicrobial susceptibility tests of bacterial isolates of Escherichia coli (n = 5209), beta-hemolytic streptococci (n = 4010), and Staphylococcus (Staph.) intermedius group (n = 4154) derived from canine vaginal swabs were assessed. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on pure cultures using the broth microdilution method. Susceptibility to selected antimicrobials was evaluated. Susceptibility of Escherichia coli generally increased within TF2 with, however, a significant increase in the number of non-susceptible isolates to cefalexin (p < 0.0001). Beta-hemolytic streptococci exhibited good susceptibility to most antimicrobials. Susceptibility developed ambivalently within the Staphylococcus intermedius group. Despite an overall positive effect of increased susceptibility, an increase in non-susceptibility to single antimicrobials was detected, possibly indicating a need for refinement of the legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hospital-Associated Infections (HAIs) are caused by microorganisms that are not present before patients are admitted to healthcare facilities, and usually have multidrug resistance profiles. There is ample information and active research in human medicine to create preventive and control measures, but there have been fewer efforts in animal medicine, and studies in only a few countries have been examining how this problem presents in veterinary hospitals. In Mexico, there have been no studies on the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria associated with HAIs in veterinary medicine. Therefore, the surfaces of inanimate objects and equipment in a university veterinary hospital for small species were sampled to search for bacteria with the potential to cause HAIs. After isolation, molecular identification and multidrug resistance tests were carried out. One bacterial strain was found to be resistant to carbapenems, third-generation cephalosporines, and penicillin/β-lactamase inhibitors. Additionally, other susceptible bacterial genera were identified as potential nosocomial pathogens in humans and animals. The presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria was confirmed. Further studies should be conducted to determine the isolate's origin and its relationship with reported human clinical genotypes. This type of study highlights the importance of epidemiological surveillance and the need to not underestimate the potential risk posed by multidrug-resistant microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Høiby N. Louis Pasteur and the birth of microbiology in Denmark. APMIS 2022. Louis Pasteur's work initiated the birth of microbiology in Denmark. Carl Julius Salomonsen was the pioneer who inspired and taught Christian Gram, Thorvald Madsen and Bernhard Bang bacteriological techniques in his annual bacteriological course which he started in 1883 at the University of Copenhagen. These pioneers developed Danish human and veterinary microbiology and became world famous. Emil Chr. Hansen developed Danish technical/industrial microbiology in the Carlsberg Laboratory and purified yeast and designed equipment for the propagation of pure yeast which was used worldwide in beer brewing. He also became world famous. The fascinating birth and development of Danish microbiology is summarized in this article, which is dedicated to the 200th birthday of Louis Pasteur, December 27, and 100th birthday of the Danish Pasteur Society, October 25, 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper gives an account of the history of veterinary bacteriology including clinical veterinary bacteriology as well as the area of veterinary public health in Denmark from the 1880s to 2022. We describe key persons, including B. Bang, C.O. Jensen, K.A. Jensen and others who made important contributions to the development of these areas of microbiological expertise, and we discuss how challenges ranging from bovine tuberculosis to bacterial antimicrobial resistance have been met. Further, we describe progress in research on important bacterial pathogens both with regard to animal clinical aspects and zoonotic food‐related aspects. Finally, we describe current issues in relation to One Health and research organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ptyas korros or Indo-China Rat Snake is one of the snakes that are commonly hunted in Indonesia. This study aimed to identify Spirometra sp. on P. korros in Sidoarjo. A total of 18 snakes were collected within 3 months. Identification of Spirometra sp. was done using a native method, Semichen Acetic Carmine, and HE staining. As a results, 8 (44.4%) of 18 samples showed positive infection with Spirometra sp. The results of this study indicate the presence of spargana in P. korros in Sidoarjo and no adult Spirometra sp. was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Digital dermatitis (DD) is a painful infection of the skin at the coronary band of the claws, a major cause of lameness in dairy cattle and associated with several Treponema species (spp.). Clinical inspection of the feet is the common way to diagnose the disease, but is laborious. There are no simple diagnostic tools, which makes it difficult to monitor DD prevalence in a herd. Therefore, we developed, validated and implemented a Treponema antibody detecting ELISA for use in bulk tank milk. A weak relation between clinical scores of claws with the results of ELISA in individual milk samples was found. When using bulk milk, a clear increase in the ELISA response was observed when mean clinical scores of the claws in the herd were higher. Using the results of the Treponema ELISA in bulk milk, herds with a low or high number of cattle with DD could be distinguished. This ELISA is now being used in a claw health monitoring program for dairy cattle in the Netherlands. This helps farmers to obtain insight into the level of DD in their herd and is helpful to improve claw health in dairy cattle. Digital dermatitis (DD) is a painful inflammation at the coronary band of the claws, a major cause of lameness in cattle and associated with infections with several Treponema spp. Clinical inspection of the feet is the best way to diagnose DD, but this is laborious and stressful for cattle. A simple diagnostic tool was developed to monitor DD prevalence at the herd level. An antibody ELISA based on antigens from four different Treponema spp. has been developed and validated in two field studies. In one study, bulk milk and individual milk samples of seven dairy herds, of which clinical claw scores were obtained, were tested. In the second study, bulk milk was tested from 110 herds of which clinical scores were obtained. A weak correlation between clinical scores of cows and the ELISA results in individual milk samples was observed. The ELISA response in bulk milk was higher in herds with higher mean clinical scores. Using the ELISA results in bulk milk, herds with a low or high proportion of cattle with DD lesions could be distinguished. This ELISA is useful to obtain insight into the DD status at the herd level, and is nowadays being used in a claw health monitoring program for dairy cattle in the Netherlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a therapeutic approach that involves the transfer of faecal microbiota from a healthy donor to a recipient, aiming to restore a balanced microbial community in the recipient's gut. FMT has achieved significant success in human medicine, particularly in the treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and other gastrointestinal disorders. While FMT has been utilised in veterinary medicine for decades, its formal recognition in human medicine has influenced its adoption and advancement. In this mini review article, we provide a concise analysis of the mechanisms underlying FMT and trace the historical development of transplantation procedures in veterinary medicine. We explore the current applications of FMT in companion animals and livestock, highlighting its efficacy in managing gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, we discuss the synergistic role of metagenomics, metabolomics, and artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping modern FMT practice, emphasizing their potential for improving FMT efficacy, personalized treatment strategies, and diagnostic approaches in veterinary medicine. By reviewing pertinent scientific literature, this comprehensive review explores the historical perspective, current state, and potential impact of FMT in the field of veterinary medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Van Veterinary Journal is the property of University of Yuzuncu Yil, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The experiment was conducted during 5th September 17th October, 2022 (42 Days) in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University, Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoram, India to study the effect of feeding fermented wheat bran on blood biochemical parameter and carcass characteristics of broiler birds. Two hundred (200) numbers of day-old chicks were divided into five dietary groups with four replicates in each group. Each replicate contained 10 birds. Five dietary treatments: basal diet (Control); basal diet with Bacitracin methylene disalicylate (AGP) @ 0.5 g kg-1 of feed; basal diet with inclusion of 10% wheat bran; basal diet with inclusion of 10% fermented wheat bran; and basal diet with inclusion 15% fermented wheat bran. The feed and water were given at free choice to the birds. Fermented wheat bran was prepared by inoculating Lactobacillus fermentum using Solid-state fermentation technology. Blood biochemical parameters like total protein, albumin, globulin, triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL and HDL did not differ significantly among the experimental groups. However, the glucose level showed significantly higher (p<0.01) at 28th and 42nd days old birds, whereas HDL was significantly (p<0.05) higher at 42nd day in AGP, FWB-10 and FWB-15 group as compared to control and WB-10 group at old birds. Therefore, it was concluded that 15% fermented wheat bran can be incorporated in the diet of broiler chickens without any adverse affect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), an infectious disease caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in goats and sheep, is highly prevalent worldwide and is characterized by economic losses in small ruminant production. Currently available techniques for clinical and laboratory diagnosis of the disease lack market availability and/or sensitivity, and therefore, infected animals can remain in the herd, serving as a source of infection for other animals. The present study aimed to verify hematological and clinical biochemistry changes in goats naturally infected by C. pseudotuberculosis. One hundred seventy-three Canindé goats were included in this study, from which blood samples and caseous lesions were collected. The animals were classified as uninfected, asymptomatic, and symptomatic according to microbiological isolation and serological assays. A high dissemination of the infection was observed in the herd, with 86.13% of positive animals, being 74.57% asymptomatic and 11.56% symptomatic. In the hemogram and clinical biochemistry analyses, the only statistical difference found was a higher level of serum urea in asymptomatic individuals than in non-infected animals. In addition, this study points to the possibility of chronic CLA being potentially reflected in hepatic and renal biochemical markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Animal Health, Production & Hygiene is the property of Animal Health, Production & Hygiene and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Corneal ulcers or ulcerative keratitis is the loss of continuity of corneal epithelium leading to exposure of corneal stroma. It is a highly painful condition in dogs. The common aetiological agents responsible for this condition are bacteria and for treatment, antibiotics are widely used. Indiscriminate and prolonged use of antibiotics can cause antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria. The present communication deals with the isolation of bacteria from corneal ulcers in dogs and the assessment of quinolone resistance. A total of 15 corneal swab samples were collected from dogs suffering from corneal ulcers, presented to the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy. They were inoculated on to brain heart infusion agar as well as blood agar and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h for the isolation of aerobic bacteria. Eighteen isolates obtained were then subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test by disc diffusion method using the quinolone group of antibiotics, viz. ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, ofloxacin and moxifloxacin. Majority of the isolates exhibited varying resistance to these antibiotics. Polymerase chain reaction was performed to amplify gyrA gene, which is reported to be one of the reasons responsible for quinolone resistance with respect to its mutation. Seven out of the 18 isolates amplified gyrA gene. The amplicon obtained corresponding to a representative sample, which was found resistant by disc diffusion method was sequenced and a single point mutation was detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify the primary bacteria associated with clinical mastitis in dairy cows and to assess the antimicrobial resistance pattern of the commonest isolate using phenotypic methods. The milk samples were collected from 83 domesticated dairy cows suffering from clinical mastitis (CM), from an organised dairy farm as well as cows presented with CM at the University Veterinary Hospital (UVH), Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala. Microbiological analysis, using morphological, cultural and biochemical properties as well as molecular identification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed that coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) were the most predominant (40.31 per cent) bacteria, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (32.83 per cent), Micrococci spp. (11.94 per cent), Klebsiella spp. (7.46 per cent) Escherichia coli (4.48 per cent) and Streptococci (2.98 per cent). The majority of the bacteria were resistant to more than one class of antimicrobials (aminoglycosides, β lactams, fluoroquinolones or tetracyclines). Furthermore, our findings revealed that the CNS is highly resistant to β-lactam family of antibiotics and that CNS may play a significant role in clinical mastitis of dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The importance of zoonotic fungal infections is increasing today and continues to increase due to changing living conditions. Methods: Between 2012 and 2019 evaluated of fungi species isolated from 51 (20.07%) of 254 samples from 10 different animal species (dog, cat, horse, cow, goat, sheep, camel, penguin, bird, rabbit) with 10 different sample types Thus, the risk of those with zoonotic characteristics was assessed. Despite fungal hyphae and/or spores were seen in 63 (24.8%) of 254 samples in the direct microscopic examination, the isolation of fungi on Sabouraud dextrose agar occurred in only 51 of these samples (20.07%). Conclusion: Of all the 51 samples, 9 (17.64%) samples had more than one fungal agent. The predominant isolate was Aspergillus spp. with an isolation rate of 24 (47.05%), followed by Malassezia spp. 11 (21.56%), Alternaria spp. 6 (11.76%), Penicillium spp. and various yeasts 4 (7.84%), Microsporum spp. 3 (5.88%), Candida spp., Mucor spp., Geotrichum spp. 2 (3.92%) and Trichophyton spp. and Rhizopus spp. 1 (1.96%). Besides, samples were examined for the presence of bacteria and one or more of the bacteria were also isolated from 14 (27.4%) of 51 samples. This assessment in the veterinary microbiology laboratory has shown that the isolated fungi agents pose a significant risk of infection for people who take care of these animals or consume animal products and pet owners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orangutans are the only great apes that still survive in the Southeast Asian Region. However, their population in the wild habitat continues to decline, with estimates indicating a 50% decreased over the last 60 years. There is limited microbiological data on the antibiotic resistance of Klebsiella sp. in the feces of Bornean Orangutan (Pongo. pygmaeus). This study aimed to identify the presence of Klebsiella sp. and assess its resistance pattern to various antibiotics in the feces of Bornean Orangutans. The research involved isolation, identification, and antibiotic resistance testing. Results showed that three isolates (37.5%) were positive for Klebsiella sp. Sensitivity test revealed two distinct resistance patterns among Klebsiella sp. isolates from the feces of healthy P. pygmaeus in Taman Safari Indonesia, Bogor. These isolates exhibited resistance to β-lactam antibiotics but remained sensitive to aminoglycoside, tetracycline, and fluoroquinolone antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antimicrobial activity of bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria has constituted a very active research field within the last 35 years. Here, we report the results of a questionnaire survey with assessments of progress within this field during the two decades of the 1990s and the 2000s by 48 scientists active at that time. The scientists had research positions at the time ranging from the levels of Master's and Ph.D. students to principal investigators in 19 Asian, European, Oceanian and North American countries. This time period was evaluated by the respondents to have resulted in valuable progress regarding the basic science of bacteriocins, whereas this was not achieved to the same degree with regard to their applications. For the most important area of application, food biopreservation, there were some success stories, but overall the objectives had not been entirely met due to a number of issues, such as limited target spectrum, target resistance, poor yield as well as economic and regulatory challenges. Other applications of bacteriocins such as enhancers of the effects of probiotics or serving as antimicrobials in human clinical or veterinary microbiology, were not evaluated as having been implemented successfully to any large extent at the time. However, developments in genomic and chemical methodologies illustrate, together with an interest in combining bacteriocins with other antimicrobials, the current progress of the field regarding potential applications in human clinical microbiology and food biopreservation. In conclusion, this study illuminates parameters of importance not only for R&D of bacteriocins, but also for the broader field of antimicrobial research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poultry industry plays an important role in the economy of every nation with poultry products contributing immensely to the protein needs of man. Infectious diseases pose a major challenge to the success of the poultry industry globally, especially in Africa. Salmonellosis is a major disease encountered in livestock production and has continued to be a major source of concern especially with the increasing incidence of antimicrobial resistance. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence and antimicrobial resistant patterns of Salmonella isolates from poultry reared in Umuahia. Cloacal swabs collected from 100 birds were screened for Salmonellae. Antibiogram was carried out using the disk diffusion method. A prevalence rate of 10% was recorded. All isolates were sensitive to Ofloxacin. Resistance to Augmentin, Amoxicillin and Co-trimoxazole was observed. This study reveals the presence of multidrug resistant organisms that possibly maintain the problem of antimicrobial resistance in the populace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the seroprevalence of Brucella abortus in dogs in Gombe state Nigeria and its associated risk factor, a total of 350 dog-sera were tested using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and competitive Enzyme Linked Immuno-sorbent Assay (c-ELISA). Six out of the eleven Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State (two from each senatorial zone) were selected randomly. Household, State/private Veterinary facilities were surveyed while individual dog selection was based on systematic random sampling. Questionnaires were administered to dog owners and handlers to assess their knowledge of the infection, attitudes and practices between May, 2018 and July, 2018. The prevalence of Brucella abortus in the study area was 26.00% with RBPT and 14.86% with c-ELISA. The sero-prevalence of B. abortus in dogs revealed 14.00% to 16.67% range across the LGAs of Gombe State, Nigeria. The prevalence of 18.98% was recorded among adult dogs and 8.21% in puppies. Seroprevalence of B. abortus in the male was 14.68% and 15.15% in the female dogs. The local breed of dogs had a prevalence of 15.93% while the exotic and a cross breeds had 10.53% and 8.33% respectively. The sero-prevalence of B. abortus was higher in the sick dogs (22.43%) than apparently healthy ones (11.53%). There was a statistically significant association between the seroprevalence of Brucella abortus and age, health status of the dogs (p<0.05) while there was no statistically significant association between the seroprevalence of Brucella abortus and sex, breed of the dogs (P>0.05). From the results, 52% of dog owners were aware of zoonotic diseases from dogs compared to dog handlers (48%), but they all showed poor attitudes towards management systems and hygienic practices aimed at reducing risk of contracting zoonotic diseases. The findings of this study established the seroprevalence of Brucella abortus in dogs in Gombe State Nigeria and risk it poses for both dogs and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newcastle disease (ND) remains the most significant disease of poultry sector and contributes to huge economic loss. Early detection and pathotyping of Newcastle disease virus associated with field infection are highly crucial. In vivo pathogenicity assaying is sensitive and specific pathotyping tool used for detection and identification of NDV used until the recent past. Genome based sequence analysis yields promising results in virulence determination. Keeping the above facts, the present study was designed to compare the efficacy of conventional and molecular assays in NDV virulence determination. In this study twelve NDV isolates (Isolate numbers 463, 464, 475, 476, 122-17C, 122-17D, 122-17E, 128-17A, 128-17D, 137, 139, 141) available in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Madras Veterinary College (MVC), Chennai was subjected for differentiation of virulent and avirulent strains using mean death time (MDT) in specific pathogen-free (SPF) embryonated eggs and TaqMan minor groove binding (MGB) probe real-time PCR assay. Pathotyping based on the MDT revealed two NDV isolates (isolate no. 476 and 128-17D) as velogenic strains and the remaining ten NDV isolates as lentogenic strains. Pathotyping based on TaqMan MGB probe real-time PCR assay revealed six NDV isolates (476, 128-17D, 463, 464, 475, 137) as velogenic/mesogenic strains and remaining six NDV isolates (122-17C, 122-17D, 122-17E 128-17A, 139, 141) as lentogenic strains. Using a TaqMan MGB probe real-time PCR assay, four NDV isolates (463, 464, 475, 137) which were MDT pathotyped as lentogenic strains were re-pathotyped as velogenic/mesogenic strains, which indicates the greater sensitivity of TaqMan MGB probe real-time PCR assay in pathotyping of NDV over conventional MDT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dissemination of antimicrobial-resistance is a major global threat affecting both human and animal health. Carbapenems are human use β-lactams of last resort; thus. the dissemination of carbapenemase-producing (CP) bacteria creates severe limitations for the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacteria in hospitalized patients. Even though carbapenems are not routinely used in veterinary medicine, reports of infection or colonization by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in companion animals are being reported. NDM-5 and OXA-48-like carbapenemases are among the most frequently reported in companion animals. Like in humans, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae are the most represented CP Enterobacterales found in companion animals, alongside with Acinetobacter baumannii. Considering that the detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales presents several difficulties, misdiagnosis of CP bacteria in companion animals may lead to important animal and public-health consequences. It is of the upmost importance to ensure an adequate monitoring and detection of CP bacteria in veterinary microbiology in order to safeguard animal health and minimise its dissemination to humans and the environment. This review encompasses an overview of the carbapenemase detection methods currently available, aiming to guide veterinary microbiologists on the best practices to improve its detection for clinical or research purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are rich in different secondary metabolites, such as tannins, terpenoids and alkaloids which have been found in- vitro to have antimicrobial properties. The aim of this study was to determine the in-vitro antimicrobial potential of the methanolic and aqueous extracts of dried leaves of Gongronema latifolium and Piper guineense plants on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Soxhlet extractor was used for the methanolic solvent while cold maceration was used for the aqueous extraction. The phytochemical constituents of these extracts were screened thereafter the extracts were tested for their antimicrobial activity. The technique of agar well diffusion was employed. Wells was made on nutrient agar media and the extracts were placed in the well. Concentration of 1.25mg/ml, 2.5mg/ml, 5mg/ml and 10mg/ml were used. Surface of agar is inoculated (using sterile swab dipped into standardized broth culture of the test organism). Thereafter, the wells were bored into the inoculated agar and the extracts delivered into the well. After allowing for diffusion, the plates were incubated, after which the zones of inhibition around the well measured with the aid of vernier caliper. Activity of the extract against the test organism was expressed in terms of size (mm) of inhibition zone diameter around the well. The presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenol in both plant extracts was observed. The aqueous extract of P. guineense and G latifolium showed more presence of phytochemical constituents than the methanolic extract and this is evidenced by higher zones of inhibition. Methanolic extracts of Piper guineense showed visible clearance suggestive of antibacterial activities by the extract only at 10mg/ml on S. aureus, but no form of inhibition on E. coli. Both extracts have concentration dependent antimicrobial effect on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and this may be due to phytochemicals found in them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding the influence of methodology on results is an essential consideration in experimental design. In the expanding field of fish microbiology, many best practices and targeted techniques remain to be refined. This study aimed to compare microbial assemblages obtained from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) gills by swabbing versus biopsy excision. Results demonstrate the variation introduced by altered sampling strategies and enhance the available knowledge of the fish gill microbiome. Results: The microbiome was sampled using swabs and biopsies from fish gills, with identical treatment of samples for 16S next generation Illumina sequencing. Results show a clear divergence in microbial communities obtained through the different sampling strategies, with swabbing consistently isolating a more diverse microbial consortia, and suffering less from the technical issue of host DNA contamination associated with biopsy use. Sequencing results from biopsy-derived extractions, however, hint at the potential for more cryptic localisation of some community members. Conclusions: Overall, results demonstrate a divergence in the obtained microbial community when different sampling methodology is used. Swabbing appears a superior method for sampling the microbiota of mucosal surfaces for broad ecological research in fish, whilst biopsies might be best applied in exploration of communities beyond the reach of swabs, such as sub-surface and intracellular microbes, as well as in pathogen diagnosis. Most studies on the external microbial communities of aquatic organisms utilise swabbing for sample collection, likely due to convenience. Much of the ultrastructure of gill tissue in live fish is, however, potentially inaccessible to swabbing, meaning swabbing might fail to capture the full diversity of gill microbiota. This work therefore also provides valuable insight into partitioning of the gill microbiota, informing varied applications of different sampling methods in experimental design for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic has forced universities to find new ways to conduct learning and teaching, as traditional face-to-face teaching has been prevented or restricted to an absolute minimum in many instances. Therefore, we redesigned and taught second-year veterinary student microbiology laboratory exercises (labs) with a hybrid learning approach. For this, a novel 'remote partner' model was implemented in which students present on-site in the laboratory worked synchronously pairwise with their remote partner present online. A student feedback survey revealed that in this remote partner model, both on-site and online participation in the labs were experienced as being useful in improving their laboratory skills. The students' overall performance in hands-on microbiological laboratory skills and safe working practices was similar in the hybrid learning approach (the 2021 class) and in the traditional on-site participation approach (the 2018–20 classes). This study suggests that the remote partner model is an effective way to acquire microbiological laboratory skills. This learning approach can be used in the non-pandemic future and/or also be applied to other fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) has been linked to the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease. Despite many investigations and research efforts, there remains no clear unifying explanation of its pathogenicity to humans. Proponents argue Crohn's disease shares many identical features with a granulomatous infection in ruminants termed Johne's disease and similarities with ileo-cecal tuberculosis. Both are caused by species within the Mycobacterium genus. Sceptics assert that since MAP is found in individuals diagnosed with Crohn's disease as well as in healthy population controls, any association with CD is coincidental. This view is supported by the uncertain response of patients to antimicrobial therapy. This report aims to address the controversial aspects of this proposition with information and knowledge gathered from several disciplines, including microbiology and veterinary medicine. The authors hope that this discussion will stimulate further research aimed at confirming or refuting the contribution of MAP to the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease and ultimately lead to advanced targeted clinical therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Harran University Journal of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine / Harran Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Harran University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)