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Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important pathogens of both humans and animal. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important human pathogen that causes serious infections both in hospitals and communities due to its multidrug resistance tendency. This study was undertaken to characterize the MRSA isolates from pigs and to determine the antimicrobial resistance of these isolates. Forty nine MRSA strains (one strain per positive pig) isolated from pigs of Northeast India were characterized by SCCmec typing and antimicrobial resistance. The overall prevalence of MRSA was 7.02 % with the highest prevalence recorded in pigs aged 1-3 months (P = 0.001) and in nasal samples (P = 0.005). Two SCC mec types (type III and V) were found in Indian pigs with predominance of type V. All isolates were resistant to penicillin. Seventeen resistance groups were observed where 87.75 % isolates showed multidrug resistance (showed resistance to three or more classes of antimicrobials). The most predominant resistance pattern observed was Oxytetracycline + Penicillin + Sulfadiazine + Tetracycline accounting 12.24 % of the isolates. The present study contributes to the understanding of characteristics and antimicrobial resistance of porcine MRSA isolates which in turn will help in devising strategy for the control of this pathogen. Findings of the study also throw light on multidrug resistance MRSA and emphasize the need for judicious use of antimicrobials in animal practice.

The study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of supplementation of guava (Psidium guajava) fruit waste (GFW) on nutrient utilization in crossbred (Hampshire x Ghungroo) grower pigs. Eighteen grower pigs (weighing 11.4-11.6 kg) of either sex were divided into three groups of six each in randomized block design. The experimental pigs were fed with diets namely standard grower ration (SGR) supplemented with 0% GFW, 5% GFW and 10% GFW, respectively, by replacing maize grain in T1, T2 and T3 groups. The average dry matter intake, digestibility co-efficients (%) of nutrients were increased (P<0.01; P<0.05) with increased level of GFW in experimental diet. Nitrogen balance (g/d) was found positive across all groups. The study, concluded that guava fruit waste can be supplemented at 10 percent level in grower crossbred pigs for better nutrient utilization and also to reduce the feed cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to detect the presence of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and porcine parvo virus (PPV) in 54 porcine aborted foetuses, stillborns and mummified foetuses. Foetal tissues of heart, lung, spleen and lymphnodes were used for extraction of total DNA and the presence of viral pathogens were confirmed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Out of 54 samples, nine (16.6%) samples were positive for PCV2, eight (14.8%) samples were positive for PPV while co-infection with PCV2 and PPV was detected in four (7.4%) samples. The histopathological changes in the foetuses were found to be mostly necrosis in the cells of the developing organs viz. lungs, kidney, liver, heart, brain, spleen and lymphnodes. Lymphoid depletion was observed in the lymphoid follicles of the lymphnodes. Meningoencephalitis in the cerebrum was also seen in both PPV and PCV2 infected foetuses. The results indicated that PPV and PCV2 could be an important infectious agent in cases of porcine stillbirths, abortions and mummified foetuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]