Search

The increasing prevalence of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant isolates of Salmonella Heidelberg (SH) represents a global concern. Consequently, novel strategies for preventing and controlling infections caused by this bacterium are needed. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of in ovo injection with a formulation based on bacterial peptides, either alone or in combination with oligodeoxynucleotides containing cytosine-phosphodiester-guanine (CpG-ODN), against SH infection in chicks. Genomic data of SH available in public databases were analyzed to select amino acid sequences of structural proteins or those with greater relevance for intestinal colonization. These sequences were subjected to linear epitope prediction tools to identify highly immunogenic peptides. SPF eggs (n = 180) were incubated and injected via the allantoic cavity at day 18 of incubation. Results showed that in ovo injection of peptides + CpG-ODN reduced SH colonization in the caecal content during the first week post-infection, although it did not reduce overall faecal excretion throughout the study. Furthermore, CpG-ODN injection may positively affect intestinal health, as evidenced by reduced crypt depth at 21 dpi and increased villus height at 28 dpi. Levels of secretory IgA did not differ between chicks in any groups, and no detectable SH counts were found in the livers of chicks in any of the infected groups throughout the study. In conclusion, in ovo injection with peptides + CpG-ODN may help reduce caecal colonization by SH in the early stages of infection, but it does not impact total faecal excretion. Additionally, CpG-ODN injection may improve intestinal health parameters in chicks. Peptides + CpG-ODN reduced SH in caeca at the first week post-infection. Administered formulations did not reduce SH-faecal excretion. Levels of intestinal IgA were similar between all groups. CpG-ODN improved some parameters associated with chick intestinal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Runting and stunting syndrome (RSS) is an enteric viral disease in commercial poultry that directly affects gut health; however, its influence on gut microbiota remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the compositional changes in the bacterial community of the ileum of 7-day-old broiler chicks naturally affected or not affected by RSS, using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Twenty-one samples were obtained from the ileal contents and mucosa of 11 chicks with RSS and 10 healthy chicks, raised in a dark house system located on a farm in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The results revealed overall changes in the gut microbiota of the chicks with RSS, including a decrease in microbial richness and diversity. In particular, there was a decrease in Lactobacillus and an increase in Candidatus Arthromitus and Clostridium sensu stricto 1. These results indicate a relationship between viral infection and the gut microbial composition, which can cause gut dysbiosis and may influence inflammation in this organ. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS RSS causes dysbiosis of the gut microbiota of the ilea of chicks. A difference was found in gut microbiota between chicks with or without RSS. Candidatus Arthromitus was predominant in chicks with RSS. Clostridium sensu stricto 1 was strictly associated with chicks with RSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sporotrichosis is a mycotic infection of the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues caused by Sporothrix spp. that can also cause extracutaneous manifestations. This study aimed to characterize cutaneous and extracutaneous sporotrichosis lesions in cats. Over 1 year, 102 cats rescued by the Zoonoses Control Center of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, euthanized with clinical suspicion of feline sporotrichosis were evaluated. After euthanasia, the animals were evaluated by macroscopic, cytological, histopathological, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) examinations; fungal culture; and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sporothrix infection was identified by at least one diagnostic technique in all cats (n = 102) evaluated by postmortem examination, including 26/28 cases (93%) evaluated by IHC, 66/90 cases (73%) evaluated by cytology, 70/102 cases (68.6%) evaluated by histopathology, and 62/74 cases (84%) evaluated by fungal culture. Two cats had positive results only by fungal culture. Cytology and histopathology examinations were effective in diagnosing sporotrichosis, although IHC was needed to confirm the diagnosis in cats with low fungal loads. Sporothrix brasiliensis was confirmed by the sequencing of 3 samples. Skin lesions were characterized mainly by pyogranulomatous to granulomatous dermatitis (frequently with subcutaneous inflammation) with different intensities of Sporothrix spp. yeast. Extracutaneous findings associated with sporotrichosis included rhinitis or rhinosinusitis, lymphadenitis, pneumonia, meningitis, periorchitis, conjunctivitis, and glossitis. Extracutaneous infections were observed in 74/102 cases, and a possible association between the chronicity of the disease and the higher pathogenicity of this fungal species in cats requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Wild and captive birds are affected by infectious, metabolic, and neoplastic diseases. Some of these diseases are worrying for public health and the conservation of the affected species, and some diseases may be associated with captivity or with a disturbed environment. A survey of cases was therefore conducted to establish the frequency of diseases affecting wild and captive birds and the relationship with the bird's origin. All cases (necropsy and biopsy) were examined by histopathology, and in some birds, the tissues were subjected to ancillary laboratory tests such as immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and genetic sequencing. A total of 243 birds were examined, and 39.1% were wild birds from illegal trade. The most common primary diseases were infectious diseases caused by parasites (18.1%) or viruses (17.7%). Coinfections were also found in this study (18.1%), mainly in birds confiscated from illegal trade. For exotic birds, the identification of Psittacid alphaherpesvirus 5 (PsAHV 5) raised concerns about the possibility of spreading this virus to native psittaciform species. Due to the infectious nature of some pathogens, it is crucial to diagnose and monitor the health of native and exotic birds to prevent the dissemination of pathogens to avifauna. Native and exotic avian species can act as reservoirs of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, with conservation and public health implications. A retrospective study on the diagnosis and frequency of diseases in wild and exotic avian species was conducted. The occurrence of particular diseases was associated with the type of captivity or the bird's origin. The investigation included macroscopic and microscopic descriptions and the molecular determination of the causative agent(s). Additional immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis, PCR, and genetic sequencing were conducted. A total of 243 cases were compiled for the study, mainly consisting of native wild species (39.1%) obtained from illegal trade. Primary infectious diseases, mainly parasitic (18.1%) and viral (17.7%), were the most common, although coinfections were substantial (18.1%) in birds rescued from trafficking. Fractures and neoplasms accounted for 3.7% and 3.3% of the cases, respectively. Parasitic and viral diseases were the most common in both exotic and wild birds. Chlamydia psittaci, a lethal and zoonotic bacterium, was an important cause of death, especially in native Psittaciformes. The recent detection of Psittacid alphaherpesvirus 5 (PsAHV 5) in exotic psittacines and the diagnosis of coinfections in trafficked birds highlight the importance of monitoring avian health to control potential pathogens that may endanger conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fowl aviadenovirus (FAdV) is an important pathogen in the global poultry industry and the etiology of inclusion body hepatitis)hydropericardium syndrome (HHS) in chickens. Since the 1990s, several outbreaks of HHS have occurred in poultry producing areas, including South America. The coinfection of FAdV and chicken anemia virus (CAV) may markedly impact the incidence of HHS. This study describes an outbreak of HHS in coinfection with CAV in industrial broiler breeders and characterizes the FAdV isolate. The three-week-old male broiler breeders had pale bone marrow, enlarged and yellowish liver, splenomegaly, and atrophied thymus; one chicken was also found with hydropericardium. Virus isolation was performed in SPF chicken embryos of liver and thymus. Tissues of the naturally infected chickens and the inoculated embryos were evaluated by PCR and histopathology. All affected chickens and inoculated embryos were positive for FAdV and CAV. The inoculated embryos had enlarged, greenish and hemorrhagic livers, and 30% died within 7 days of inoculation. Phylogenetic analysis of the FAdV isolate hexon gene partial sequence enabled grouping with E species. The E species has recently become a relevant species in several countries. The association of FAdV with CAV in breeders is of further concern due to both being capable of vertical transmission. Within the last decade, a worldwide upsurge of HHS in broiler breeders owing to failed biosecurity has occurred. In this episode, the failure on biosecurity may have enabled challenge with both FAdV and CAV, with pathological synergism. The CAV-impaired adaptive immunity may have benefited the FAdV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]