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Abstract: To investigate the prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) strains in Iranian camels, E. coli strains isolated from fecal samples of 125 slaughtered camels were subjected to PCR for detection of stx1, stx2, eaeA and Ehly genes. The strains determined positive were then tested for O157:H7, O111 and O26 serotypes and bfpA gene using PCR. In addition, the intimin subtype of eaeA-positive isolates was determined by PCR-RFLP and sequencing. EPEC strains, none of which belonged to the tested serogroups, were detected in 2.4% (3 out of 125) of stool samples, whereas no STEC strain was detected. The eaeA-positive isolates were considered as atypical EPEC due to lack of bfpA gene, two of which contained beta intimin subtype. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular description of EPEC strains in camels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The virulence properties of Shiga toxin-producing (STEC) strains isolated from diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic calves were compared. The strains were also tested for O157:H7, O111 and O26 serotypes, using PCR and conventional serotyping methods. strains isolated from 297 faecal samples, from 200 diarrhoeic and 97 non-diarrhoeic calves, were screened by multiplex PCR assay for the , , and virulence genes. STECs were recovered from 8 per cent of diarrhoeic calves and 10.3 per cent of non-diarrhoeic calves. The predominant virulence gene profile was // (47.3 per cent) among isolates from diarrhoeic calves and (36.8 per cent) among isolates from non-diarrhoeic calves. Among three tested serogroups, the predominant serogroup was O26 (18.4 per cent), and O157:H7 was not detected. Intimin subtyping by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis revealed only three intimin subtypes (β, γ and θ). A significant difference was observed in the distribution of Int-θ between two groups. Int-θ was present in 50 per cent of the isolates from diarrhoeic calves and in 11.1 per cent of the isolates from non-diarrhoeic calves; this difference was statistically significant (P=0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Diseases caused by Salmonella serovars are wellrecognized in humans, livestock, and zoo animals and can result in morbidity, mortality, and significant economic losses. Salmonella serovars have found greater significance due to their ubiquitous distribution, growing number of serovars, wide host range, complex pathogenesis, and complicated epizootiology involving humans, animals, and the environment. The prevalence of Salmonella serovar infection were determined in 64 animals comprising small mammals (rodents, rabbits, squirrels, hamsters, and guinea pigs) and reptiles (turtles and lizards) in Tehran, Iran. Samples were collected by rectal or cloacal swabs from fresh feces or reptile's water source, as well as from the internal organs of dead reptiles. All samples were enriched in broth media then inoculated in the selected medium and streaked for isolation, which were then subjected to biochemical tests using standard procedures. The DNA of isolated Salmonella was extracted and used for identification of invA gene in Salmonella serovars with S141 and S139 primers. Four salmonella serovars were isolated: two from turtle livers, one from a turtle's water source, and one from a rabbit fecal sample. All samples showed the biochemical profile of Salmonella and also invA gene using the polymerase chain reaction method. Rodents and reptiles were found to be potential carriers of pathogenic Salmonella in humans and animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To identify, clone and sequence the iss (increased serum survival) gene from E. coli strain χ1378 isolated from Iranian poultry and to predict its protein product, Iss. Methods and Results: The iss gene from E. coli strain χ1378 was amplified and cloned into the pTZ57R/T vector and sequenced. From the DNA sequence, the Iss predictive protein was evaluated using bioinformatics. Iss from strain χ1378 had 100% identity with other E. coli serotypes and isolates from different origins and also 98% identity with E. coli O157:H7 Iss protein. Phylogenetic analysis showed no significant different phylogenic groups among E. coli strains. Conclusions: The strong association of predicted Iss protein among different E. coli strains suggests that it could be a good antigen to control and detect avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC). Significance and Impact of the study: Because the exact pathogenesis and the role of virulence factors are unknown, the Iss protein could be used as a target for vaccination in the future, but further research is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Consumption of contaminated eggs with Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis (SE) cause gastroenteritis in human. Aims: The present study examined the effect of probiotic and prebiotic compared to antibiotic on the colonization of SE in the ceca, and the quantity and quality of produced eggs in the laying hens challenged with SE. Methods: One hundred Hy-Line W-36 laying hens with 44-week-olds were studied for 13 weeks in a randomized complete block design containing five treatments and four replicates with five birds in each replicate. Treatments included: negative control, positive control, and antibiotic: diets containing antibiotic (Oxytetracycline 0.15 g/kg diet), probiotic (Bactocell® 0.1 g/kg diet), and prebiotic (Diamond V Original XPCTM 1.25 g/kg diet). All experimental groups except negative control were challenged with 1 ml of suspension solution containing 1 × 107 CFU/ml SE by oral gavage at the start of the ninth week of the experiment. Laying performance traits and cecal bacterial population were measured at the end of each week. Results: Probiotic and prebiotic showed a greater effect in the reduction of yolk cholesterol and blood cholesterol level before and after challenge with SE, respectively (P<0.05). In pre-challenge period, treatments had no effect on the cecal bacterial population; but after the challenge, three dietary supplements decreased the colonization of SE in the ceca of laying hens, and prebiotic showed more preventive effect (P<0.05). Conclusion: The result of this study showed that the prebiotic can be effective in reducing and preventing SE colonization in laying hens and act as an alternative to antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Salmonellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases in humans and animals worldwide. Aims: The main objective of this study was to report serovars, clonal relatedness, and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella strains isolated from human, different animal hosts including pigeons, broilers, cattle, camel, parrots, and hamsters in different regions of Iran. Methods: Twenty-four Salmonella isolates were confirmed at the genus level by biochemical tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by showing the presence of invA gene. Serovars were determined and their clonal relatedness was assessed by RAPD-PCR and antibiotic resistance profiles. Results: Overall, Salmonella Typhimurium was the most prevalent serovar (45.8%, 11/24), which was recovered from humans, pigeons, and camels. Salmonella Enteritidis (29.2%, 7/24) was the second common serovar that was recovered from cattle, broilers, humans, and hamsters. Salmonella Infantis (12.5%, 3/24) belonged only to broiler sources, and Salmonella Seftenberg (12.5%, 3/24) was isolated from eggs and a parrot. The major RAPD pattern was VI (33.3%) in which the two S. Typhimurium isolates (belonged to humans and pigeons) exhibited similarity in both RAPD pattern and resistance profile. Antimicrobial susceptibility test showed full resistance to tylosin and erythromycin (100%, 24/24). All isolates (100%, 24/24) were susceptible to ceftriaxone, cefixime, and gentamicin. In total, 75% of the isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR) and revealed 15 different antimicrobial resistance profiles (R-type). Conclusion: This study supports the potential transmission of Salmonella serovars via animal contacts. Thus, it is necessary to establish a national systematic monitoring program with one health approach for controlling Salmonella infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonella is widely distributed throughout the world and can be found in poultry industry, animal breeding centers, food and feedstuffs of all geographical regions. This study was conducted to determine and identify Salmonella serovars isolated from poultry, calves and foodstuffs (poultry and animals products such as egg and meat). A total of one hundred isolates of Salmonella serovars including Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Infantis, Salmonella Gallinarum and Salmonella Pullorum consecutively were subjected to the conventional culture, biochemical and serological assays. The utility of molecular multiplex PCR was investigated to identify and differentiate among five Salmonella serovars which were identified according to the presence of rfbJ, fljB, invA, and fliC genes in S. Typhimurium, sefA, invA and spv genes in Salmonella Enteritidis, fljB, fliC and invA genes in Salmonella Infantis, hut and slgC genes in both Salmonella Gallinarum and Salmonella Pullorum and speC gene specifically in Salmonella Gallinarum. Biochemical assays and serotyping are complicated to directly differentiate between Salmonella Gallinarum and Salmonella Pullorum because of their antigenic similarity. According to the results, Multiplex PCR can be considered as simple, rapid, accurate and useful test to identify and differentiate among Salmonella serovars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the utility of urinalysis and dipstick results in predicting leptospiruria in dogs. Ninety dogs, regardless of health status, were included in this study since January to August 2008. All the dogs went through a complete physical examination, and urine samples were collected by catheter or by cystocentesis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was performed on urine samples to detect leptospiral DNA. Urinalysis was done at the same time. Of the 90 dogs included in the study, 28 (31%) were diagnosed as shedding leptospires in their urine. In terms of urinalysis test results, no significant difference was found between dogs with or without leptospiruria. Indeed, most of the dogs with positive PCR assay had normal urinalysis findings. The present study suggests that using urinalysis or dipstick is not recommended for screening the dogs that are actively shedding leptospires in their urine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]