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The primary goal of the study was to determine the prevalence and various bacterial risks of lower urinary tract infections (UTI) in diseased and seemingly healthy pet animals with and without urine retention whether they were catheterized or not. The bacterial isolates were in vitro tested for their antibiotic resistance and antibiotic resistance genes were investigated. Between October 2020 and January 2022, 128 urine samples were randomly collected from pets recruited to veterinary hospitals and clinics in Cairo and Giza. Samples were cultivated for bacteriological isolation. Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Klebsiella spp. were found to be the most common bacterial causes of urinary tract infections in pets, with prevalence rates of 32.9%, 28%, and 19.5%, respectively followed by Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) with incidences of 18.2% and 1.2%, respectively. Based on bacterial types and their virulence genes, antibiotic resistance and multi-drug resistance (MDR) behaviour varied. Epidemiology, diagnosis, and control of the urinary tract infection would benefit from the identification and characterization of isolated bacterial species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis is one of the biggest expenses for the dairy industry which has a substantial impact on dairy cow health. Preventing new infections in cows is the best strategy to manage mastitis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a commercially available S. aureus bacterin (Lysigin) on minimizing the rate of mastitis in a dairy herd. A total number of 600 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were involved in the study and received two doses of the vaccine. The enrolled animals were monitored for clinical signs, bacterial culture, somatic cell count (SCC), and costs utilized for treatment during the study. The rate of clinical and subclinical mastitis was reduced from 13% and 29% to 6.7% and 18.3%, respectively after one year following vaccination. Composite milk samples from infected cows were examined for bacteriological isolation of S. aureus and E. coli. S. aureus and E. coli mastitis were determined in percentages of 25% and 30.9%, respectively. Following immunization, S. aureus and E. coli mastitis were decreased to 10% and 23.3%, respectively. The decrease in the rate of E. coli may be related to farm hygiene and environmental management which has a detrimental effect in the control of coliform mastitis. The SCC on milk samples from animals with chronic infection significantly decreased after vaccination. Furthermore, a reduction in bulk milk tank SSC (BTSSC) was detected in the herd during the study. The application of vaccination has a greater impact on reducing the costs utilized for the treatment of mastitis in the herd. These findings indicate that the Lysigin vaccine has a protective effect against S. aureus mastitis and can be utilized as an additional approach for the management of mastitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most animal feeds are set from protein-rich raw materials. These protein constituents may possess various hazards, particularly highly drug-resistant pathogens, causing a bad impact not only on the pet’s health, but also on their owners. In the current study, a total of 2100 pet food and 100 pets’ fecal swabs were collected and bacteriologically examined from 2017 to 2020. It was revealed that the percentage of Gram-negative bacteria isolated from pet food and fecal swabs was 49% and 56% respectively. E. coli, Proteus sp., and K. pneumoniae were the most isolated bacteria in percentages of 12.4%, 8.4%, and 4.9% respectively from Pet food and 25%, 7%, 12% respectively from pet fecal swabs. In addition, Enterobacter cloacae, P. aeruginosa, Aeromonas hydrophila, Citrobacter sp., P. fluorecens, and Y. enterocolitica were isolated from pet food in an order of 3.8%, 3.5%, 3.2%, 2.6%, 2.6% and 2.1% respectively. Salmonella sp. isolated from pet food was 0.6% while it was 5% from pet fecal swabs. The most predominant Salmonella serotype isolated from pet food and pet fecal swabs was S. Typhimurium. Furthermore, S. Virchow, S. Anatum, S. Kentucky, S. Kedougou and S. Infantis were isolated serotypes from Pet food in percentages of 15.7%, 23.1%, 15.4%, 7.7%, and 7.7% respectively. While S. Nitra, S. Ibargi, S. Enteritidis and S. Boecker were isolated from pet fecal swabs at a percentage of 20% for each. On the other hand, O158 was the most predominant E. coli serogroup isolated from pet food and pet fecal swabs in percentages of 30.4% and 30.8% respectively followed by O157 in percentages of 21.7% and 26.9% respectively. O26 was isolated from pet food and pet fecal swabs in percentages of 13% and 7.7% for each. O119 was isolated from pet food and pet fecal swabs in percentages of 4.3% and 3.8% respectively. O86, O27, O44, O55, and O78 were isolated from pet food in the percentage of 4.3%, 8.7%, 4.3%, 4.3%, and 8.7%respectively. While O114, O111, and O125 were isolated serotypes from pet fecal swabs in percentages of 15.4%, 3.8%, and 11.5% respectively. This study revealed that the antimicrobial sensitivity test of 80% of Salmonellae were resistant to Cefotaxime and Colistin sulphate while 50%, 30, and 20% of isolates were resistant to Gentamicin, Tetracycline, and Cefepime respectively, while 40% of Salmonellae were resistant to Chloramphenicol, Enrofloxacin, and Amoxicillin-clavulanate. Also 60% of Salmonellae showed resistance to Trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole and Ciprofloxacin. Detection of Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase resistance genes (blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaCTX-M) in Pets using Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed the presence of blaTEM and blaSHV genes in all tested isolates in 12 samples out of 12 (100%) and has shown that the ratio of blaCTX-M is 5 out of 12samples (41.6 %). It could be concluded that ESBLs are widely present in pets’ food and feces, which may be a potential reservoir of antimicrobial resistance, increasing the risk to the public and animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Tuberculosis still causes 1.5 million deaths annually and is mainly caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex strains belonging to three evolutionary modern lineages (Lineages 2–4). While Lineage 2 and Lineage 4 virtually conquered the world, Lineage 3 is particularly successful in Northern and Eastern Africa, as well as in Southern Asia, the suspected evolutionary origin of these strains. Here, we sought to understand how Lineage 3 strains came to the African continent. To this end, we performed routine genotyping to characterize over 2500 clinical isolates from 38 countries. We then selected a representative collection of 373 isolates for a whole-genome analysis and a modeling approach to infer the geographic origin of different sublineages. In fact, the origin of Lineage 3 could be located in India, and we found evidence for independent introductions of four distinct sublineages into North/East Africa, in line with known ancient exchanges and migrations between both world regions. Our study illustrates that the evolutionary history of humans and their pathogens are closely connected and further provides a systematic understanding of the genomic diversity of Lineage 3, which could be important for the development of new tuberculosis vaccines or new therapeutics. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) Lineage 3 (L3) strains are abundant in world regions with the highest tuberculosis burden. To investigate the population structure and the global diversity of this major lineage, we analyzed a dataset comprising 2682 L3 strains from 38 countries over 5 continents, by employing 24-loci mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number of tandem repeats genotyping (MIRU-VNTR) and drug susceptibility testing. We further combined whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and phylogeographic analysis for 373 strains representing the global L3 genetic diversity. Ancestral state reconstruction confirmed that the origin of L3 strains is located in Southern Asia and further revealed multiple independent introduction events into North-East and East Africa. This study provides a systematic understanding of the global diversity of L3 strains and reports phylogenetic variations that could inform clinical trials which evaluate the effectivity of new drugs/regimens or vaccine candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Untreated poultry manure/droppings were used in integrated fish ponds as organic fertilizers. This process could put an additional complexity on the bacterial load within fish's ponds ecosystem. Arcobacter species is one of the most important food-borne zoonotic pathogens that infect humans, animals, fish, and fowl. This study aimed to examine if raw poultry manure could possibly enhance Arcobacter propagation among the cohabitant Nile tilapia. In addition, the comparative phenotypic and molecular characterizations among various Arcobacter spp. retrieved from two diverse animal hosts (the Nile tilapia and fowl) with special reference to antibiotic-resistant and virulence genes traits were also studied. Clinically, the examined Nile tilapias exhibited darkness, fin rot, and skin hemorrhages. Internally, the Nile tilapias displayed severe congestion in internal organs, catarrhal enteritis, and swollen gall bladder. The moribund chickens exhibited mild diarrhea, anorexia, and ruffled feathers. Internally, chickens displayed enlarged spleen and liver, enteritis, and kidney congestion. The bacterial colonies on Arcobacter selective agar appeared small and non-pigmented with an intact edge. The recovered bacterial isolates were identified as Arcobacter spp. depending on the phenotypic characters and PCR. Sequencing of 16S rRNA gene confirmed the identity of Arcobacter butzleri (A. butzleri), A. skirrowii, and A. cryaerophilus in both fish and fowl, while A. cloacae was confirmed in fish. PCR confirmed the occurrence of two virulence genes (pldA and tlyA) in most fish and chicken Arcobacter isolates. All chicken Arcobacter isolates showed resistance against ampicillin, ampicillin-sulbactam, and cefotaxime, and variable susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, aztreonam, imipenem, and amikacin. Fish Aeromonads were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, sulpha-trimethoprim, and amikacin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study explored the genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in Egypt by spoligotyping in combination with pncA gene sequencing, spoNC. Methods: First, isolates were selected from 400 isolates positive for M. tuberculosis that referred to Central Labs Ministry of Health and then were subjected to the study analyses. Results: Twenty one isolates were found to be multidrug resistant (MDR) and 29 isolates were sensitive for isonizide (INH) and rifampicine (RIF) after testing by phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) and Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT). Spoligotyping yielded 45 patterns belonging to seven families that previously reported in neighboring countries such as Iraq, Syria, Iran, and Turkey. While four isolates were orphans. Conclusion: Application of spoNC on obtained spoligotype patterns enhances to reduce the clustering rate. Bejing family the predominant (34%) were subdivided by pncA sequence into three sensitive DST pncA wild type, three MDR-DST isolates showing cys14Arg mutation in pncA, two sensitive DST isolates with pncA Gly97Asp mutation, and three sensitive DST pncAVal128Gly mutation. The next most common CASI_DELHI family (16%) were subdivided by pncA sequencing into CASI_DELHI (st 381, MDR) including two pncA silent mutation ser65ser (tcc > tct) and CASI_DELHI (st26, sensitive) which included six pncA (wild-type) results, and Latin-American-Mediterranean 6 family (6%) all had PncA Gly97Asp mutation. We concluded that spoNC provides good snap shot for MDR surveillance and its country origin and performs early identification of outbreaks in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since the time of Hippocrates, dress of the care-giver has been known to influence patient's perception about the physician. Objectives: To explore patient's preference about physician's dress in Saudi primary healthcare, and how it influences their perception, regarding professionalism, competence, and confidence in the physician. Methods: A cross sectional study conducted in primary care clinics in Riyadh, enrolling 443 patients, who filled a self-administered Arabic questionnaire, enquiring about physician clothes such as white coat, scrubs and 'thob (white-robe) shomagh (head cover)' for males, 'veil-skirt' for females, and shoes. Patients' preferences about physicians' dresses were explored and influence of favorable dress on professionalism and trustworthiness were explored, using Chi-sq, Mann Whitney, with p ≤ .05 as significant. Principle component analysis was used to search themes in attire commonly used. Results: Over 80% of patients visiting Saudi primary care, liked seeing their physician in white coat. Traditional dress 'thob and shomagh' was approved by 47% whereas 'veil and skirt' got acceptance of 62%. Dress of physician was significantly (p < .005) more important to patients, who were male (Chi-sq 14.95), working (Chi-sq 9.39), educated (Chi-sq 9.84), urbanites (Chi-sq 18.34) and married (Chi-sq 7.89). Patients who valued physician attire (70%) perceived it positively influencing doctor-patient relationship: Mann Whitney U score = 6879, p-value <0.001. Four dress-themes emerged: 'Professional modest', 'Expensive modern', 'Traditional formal' and 'Casual shoes'. Conclusion: Patients preferred white coats for their doctors. Half of participants accepted traditional dresses. Majority valued physician's attire as a positive influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxins are carcinogenic compounds produced by certain Aspergillus spp and naturally contaminate poultry rations. Exposure to low levels of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in poultry feeds is the second most threatening issue facing the poultry industry in Egypt; it can cause a reduction in growth, egg production, and compromised immune functions, resulting in significant economic loss. Hence, a safe, effective and eco-friendly detoxification method is strongly required. Biological decontamination is a promising approach to reduce aflatoxin levels within threshold limits. This study explores the biodegradation capacity of bacteria isolated from the moldy feed, soil and poultry feces in various poultry farms against AFB1 (100 ppb), G1 (100 ppb), B2 (30 ppb), G2 (30 ppb). Sixty-five bacterial isolates were initially screened using coumarin media with a concentration of (0.01%–0.5%) coumarin. Only one soil isolate (SZ1) grew at the highest concentration (0.5%). Coumarin and Aflatoxin degradation rates of ten promising isolates were measured using spectrophotometry and HPLC. Six isolates reduced AFG1 by more than 90% in the liquid medium, five reduced AFB2 while only four did the same with AFB1& AFG2. Impressively, isolate SZ1 (identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens) exhibited the best degradation capacity to both coumarin and aflatoxin with 100% degradation of AFG1 and 99% degradation of AFB1, AFB2 and AFG2. Biochemical and molecular identification of the ten isolates revealed that they belong to four genera; Bacillus (6), Pseudomonas (2), Enterococcus (1) and Stenotrophomonas (1). Factors affecting Pseudomonas fluorescens SZ1 degradation activity was further investigated. Optimum temperature, time and pH for maximum aflatoxin degradation were at 37 °C, 72 h and 7, respectively. Treatment with proteinase K reduced the degradation activity of G1 (31% ± 1.438), B1 (42% ± 1.438), G2 (19% ± 1.097), and B2 (25% ± 1.732), suggesting that the effective component in aflatoxin degradation may be protein in nature. Our study suggests the biocontrol potential of several different species isolated from poultry farms; B. haynesii , B. licheniformis, B. tequilensis , B. subtilis , B. amyloliquefaciens , Pseudomonas fluorescens , Enterococcus casseliflavus , and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The results proposed Pseudomonas fluorescens SZ1 as an excellent candidate for bioremediation and decontamination of aflatoxin in feed matrices. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report identifying B. haynesii , Enterococcus casseliflavus, B. tequilensis and B. amyloliquefaciens with aflatoxin degradation activity. [Display omitted] • Low concentrations of coumarin can be used to screen potential aflatoxin degraders. • The biodegradation of AfllatoxinB1, B2, G2, and G2 were tested. • Pseudomonas fluorescens degraded four types of aflatoxins in 3 days. • Proteinase K reduced Pseudomonas fluorescens strain degradation ability by 42%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]