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Children under‐5 years of age are particularly vulnerable to severe acute malnutrition (SAM), and the risk factors associated with relapse to SAM are poorly understood. Possible causes are asymptomatic or symptomatic infection with enteric pathogens, with contaminated food as a critical transmission route. This cross‐sectional study comprised a household survey with samples of child food (n = 382) and structured observations of food preparation (n = 197) among children aged 6–59 months that were discharged from treatment in community management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) programmes in South Sudan. We quantified Escherichia coli and total coliforms (TCs), measured in colony forming units per g of food (CFU/g), as indicators of microbial contamination of child food. A modified hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) approach was utilised to determine critical control points (CCPs) followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis to understand the risk factors associated with contamination. Over 40% (n = 164) of samples were contaminated with E. coli (43% >0 E. coli CFU/g, 95% CI 38%–48%), and 90% (n = 343) had >10 TCs (CFU/g) (>10 TC CFU/g, 95% CI 87%–93%). Risk factors associated (p < 0.05) with child food contamination included if the child fed themselves (9.05 RR, 95% CI [3.18, 31.16]) and exposure to animals (2.63 RR, 95% CI [1.33, 5.34]). This study highlights the risk factors and potential control strategies that can support interventions that reduce food contamination exposure in young children and help further protect those that are highly vulnerable to recurrent exposure to enteric pathogens. Key messages: Food is a potentially important pathway for enteric disease transmission and a major concern for children recovered from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in humanitarian settings.In low‐income South Sudan, 43% (n = 164) of child food samples from households with a child at risk of relapse to SAM were contaminated with Escherichia coli and 90% (n = 343) with total coliforms (TCs).Child self‐feeding and animal presence in the household were identified as key risk factors for food contamination.Future research should assess the relative importance of the identified critical control points (CCPs), including reducing animal contact in the household, improving knowledge and practices around cooking processes and hygiene practices specific to the child such as handwashing and the use of cutlery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: l-Glutamine supplementation improves gastrointestinal and immune function in dairy calves during controlled immune and stress challenges. However, it is unknown whether supplementing milk replacer (MR) with l-glutamine improves preweaning dairy calf health and welfare under production conditions. Therefore, the study objective was to evaluate the effects of supplementing MR with l-glutamine on gastrointestinal permeability, immune function, growth performance, postabsorptive metabolic biomarkers, and physiological stress response in preweaning dairy calves. In 3 repetitions, Holstein heifer calves (n = 30; 1.5 ± 0.5 d old; 37.1 ± 0.86 kg body weight) were blocked by serum total protein, body weight, and age, and provided MR (3.8 L/calf per d; 24% CP, 17% fat, 12.5% solids) supplemented with l-glutamine (GLN; 10g/kg MR powder; n = 5 calves/repetition) or nonsupplemented (NSMR; n = 5 calves/repetition). Calves were individually housed with ad libitum starter grain and water access until weaning (56.4 ± 0.5 d old). At 1 and 6 wk of age, urinary catheters were placed, and calves were orally dosed with 1 L of chromium (Cr)-EDTA. Urine samples were collected over a 24-h period for Cr output analysis as an in vivo biomarker of gastrointestinal permeability. Blood was collected on study d 1, 5, 7, 14, 21, 42, and 56 to measure white blood cell counts, cortisol, insulin, glucose, nonesterified fatty acids, serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, and neutrophil: lymphocytes. Two study intervals were used in the statistical analyses, representing greater (P1; wk 1–3) and reduced (P2; wk 4–8) enteric disease susceptibility. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc.) with calf as the experimental unit. Overall, total urinary Cr output was reduced in GLN versus NSMR calves. Total Cr output was reduced at 1 wk of age in GLN versus NSMR calves, but no differences were detected at 6 wk of age. Neutrophil:lymphocyte was decreased both overall and during P2 in GLN versus NSMR calves, and neutrophil counts tended to be reduced in GLN versus NSMR calves during P2. No MR treatment differences were detected for average daily feed intake, average daily gain, body measurements, postabsorptive metabolic biomarkers, disease scores, and therapeutic treatments between GLN and NSMR calves. In summary, l-glutamine supplementation reduced gastrointestinal permeability and biomarkers of physiological stress in preweaning Holstein heifer calves.

l- Glutamine supplementation improves gastrointestinal and immune function in dairy calves during controlled immune and stress challenges. However, it is unknown whether supplementing milk replacer (MR) with l- glutamine improves preweaning dairy calf health and welfare under production conditions. Therefore, the study objective was to evaluate the effects of supplementing MR with l- glutamine on gastrointestinal permeability, immune function, growth performance, postabsorptive metabolic biomarkers, and physiological stress response in preweaning dairy calves. In 3 repetitions, Holstein heifer calves (n = 30; 1.5 ± 0.5 d old; 37.1 ± 0.86 kg body weight) were blocked by serum total protein, body weight, and age, and provided MR (3.8 L/calf per d; 24% CP, 17% fat, 12.5% solids) supplemented with l- glutamine (GLN; 10g/kg MR powder; n = 5 calves/repetition) or nonsupplemented (NSMR; n = 5 calves/repetition). Calves were individually housed with ad libitum starter grain and water access until weaning (56.4 ± 0.5 d old). At 1 and 6 wk of age, urinary catheters were placed, and calves were orally dosed with 1 L of chromium (Cr)-EDTA. Urine samples were collected over a 24-h period for Cr output analysis as an in vivo biomarker of gastrointestinal permeability. Blood was collected on study d 1, 5, 7, 14, 21, 42, and 56 to measure white blood cell counts, cortisol, insulin, glucose, nonesterified fatty acids, serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, and neutrophil: lymphocytes. Two study intervals were used in the statistical analyses, representing greater (P1; wk 1–3) and reduced (P2; wk 4–8) enteric disease susceptibility. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc.) with calf as the experimental unit. Overall, total urinary Cr output was reduced in GLN versus NSMR calves. Total Cr output was reduced at 1 wk of age in GLN versus NSMR calves, but no differences were detected at 6 wk of age. Neutrophil:lymphocyte was decreased both overall and during P2 in GLN versus NSMR calves, and neutrophil counts tended to be reduced in GLN versus NSMR calves during P2. No MR treatment differences were detected for average daily feed intake, average daily gain, body measurements, postabsorptive metabolic biomarkers, disease scores, and therapeutic treatments between GLN and NSMR calves. In summary, l- glutamine supplementation reduced gastrointestinal permeability and biomarkers of physiological stress in preweaning Holstein heifer calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Children under‐5 years of age are particularly vulnerable to severe acute malnutrition (SAM), and the risk factors associated with relapse to SAM are poorly understood. Possible causes are asymptomatic or symptomatic infection with enteric pathogens, with contaminated food as a critical transmission route. This cross‐sectional study comprised a household survey with samples of child food (n = 382) and structured observations of food preparation (n = 197) among children aged 6–59 months that were discharged from treatment in community management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) programmes in South Sudan. We quantified Escherichia coli and total coliforms (TCs), measured in colony forming units per g of food (CFU/g), as indicators of microbial contamination of child food. A modified hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) approach was utilised to determine critical control points (CCPs) followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis to understand the risk factors associated with contamination. Over 40% (n = 164) of samples were contaminated with E. coli (43% >0 E. coli CFU/g, 95% CI 38%–48%), and 90% (n = 343) had >10 TCs (CFU/g) (>10 TC CFU/g, 95% CI 87%–93%). Risk factors associated (p

• Bivalent bacterial ghost based vaccine was developed by chemical treatment against Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi A. • Robust humoral and cell mediated immunity was found in vaccinated mice after intraperitoneal administration of three doses. • Vaccinated mice were conferred 80–100 % protection against clinical isolates of Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi A. • Vaccinated mice serum has significant bactericidal effect through complement mediated lysis and hinder bacterial motility. • Adoptive transfer of vaccinated mice serum and splenocytes significantly lower the bacterial colonization in naïve animals. Typhoid and emerging paratyphoid fever are a severe enteric disease worldwide with high morbidity and mortality. Licensed typhoid vaccines are in the market, but no paratyphoid vaccine is currently available. In the present study we developed a bivalent vaccine against Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi A using a bacterial ghost platform. Bacterial ghost cells (BGs) are bacteria-derived cell membranes without cytoplasmic contents that retain their cellular morphology, including all cell surface features. Furthermore, BGs have inherent adjuvant properties that promote an enhanced humoral and cellular immune reaction to the target antigen. Sodium hydroxide was used to prepare ghost cells of Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi A. The bacterial ghost cells were characterised using electron microscopy. Then BALB/c mice were immunized three times (0th, 14th and 28th day) with the bivalent typhoidal bacterial ghost cells. Haematological study of adult mice throughout immunization period reflected that the immunogen was safe to administer and does not affect the animals' health. After complete immunization, we found significant serum antibody titter against whole cell lysate, outer membrane protein and lipopolysaccharide of both bacteria, and cell-mediated immunity was observed in an ex-vivo experiment. CD4+, CD8a+ and CD19+ splenic cell populations were increased in immunized animals. Bivalent Typhoidal ghost cell immunized mice showed better survival, less bacterial colonization in systemic organs, and less inflammation and/or destruction of tissue in histopathological analysis than non-immunized control mice. Serum antibodies of immunized animals can significantly inhibit bacterial motility and mucin penetration ability with better killing properties against Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi A. Furthermore, significant passive protection was observed through the adoptive transfer of serum antibody and lymphocytes of immunized animals to naïve animals after bacterial infection. In summary, Bivalent Typhoidal Bacterial Ghost cells (BTBGs) enhances immunogenic properties and serves as a safe and effective prevention strategy against Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equine coronavirus (ECoV) infection is the cause of an emerging enteric disease of adult horses. Outbreaks have been reported in the USA, EU and Japan, as well as sporadic cases in the UK and Saudi Arabia. Infection of ECoV in horses in Israel has never been reported, and the risk of exposure is unknown. Importation and exportation of horses from and into Israel may have increased the exposure of horses in Israel to ECoV. While the disease is mostly self-limiting, with or without supportive treatment, severe complications may occur in some animals, and healthy carriers may pose a risk of infection to other horses. This study was set to evaluate the risk of exposure to ECoV of horses in Israel by using a previously validated, S1-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 41 out of 333 horses (12.3%) were seropositive. Exposure to ECoV was detected in 17 of 29 farms (58.6%) and the seroprevalence varied between 0 and 37.5% amongst farms. The only factor found to be significantly associated with ECoV exposure in the multivariable model was the geographical area (p < 0.001). ECoV should be included in the differential diagnosis list of pathogens in cases of adult horses with anorexia, lethargy, fever and gastrointestinal signs in Israel.

ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to evaluate the benefit of a peat-based additive in reducing the neonatal diarrhoea of piglets, according to sow’s parity. From five consecutive batches, a total of 100 Large White x Landrace sows [50 primiparous (PR) and 50 multiparous (ML)] were randomly allocated to the control (CTR) or treated (TRT) group. The peat additive was provided to TRT piglets from the day of birth to day 7 of life (6 g/day/head). Overall, PR group resulted in lower piglets performance with higher enteric disease incidence compared with ML group. Compared with ML, PR sows had lower BCS at weaning (P

Simple Summary: Good management of hygiene is required to minimise the risk of disease transmission in pre-weaned calf rearing facilities. In this study, calf rearing facilities were surveyed and samples of feed, bedding and feeding equipment were collected as they are likely sources of infection in calves. These samples were analysed for hygiene indicators including total viable count (TVC), coliforms (TCC) and Escherichia coli and compared with pre-defined target levels for each of these indicators. Use of automatic feeders rather than manually mixed milk replacer or cow's milk led to an increased likelihood of the milk/milk replacer TVC being within target levels, and solid feed was less likely to contain E. coli when sampled from group pen buckets compared with single pens. Water samples from self-fill drinkers were more likely to contain high TVC than samples from manually filled drinkers, and single pens were more likely to have high TCC than group pens. Drinker and pen type were confounded though, with all the self-fill drinkers located in group pens. Cleaning milk feeders after every feed reduced the chance of high TVC levels, and high levels of TVC in feeders were linked to high levels in milk mixing utensils. Bedding was more likely to contain target TVC and TCC levels in group than in single pens. This may reflect differences in space allowance and floor type between group and individual pens. The results showed variation of hygiene levels across farms and highlighted several associated management and housing factors. Pre-weaned dairy calves are very susceptible to disease in the first months of life due to having a naïve immune system and because of the numerous physiological stressors they face. Hygiene management is a key element in minimizing enteric disease risk in calves by reducing their exposure to pathogens. Samples of milk, concentrate feed and drinking water, boot swabs of bedding and swabs of feed equipment were collected from 66 dairy farms as part of a survey of calf rearing practice and housing design. All the samples were cultured to determine total viable counts (TVC), total coliforms (TCC) and Escherichia coli as indicators of hygiene. Target ranges for levels of TVC, TCC and E. coli were defined from the literature and the sample results compared against them. The TVC targets in milk, MR and water were <4.0 log10 CFU/mL. TCC and E. coli targets of <1.1 log10 CFU/mL (the detection limit) were used for milk, MR, concentrate feed and feeding equipment. For water, the TCC and E. coli targets were <1.0 log10 CFU/100 mL. The targets used for bedding boot swabs were <6.3 log10 TVC CFU/mL and <5.7 log10 TCC or E. coli CFU/mL. Farm management factors were included as fixed effects in a generalized linear mixed model to determine the probability of samples being within each hygiene indicator target range. Milk replacer samples obtained from automatic feeders were more likely to be within the TVC target range (0.63 probability) than those prepared manually (0.34) or milk samples taken from the bulk tank (0.23). Concentrate feed samples taken from buckets in single-calf pens were more likely to have E. coli detected (0.89) than samples taken from group pen troughs (0.97). A very small proportion of water samples were within the indicator targets (TVC 9.8%, TCC 6.0%, E. coli 10.2%). Water from self-fill drinkers had a lower likelihood of being within the TVC target (0.03) than manually filled buckets (0.14), and water samples from single pens were more likely to be within TCC target ranges (0.12) than those from group pens (0.03). However, all self-fill drinkers were located in group pens so these results are likely confounded. Where milk feeders were cleaned after every feed, there was a greater likelihood of being within the TVC target range (0.47, compared with 0.23 when not cleaned after every feed). Detection of coliforms in milk replacer mixing utensils was linked with reduced probability of TVC (0.17, compared with 0.43 when coliforms were not detected) and TCC (0.38, compared with 0.62), which was within target in feeders. Key factors related to increased probability of bedding samples being within TCC target range were use of group calf pens (0.96) rather than single-calf pens (0.80), use of solid floors (0.96, compared with 0.76 for permeable floors) and increased space allowance of calves (0.94 for pens with ≥2 m2/calf, compared with 0.79 for pens with <2 m2/calf). Bedding TVC was more likely to be within the target range in group (0.84) rather than in single pens (0.66). The results show that hygiene levels in the calf rearing environment vary across farms and that management and housing design impact hygiene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adam Saleh,1,2 Usman Ansari,2 Shaadi Abughazaleh,2 Kerri Glassner,2 Bincy P Abraham2 1Engineering Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; 2Department of Medicine – Division of Gastroenterology, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, USACorrespondence: Bincy P Abraham, Department of Medicine – Division of Gastroenterology, Houston Methodist, 6550 Fannin St. Suite 1201, Houston, TX, 77030, USA, Tel +1-713-441-5042, Fax +1-713-797-0622, Email bpabraham@houstonmethodist.orgAbstract: Several biologic therapies have been approved for enteric diseases. We evaluate each biologic’s role based on their mechanism of action in treating these conditions. This review examines data on efficacy and safety, as well as considerations for using these therapies in clinical practice in inflammatory bowel diseases, enteric infections—specifically Clostridioides difficile colitis—and potentially in the increasingly prevalent disorder of eosinophilic esophagitis. When choosing an appropriate therapy, it is important to assess patient severity, as most biologics are approved for those with moderate to severe disease activity. With many years of data from clinical trials and real-world experience, these therapies have been shown to improve outcomes overall in enteric diseases, contributing to more options for our patients.Keywords: biologics, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Clostridioides difficile colitis, microscopic colitis, enteric disease

Simple Summary: Viral diseases cause high economic losses in poultry. One of them is IBH (inclusion body hepatitis) and HHS (hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome) associated with fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs), a virus that spreads rapidly by feces. Thus, the aim of the present study was to detect, quantify, and identify the genotypes of FAdVs that are circulating in the chicken commercial flocks and could be responsible for outbreaks of hepatic diseases. The study showed the presence of genotypes FAdV-2/D2, FAdV-6/E1, FAdV-8a/E2, and FAdV-11/D3 of FAdV, all of them related to IBH and HHS. These results showed that in commercial birds with enteric problems, FAdV is circulating, pointing to the need for revising biosecurity programs and considering FAdV as being disseminated by feces and causing IBH and HHS. Fowl adenoviruses are a group of pathogens that cause large economic losses worldwide in the poultry industry, in addition to producing a wide range of diseases, such as IBH, HHS, and enteric and respiratory diseases. The objective of this study was to quantify, identify, and molecularly characterize the types of FAdV circulating in commercial poultry farms (broilers, breeders, and layers) in Ecuador from 2019 to 2021. Molecular characterization was performed by PCR, quantification by qPCR, and subsequent sequencing for each positive sample. The results indicated that the FAdV genotypes circulating in our country are FAdV-2/D2, FAdV-6/E1, FAdV-8a/E2, and FAdV-11/D3; the samples were grouped into different groups that contain sequences that were obtained from countries in Africa, Asia, and America, and that are found in birds at different ages, since early age where can cause different clinical signs, such as diarrhea, ruffled feathers and dwarfism. Therefore, these results indicate that several genotypes of the virus are circulating in commercial poultry flocks, suggesting that biosecurity measures on farms should be improved, in addition to carrying out new or improved vaccination plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Torovirus (ToV) is one of the responsible for causing gastroenteritis diseases in animals and humans worldwide. Since its discovery in the 1970s, ToVs remained one of the important causative agents for gastroenteritis and diarrhoea in horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and other animals including humans. Therefore, the ecobiology and association of ToVs in animals and humans remained to be elucidated. The molecular basis of ToVs in animals and humans has been well described. ToVs can be recognised as enveloped viruses with non-segmented and positivesense of RNA genome, and pleomorphic shape. In addition, the recent epidemiology, clinical signs, diagnostic methods, and suitable prevention and control measures are also explained in this review. Clinical signs of ToV infection are vary; these include pyrexia, diarrhoea, dehydration, lethargy, depression, and death. Various diagnostic methods were used in the detection of ToVs such as electron microscopy, RT-PCR, haemagglutination inhibition, ELISA, and neutralisation assay. At present, no vaccine is available for ToV, but the virus can be prevented by applying good hygiene, strict biosecurity, and proper sanitary conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the benefit of a peat-based additive in reducing the neonatal diarrhoea of piglets, according to sow's parity. From five consecutive batches, a total of 100 Large White x Landrace sows [50 primiparous (PR) and 50 multiparous (ML)] were randomly allocated to the control (CTR) or treated (TRT) group. The peat additive was provided to TRT piglets from the day of birth to day 7 of life (6 g/day/head). Overall, PR group resulted in lower piglets performance with higher enteric disease incidence compared with ML group. Compared with ML, PR sows had lower BCS at weaning (P <.001), fewer total piglets born, lower average piglet weaning weight (P <.01) and higher incidence of deaths due to enteric disease (P <.05). Regardless parity, TRT group showed a fewer number of litters affected by enteric disease (P <.05). No significant interaction between sow parity and treatment was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recreational water use is an important source of human enteric illness. Enhanced (episodic) surveillance of natural recreational waters as a supplement to beach monitoring can enrich our understanding of human health risks. From 2011 to 2013, water sampling was undertaken at recreational sites on a watershed in eastern Canada. This study compared the prevalence and associations of human enteric pathogens and fecal indicator organisms. Beach water samples had lower pathogen presence than those along the main river, due to different pollution sources and the hydrological disposition. Pathogen profiles identified from the beach sites suggested a more narrow range of sources, including birds, indicating that wild bird management could help reduce public health risks at these sites. The presence and concentration of indicator organisms did not differ significantly between beaches and the river. However, higher concentrations of generic Escherichia coli were observed when Salmonella and Cryptosporidium were present at beach sites, when Salmonella was present at the river recreational site, and when verotoxigenic E. coli were present among all sites sampled. In this watershed, generic E. coli concentrations were good indicators of potential contamination, pathogen load, and elevated human health risk, supporting their use for routine monitoring where enhanced pathogen testing is not possible. HIGHLIGHTS Enhanced surveillance of recreational waters can supplement water quality monitoring and inform our understanding of what contributes to the risk of human illness.; Water collected at reservoir beaches was less contaminated than sites along the main river.; Subtyping of pathogens at the beach sites suggested a narrow range of sources.; The nature of the sampling site influenced the prevalence and types of pathogens.;

Postweaning diarrhoea caused by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a threat to the pig industry. With an intensified focus on finding alternatives to the use of medical zinc oxide and antibiotics in newly weaned pigs, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of early inoculation of probiotics to suckling piglets on subsequently ETEC faecal shedding and immune parameters in ETEC F18-challenged weaned piglets. Sixty pigs weaned on day 28 of age were assigned to three treatment groups: (i) Negative Control (non-challenged), (ii) Positive Control (challenged) and (iii) Probiotic (challenged and inoculated with a multi-species probiotic product during suckling). On days 1 and 2 postweaning, pigs in the Positive Control and Probiotic groups were challenged with 5 × 108 colony-forming unit ETEC F18/pig/day, whereas pigs in the Negative Control group were provided with NaCl. Growth and diarrhoea incidence were not significantly affected by ETEC challenge or probiotic administration. ETEC F18 shedding and C-reactive protein concentration in plasma were significantly lower in the Negative Control group, confirming a successful challenge model. Pigs in the Probiotic group had a significantly reduced number of pigs shedding ETEC F18 and STb toxin in faeces compared with the Positive Control group. Probiotic application did not significantly impact the concentration of C-reactive protein, haptoglobin and cytokines in plasma nor haematology numbers. In conclusion, weaned pigs administered with a multi-species probiotic product early in life had a more rapid response towards the pathogen challenge and a faster clearance of ETEC compared with the Positive Control group. Administration of a multi-species probiotic to newborn piglets may thus promote resilience in the newly weaned pig. However, further studies with pigs subjected to a more severe pathogen challenge are needed to confirm these results and to investigate the mechanism of action of the probiotic intervention.

Abstract Background Fecal calprotectin is largely applied as a non-invasive intestinal inflammation biomarker in human medicine. Previous studies in pigs investigated the levels of fecal calprotectin in healthy animals only. Thus, there is a knowledge gap regarding its application during infectious diarrhea. This study investigated the usefulness of fecal calprotectin as a biomarker of intestinal inflammation in Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and Salmonella Typhimurium infected pigs. Results Fecal samples from pigs with colitis (n = 18) were collected from animals experimentally inoculated with B. hyodysenteriae (n = 8) or from sham-inoculated controls (n = 3). Fecal samples from pigs with enteritis (n = 14) were collected from animals inoculated with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (n = 8) or from sham-inoculated controls (n = 4). For both groups, fecal samples were scored as: 0 = normal; 1 = soft, wet cement; 2 = watery feces; 3 = mucoid diarrhea; and 4 = bloody diarrhea. Fecal calprotectin levels were assayed using a sandwich ELISA, a turbidimetric immunoassay and a point-of-care dipstick test. Fecal calprotectin levels were greater in colitis samples scoring 4 versus ≤ 4 using ELISA, and in feces scoring 3 and 4 versus ≤ 1 using immunoturbidimetry (P

ABSTRACT: Several pathogens and antibodies derived from serum or produced in tissues associated with the oral cavity are present in the oral fluid (OF). Considering the applicability of this alternative sample, recent studies in veterinary medicine have tested OF as a replacement for serum in diagnostic assays. The aim of this study was to standardize the immunoperoxidase monolayer assay (IPMA) to detect anti-Lawsonia intracellularis immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in OF samples from experimentally infected pigs. Sixty-two pigs were divided into two groups: control (T1, n=30) and inoculated with L. intracellularis (T2, n=32). Blood, OF and fecal samples were collected at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 days post-inoculation (dpi). Some adaptations of the standard technique for serum were made to IPMA for the detection of IgA and IgG in OF. The IPMA showed high specificity and sensitivity for serum samples and high specificity and moderate sensitivity for the detection of IgA and IgG in OF. There was high agreement between the results of serum IgG and OF IgA and IgG. Based on our results, oral fluid samples may be used for the evaluation and determination of anti-L. intracellularis antibodies in pigs, but not for individual diagnosis of swine proliferative enteropathy.

Although enteric disease case interviews are critical for control measures and education, not all case-patients are interviewed. We evaluated systematic differences between people with an enteric disease in Colorado who were and were not interviewed to identify ways to increase response rates and reduce biases in the surveillance data used to guide public health interventions.We obtained data from the Colorado Electronic Disease Reporting System from March 1, 2017, through December 31, 2019. Among case-patients not interviewed and interviewed, we used univariate analyses to describe sociodemographic characteristics, timing of contact attempts, and effect of additional funding.As compared with case-patients who were interviewed, case-patients who were not interviewed were significantly more likely to be aged 18 to 39 years (35.7% vs 31.7%; P < .001); identify as male, Hispanic, or Black; be experiencing homelessness or hospitalization; reside in rural/frontier areas or an institution; or live in areas with lower levels of education, life expectancy, and income. Time to first contact attempt was longer for case-patients who were not interviewed than for those who were (mean days from specimen collection to first contact attempt, 9.8 vs 6.8; P < .001). Residing in a jurisdiction with additional funding for interviewing was associated with increased interview rates (87.7% vs 68.8%) and timeliness of public health report and first contact attempt (2.3 vs 4.4 days; P < .001).Findings can guide efforts to improve response rates in groups least likely to be interviewed, resulting in reduced biases in surveillance data, better disease mitigation, and increased efficiency in case investigations. Timeliness of case interviews and additional funding to conduct case investigations were factors in increasing response rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-weaned dairy calves are very susceptible to disease in the first months of life due to having a naïve immune system and because of the numerous physiological stressors they face. Hygiene management is a key element in minimizing enteric disease risk in calves by reducing their exposure to pathogens. Samples of milk, concentrate feed and drinking water, boot swabs of bedding and swabs of feed equipment were collected from 66 dairy farms as part of a survey of calf rearing practice and housing design. All the samples were cultured to determine total viable counts (TVC), total coliforms (TCC) and Escherichia coli as indicators of hygiene. Target ranges for levels of TVC, TCC and E. coli were defined from the literature and the sample results compared against them. The TVC targets in milk, MR and water were 10 CFU/mL. TCC and E. coli targets of 10 CFU/mL (the detection limit) were used for milk, MR, concentrate feed and feeding equipment. For water, the TCC and E. coli targets were 10 CFU/100 mL. The targets used for bedding boot swabs were 10 TVC CFU/mL and 10 TCC or E. coli CFU/mL. Farm management factors were included as fixed effects in a generalized linear mixed model to determine the probability of samples being within each hygiene indicator target range. Milk replacer samples obtained from automatic feeders were more likely to be within the TVC target range (0.63 probability) than those prepared manually (0.34) or milk samples taken from the bulk tank (0.23). Concentrate feed samples taken from buckets in single-calf pens were more likely to have E. coli detected (0.89) than samples taken from group pen troughs (0.97). A very small proportion of water samples were within the indicator targets (TVC 9.8%, TCC 6.0%, E. coli 10.2%). Water from self-fill drinkers had a lower likelihood of being within the TVC target (0.03) than manually filled buckets (0.14), and water samples from single pens were more likely to be within TCC target ranges (0.12) than those from group pens (0.03). However, all self-fill drinkers were located in group pens so these results are likely confounded. Where milk feeders were cleaned after every feed, there was a greater likelihood of being within the TVC target range (0.47, compared with 0.23 when not cleaned after every feed). Detection of coliforms in milk replacer mixing utensils was linked with reduced probability of TVC (0.17, compared with 0.43 when coliforms were not detected) and TCC (0.38, compared with 0.62), which was within target in feeders. Key factors related to increased probability of bedding samples being within TCC target range were use of group calf pens (0.96) rather than single-calf pens (0.80), use of solid floors (0.96, compared with 0.76 for permeable floors) and increased space allowance of calves (0.94 for pens with ≥2 m2/calf, compared with 0.79 for pens with 2/calf). Bedding TVC was more likely to be within the target range in group (0.84) rather than in single pens (0.66). The results show that hygiene levels in the calf rearing environment vary across farms and that management and housing design impact hygiene.

Recreational water use is an important source of human enteric illness. Enhanced (episodic) surveillance of natural recreational waters as a supplement to beach monitoring can enrich our understanding of human health risks. From 2011 to 2013, water sampling was undertaken at recreational sites on a watershed in eastern Canada. This study compared the prevalence and associations of human enteric pathogens and fecal indicator organisms. Beach water samples had lower pathogen presence than those along the main river, due to different pollution sources and the hydrological disposition. Pathogen profiles identified from the beach sites suggested a more narrow range of sources, including birds, indicating that wild bird management could help reduce public health risks at these sites. The presence and concentration of indicator organisms did not differ significantly between beaches and the river. However, higher concentrations of generic Escherichia coli were observed when Salmonella and Cryptosporidium were present at beach sites, when Salmonella was present at the river recreational site, and when verotoxigenic E. coli were present among all sites sampled. In this watershed, generic E. coli concentrations were good indicators of potential contamination, pathogen load, and elevated human health risk, supporting their use for routine monitoring where enhanced pathogen testing is not possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Coccidiosis is a disease of great importance in industrial poultry. The correct diagnosis directs the poultry industry to its best treatment and control. Thus, a survey of Eimeria spp. was carried out in intestines of 64 broiler flocks, with an average age of 29 days. Eight broilers from each flock were randomly removed from the slaughter line, in a total of 512 samples. Macroscopic and histopathological lesions in the intestine were classified into Scores 0 to 4. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to research the oocysts from the seven species of Eimeria spp. in the intestinal content. The macroscopic evaluations showed that 59.4% (38/64) of the flocks were positive for E. acervulina, 32.8% (21/64) for E. maxima, 29.7% (19/64) for E. tenella, and 34.4% (22/64) for E. brunetti. The histopathological evaluation showed that 87.5% (56/64) of the flocks had at least one broiler with parasitic structures compatible with Eimeria spp. in the duodenum, 70.3% (45/64) in the jejunum, 18.8% (12/64) in the ileum, 46.9% (30/64) in the cecum, and 4.7% (3/64) in the colon. In PCR, 21.9% (14/64) of the flocks were positive for E. acervulina, 12.5% (8/64) for E. maxima, 3.1% (2/64) for E. mitis, and 32.8% (21/64) for E. tenella. The Kappa Cohen test between macroscopy, histopathology, and PCR demonstrated concordance ranging from weak to moderate with the exception of histopathology and PCR of the cecum, which was strong. In the comparison between macroscopy and histopathology, there were significative differences between Scores 0 and 1 (apart from the cecum). For Score 3, there were significative differences in duodenum, jejunum and cecum (p

Fowl adenoviruses are a group of pathogens that cause large economic losses worldwide in the poultry industry, in addition to producing a wide range of diseases, such as IBH, HHS, and enteric and respiratory diseases. The objective of this study was to quantify, identify, and molecularly characterize the types of FAdV circulating in commercial poultry farms (broilers, breeders, and layers) in Ecuador from 2019 to 2021. Molecular characterization was performed by PCR, quantification by qPCR, and subsequent sequencing for each positive sample. The results indicated that the FAdV genotypes circulating in our country are FAdV-2/D2, FAdV-6/E1, FAdV-8a/E2, and FAdV-11/D3; the samples were grouped into different groups that contain sequences that were obtained from countries in Africa, Asia, and America, and that are found in birds at different ages, since early age where can cause different clinical signs, such as diarrhea, ruffled feathers and dwarfism. Therefore, these results indicate that several genotypes of the virus are circulating in commercial poultry flocks, suggesting that biosecurity measures on farms should be improved, in addition to carrying out new or improved vaccination plans.

Background: Fecal calprotectin is largely applied as a non-invasive intestinal inflammation biomarker in human medicine. Previous studies in pigs investigated the levels of fecal calprotectin in healthy animals only. Thus, there is a knowledge gap regarding its application during infectious diarrhea. This study investigated the usefulness of fecal calprotectin as a biomarker of intestinal inflammation in Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and Salmonella Typhimurium infected pigs. Results: Fecal samples from pigs with colitis (n = 18) were collected from animals experimentally inoculated with B. hyodysenteriae (n = 8) or from sham-inoculated controls (n = 3). Fecal samples from pigs with enteritis (n = 14) were collected from animals inoculated with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (n = 8) or from sham-inoculated controls (n = 4). For both groups, fecal samples were scored as: 0 = normal; 1 = soft, wet cement; 2 = watery feces; 3 = mucoid diarrhea; and 4 = bloody diarrhea. Fecal calprotectin levels were assayed using a sandwich ELISA, a turbidimetric immunoassay and a point-of-care dipstick test. Fecal calprotectin levels were greater in colitis samples scoring 4 versus ≤ 4 using ELISA, and in feces scoring 3 and 4 versus ≤ 1 using immunoturbidimetry (P < 0.05). No differences were found in calprotectin concentration among fecal scores for enteritis samples, regardless of the assay used. All samples were found below detection limits using the dipstick method. Conclusions: Fecal calprotectin levels are increased following the development of colitis, but do not significantly change due to enteritis. While practical, the use of commercially available human kits present sensitivity limitations. Further studies are needed to validate the field application of calprotectin as a marker of intestinal inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older children and adults are susceptible to rotavirus, but the extent to which rotavirus affects this population is not fully understood, hindering accuracy of global rotavirus estimations. To determine what proportion of diarrhea cases are due to rotavirus among persons ≥ 5 years old and to estimate this proportion by age strata. We conducted a systematic review and meta -analysis using the PRISMA guidelines. We included studies that reported on conditional rotavirus prevalence (i.e., percent of diarrhea due to rotavirus) in persons ≥ 5 years old who were symptomatic with diarrhea/gastroenteritis and had laboratory confirmation for rotavirus infection. Studies on nosocomial infections and outbreak investigations were excluded. We collected age group-specific conditional rotavirus prevalence and other variables, such as study geography, study setting, and study type. We calculated pooled conditional rotavirus prevalence, corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), heterogeneity (I2) estimates, and prediction intervals (PI). Sixty-six studies from 32 countries met the inclusion criteria. Conditional rotavirus prevalence ranged from 0% to 30% across the studies. The total pooled prevalence of rotavirus among persons ≥ 5 years old with diarrhea was 7.6% (95% CI: 6.2–9.2%, I2 = 99.6%, PI: 0–24%). The pooled prevalence of rotavirus among older children and adolescents was 8.7% (95% CI: 6.2–11.7%, I2 = 96%, PI:0–27%), among younger adults was 5.4% (95% CI: 1.4–11.8%, I2 = 96%, PI:0–31%), and among older adults was 4.7% (95% CI: 2.8–7.0%, I2 = 96%, PI:0–16%). Pooled conditional rotavirus prevalences did not differ by other variables. In this systematic review and meta -analysis of rotavirus among persons ≥ 5 years old with diarrhea, we found relatively low pooled conditional rotavirus prevalence compared to what is typically reported for children < 5 years; however, results should be interpreted with caution as the wide prediction intervals suggest large heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Humans are susceptible to over 1400 pathogens. Co-infection by multiple pathogens is common, and can result in a range of neutral, facilitative, or antagonistic interactions within the host. Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are powerful immunomodulators, but evidence of the effect of STH infection on the direction and magnitude of concurrent enteric microparasite infections is mixed. Methods We collected fecal samples from 891 randomly selected children and adults in rural Laos. Samples were analyzed for 5 STH species, 6 viruses, 9 bacteria, and 5 protozoa using a quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. We utilized logistic regression, controlling for demographics and household water, sanitation, and hygiene access, to examine the effect of STH infection on concurrent viral, bacterial, and protozoal infection. Results We found that STH infection was associated with lower odds of concurrent viral infection [odds ratio (OR): 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.28–0.83], but higher odds of concurrent bacterial infections (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.06–3.07) and concurrent protozoal infections (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 0.95–2.37). Trends were consistent across STH species. Conclusions The impact of STH on odds of concurrent microparasite co-infection may differ by microparasite taxa, whereby STH infection was negatively associated with viral infections but positively associated with bacterial and protozoal infections. Results suggest that efforts to reduce STH through preventive chemotherapy could have a spillover effect on microparasite infections, though the extent of this impact requires additional study. The associations between STH and concurrent microparasite infection may reflect a reverse effect due to the cross-sectional study design. Additional research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanism of the immunomodulatory effects of STH on concurrent enteric microparasite infection.

Background: pig production systems are exposed to economic losses from various diseases and health culls. Objective. Establish the order of participation of some causes of mortality in the Business Unit of Mixed Porcine Base, as well as the categories most involved. Methods: official information on economic losses due to mortality due to: enteropathies, respiratory diseases, health sacrifices and other causes was compiled in the categories of offspring, pre-fattening and fattening during the five-year period 2012-2016. From it, a linear regression was performed without error to establish the hierarchical relationship between causes of mortality using standardized coefficients (β) and an ANOVA, with Duncan's multiple comparison test, for the degree of affectation of the categories under study. Results: losses due to mortality amounted to 113 215.94 CUP; Its causes, all with significant impact, followed a descending order headed by enteropathies, and followed by respiratory diseases, health sacrifices and others. The most affected categories were young and pre-fattening. The prophylactic use of antibiotics prescribed for these rearing stays does not meet the expected effect. Conclusions: enteropathies, respiratory diseases, health slaughter and other causes had a significant influence on the mortality of pigs and pre-fattening pigs. The prophylactic use of antibiotics prescribed for these rearing stays does not meet the expected effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Controlled human infection models (CHIMs) are useful for vaccine development. To improve on existing models, we developed a CHIM using a lyophilized preparation of Shigella sonnei strain 53G produced using current good manufacturing practice (cGMP). Healthy adults were enrolled in an open-label dose-ranging study. Following administration of a dose of rehydrated S. sonnei strain 53G, subjects were monitored for development of disease. The first cohort received 500 CFU of 53G, and dosing of subsequent cohorts was based on results from the previous cohort. Subjects were administered ciprofloxacin on day 5 and discharged home on day 8. Subjects returned as outpatients for clinical checks and sample collection. Attack rates increased as the dose of S. sonnei was increased. Among those receiving the highest dose (1,760 CFU), 70% developed moderate to severe diarrhea, 50% had dysentery, and 40% had fever. Antilipopolysaccharide responses were observed across all cohorts. An S. sonnei CHIM using a lyophilized lot of strain 53G was established. A dose in the range of 1,500 to 2,000 CFU of 53G was selected as the dose for future challenge studies using this product. This model will enable direct comparison of study results between institutions and ensure better consistency over time in the challenge inoculum. IMPORTANCE Controlled human infection models (CHIMs) are invaluable tools utilized to understand the human response to infection, potentially leading to protective immune mechanisms and allowing efficacy testing of enteric countermeasures, including vaccines, antibiotics, and other products. The development of an improved Shigella CHIM for both Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri is consistent with international efforts, supported by international donors and the World Health Organization, focused on standardizing Shigella CHIMs and using them to accelerate Shigella vaccine development. The use of lyophilized Shigella challenge strains rather than plate-grown inoculum preparations is considered an important step forward in the standardization process. Furthermore, the results of studies such as this justify the development of lyophilized preparations for additional epidemiologically important S. flexneri serotypes, including S. flexneri 3a and S. flexneri 6.

The role of type A Clostridium perfringens in canine acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome and foal necrotizing enteritis is poorly characterized. However, a highly significant association between the presence of novel toxigenic C. perfringens and these specific enteric diseases has been described. These novel toxigenic strains produce 3 novel putative toxins, which have been designated NetE, NetF, and NetG. Although not conclusively demonstrated, current evidence suggests that NetF is likely the major virulence factor in strains responsible for canine acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome and foal necrotizing enteritis. NetF is a beta–pore-forming toxin that belongs to the same toxin superfamily as CPB and NetB toxins produced by C. perfringens. The netF gene is encoded on a conjugative plasmid that, in the case of netF, also carries another putative toxin gene, netE. In addition, these strains consistently also carry a cpe tcp -conjugative plasmid, and a proportion also carry a separate netG tcp -conjugative plasmid. The netF and netG genes form part of a locus with all the features of the pathogenicity loci of tcp -conjugative plasmids. The netF -positive isolates are clonal in origin and fall into 2 clades. Disease in dogs or foals can be associated with either clade. Thus, these are strains with unique virulence-associated characteristics associated with serious and sometimes fatal cases of important enteric diseases in 2 animal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equine coronavirus (ECoV) infection is the cause of an emerging enteric disease of adult horses. Outbreaks have been reported in the USA, EU and Japan, as well as sporadic cases in the UK and Saudi Arabia. Infection of ECoV in horses in Israel has never been reported, and the risk of exposure is unknown. Importation and exportation of horses from and into Israel may have increased the exposure of horses in Israel to ECoV. While the disease is mostly self-limiting, with or without supportive treatment, severe complications may occur in some animals, and healthy carriers may pose a risk of infection to other horses. This study was set to evaluate the risk of exposure to ECoV of horses in Israel by using a previously validated, S1-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 41 out of 333 horses (12.3%) were seropositive. Exposure to ECoV was detected in 17 of 29 farms (58.6%) and the seroprevalence varied between 0 and 37.5% amongst farms. The only factor found to be significantly associated with ECoV exposure in the multivariable model was the geographical area (p < 0.001). ECoV should be included in the differential diagnosis list of pathogens in cases of adult horses with anorexia, lethargy, fever and gastrointestinal signs in Israel.

Abstract Background Enteric diseases affect thousands of Canadians annually and several large outbreaks have occurred due to infection with enteric pathogens. The objectives of this study were to describe the spatial and temporal distributions of reportable Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, Giardia, Salmonella and Shigella from 1994 to 2002 in New Brunswick, Canada. By examining the spatial and temporal distributions of disease incidence, hypotheses as to potential disease risk factors were formulated. Methods Time series plots of monthly disease incidence were examined for seasonal and secular trends. Seasonality of disease incidence was evaluated using the temporal scan statistic and seasonal–trend loess (STL) decomposition methods. Secular trends were evaluated using negative binomial regression modeling. The spatial distribution of disease incidence was examined using maps of empirical Bayes smoothed estimates of disease incidence. Spatial clustering was examined by multiple methods, which included Moran’s I and the spatial scan statistic. Results The peak incidence of Giardia infections occurred in the spring months. Salmonella incidence exhibited two peaks, one small peak in the spring and a main peak in the summer. Campylobacter and Escherichia coli O157 disease incidence peaked in the summer months. Moran’s I indicated that there was significant positive spatial autocorrelation for the incidence of Campylobacter, Giardia and Salmonella. The spatial scan statistic identified clusters of high disease incidence in the northern areas of the province for Campylobacter, Giardia and Salmonella infections. The incidence of Escherichia coli infections clustered in the south-east and north-east areas of the province, based on the spatial scan statistic results. Shigella infections had the lowest incidence rate and no discernable spatial or temporal patterns were observed. Conclusions By using several different spatial and temporal methods a robust picture of the spatial and temporal distributions of enteric disease in New Brunswick was produced. Disease incidence for several reportable enteric pathogens displayed significant geographic clustering indicating that a spatially distributed risk factor may be contributing to disease incidence. Temporal analysis indicated peaks in disease incidence, including previously un-reported peaks.

Performance and mortality of hares were evaluated for 2 consecutive years in a large farm in Veneto Region (Northern Italy). On average, fertile reproductive pairs (n=318) gave birth 4.8 times and produced 11.4 live leverets, weaned 8.4 leverets and produced 7.0 growing hares (60 days) every year. Mean mortality was 3.6%, 22.9%, 9.7% and 2.5% in newborn (0 to 2 days of age), suckling (3 to 25 days), growing (26 to 60 days) and sub-adult (61 days until sale) hares, respectively. The main causes of mortality were enteric diseases (75.5%, 75.9% and 12.1% in suckling, growing and sub-adult hares, respectively), followed by respiratory diseases (3.4%, 8.0% and 36.2% in suckling, growing and sub-adult hares, respectively), starvation (11.3% and 8.8% in suckling and growing hares, respectively) and trauma (7.1%, 2.3% and 30.2% in suckling, growing and sub-adult hares, respectively). In reproducing hares, mortality was 24.7% and 15.4% in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Respiratory diseases (34.8%) and ulcerative pododermatitis (18.9%) were the most common pathological changes detected in reproducing hares. Farmed hares seem to be affected by diseases resembling those of rabbits reared under intensive conditions. It seems necessary to improve the husbandry of hares to reach satisfactory technical standards and to preserve their health.

Copyright of Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira is the property of Colegio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal - CBPA 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.)

In Canada, over 400,000 enteric diseases related to drinking water occur each year, highlighting the importance of understanding sources of Canadians' drinking and recreational water exposures. To address this need, a population-based telephone survey of 10,942 Canadians was conducted between 2014 and 2015, assessing Canadian's drinking water sources and recreational water exposures using a seven-day recall method. Results were analyzed by province/territory, season, age group, gender, income, education, and urban/rural status. Store-bought bottled water was reported by nearly 20% of survey respondents as their primary drinking water source, while approximately 11% of respondents reported private well. The proportion of private well users was significantly greater than the national average in the Maritime Provinces where approximately 40-56% of respondents reported this as their primary drinking water source. As expected, Canadians' recreational water activities and exposures (e.g., swimming, pool, lake, and waterpark) peaked during summer and were most commonly reported among children aged 0-9 years. Waterborne disease in Canada requires a multi-faceted public health approach. Canadian baseline data on water exposures can inform policy and public health strategies (e.g., recreational water guidelines, private well water testing recommendations) and support research and risk assessment related to mitigating waterborne illness [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of equine coronavirus (ECoV) in clinical samples submitted to a diagnostic laboratory in Ireland. A total of 424 clinical samples were examined from equids with enteric disease in 24 Irish counties between 2011 and 2015. A real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect ECoV RNA. Nucleocapsid, spike and the region from the p4.7 to p12.7 genes of positive samples were sequenced, and sequence and phylogenetic analyses were conducted. Five samples (1.2%) collected in 2011 and 2013 tested positive for ECoV. Positive samples were collected from adult horses, Thoroughbred foals and a donkey foal. Sequence and/or phylogenetic analysis showed that nucleocapsid, spike and p12.7 genes were highly conserved and were closely related to ECoVs identified in other countries. In contrast, the region from p4.7 and the non-coding region following the p4.7 gene had deletions or insertions. The differences in the p4.7 region between the Irish ECoVs and other ECoVs indicated that the Irish viruses were distinguishable from those circulating in other countries. This is the first report of ECoV detected in both foals and adult horses in Ireland.

Copyright of Hydrogeology Journal is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

Intestinal disease has a major impact on the broiler industry due to economic and welfare reasons. Intestinal disease might occur due to a large number of reasons varying from well-defined pathogens to non-specific enteritis and complex syndromes. However, knowledge about the nature of intestinal disease and presence of enteric viruses in the Dutch broiler industry is largely absent. Therefore, a large-scale field study, in which 98 broiler flocks from 86 farms were sampled weekly, was started to assess the prevalence of histopathological lesions in the jejunum, a number of enterotropic viruses by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR) and coccidia by lesion scoring. Histopathological lesions indicative of intestinal disease were found in all flocks examined. The pathogens investigated were chicken astrovirus (99% of flocks positive), avian nephritis virus 3 (100%), rotavirus A (95%), rotavirus D (52%), reovirus (100%), Eimeria acervulina (94%), E. maxima (49%) and E. tenella (40%). The enteric viruses were more prevalent in the first weeks of the growing period, while coccidiosis was more frequently found at 4 and 5 weeks of age. The abundant presence of the enteric viruses and enteric disorders stresses the need to elucidate the role of these viruses in intestinal disease. Furthermore, the high prevalence of coccidiosis despite the use of anticoccidials shows that the current coccidial management programmes might be insufficient in controlling this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridioides difficile is an etiological agent of enteric diseases in humans and animals. Animals are considered a potential reservoir due to the genetic and antimicrobial resistance similarities between human and animal C. difficile isolates. In this study, we evaluated the genetic characteristics and antimicrobial resistance profiles of C. difficile isolated from 942 fecal samples collected from horses in South Korea during 2019–2020. The C. difficile isolates were tested for toxin genes including tcdA (A), tcdB (B), and cdtAB (CDT) and deletions of the tcdC gene by PCR. In addition, ribotyping, multilocus sequence typing, and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed. Twenty-three (2.4%) C. difficile isolates were associated with diarrhea in foals under 1 year old during the spring–summer period. Of these, 82.6% were toxigenic strains, determined to be A+B+CDT+ (52.1%) or A+B+CDT‒ (30.4%). All isolates were susceptible to metronidazole and vancomycin, and resistant to cefotaxime and gentamicin, and 76.2% were multidrug resistant (MDR). RT078/ST11/Clade 5 was the most common genotype (47.8%), which was also found in animals and humans worldwide. All RT078/ST11/Clade 5 strains were toxigenic and had deletions of the tcdC gene. About half of these strains were resistant to moxifloxacin, and 63.6% were MDR. C. difficile isolates in this study consisted mostly of toxigenic and MDR strains, and their genetic properties were highly similar to human C. difficile isolates. These results suggest high possibilities of zoonotic transmission and can provide knowledge for establishing strategies for the treatment and prevention of C. difficile infection. • C. difficile was associated with the diarrhea of foals in spring and summer in Korea. • RT078/ST11/Clade 5, a common genotype in horses, with A + B + CDT+ and deletion of the tcdC gene. • All non-toxigenic isolates were multidrug resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a main etiology causing severe enteric disease in piglets with clinical signs of anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration resulting in loss of condition and death within a few days. Historically, PED is one of major causes of loss in swine and remains prevalent in some parts of the world. Even with increase in the available tests for PED diagnosis, which include histological diagnosis; virological diagnosis and serological diagnosis, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for this disease yet. In this mini review, the overview and current situation of PED is described with updated techniques, in an effort to comprehensively discuss and understand the disease characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]