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The active principles extracted from plants prove to be useful in preventing or treating various diseases through their influence at molecular level. This potential of plants could reduce the negative effects of existing therapies due to lesser side effects and the results of bioavailability studies are encouraging. Hydro-alcoholic Salvia glutinosa L. extracts were examined for their antioxidant potential, anti-bacterial activity and in vitro immune stimulating effects. The dry aerial part of the plant (herba) was used for these experiments, after minced and solubilized in ethanol and also in aqueous solution. The antioxidant capacity was investigated by free radical scavenging effect over 1,1-diphenyl l-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, the antimicrobial effect by the Kirby Bauer radial diffusion test and the immune stimulating effect by tests on whole blood cultures. The results indicated a stronger antioxidant capacity (RSA% 88.89), antibacterial effect (G - E. coli, P. aeruginosa, x = 12 mm < G+, S. aureus, ATCC/clinical strains, x = 23 mm) and immune stimulation of the ethanol extract compared to the aqueous one. These results indicated the plant as a potential complex source to be implemented in alternative therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swine are considered one of the most important species of food animals worldwide, the majority of meat for human consumption in numerous countries being represented by pork. Sometimes heavily treated with antibiotics to maintain herd health, swine could be considered a sentinel species for humans in respect to antibiotic resistance.The research compared the dynamics of antibiotic resistance by distance between an intensive farm, where antibiotic use is considerable, and small households, with no antibiotic use, at 5 (A) and 10 (B) kilometers from the farm. Twenty-eight clinically healthy pigs (n = 16, farm, n = 6 A, n = 6 B) were sampled. Standard microbiological techniques, identification of the strains by Vitek 2 system and Kirby Bauer test to assess the antimicrobial resistance were applied. Of the total bacterial species identified, E. coli (72%) dominated while 10% were Gram+ bacilli and 10% Gram - unidentified coco-bacilli. The highest MAR (multiple antibiotic resistance) index was calculated in E. coli (MAR = 0.88, A and B) and also two other strains from the farm (MAR = 0.77). The high MAR indices stand for the presence of antibiotic resistance in untreated animals, urging for a more accurate surveillance of the phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis remains a major challenge for the global dairy industry, despite the widespread implementation of control strategies. Escherichia coli and Streptococcus uberis are the most common agents of mastitis in cattle and a significant problem for the dairy industry. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of bacteria involved in mastitis of dairy cows and to establish the antibiotic resistance profile, which frequently complicates the therapy. In order to achieve these objectives, samples (n=25) were collected from cattle diagnosed with clinical mastitis and subclinical mastitis detected by biochemical assays. The samples were processed by standard microbiological methods and the results indicated an increased prevalence of Staphylococcus spp. and of microorganisms of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Isolated bacterial strains have shown significant resistance to antibiotics, especially to amoxicillin, while ciprofloxacin has proven the most effective. Thus, the early detection and correct treatment of clinical and subclinical mastitis is an important challenge for the economy and for the public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the global decline of bacterial antimicrobial sensitivity, international organizations such as Word Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, and World Organization for Animal Health consider it necessary to implement an integrative approach to the fight against antibiotic resistance in the light of the One Health concept. The purpose of the study was to investigate the degree of interchangeability of the antibiotic resistance of the isolated microbiome from wild boars and their living environment. The samples (n=24) were collected from two hunting funds in Covasna and Cluj counties. The identification of microorganisms was performed using the Vitek®2 System and, subsequently, their susceptibility was evaluated using the agar diffusion method. The isolated strains were identified as Pseudomonas spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas luteola, Brevibacterium spp., Aerococcus viridans, Aeromonas sobria, Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter lari, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus suis. The highest multiple antibiotic resistance index (MAR 0.666) was identified in strains isolated from Cluj County, while the lowest (MAR 0.111) was obtained in strains isolated from Covasna County. The results of this study further acknowledge the bacterial resistance in wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis is a viral, endemic, specific bovine, goat and swine (genital) disease with acute evolution, clinically characterized by hyperthermia and respiratory involvement, inflammation of the anterior respiratory tract (rhinitis, tracheitis) or genital disorders (abortions, infertility, balanopostitis), often accompanied by conjunctivitis. This entity is globally spread and is considered to be one of the most costly diseases affecting bovine livestock, and can have major economic consequences by decreasing productivity (milk production, low yield on fattening, animal culling), high morbidity, lethality, which can reach 12% for youth, as well as by restrictions in trade between countries. The review examined the impact of the infection on health status of affected bovine and possibilities to control the disease based on general and specific measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic resistance is a growing phenomenon which involves a pronounced zoonotic risk. Healthy dogs can acquire antibiotic-resistant bacteria in their living environment, but also on occasional clinical examinations at the veterinary clinic where they are presented for consultation. In order to follow the way in which the microbiome transfer can be performed in a veterinary clinic to regular patients, saliva samples (n = 8) were collected from healthy dogs presented at a veterinary clinic in Cluj-Napoca. The bacterial population was also tested for resistance to antibiotics. The dogs were regular patients of the veterinary clinic, originating from different districts of Cluj-Napoca. Thus, the intersection between patients is performed only in the veterinary clinic. Samples were also collected from various surfaces in the consulting and waiting rooms. The samples were processed using classical microbiological methods and identified by rapid biochemical assays. The susceptibility to certain antibiotics was evaluated using agar diffusion method. In this study, bacteria of the same species were isolated from patients with different habitats, supporting the possible interchangeability of the microflora, probably in the case of repeated visits to the same office. The presence of a large number of strains involved in the oral microbiome associated with increased resistance to antimicrobials calls for the implementation of enhanced biosecurity measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marek’s disease (MD) is highly economically impacting viral disease in chickens aged 4 weeks - 4 month. Various hypotheses were posed to explain its recurrent epidemiology and increasing virulence over the years. This study aimed at comparing the epidemiological indicators of two confirmed Marek’s disease episodes (DIVA Real Time PCR) in two different series of Isa Brown pullets hatched one week apart on the same farm. The data indicated an increasing mortality due to MD from week 6 towards week 14, from 0.28 to 2.72% in the first series and 0.07 to 1.43% in the second one, with a cumulative mortality 3.26% and 2.28% respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the weight gains of the two series on week 14 (peak of MD mortality), but it decreased in the first series (1398.7g versus 1478.00 g respectively) by week 16. Although the two episodes significantly differed in mortality (p<0.05), except a slight variation of the size of the flock, no other circumstances could have been identified as influential causes, the variability being attributed to differences in viral pathogenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caves frequently visited by animals or humans present reservoirs of pathogenic or conditioned pathogenic microorganisms. In recent years, numerous bacteria, fungi and viruses have been isolated and identified from caves as pathogens for humans and animals. Furthermore, through humans and/or animals, new types of germs can be carried into the normal microflora of caves, disturbing the microbial balance, making these locations sources of pathogenic germs with zoonotic potential. The most common diseases caused by microorganisms in caves are diseases located in the respiratory system. Visits to any underground environment should no longer be seen as a simple, risk-free tourist activity, but rather as one with potential risks to human and animal health. Numerous studies have been conducted worldwide on the diversity and abundance of pathogens in caves. In order to reduce the number of diseases associated with caves, it is necessary to raise awareness and educate about the possible dangers to people or animals that come in direct contact with such environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abortion is one of the economically important pathological implications of salmonellosis in sheep. Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serotype abortusovis is the sheep-specific abortive serotype. Regional endemic Salmonella abortions also lead to calving of dead offspring and reduced viability, diseases in lambs from infected dams. The present study focused on the description of two outbreaks of S. abortusovis infection, with special reference to the epidemiological situation in Northwestern Romania, in the winter of 2020-2021. Two herds in which the morbidity rate (abortion) in the last period of gestation was between 13.92% - 16.66% were studied. Fetal parenchymal organs and gastric contents were harvested and processed using classical microbiological methods. Bacterial strains were confirmed by biochemical and serological methods and were identified as Salmonella abortusovis serogroup B, serotype BO. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated using agar diffusion method. Multidrug resistance was found in six of these strains; all were resistant to sulfatrimethoprim and doxycycline, one to erythromycin and one to ciprofloxacin. In order to avoid economic damage in regions known to have enzootic potential, immunoprophylaxis in dams is strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious pododermatitis is a common condition in sheep with initial lameness, with a variation in severeness over time. Independently on aetiology, the administration of antibiotics has proven to be ineffective, the disease often being exacerbated in a short time, the bacteria being refractory to antimicrobials. The use of antibiotics is common in sheep for disease treatment, health protection and as growth promoters. The main antibiotics used in farmed animals are tetracyclines, penicillin, quinolones and cephalosporins. According to the latest studies, E. coli, an ubiquitous bacterium often isolated from pododermatitis lesions, is unresponsive to all these antibiotics. Studies on the antibiotic resistance of the main pathogens of necrobacillary pododermatitis, Dichelobacter nodosus and Fusobacterium necrophorum, are not found in the literature, but the ineffectiveness of antibiotics on these bacteria directs towards a possible antibiotic resistance. Currently, multiple health organisations have identified proliferation of antimicrobial resistance as a global crisis. The decline in bacterial susceptibility to common antibiotics calls for global efforts on the rational use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine as a response to the spread of antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The commensal/opportunistic bacteriome in various animal species includes potentially pathogenic S. aureus. Widespread in humans, on the skin or mucosae, it induces a highly variable pathology, depending on its toxins and virulence, on the host and also on the environment. Much less is known about other staphylococci and their involvement in swine pathology. This research envisaged the incidence of Staphylococcus spp., in samples collected from extensively raised clinically healthy pigs, of the same age, during the period 2019-2020. The samples (n=49) were provided from farms of different sizes and in different years. Cotton swabs were used to sample secretions from anterior nares of individual pigs, and from the skin behind the ears of the animals. Classical microbiology methods were used to isolate Staphylococcus spp. and the isolates were identified using biochemical tests (API Staph, BioMerieux). Forty species of Staphylococcus were identified: Staphylococcus xylosus (47,5%), Staphylococcus lentus (30%), and Staphylococcus sciuri (22,5%). These bacterias seemed often present as a commensal animal-associated bacteria, but în some cases they could become pathologic în some diseases like bovine mastitis, and exudative epidermitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccination against contagious agalactia of sheep, an OIE declarable, highly economically impacting disease, is the most widespread method to reduce the disease prevalence. This research monitored the influence of M. agalactiae S/94 and AG6, two commercial vaccines for sheep, on systemic humoral immunity in two flocks of ewes (n1=95, n2=220, respectively). Blood was sampled from both flocks before and one month after the booster vaccination and subjected to total Ig (24%o zinc sulphate precipitation test) and circulating immune complexes’ (4.2% polyethylene glycol precipitation test) evaluation. There were significant differences (p<0.001-0.004) in total Ig levels for both strains (7.68±2.63 and 23.68±5.7 for S/94 and 11.1±3.58 and 26.11±3.4 Vernes degrees for AG6, before and after the vaccination, respectively), but no differences in CIC concentrations (p=0.08 and p=0.59, for S/94 and AG6) between the samplings or the strains (p=0.342) were found. A strong positive correlation (r=0.889, p<0.05) was established between total Ig and CIC levels for the AG6 but not the S/94 strain, therefore other influential factors (individual, adjuvant, frequency of vaccination) should be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-anthrax vaccination is stressful for animals, with a potential negative impact on some immune effectors. This research aimed to investigate the extent of those and estimate the effectiveness of vaccination. Twenty-three extensively raised dairy cows and 11 calves were sampled before and two weeks after the anthrax vaccination (R 1190 Stamatin strain). Blood samples were collected, subjected to blood counts and the N/L ratio was calculated as a stress index. The total Ig (24%o zinc sulphate precipitation) and circulating immune complexes (CIC) (4.2% polyethylene glycol precipitation) were quantified from the serum samples. The N/L ratio was of 0.79 ± 0 .59 before and 0.58 ± 0.45 after the vaccination in adult animals, while in calves it increased significantly (0.61 ± 0.25 and 1.11 ± 0.68, respectively). The total Ig concentrations supported a lesser immunization of the calves than in dairy cows (6.95 ± 2.09 versus 12.10 ± 6.68 Vernes degrees, respectively) supporting the more stressful effect of the primary vaccination than of the booster one. Nevertheless, the antibody clearance was enhanced in the younger animals (5.4 ± 0.25 versus 1.0 ± 0.1 ODU, respectively). Repeated stimulation is the substrate for an enhanced adaptive response to vaccination in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti anthrax immune prophylaxis is a stressful operation, with a positive protective outcome but also impacting negatively on the immune system. The research aimed to investigate the post vaccination changes in humoral and cell mediated immunity, other than the specific anti anthrax ones, and quantify the restorative potential of the bilberry and marigold extracts in vaccinated animals. The experiment was carried out on extensively raised lactating cows (n=34) and young cattle (n=21), blood being sampled before and two weeks after the injection of live attenuated R 1190 Stamatin vaccine and processed by blood picture, calculation of N/L index as a stress indicator, total Ig and circulating immune complexes as well as the in vitro blast transformation of leukocytes. The results indicated that the N/L ratio allows an estimate of the stress level subsequent to vaccination, in relation to the diminished adaptive cell mediated response in the young cattle. The lower level of total Ig connected with a significantly (p<0.05) lower rate of complexation in young animals versus older ones stresses the beneficial influence of repeated vaccinations in the latter category. Similarly, there was an increased adaptive cell mediated response in older animals. The stimulating activity of extracts from Vaccinum myrtillus and Calendula officinalis was better expressed in cell cultures from younger animals, supporting the possible therapeutic use of these in restoring the diminshed overall immune responsein this category. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]