Distribution of Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infection in Domestic Pigs in the Republic of Korea: Nationwide Survey from 2020-2021

This study aimed to examine the distribution of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in domestic pigs in the Republic of Korea. From May 2020 to October 2021, 364 pig fecal samples were collected from 75 farms in 7 Provinces and microscopically examined. A total of 170 (46.7%) pigs were infected with at least one of the following parasites: Balantioides coli, strongyles, Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, and coccidia. By parasite species, B. coli, strongyles, A. suum, T. suis, and coccidia oocysts or eggs were detected in 144 (39.6%), 24 (6.6%), 14 (3.8%), 4 (1.1%), and 1 (0.3%) samples, respectively. One hundred fifty-four, 15, and 1 cases showed single, double, and triple infections, respectively. Of the swine fecal samples from 75 farms, 69 specimens (92.0%) were infected with 1 or more parasites. All surveyed farms across the country exhibited a positive rate of over 30%, among which the highest positive rate was 65.0% in Chungcheongnam-do, and Jeollabuk-do was followed by 61.9%. Winter showed a statistically lower prevalence than other seasons. This study showed that gastrointestinal parasites are prevalent in pigs in Korea, although the diversity of parasites is low.

First Clinical Cases of Spirometrosis in Two Cats in Korea

This study reports the first two clinical cases of spirometrosis caused by Spirometra sp. in cats in Korea. In these two cases, the cats vomited, and long proglottids of tapeworm were recovered. The sick cats presented with anorexia and lethargy. However, they unexpectedly showed no diarrhea, which is the main symptom of spirometrosis. Based on a fecal floatation test as well as morphological and molecular analyses, the parasite was diagnosed as Spirometra sp. The 2 cases were treated with praziquantel. This study suggests regular monitoring of health and deworming in companion animals, even when animals are well cared for, with regular preventive medication. Additionally, spirometrosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis in cases of gastrointestinal symptoms in Spirometra endemic areas.

First Clinical Cases of Spirometrosis in Two Cats in Korea

This study reports the first two clinical cases of spirometrosis caused by Spirometra sp. in cats in Korea. In these two cases, the cats vomited, and long proglottids of tapeworm were recovered. The sick cats presented with anorexia and lethargy. However, they unexpectedly showed no diarrhea, which is the main symptom of spirometrosis. Based on a fecal floatation test as well as morphological and molecular analyses, the parasite was diagnosed as Spirometra sp. The 2 cases were treated with praziquantel. This study suggests regular monitoring of health and deworming in companion animals, even when animals are well cared for, with regular preventive medication. Additionally, spirometrosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis in cases of gastrointestinal symptoms in Spirometra endemic areas.

Virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes of pathogenic Escherichia coli from piglets showing diarrhea before and after ban on antibiotic growth promoters in feed

Abstract: This study examined the prevalence of adherence factors, toxin genes, antimicrobial resistance phenotypes, and resistance genes in Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from piglets with diarrhea before and after the ban on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in Korea from 2007 to 2018. In this period, pathogenic 474 E. coli isolates were obtained from diarrheic piglets. The virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance genes were assayed using a polymerase chain reaction, and the susceptibility to antibiotics was tested according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. After the ban on AGPs, the frequency of F4 (12.5% to 32.7%) increased significantly, and LT (31.9% to 20.3%) and EAST-I (46.5% to 35.2%) decreased significantly. In addition, the resistance to streptomycin (45.8% to 67.9%), cephalothin (34.0% to 59.4%), and cefazlin (10.4% to 28.8%) increased significantly. Colistin resistance plasmid-mediated genes, mcr-1 and mcr-3, were detected after the ban on AGPs. The results of this study can provide useful data for analyzing the impact of the ban on AGPs on the virulence profiles and antimicrobial resistance of E. coli isolated from piglets with diarrhea in Korea.

Clinical trial of oral administration of Bifidobacterium longum in dogs with atopic dermatitis

This study assessed the effects of probiotics in canine atopic dermatitis (AD). We enrolled 11 client-owned dogs with AD and randomly allocated them to two groups. The probiotics group (n = 7) was prescribed with Bifidobacterium longum while the control group (n = 4) received a placebo powder once a day for 12 weeks. In both groups, the degree of skin lesions was evaluated based on the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI)-4. We also measured the transepidermal water loss (TEWL). We assessed pruritus severity using the pruritus visual analog scale (PVAS). Alteration of consumed drug doses was converted into medication scores. All the evaluation indices were surveyed every 4 weeks. In the probiotics group, there was a significant decrease in the CADESI-4 score at 4, 8, and 12 weeks compared to that of the baseline score (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in TEWL, PVAS, and medication score at each time point and between groups. Although these results showed that Bifidobacterium longum did not reduce pruritus, TEWL, and the dosage of drugs for canine AD, it was effective in improving skin lesions, therefore, probiotics could be considered in canine AD with severe skin symptoms.

Prevalence of O-serogroups, virulence genes, and F18 antigenic variants in Escherichia coli isolated from weaned piglets with diarrhea in Korea during 2008–2016

To diagnose colibacillosis, detection of O-serogroups and virulence genes has been recommended worldwide. The prevalence of virulence factors can fluctuate over time. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of O-serogroups, virulence genes, and F18 subtypes among pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from weaned piglets with diarrhea in Korea. Between 2008 and 2016, 362 E. coli were isolated from weaned piglets with diarrhea. Hemolysis was determined in blood agar, and O-serogroups were identified using the slide agglutination technique. The genes for the toxins and fimbriae were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Real-time PCR was conducted to discriminate between F18 subtypes. Although the most prevalent serogroup was O149 (11.3%) in the last 9 years, O139 (19.1%) became the most prevalent in recent years (2015–2016). The most predominant pathotype was enterotoxigenic E. coli (61.3%). The frequencies of Shiga-like toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) (23.4%), O139 (19.1%), Stx2e (35.1%), and F18ab (48.7%) increased over the most recent years. Although enterotoxigenic E. coli was the most predominant pathotype, the frequencies of O139, Stx2e, STEC, and F18ab have increased in recent years. These results demonstrate that there have been temporal changes in the predominant O-serogroups and virulence genes over the last decade in Korea. These findings can be practicable for use in epidemiology and control measures for enteric colibacillosis in Korean piggeries.

Oral malodor-reducing effects by oral feeding of Weissella cibaria CMU in Beagle dogs

This study assessed the effects of Weissella cibaria (W. cibaria) CMU on oral health in male and female beagles (n = 18) by measuring oral malodor and periodontal disease-related parameters (calculus, plaque, and gingivitis indices). Oral malodor and indicators of periodontal disease were assessed in five treatment groups: negative control (scaling and 0.24 mg of maltodextrin, n = 3), positive control (0.24 mg of maltodextrin, n = 3), and W. cibaria CMU groups (each n = 4) at low (CMU-L, 2 × 10⁷ colony forming unit [CFU]), medium (CMU-M, 2 × 10⁸ CFU), and high (CMU-H, 2 × 10⁹ CFU) concentrations. After feeding with W. cibaria CMU for 6 weeks, total volatile sulfur compound concentrations in the CMU-L (2.0 ± 1.04 ng/10 mL), CMU-M (2.4 ± 1.05 ng/10 mL), and CMU-H (2.6 ± 1.33 ng/10 mL)groups were significantly lower than in the positive control group (3.2 ± 1.65 ng/10 mL). Also, CMU-L (1.4 ± 0.83 ng/10 mL) and CMU-H (1.9 ± 1.14 ng/10 mL) groups had methyl mercaptan levels lower than that in the positive control group (2.4 ± 1.21 ng/10 mL) at week 2. The plaque index was significantly lower in the CMU-H group (4.5 ± 0.28) than in the positive control group (5.9 ± 1.08) at week 6. W. cibaria CMU could be useful as a novel oral hygiene probiotics for reducing volatile sulfur compounds production and inhibiting plaque growth in companion animals.

Oral malodor-reducing effects by oral feeding of Weissella cibaria CMU in Beagle dogs / 대한수의학회지

This study assessed the effects of Weissella cibaria (W. cibaria) CMU on oral health in male and female beagles (n = 18) by measuring oral malodor and periodontal disease-related parameters (calculus, plaque, and gingivitis indices). Oral malodor and indicators of periodontal disease were assessed in five treatment groups: negative control (scaling and 0.24 mg of maltodextrin, n = 3), positive control (0.24 mg of maltodextrin, n = 3), and W. cibaria CMU groups (each n = 4) at low (CMU-L, 2 × 10⁷ colony forming unit [CFU]), medium (CMU-M, 2 × 10⁸ CFU), and high (CMU-H, 2 × 10⁹ CFU) concentrations. After feeding with W. cibaria CMU for 6 weeks, total volatile sulfur compound concentrations in the CMU-L (2.0 ± 1.04 ng/10 mL), CMU-M (2.4 ± 1.05 ng/10 mL), and CMU-H (2.6 ± 1.33 ng/10 mL)groups were significantly lower than in the positive control group (3.2 ± 1.65 ng/10 mL). Also, CMU-L (1.4 ± 0.83 ng/10 mL) and CMU-H (1.9 ± 1.14 ng/10 mL) groups had methyl mercaptan levels lower than that in the positive control group (2.4 ± 1.21 ng/10 mL) at week 2. The plaque index was significantly lower in the CMU-H group (4.5 ± 0.28) than in the positive control group (5.9 ± 1.08) at week 6. W. cibaria CMU could be useful as a novel oral hygiene probiotics for reducing volatile sulfur compounds production and inhibiting plaque growth in companion animals.

Selection and immunomodulatory evaluation of lactic acid bacteria suitable for use as canine probiotics / 대한수의학회지

This study was conducted to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from dog intestine and identify potential probiotic strains for canine use. One hundred and one LAB were isolated from feces of 20 healthy dogs. Acid, bile, and heat resistance along with adherence to Caco-2 cells and antimicrobial activity against pathogens were examined. To analyze immunomodulative effects, the production of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta was measured using RAW 264.7 macrophages. Additionally, RAW BLUE cells were used to evaluate nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) generation. Ultimately, three strains were selected as canine probiotics and identified as Lactobacillus reuteri L10, Enterococcus faecium S33, and Bifidobacterium longum B3 by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The L10 and S33 strains showed tolerance to pH 2.5 for 2 h, 1.0% Oxgall for 2 h, and 60degrees C for 5 min. These strains also had strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli KCTC 1682, Salmonella Enteritidis KCCM 12021, Staphylococcus aureus KCTC 1621, and Listeria monocytogenes KCTC 3569. All three strains exerted better immunomodulatory effects than Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), a well-known commercial immunomodulatory strain, based on NO, NF-kappaB, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha production. These results suggested that the three selected strains could serve as canine probiotics.

Characteristics and immuno-modulatory effects of Enterococcus faecium JS1-8 isolated from Kimchi / 동물의과학연구지

Characteristics and immuno-modulatory effects of Enterococcus (E.) faecium JS1-8 isolated from Kimchi were investigated for potential probiotic use. We measured their acid, bile, and heat tolerances, adhesion properties in Caco-2 cells, antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria, and bacteriocin-like substance-producing activity. Immuno-modulatory effects of E. faecium JS1-8 were measured by determination of nitric oxide (NO), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production in RAW 264.7 cells or RAW BLUE cells. JS1-8 survived at pH 2.0 for 2 hr and showed tolerance to 0.3% oxgall bile salt, and it survived after exposure for 5 min at 80degreesC. JS1-8 showed high antimicrobial inhibition zones to Staphylococcus aureus (460 mm), Listeria monocytogenes (310 mm), Salmonella enteritidis (280 mm), and E. coli (150 mm). Bacteriocin-like substance produced by JS1-8 showed a broad spectrum of activity against Listeria monocytogenes KCCM 40307 and Lactobacillus sake KCCM 40264. Low concentration (1 x 107 CFU/mL) of heat-killed E. faecium JS1-8 induced statistically higher production of NO than Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), which is a well-known immuno-modulatory lactic acid bacteria. Low and high (5 x 107 CFU/mL) concentrations of JS1-8 induced statistically higher production of NF-kappaB than that produced by LGG. We also found that JS1-8 increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in a concentration-dependent manner. As a result, E. faecium JSI-8 could be used as a useful probiotic for controlling pathogens and enhancing host immune responses.

Immunomodulatory effect of beta-glucan derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains / 동물의과학연구지

The aim of this study was to evaluate immunopotentiating activities of beta-glucan derived from Saccharomyces (S.) cerevisiae and to select new strains having possibility as an immune-enhancing substance. We examined SB20 strains derived from commercial product as a control, and extracted beta-glucans from the four strains of S. cerevisiae. RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with heat-killed yeasts, beta-glucans, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The production of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-1beta were then quantified. When macrophages were induced directly by in vitro addition of beta-glucan, little production of NO and IL-1beta was observed. When pretreated with strong stimulants, i.e., LPS, most yeasts showed down-modulation of NO and IL-1beta production. However, TNF-alpha secretion was triggered by beta-glucans and even more increased by the mixture effect of LPS and beta-glucans. In particular, S6 strain induced TNF-alpha secretion more than other strains. Therefore, we can conclude that the S6 strain has possibility as an immune-enhancing substance.

Characteristics and immuno-modulatory effects of Weissella cibaria JW15 isolated from Kimchi, Korea traditional fermented food, for probiotic use / 동물의과학연구지

In this study, characteristics and immuno-modulatory effects of Weissella cibaria JW15 isolated from Kimchi, traditional Korean fermented food, were examined for investigation of the capacity of potentially probiotic strains. We measured acid, bile, and heat tolerance, adhesive properties to intestinal epithelial cells, and inhibitory activity against pathogens. JW15 could survive at pH 3.0 for 2 hr, but not at pH 2.0. JW15 also showed tolerance to 0.3% oxgall bile salt, and heat tolerance at 70degrees C and 80degrees C for 5 min, respectively. Adhesive ability to Caco-2 cells was similar to that of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), a well-known commercial probiotic. JW15 exhibited antimicrobial activities to pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enteritidis. The immuno-modulatory effects of JW15 were compared with those of LGG, a well-known immune enhancer. For analysis, production of nitric oxide (NO), NF-kappaB (Nuclear factor kappaB), Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was measured. The concentration of NO induced by JW15 was higher than that by LGG at low concentration (1 x 10(7) cfu/mL). Low and high (5 x 10(7) CFU/mL) concentration of JW15 induced statistically higher production of NF-kappaB, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha than that produced by LGG, respectively. In conclusion, Weissella cibaria JW15 had ability as a probiotic strain, including acid, bile, and heat tolerance, adhesive properties to intestinal epithelial cells, and inhibitory activity against pathogens. In addition, JW15 showed better immuno-modulatory effects than LGG when NO, NF-kappaB, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha were measured. According to these results, the characteristics and immunomodulating activity of Weissella cibaria JW15 are suitable for consideration as a potential probiotic.

Antimicrobial resistance and frequency of BlaTEM in Escherichia coli isolated from non-diarrheic and diarrheic piglets / 대한수의학회지

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most concerns in pig industry. Escherichia (E.) coli have been used for the indicator to monitor the antimicrobial resistance. In this study, 321 E. coli from diarrheic and non-diarrheic piglets were tested for antimicrobial resistance and frequency of Bla TEM. In non-diarrheic piglets, they were resistant to oxytetracycline (93%), streptomycin (92%) and sulfadiazine (90%) but susceptible to ceftiofur (99%), colistin (97%), and enrofloxacin (82%). The isolates from diarrheic piglets were resistant to enrofloxacin (72.9%), ceftiofur (17.6%), and colistin (11.3%), whereas the resistance was 1%, 18% and 3% in case of non-diarrheic piglets, respectively. The resistance for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (54.1%) and ceftiofur (22%) was high in isolates from post-weaning piglets. The resistance for colistin was 15.2% in nursery piglets. Seventy-three percent of isolates from diarrheic piglets showed high multidrug resistance profile (more than 13 antimicrobials) compared to those from non-diarrheic pigs in which 71% of isolates showed moderate multidrug resistance profile (7 to 12 antimicrobials). The frequency of BlaTEM in E. coli from non-diarrheic and diarrheic piglets was 57% and 69%, respectively. The results might provide the basic knowledge to establish the strategies for treatment and reduce antibiotic resistance of E. coli in piglets.

Immuno-enhancing Effects of Lactobacillus salivarius JWS 58 and Lactobacillus plantarum JWS 1354 isolated from duck / 대한수의학회지

Lactobacillus salivarius JWS 58 (JWS 58) and Lactobacillus plantarum JWS 1354 (JWS 1354) are isolated from duck intestine and have ability to produce bacteriocin. The objective of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of JWS 58 and JWS 1354. The nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines (IL-1beta and TNF-alpha) were measured in C57BL/6 mouse peritoneal macrophages to determine immune enhancing effects of JWS 58 and JWS 1354. A Listeria (L.) monocytogenes challenge mice model was used to evaluate immune enhancement ability of JWS 58 and JWS 1354 in vivo. The results showed that JWS 58 and JWS 1354 increased the production of NO or cytokines by peritoneal macrophages and that oral administration of viable probiotic strains in mice elicited the immuno-modulatory effect upon L. monocytogenes challenge. JWS 1354 showed stronger immune enhancing effects than JWS 58. Collectively, this study demonstrated that Lactobacillus strain JWS 58 and JWS 1354 possess immune enhancing effect. Furthermore, two stains are expected to use feed supplement to prevent diseases by pathogenic bacteria through releasing bacteriocin and enhancing host immune responses in animal.

Isolation of cholesterol-lowering lactic acid bacteria from human intestine for probiotic use

Cholesterol-lowering effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB: Streptococcus, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) is well-known. Thus, we investigated LAB isolated from human intestine on the cholesterol-lowering effect in vitro. Seven Streptococcus (61.1%), 11 Lactobacillus (71.8%) and 7 Bifidobacterium (27.9%) were isolated as acid (pH 2.5 and 3.0) and bile (0.3% oxgall) tolerant strains. Streptococcus HJS-1, Lactobacillus HJL-37 and Bifidobacterium HJB-4 were finally selected as probiotic strains to use through the bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity assay by using MRS media added taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) and the cholesterol-lowering test by using soluble cholesterol containing MRS broth. These studies suggested that the isolated LAB had an excellent hypocholesterolemic effect.

The mechanism of Arginine-stimulated growth hormone secretion

No abstract available.

A Case of Sexual Precocity with Congenital Hypothyroidism

No abstract available.