Phenotypic and genotypic approach to characterize a Trueperella pecoris strain isolated from necrotic vestibulitis of a camel (Camelus dromedarius).

The present study was designed to characterize phenotypically and genotypically a Trueperella (T.) pecoris strain isolated from necrotic vestibulitis of a 10-year-old camel (Camelus dromedarius). The species identity of T. pecoris 203/7 investigated in the present study could be confirmed by phenotypic properties and by phylogenetic analyses based on partial sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, the 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer region, the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase encoding gene gap, elongation factor Tu encoding gene tuf and the target gene rpoB encoding the ß-subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase. T. pecoris strain 203/7 was grouped within the genus Trueperella in the family Arcanobacteriaceae. The 16S rRNA gene analysis showed a sequence identity of 99·9% to reference strain T. pecoris DSM 111392T . The present isolate was clearly identified as T. pecoris, the most recently described species of the genus Trueperella. Strain T. pecoris 203/7 was isolated in moderate numbers from necrotic vestibulitis of the camel and could be of some importance for the infectious process. However, the investigated strain represents the first isolation of T. pecoris from a camel.

Influence of different protein sources in the broiler diet on the presence of Campylobacter spp. in excreta and caecal content.

The aim of the present study was to examine possible effects of a different protein supply on the presence of Campylobacter in excreta and caecal content of broiler chickens. Therefore, 220 one-day-old chickens were fed five different diets in the experimental period (day 8 onwards). In the control group (CON; n = 3 boxes), a soya bean-based industrially produced complete diet containing 5-10% whole wheat and coccidiostats was fed, whereas in the remaining groups, four own-made complete diets with four protein sources and combinations (4 × 2 boxes; soya bean meal-based diet = SBM; rapeseed meal-containing diet = RSM; haemoglobin meal-containing diet = HGP; algae-containing diet = ALG) were offered. During the 6-week trial period, data concerning performance parameters, excreta and litter characteristics and microbiological analysis of excreta and caecal content at dissection were collected. The qualitative bacteriological investigation was based on the EN ISO 10272-1:2006, taken from the official collection of analysis methods in accordance with § 64 LFBG. For quantitative bacteriological tests, a 10-fold dilution series was made followed by culture-based quantification methods on approved selective media in duplicate. Comparing the results of the final dissection (day 44/45), nearly all samples of animals receiving the own-made complete diet were Campylobacter positive in the caecal content, whereas only seven of fifteen samples were positive in the CON group. With regard to the CFU in the caecal content, the counts of Campylobacter were significantly lower for animals fed the commercial diet (2.47 ± 3.06 vs. 7.36 ± 0.66 log10  CFU/g). When only the positive animals were evaluated, significant differences were also found between the CON group and the total of the other groups (5.30 ± 2.08 vs. 7.54 ± 1.70 log10  CFU/g). Although significant differences were seen in the results, no final recommendation can be given how to create a diet to reduce an infection with Campylobacter.