Antimicrobial susceptibility, biofilm formation and genetic profiles of Escherichia coli isolated from retail chicken meat.

Brazil is the number one exporter of chicken meat, and this industry maintains constant microbiological vigilance. The objective of this study was to characterize the pathogenicity, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the profile of biofilm production of Escherchia coli strains isolated from raw refrigerated cuts of chicken meat sold in retail markets of the four largest poultry companies in Brazil. We collected 150 samples of chicken meat, in order to isolate E. coli and performed susceptibility tests (to amoxicillin associated with clavulanic acid, ceftiofur, enrofloxacin, gentamicin, and trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole). In addition, the disc approximation test to detect extended spectrum beta-lactamases enzymes (ESBLs) producers was performed. E. coli ability to form biofilm was checked using polystyrene microplates. We also searched for ESBLs genes (blaCTY-M2, blaSHV-1, blaTEM-1, blaCTX-M2, blaOXA-1, blaPSE-1 and AmpC) and adhesion genes (sfa/foc, afa/draB, iha, hrla, fimC, tsh, papC, mat, cr1, felA, fimH and papG) in ESBL-E. coli producers and in those E. coli classified as strongly biofilm formers, respectively. The overall percentage of E. coli isolation was 58.66%, with brand A having the highest percentage (70%), followed by brands D, B and C (60, 53.3 and 50%, respectively). The highest resistance profile was observed for beta-lactams (39.5%), followed by sulfonamide associated to trimethoprim (36.9%) and polymyxin (33.4%). Of the isolates obtained, 77% were non-susceptible to at least one antimicrobial. Brand A showed the highest overall percentage of resistance with 95.23%, followed by brands C (80%), B (75%) and D (69.44%). Overall, 73.86% of the isolates were non susceptible to at least one antibiotic and 36.3% were multiresistants. A total of 17.04% of E. coli strains were identified as ESBLs producers and 70.44% were able to form biofilms (moderate-to-strong). The blaTEM-1 gene was the most prevalent (73.33%), followed by blaSHV-1 (46.66%) and blaCMY-2 (6%). Of the 31 strongly biofilm-forming strains, 26 (83.87%), 24 (77.41%) and 20 (64.51%) expressed fimC, papG and crl genes, respectively. Taken together, our results show that Brazilian chicken meat can be contaminated with E. coli that are non-susceptible to multiple antibiotics, able to form biofilm and showing a diverse repertoire of adhesins linked to pathogenicity depending on the brand evaluated.

Involvement of the phosphoryl transfer network on cardiac energetic metabolism during Staphylococcus aureus infection and its association to disease pathophysiology.

Evidences have suggested that the phosphoryl transfer network by the enzymatic activities of creatine kinase (CK), adenylate kinase (AK), pyruvate kinase (PK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), shows new perspectives to understand some disturbances in the energy metabolism during bacterial infections. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether Staphylococcus aureus infection in mice could alter serum and cardiac activities of these enzymes and their association to disease pathophysiology. For that, we measured total leukocytes, lymphocytes and neutrophils (just 48 h of infection) that were lower in infected animals after 48 and 72 h in infected mice compared with negative control, while total protein and globulin plasma levels were higher after 72 h of infection. The serum CK activity was higher in infected animals 48 and 72 h post-infection compared to the control group, as well as observed for mitochondrial cardiac CK activity. The serum PK activity was higher in infected animals after 72 h of infection compared to the control group, and lower in the cardiac tissue. The cardiac AK activity was lower in infected animals 48 h and 72 h post-infection compared to the control group, while serum and cardiac LDH activities were higher. Based on these evidences, it is possible to conclude that the stimulation of CK activity exerts a key role as an attempt to maintain the bioenergetic homeostasis by the production of phosphocreatine to avoid a rapid fall on the concentrations of total adenosine triphosphate. In summary, the phosphoryl transfer network can be considered a pathway involved in the improvement on tissue and cellular energy homeostasis of S. aureus-infected mice.

A prophylactic protocol to stimulate the immune response also controls infectious disease and, consequently, minimizes diarrhea in newborn heifers.

The immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory properties of selenium (Se), an essential trace element for animals, has increase its use because may prevent/or reduce the occurrence of infectious diseases. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify whether Se and vitamins (A and E) applied via subcutaneous associated with secnidazole via oral exert positive effects in the antioxidant and immune systems, as well as whether prevent infections caused by protozoan and bacteria, and consequently, reduce the number of cases of diarrhea in heifers. Thirty-two newborn Holstein heifers were divided into two groups with sixteen animals each: the control group and the treated group that received sodium selenite (0.2 mg/kg) and vitamins A (35 mg/kg) and E (1 mg/kg) with one day of life, and a second application associated with secnidazole (400 mg/animal) on day 10 of life. Sample collection (blood and feces) were performed on days 1, 15, 30, 45 and 60 of life. Heifers from the treated group showed higher hematocrit values compared to the control group on day 60 of life, while total serum protein levels were higher on days 15 and 30. The ceruloplasmin (days 15, 30 and 60), IgG of heavy chain (days 15, 30, 45 and 60), IgG of light chain (days 45 and 60) and haptoglobin (days 15, 30, 45 and 60) were higher in the treated group compared to the control group. Serum levels of glucose decreased in treated animals on day 60 of life, while serum levels of albumin, triglycerides, urea, cholesterol, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, reactive oxygen species and glutathione S-transferase activity did not differ between groups. Secnidazole was able to prevent infections caused by Giardia duodenalis in the first few days of life, but no difference was observed between groups. Moreover, there was no difference on total bacteria count and the incidence of diarrhea between groups. No difference on weight gain was observed on day 60 of life, but on day 210 of life treated animals had higher weight gain compared to the control group. Based on these evidences, we concluded that the injectable application of Se and vitamins (A and E) associated to secnidazole can improve the immunological system, and consequently, favor animal's performance.