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1.
Porcine Health Manag ; 10(1): 27, 2024 Jul 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39033174

ABSTRACT

Timely euthanasia of a compromised pig in farming practice has been identified as a critical topic in veterinary medicine. The questions 'why and when are pigs euthanized' and 'what influences the decision making process' need to be answered to improve the situation. In the past five years, work addressing these issues has been published in the literature, however, a synthesis of the findings is missing. With the help of a quantitative and qualitative analysis, this paper has generated a landscape review to outline major topics, the role of clinical signs and further influences on the decision to euthanize a pig. Due to the quantitative content analysis, 58 topics have been identified with the role of welfare as a justification and training for caretakers in making euthanasia decisions as the most frequently mentioned. The qualitative analysis of why and when a pig is euthanized generated a set of clinical signs for organ tracts, and a set of categories influencing the decision making process. The results outline the need to increase research on details specific to understanding how clinical signs evolve over time before euthanasia. In summary, the analysis provides an overview of work in the field and ideas on how to close knowledge gaps in the future. Moreover, the article contributes to harmonize efforts in the field and underlines the need for more research about the care of compromised and injured pigs.

2.
Meat Sci ; 208: 109365, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37939509

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study is to provide an up-to date overall evaluation of visual contamination occurring on the slaughter line in order to provide a basis for implementing contamination control measures and to the hygienic quality of the processes. For this purpose, 627 contaminated pig carcasses in an industrial slaughterhouse in north western Germany were examined in 2021 for its distribution of type, areal extent and localization of slaughter contamination. Prior to official meat inspection, two persons visually scanned dorsal and ventral surfaces of the eviscerated but not yet split pig carcasses from cranial to caudal and recorded types, areal extent and localization of the contamination. The main contamination type were intestinal contents, bile, stomach contents, tubular rail fat and "others", which mostly consisted of a reddish foam from the respiratory tract. 103 out of 627 contaminated animals showed more than one contamination, which leads to a total number of 754 contaminations detected. Intestinal contents accounted for almost half of all contaminations and "others" for 30%. Forelimb, back and ham together counted for 70% of the contaminated regions. The affected area was smaller than that of a one euro coin (diameter about 23 mm) in 86% of the cases.


Subject(s)
Abattoirs , Meat , Swine , Animals , Hygiene , Germany , Food Microbiology , Food Contamination/analysis
3.
BMC Vet Res ; 16(1): 37, 2020 Feb 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32013971

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Since 2011, antibiotic usage has decreased continuously in livestock in Germany. Whether this is accompanied by a reduction in bacterial antimicrobial resistance has not been proven so far. In this study 3054 Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates from pigs which had suffered from disease on 2161 farms in North Western Germany were evaluated retrospectively from 2006 to 2017 for trends in their antimicrobial resistance pattern. Data were substantially related to the "pre-reduction period" and were therefore suggested as a basis for this task. Minimal inhibitory concentrations for selected antimicrobial substances were evaluated for E. coli strains isolated from different organs of diseased swine sampled for routine diagnostic. In total, 81% of E. coli were isolated from faeces or the gastrointestinal tract, 11% from the genito-urinary tract and 8% from other organs. Susceptibility testing and classification of isolates in accordance with clinical cut-offs followed the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). If no clinical cut-offs were available for the respective combination of species, substance and organ, other published clinical cut-offs were used. RESULTS: Differences in susceptibility patterns between isolates from the gastrointestinal and genito-urinary tract were found for most substances. Isolates from the genito-urinary tract were less frequently resistant to ampicillin, apramycin, colistin, neomycin, spectinomycin and tetracycline and more frequently resistant to enrofloxacin and florfenicol. A multifactorial logistic regression model revealed time-dependent decreases in frequency of resistant isolates for neomycin, spectinomycin and tetracycline. For colistin, the highest percentage of resistant isolates with 16.0% was found in 2015 followed by a decrease to the level of 2009-2010 in 2017. A decrease in frequencies of ampicillin-resistant isolates was dependent on the age-group and time period. Irrespective of the year, less than 15% E. coli isolates were resistant to apramycin, cephalosporins, colistin, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, gentamicin and neomycin. CONCLUSION: An overall time-dependent decrease in the percentage of resistant E. coli isolates was found for some substances. These data from diseased animals indicate an impact of a general reduction in antibiotic usage on development of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in the field and can support the decision-making of swine practitioners for treatment options in swine.


Subject(s)
Drug Resistance, Bacterial , Escherichia coli Infections/veterinary , Escherichia coli/drug effects , Swine Diseases/microbiology , Animals , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Escherichia coli Infections/microbiology , Feces/microbiology , Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology , Germany/epidemiology , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Retrospective Studies , Swine , Swine Diseases/drug therapy , Urogenital System/microbiology
4.
Arch Toxicol ; 92(9): 2703-2748, 2018 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30132047

ABSTRACT

Isoflavones are secondary plant constituents of certain foods and feeds such as soy, linseeds, and red clover. Furthermore, isoflavone-containing preparations are marketed as food supplements and so-called dietary food for special medical purposes to alleviate health complaints of peri- and postmenopausal women. Based on the bioactivity of isoflavones, especially their hormonal properties, there is an ongoing discussion regarding their potential adverse effects on human health. This review evaluates and summarises the evidence from interventional and observational studies addressing potential unintended effects of isoflavones on the female breast in healthy women as well as in breast cancer patients and on the thyroid hormone system. In addition, evidence from animal and in vitro studies considered relevant in this context was taken into account along with their strengths and limitations. Key factors influencing the biological effects of isoflavones, e.g., bioavailability, plasma and tissue concentrations, metabolism, temporality (pre- vs. postmenopausal women), and duration of isoflavone exposure, were also addressed. Final conclusions on the safety of isoflavones are guided by the aim of precautionary consumer protection.


Subject(s)
Breast/drug effects , Isoflavones/adverse effects , Isoflavones/pharmacology , Thyroid Hormones/metabolism , Animals , Breast/metabolism , Breast Density/drug effects , Breast Neoplasms/chemically induced , Breast Neoplasms/epidemiology , Breast Neoplasms/prevention & control , Clinical Trials as Topic , Dietary Supplements , Female , Humans , Isoflavones/pharmacokinetics , Glycine max/chemistry , Tissue Distribution
5.
Zoonoses Public Health ; 63(7): 503-514, 2016 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26812912

ABSTRACT

Zoonotic diseases concern human and animal populations and are transmitted between both humans and animals. Nevertheless, surveillance data on zoonoses are collected separately for the most part in different databases for either humans or animals. Bearing in mind the concept of One Health, it is assumed that a global view of these data might help to prevent and control zoonotic diseases. In following this approach, we wanted to determine which zoonotic data are routinely collected in Germany and whether these data could be integrated in a useful way to improve surveillance. Therefore, we conducted an inventory of the existing data collections and gathered information on possible One Health surveillance areas in Germany by approaching experts through a scoping survey, personal interviews and during a workshop. In matching the information between the status quo for existing data collections and the possible use cases for One Health surveillance, this study revealed that data integration is currently hindered by missing data, missing pathogen information or a lack of timeliness, depending on the surveillance purpose. Therefore, integrating the existing data would require substantial efforts and changes to adapt the collection procedures for routine databases. Nevertheless, during this study, we observed a need for different stakeholders from the human and animal health sectors to share information to improve the surveillance of zoonoses. Therefore, our findings suggest that before the data sets from different databases are integrated for joint analyses, the surveillance could be improved by the sharing of information and knowledge through a collaboration of stakeholders from different sectors and institutions.


Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control , Population Surveillance/methods , Zoonoses/epidemiology , Animals , Data Collection , Germany , Global Health , Humans
7.
Epidemiol Infect ; 144(4): 686-90, 2016 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26219671

ABSTRACT

Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) have recently emerged in livestock and humans. Therefore, this study assessed the carriage of Enterobacteriaceae in the anterior nares and associated antimicrobial resistance in pig-exposed persons. Nasal swabs were enriched in non-selective broth and then plated on MacConkey and ESBL-selective agars. Species was confirmed by matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF MS). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) guidelines. Of 114 pig-exposed persons tested, Enterobacteriaceae were detected in the nares of 76 (66·7%) participants. The predominant species were Proteus mirabilis (n = 17, 14·9%), Pantoea agglomerans (n = 13, 11·4%), Morganella morganii (n = 9, 7·9%), Citrobacter koseri (n = 9, 7·9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris (each n = 8, 7·0%). ESBL-E were not detected. Of all isolates tested, 3·4% were resistant against ciprofloxacin, 2·3% against gentamicin, 23·9% against trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and 44·3% against tigecycline. Despite the high prevalence of ESBL-E in livestock, pig-exposed persons did not carry ESBL-E in their nares. This finding is important, because colonization of the nasal reservoir might cause endogenous infections or facilitate transmission of ESBL-E in the general population.


Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Carrier State/epidemiology , Enterobacteriaceae Infections/epidemiology , Enterobacteriaceae/drug effects , beta-Lactam Resistance , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Carrier State/microbiology , Enterobacteriaceae/classification , Enterobacteriaceae/enzymology , Enterobacteriaceae/isolation & purification , Enterobacteriaceae Infections/microbiology , Female , Germany/epidemiology , Humans , Male , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization , Young Adult
8.
Epidemiol Infect ; 143(13): 2777-85, 2015 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25626727

ABSTRACT

To investigate risk factors for sporadic salmonellosis, for each notified case four randomly selected population controls matched for age, sex and geographical region were interviewed via self-administered questionnaire. Conditional logistic regression analysis of 285 matched pairs revealed significant associations for raw ground pork consumption [odds ratio (OR) 6·0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·8-20·1], taking antacids (OR 5·8, 95% CI 1·4-24·5), eating meat outside the home (OR 5·7, 95% CI 2·2-14·6) and daily changing or cleaning of dishcloth (OR 2·1, 95% CI 1·2-3·9). Animal contact and ice cream consumption were negatively associated with salmonellosis (OR 0·5, 95% CI 0·2-1 and OR 0·3, 95% CI 0·1-0·6, respectively). S. Typhimurium infections were significantly associated with raw ground pork consumption (OR 16·7, 95% CI 1·4-194·4) and S. Enteritidis infections with having travelled abroad (OR 9·7, 95% CI 2·0-47·3). Raw egg consumption was not a risk factor, substantiating the success of recently implemented national control programmes in the poultry industry. Unexpectedly, hygienic behaviour was more frequently reported by cases, probably because they overestimated their hygiene precautions retrospectively. Although animal contact might enhance human immunocompetence, underreporting of salmonellosis by pet owners could have occurred. Eating raw pork products is the major risk factor for sporadic human S. Typhimurium infections in Lower Saxony.


Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks , Meat/microbiology , Salmonella Food Poisoning/epidemiology , Salmonella Food Poisoning/microbiology , Salmonella typhimurium/isolation & purification , Animals , Case-Control Studies , Female , Food Microbiology , Germany/epidemiology , Humans , Male , Risk Factors , Surveys and Questionnaires , Swine
9.
Vet Microbiol ; 176(1-2): 190-5, 2015 Mar 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25592759

ABSTRACT

An exploratory study in five conventional pig production clusters was carried out to investigate the dynamic and diversity of Salmonella spp. within different production stages and sample site categories (pooled feces, direct and non-direct environment). Observing two production cycles per production cluster, a total of 1276 samples were collected along the pig production chain. Following a microbiological examination via culture, 2246 subcultures were generated out of 285 Salmonella positive samples and analysed by pheno- and genotyping methods. Based on a combination of serotyping, MLVA (multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis), PFGE (pulse-field gel electrophoresis) and MLST (multilocus sequence typing), an amount of 22.3% Salmonella positive samples were characterized in clonal lineages and its variants. Within each production cluster, one main clonal lineage could be identified and persisted over both production cycles with a large diversity of variants and a wide distribution in sample site categories and production stages. Results underline the importance of biosecurity with emphasis on the environment to prevent persistence and circulation of Salmonella within herds. Furthermore, the combined implementation of MLVA, PFGE and MLST with conventional culture techniques for isolate classification could be successfully applied as an effective and valuable tool for identifying similar pattern of Salmonella occurrence within pig production clusters.


Subject(s)
Bacterial Typing Techniques/methods , Disease Outbreaks , Genotyping Techniques , Salmonella Infections, Animal/microbiology , Salmonella/genetics , Swine Diseases/microbiology , Animals , Genetic Variation , Germany/epidemiology , Salmonella/classification , Salmonella Infections, Animal/epidemiology , Serotyping , Swine , Swine Diseases/epidemiology
10.
Zoonoses Public Health ; 62(1): 61-74, 2015 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24712724

ABSTRACT

Although 65% of recent major disease outbreaks throughout the world have a zoonotic origin, there is still a sharp division among the disciplines into the human and animal health sectors. In the last few decades, a global integrative concept, often referred to as 'One Health', has been strongly endorsed. Surveillance and monitoring efforts are major components for effective disease prevention and control. As human health and animal health are inextricably linked, it is assumed that a cross-sectoral data interpretation of zoonotic disease information will improve their prevention, prediction and control. To provide an overview of existing systems throughout the world which integrate information from humans and animals on zoonotic diseases, a literature review was conducted. Twenty projects were identified and described regarding their concepts and realization. They all vary widely depending on their surveillance purpose, their structure and the source of information they use. What they have in common is that they quite often use data which have already been collected for another purpose. Therefore, the challenges of how to make use of such secondary data are of great interest.


Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control , Public Health Surveillance/methods , Zoonoses/epidemiology , Zoonoses/prevention & control , Animal Diseases/epidemiology , Animals , Cooperative Behavior , Data Collection/methods , Humans , Public Health Practice
11.
Epidemiol Infect ; 143(4): 687-94, 2015 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24886979

ABSTRACT

We conducted a case-control study based on 884 laboratory-confirmed sporadic Salmonella cases reported to the German infectious disease notification system. For controls, we recruited 510 rotavirus cases via the same system. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed separately for children aged 0-3 years and 4-14 years. In both age groups, the highest odds ratios (OR) were found for raw ground pork consumption [0-3 years: OR 8·6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·4-30·8; 4-14 years: OR 4·5, 95% CI 1·1-19]. Further risk factors were exposure to animals (OR 1·6, 95% CI 1·1-2·1), consumption of poultry (OR 1·5, 95% CI 1·1-2·1), food items containing eggs (OR 1·5, 95% CI 1·1-2) and black pepper (OR 1·7, 95% CI 1·1-3·5) in children aged 0-3 years, and consumption of uncooked pork sausage (OR 3·6, 95% CI 1·4-9·3) in children aged 4-14 years. This study highlights the significance of raw pork products ('Mett' in German) as risk factors for sporadic salmonellosis in children in Germany.


Subject(s)
Salmonella Infections/epidemiology , Adolescent , Animals , Case-Control Studies , Child , Child, Preschool , Germany/epidemiology , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Meat/microbiology , Meat Products/microbiology , Poultry , Risk Factors , Salmonella Food Poisoning/epidemiology , Salmonella Food Poisoning/etiology , Salmonella Infections/etiology , Swine
12.
Animal ; 8(4): 643-9, 2014 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24461060

ABSTRACT

In the context of assessing the impact of management and environmental factors on animal health, behaviour or performance it has become increasingly important to conduct (epidemiological) studies in the field. Hence, the number of investigated farms per study is considerably high so that numerous observers are needed for investigation. In order to maintain the quality and validity of study results calibration meetings where observers are trained and the current level of agreement is assessed have to be conducted to minimise the observer effect. When study animals were rated independently by the same observers by a categorical variable the exclusion test can be performed to identify disagreeing observers. This statistical test compares for each variable and each observer the observer-specific agreement with the overall agreement among all observers based on kappa coefficients. It accounts for two major challenges, namely the absence of a gold-standard observer and different data type comprising ordinal, nominal and binary data. The presented methods are applied on a reliability study to assess the agreement among eight observers rating welfare parameters of laying hens. The degree to which the observers agreed depended on the investigated item (global weighted kappa coefficients: 0.37 to 0.94). The proposed method and graphical description served to assess the direction and degree to which an observer deviates from the others. It is suggested to further improve studies with numerous observers by conducting calibration meetings and accounting for observer bias.


Subject(s)
Animal Husbandry/statistics & numerical data , Observer Variation , Animals , Reproducibility of Results
13.
Transbound Emerg Dis ; 61(4): 316-28, 2014 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23199301

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to identify potential risk factors for the occurrence of enzootic pneumonia (EP) in herds situated in a region of high pig density, where a majority of herds is endemically infected with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Between 2006 and 2010, overall 100 herds were enrolled in a case-control study. Data were collected through personal interview with the farmers, clinical examination of pigs and their environments, and serological testing for M. hyopneumoniae, swine influenza virus and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. There were 40 case herds (coughing index high, seroprevalence high) with a mean coughing index of 4.3 and a seroprevalence of 86.6%. There were two control groups. Control group I consisted of 25 herds (coughing index low, seroprevalence low) with mean values of 0.7 and 11.2%, and 35 herds were allocated to control group II (coughing index low, seroprevalence high) where the mean coughing index was 0.9 and seroprevalence 86.3%. Case herds and control II herds had an increased age of piglets at weaning compared to control I herds. Any contact between fattening pigs of different age during restocking of compartments increased the risk for the occurrence of EP in a herd. Finally, farms that use living animals for the exposure to gilts during the acclimatization and farms that had increased number of weaned piglets per sow and year were less likely to test positive for M. hyopneumoniae and less likely to develop clinical symptoms of EP in fattening pigs.


Subject(s)
Endemic Diseases/veterinary , Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae , Pneumonia of Swine, Mycoplasmal/epidemiology , Animals , Antibodies, Bacterial/blood , Case-Control Studies , Female , Male , Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae/immunology , Pneumonia of Swine, Mycoplasmal/blood , Pneumonia of Swine, Mycoplasmal/immunology , Risk Factors , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Serologic Tests , Surveys and Questionnaires , Swine
14.
Epidemiol Infect ; 142(10): 2085-95, 2014 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24300336

ABSTRACT

A collection of Salmonella Typhimurium isolates obtained from sporadic salmonellosis cases in humans from Lower Saxony, Germany between June 2008 and May 2010 was used to perform an exploratory risk-factor analysis on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) using comprehensive host information on sociodemographic attributes, medical history, food habits and animal contact. Multivariate resistance profiles of minimum inhibitory concentrations for 13 antimicrobial agents were analysed using a non-parametric approach with multifactorial models adjusted for phage types. Statistically significant associations were observed for consumption of antimicrobial agents, region type and three factors on egg-purchasing behaviour, indicating that besides antimicrobial use the proximity to other community members, health consciousness and other lifestyle-related attributes may play a role in the dissemination of resistances. Furthermore, a statistically significant increase in AMR from the first study year to the second year was observed.


Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Drug Resistance, Bacterial , Feeding Behavior , Salmonella Infections/drug therapy , Salmonella typhimurium/physiology , Adolescent , Bacteriophage Typing , Child , Chloramphenicol Resistance , Eggs , Female , Geography , Germany/epidemiology , Humans , Male , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Multivariate Analysis , Risk Factors , Salmonella Food Poisoning/drug therapy , Salmonella Food Poisoning/epidemiology , Salmonella Infections/epidemiology , Tetracycline Resistance , beta-Lactam Resistance
15.
J Food Prot ; 76(10): 1704-11, 2013 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24112569

ABSTRACT

Campylobacter spp., Salmonella enterica, and Yersinia enterocolitica are common causes of foodborne infections in humans with pork as a potential source. Monitoring programs at farm level are, to date, only implemented for S. enterica, while epidemiological knowledge of the other two pathogens is still lacking. This study aimed to assess the pathogen load (in the pigs' environment) in fattening pig herds, their simultaneous occurrence, and the occurrence of Campylobacter spp. and Y. enterocolitica in herds in different Salmonella risk categories. In 50 fattening pig herds in northern Germany, four pooled fecal samples and 10 swab samples from the pigs' direct environment (pen walls, nipple drinkers), indirect environment (hallways, drive boards), and flies and rodent droppings were collected from each herd and submitted for cultural examination. Campylobacter spp. were detected in 38.1% of fecal, 32.7% of direct environment, 5.3% of indirect environment, and 4.6% of flies/pests samples collected, and Y. enterocolitica in 17.1, 8.1, 1.2, and 3.1% and S. enterica in 11.2, 7.7, 4.1, and 1.5%, respectively. For Campylobacter spp., Y. enterocolitica, and S. enterica, 80, 48, and 32% of herds were positive, respectively; 22 herds were positive for both Campylobacter spp. and Y. enterocolitica, 12 for Campylobacter spp. and S. enterica, and 7 for Y. enterocolitica and S. enterica. There was no significant association between the pathogens at herd level. Campylobacter spp. and Y. enterocolitica were found more often in samples from the low Salmonella risk category (odds ratio, 0.51; confidence interval, 0.36 to 0.73, and 0.3, 0.17 to 0.57), and this was also the case for Y. enterocolitica at herd level (odds ratio, 0.08; confidence interval, 0.02 to 0.3). This study provides evidence that the pigs' environment should be accounted for when implementing control measures on farms against Campylobacter spp. and Y. enterocolitica. An extrapolation from the current Salmonella monitoring to the other two pathogens does not seem feasible.


Subject(s)
Campylobacter/isolation & purification , Environmental Microbiology , Feces/microbiology , Salmonella enterica/isolation & purification , Yersinia enterocolitica/isolation & purification , Animals , Food Microbiology , Germany/epidemiology , Humans , Risk Factors , Swine , Zoonoses
16.
Appl Environ Microbiol ; 79(16): 4815-20, 2013 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23747697

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli to modern beta-lactam antibiotics due to the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and/or plasmid-mediated AmpC beta-lactamases (AmpC) represents an emerging and increasing resistance problem that dramatically limits therapeutic options in both human and veterinary medicine. The presence of ESBL/AmpC genes in commensal E. coli from food-producing animals like broilers may pose a human health hazard. However, there are no data available concerning the prevalence of ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli in German broiler flocks using selective methods. In this longitudinal study, samples were taken from seven conventional broiler fattening farms at three different times within one fattening period. Various samples originating from the animals as well as from their direct environment in the barn were investigated for the occurrence of ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli. Average detection levels of 51, 75, and 76% in animal samples collected during the three samplings in the course of the fattening period demonstrate a colonization of even 1-day-old chicks, as well as a continuous significant (P < 0.001) increase in prevalence thereafter. The detection frequencies in housing environmental samples were relatively high, with an increase over time, and ranged between 54.2 and 100%. A total of 359 E. coli isolates were characterized by PCR and partly via the disc diffusion method. This study shows that prevalence of ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli increases during the fattening period of the broiler flocks examined. Both colonized day-old chicks and contaminated farm environments could represent significant sources of ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli in German broiler fattening farms.


Subject(s)
Escherichia coli Infections/veterinary , Escherichia coli/drug effects , Poultry Diseases/microbiology , beta-Lactam Resistance , beta-Lactams/pharmacology , Animal Husbandry , Animals , Chickens , Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial , Escherichia coli/isolation & purification , Escherichia coli Infections/epidemiology , Escherichia coli Infections/microbiology , Germany/epidemiology , Longitudinal Studies , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Poultry Diseases/epidemiology , Prevalence , Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization/veterinary , beta-Lactamases/genetics , beta-Lactamases/metabolism
17.
Int J Hyg Environ Health ; 216(4): 428-34, 2013 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22981706

ABSTRACT

With the intention to deepen the knowledge of the vertical transmission of particular subtypes of Salmonella enterica from "the stable to the table" a case1-case2 analysis in Lower Saxony, Germany, was conducted. The data collection was based on standardised telephone interviews with 1741 Salmonella case persons. Single-factor-analyses revealed statistically significant associations between S. Typhimurium infections and animal keeping (odds ratio (OR): 1.4; 95%-Confidence-interval (CI): 1.2-1.7), especially rodents (OR 1.5; CI 1.2-2.1), and with consumption of meat (OR 1.9; CI 1.3-2.8), raw ground pork (OR 3.0; CI 2.1-4.2) and uncooked pork sausage (OR 2.1; CI 1.6-2.9). The S. Typhimurium phage type DT 104 was associated most with consumption of uncooked pork sausage (OR 3.6; CI 1.3-8.5). Multiple logistic regression analyses confirmed the associations between S. Typhimurium infection and consumption of raw ground pork and with animal contact. The results circumstantiate the assumption of raw pork products still being a relevant source for S. Typhimurium infections in Germany. Therefore, it is recommended to intensify efforts to reduce salmonella infections caused by raw pork products. S. Enteritidis infection was associated statistically significantly with travelling abroad (OR 2.1; CI 1.6-3.3), consumption of raw tomatoes (OR 1.8; CI 1.5-2.1), dried herbs (OR 2.1; CI 1.0-1.8), and undercooked eggs (OR 1.3; CI 1.1-1.6) compared with other serovars. These results were confirmed in multiple logistic regression analyses, as well.


Subject(s)
Meat/microbiology , Salmonella Food Poisoning/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Animals , Child , Disease Outbreaks , Factor Analysis, Statistical , Female , Food Microbiology , Germany/epidemiology , Humans , Male , Odds Ratio , Risk Factors , Rodentia , Salmonella , Salmonella Food Poisoning/microbiology , Swine , Young Adult
18.
Epidemiol Infect ; 141(2): 284-92, 2013 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22717173

ABSTRACT

In order to identify and assess recent risk factors for sporadic human infections with Salmonella enterica, we conducted a case-control study in Lower Saxony, Germany. The data collection was based on standardized telephone interviews with 1017 cases and 346 controls aged >14 years. Odds ratios were calculated in single-factor and multi-factor analyses for Salmonella cases and two different control groups, i.e. population controls and controls with rotavirus infection. Multi-factor analysis revealed associations between sporadic Salmonella infections for two exposures by both sets of controls: consumption of raw ground pork [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2·38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·27-4·44] and foreign travel (aOR 2·12, 95% CI 1·00-4·52). Other exposures included consumption of food items containing eggs (aOR 1·43, 95% CI 0·80-2·54), consumption of chicken meat (aOR 1·77, 95% CI 1·26-2·50), outdoor meals/barbecues (aOR 3·96, 95% CI 1·41-11·12) and taking gastric acidity inhibitors (aOR 2·42, 95% CI 1·19-4·92), all were significantly associated with respect to one of the two control groups. The impact of consuming food items containing eggs or chicken meat was lower than expected from the literature. This might be a consequence of Salmonella control programmes as well as increased public awareness of eggs and chicken products being a risk factor for salmonellosis. Efforts to reduce Salmonella infections due to raw pork products should be intensified.


Subject(s)
Salmonella Food Poisoning/epidemiology , Salmonella enterica/isolation & purification , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Case-Control Studies , Disease Notification/statistics & numerical data , Female , Germany/epidemiology , Humans , Logistic Models , Male , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , Rotavirus Infections/epidemiology , Salmonella Food Poisoning/etiology , Salmonella Infections/epidemiology , Salmonella Infections/etiology , Seasons , Surveys and Questionnaires
19.
Epidemiol Infect ; 141(9): 1892-6, 2013 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23114113

ABSTRACT

As part of the preparation of a large cohort study in the entire German population, this study examined the feasibility of cat and dog owners collecting nasal and oral swabs of their animals at home as a method of assessing exposure to zoonoses. In veterinary clinics in Hannover, Germany, 100 pet owners were recruited. Nasal and oral swabs of pets were taken by a veterinarian at the clinic and owners took swabs at home. Swabs were analysed regarding bacterial growth and compared (owner vs. vet) using Cohen's kappa and McNemar's test. The return rate of kits was 92%, and 77% of owners thought it unnecessary to have veterinarian assistance to swab the mouth. McNemar's test results: oral swabs 78% agreement with Gram-positive bacterial growth, 87% agreement with Gram-negative bacterial growth; with similar results for nasal swabs. Although sample quality differed, this method allowed the receipt of swabs from pets in order to obtain information about colonization with zoonotic pathogens.


Subject(s)
Pets/microbiology , Self Administration/methods , Specimen Handling/methods , Veterinary Medicine/methods , Zoonoses/etiology , Adult , Animals , Cats , Cohort Studies , Dogs , Female , Germany , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Mouth/microbiology , Nose/microbiology , Patient Acceptance of Health Care
20.
J Food Prot ; 75(10): 1839-45, 2012 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23043834

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility rate of Salmonella and Campylobacter spp. isolated from Northern German fattening pigs. From 540 lymph node samples, 16 Salmonella Typhimurium, 1 Salmonella Brandenburg, 37 Campylobacter coli, and 11 Campylobacter jejuni strains were isolated. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out by the broth dilution method. The 14 tested antibiotics for Salmonella were ampicillin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, colistin, florfenicol, gentamicin, kanamycin, nalidixic acid, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, and trimethoprim. The eight tested antibiotics for Campylobacter spp. were ampicillin, ampicillin-sulbactam (2:1), ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, gentamicin, nalidixic acid, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (1:19), and tetracycline. In total, 93.7% (n = 16) of Salmonella Typhimurium, 75.7% (n = 37) of C. coli, and 54.5% (n = 11) of C. jejuni isolates were resistant to at least one of the tested antibiotics. Multiresistance to three antibiotics was observed in 75% of Salmonella Typhimurium, 16.2% of C. coli, and 0% of C. jejuni isolates. Pansusceptibility was detected in 6.3% of Salmonella Typhimurium, 24.3% of C. coli, and 45.5% of C. jejuni isolates. Multiresistance is defined as resistance to three or more antibiotics, and pansusceptibility is defined as not having resistance to any antibiotic. Regarding drugs of last resort--cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, and nalidixic acid--resistance was not common among Salmonella (6.3%). The resistance rate of Campylobacter spp. to last-resort drugs--erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, and nalidixic acid--varied between species. The observed trend was not statistically significant. No C. coli isolates and few C. jejuni isolates (9.1%) were resistant to erythromycin. In contrast to C. jejuni, the C. coli isolates were more likely to be resistant to ciprofloxacin (9.1 and 18.9%, respectively) and nalidixic acid (0 and 13.5%, respectively). The same phenomenon was detected for tetracycline (27.3 and 62.2%, respectively), sulfamethoxazole (9.1 and 43.2%, respectively), and ampicillin (9.1 and 21.6%, respectively).


Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Campylobacter coli/drug effects , Campylobacter jejuni/drug effects , Drug Resistance, Bacterial , Salmonella/drug effects , Swine/microbiology , Animals , Colony Count, Microbial , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial , Food Microbiology , Germany , Humans , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Salmonella typhimurium/drug effects , Species Specificity
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