Molecular detection of Hepatozoon canis in dogs from Ibagué, Tolima.

The genus Hepatozoon consists of apicomplexan protozoans that affect mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. In dogs, the Hepatozoon species include H. canis and H. americanum, which are transmitted by the Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick and cause nonspecific signs, such as fever, weight loss, diarrhea, and blood disorders. These protozoans have a worldwide distribution in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America, including Colombia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with H. canis in the urban and rural areas of Ibagué, Colombia. Blood samples were collected from 308 dogs (180 rural areas and 128 urban areas). Collected data included dog breed, sex, age, environmental factors, and the presence of ectoparasites. A fragment of the 18S rRNA gene was amplified by PCR for detection of the pathogen and confirmed by sequencing. Among the 308 samples, 14 were positive (14/308, 4.5%) for the presence of H. canis. The partial sequence of the 18S rRNA gene showed identity values >98% with H. canis, forming a cluster with sequences from Latin America. An epidemiological survey found two protective factors: most of the time at home (P=0.055) and overnight stay at home (P=0.03). This is the first molecular study of the prevalence and phylogeny analysis of H. canis in Ibagué, Colombia. The findings may help determine risk factors and enhance our understanding of the geographic distribution of H. canis in Colombia.

Leishmania spp. diagnosis and therapeutic management in a cat from urban area in Ibagué (Colombia).

BACKGROUND: Leishmania spp., a protozoan transmitted by sandflies, widely affects humans and dogs in Colombia, nevertheless feline leishmaniasis (FeL) remains understudied. OBJECTIVE: This study reports a case of feline leishmaniasis in Colombia and its therapeutic management. METHODS: Complete blood count, renal and hepatic serum biochemistry, nodular lesion cytology, FeLV/FIV snap test, abdominal ultrasound, and molecular diagnosis of Leishmania spp. 16 s rRNA gene amplification by real-time-PCR (qPCR), ITS-1 and hsp70 gene by endpoint-PCR and Sanger sequencing were performed. RESULTS: The patient was negative for FIV/FeLV and showed leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, thrombocytopenia, neutrophilia, monocytosis, hypergammaglobulinemia, increased gamma-glutamyl-transferase, cortical nephrocalcinosis, diffuse heterogeneous splenic parenchyma, and cholangitis. Nodular lesion cytology, qPCR and Sanger sequencing confirmed the diagnosis of Leishmania spp. The patient was treated with allopurinol and miltefosine. After treatment, clinical signs disappeared. CONCLUSION: Clinical examination, cytology, and molecular tests allowed a rapid and sensitive FeL diagnosis. Allopurinol and miltefosine improved the clinical condition of the cat.

Egg Quality, Yolk Fatty Acid Profiles from Laying Hens Housed in Conventional Cage and Cage-Free Production Systems in the Andean Tropics.

Egg consumers worldwide have increased their concerns about laying hens' welfare and its impact on final egg product quality. This study compared the egg quality parameters under the conventional cage (CC) and cage-free (CF) egg production systems in the tropics. The study was conducted on a commercial farm in Colombia using Hy-Line Brown pullets, reared under the same conditions for the first 15 wks. At 16 wks, the hens were distributed into two housing systems, CC and CF, on the same farm. The hens were fed the same diet for each phase in both systems and feed intake varied slightly. Egg samples were collected every six wks, from 22 to 82 wks of age. A total of 3960 eggs were analyzed at 11 sampling times. Parameters such as albumen height, egg weight, yolk color, eggshell thickness, eggshell strength, and Haugh units were determined using a DET-6000 machine. At 22 and 82 wks, screening for Salmonella spp. status was conducted using environmental and egg samples. Additionally, at 34, 64, and 82 wks, yolk samples were obtained for fatty acid profiles and crude protein (CP) analysis. The data were analyzed in a completely randomized block design with repeated measures (11 times): mean separation by Student's t-test yolk pigmentation, Haugh Units, and albumen height (p < 0.001) were higher in the CF compared with the CC between 38 and 69 wks of age, and eggs at 63 and 82 wks (p < 0.05) were heavier in the CF compared to the CC. Likewise, eggs from the CC had better eggshell strength from 57 to 82 wks. In the egg yolk fatty acid profile at the 34th wk, the pentadecanoic, palmitic, and heptadecanoic acids had higher concentrations in the CF systems than the CC. At the 64th wk, the egg yolk fatty acids-lauric, myristic, and heptadecanoic-had higher concentrations in the CF; likewise, at the 82nd wk, egg yolks from the CC had higher concentrations of lauric, heptadecanoic, and nervonic fatty acids than the CF. The eggs and environmental samples were negative for Salmonella spp. throughout the whole production phase. These results indicated that the production system might impact internal and external egg quality measures, potentially due to various stressors, including environmental factors or behavior restrictions.

Stress-Related Gene Expression in Liver Tissues from Laying Hens Housed in Conventional Cage and Cage-Free Systems in the Tropics.

Global egg production is mainly based on cage systems, which have been associated with negative effects on the welfare of birds. Stress factors in restrictive production systems can lead to changes in gene transcription and protein synthesis, ultimately impacting the quality of poultry products. The liver serves various metabolic functions, such as glycogen storage, and plays a crucial role in animals' adaptation to environmental changes. Consequently, both internal and external conditions can influence liver functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the gene expression of AGP, CRP, NOX4, SOD1, CAT, GPX1, SREBF1, and FXR in the liver of laying hens under two different production systems. Liver tissues from Hy-Line Brown hens housed in conventional cage and cage-free egg production systems at 60 and 80 weeks of production were used. mRNA transcript levels were determined by qPCR using the relative quantification method and ACTB as the reference gene. AGP, SOD1, and SREBF1 gene expressions were significantly higher in the conventional cage group at the 60 weeks of production. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of transcripts related to oxidative stress and lipid metabolism were higher in the group of laying hens housed in conventional cages compared to those in cage-free systems. These results suggest differential gene expression of genes related to oxidative stress in liver tissues from hens housed in conventional cages compared to cage-free systems. The conditions of the egg production system can impact the gene expression of oxidative stress and lipid synthesis genes, potentially leading to changes in the metabolism and performance of hens, including egg quality.

Microfilariae infection by Acanthocheilonema reconditum and Dirofilaria immitis and their molecular detection in a dog with lymphoma: Case report.

Objective: Microfilariae parasites are common in tropical regions, and some species are reported as potentially zoonotic. The diagnosis of filarial infection in dogs by cytology or hematologic techniques showed lower sensibility and specificity, which may result in misdiagnosis. Thus, molecular techniques seem to be an alternative to identifying and detecting microfilariae infections. On the other hand, lymphoma is one of the main tumors in domestic animals, with a high prevalence in domestic canines. This study aims to report a mixed infection with microfilariae in a dog with lymphoma, emphasizing its diagnosis and the possible role of this infection in the development of the neoplasia. Materials and Methods: An 8-year-old male mixed breed dog was referred to consultation due to the presence of lethargy, recumbency, skin ulceration lesions, nonspecific pain manifestations, emesis, myoclonus in the left temporalis muscle, and seizures. Routine blood and biochemistry tests were normal, and cytology of the skin evidenced a microfilariae infection. The dog died due to a cardiorespiratory arrest, and tissue sampling was done for histopathology and molecular analysis at the necropsy examination. Results: Skin lesions were related to a microfilarial pyogranuloma related to Acanthocheilonema reconditum. Histopathology of the spleen and liver revealed a diffuse lymphoma composed of blast cells and large lymphocytes, distributed diffusely in the parenchyma and surrounding the vasculature. In the skin, microfilariae were seen in some superficial capillaries. Conclusion: This study describes a microfilariae mixed infection with A. reconditum and Dirofilaria immitis in a dog with a lymphoma and its molecular detection. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first report of a mixed microfilariae infection in a tumor of a dog and highlights the use of molecular techniques, i.e., polymerase chain reaction, for an accurate diagnosis.

Molecular Characterization of Neurogranin (NRGN) Gene from Red­Bellied Pacu (Piaractus brachypomus).

Neurogranin (NRGN) is a small brain protein expressed in various telencephalic areas and plays an essential role in synaptic plasticity by regulating the availability of calmodulin (CaM). The study aims to characterize the neurogranin gene in Colombian native fish, red-bellied pacu, Piaractus brachypomus, its basal tissue expression and differential expression in brain injury and sublethal toxicity by organophosphates. NRGN gene contains an open reading frame of 183 nucleotides encoding for 60 amino acids. Bioinformatics analysis showed an IQ motif necessary in the interaction with CaM. NRGN mRNA was detected in tissues with higher expression in brain, gills, and head kidney. In brain regions, NRGN showed high expression in the telencephalon (TE) and olfactory bulb (OB). In the sublethal toxicity experiment, NRGN mRNA was upregulated in individuals under organophosphate exposure in the OB and optic chiasm (OC). In brain injury experiment, NRGN showed upregulation at 14 days in OC and at 24 h and 7 days in TE. These findings demonstrate the differential expression of NRGN under different experimental conditions which make it a candidate for a biomarker in the brain of P. brachypomus.

Virulence genes identification in Salmonella enterica isolates from humans, crocodiles, and poultry farms from two regions in Colombia.

Background and Aim: Salmonella spp. is frequently found in the digestive tract of birds and reptiles and transmitted to humans through food. Salmonellosis is a public health problem because of pathogenicity variability in strains for virulence factors. This study aimed to identify the virulence genes in Salmonella isolates from humans, crocodiles, broiler cloacas, and broiler carcasses from two departments of Colombia. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 31 Salmonella enterica strains from humans with gastroenteritis (seven), crocodiles (seven), broiler cloacas (six), and broiler carcasses (12) from Tolima and Santander departments of Colombia, belonging to 21 serotypes. All samples were tested for Salmonella spp. using culture method on selective and non-selective mediums. Extraction of genomic DNA was performed from fresh colonies, DNA quality was verified by spectrophotometry and confirmed by amplification of InvA gene using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). bapA, fimA, icmF, IroB, marT, mgtC, nlpI, oafA, pagN, siiD, spvC, spvR, spvB, Stn, and vexA genes were amplified by PCR. Results: The most prevalent gene was bapA (100%), followed by marT (96.77%), mgtC (93.55%), and fimA (83.87%). Likewise, IroB (70.97%), Stn (67.74%), spvR (61.29%), pagN (54.84%), icmF (54.8%), and SiiD (45.16%) were positive for more than 50% of the strains. Furthermore, none of the isolates tested positive for the vexA gene. Salmonella isolates presented 26 virulence profiles. Conclusion: This study reported 14 virulence genes in Salmonella spp. isolates from humans with gastroenteritis, crocodiles, and broiler cloacas and carcasses. The distribution of virulence genes differed among sources. This study could help in decision-making by health and sanitary authorities.

Molecular Characterization of High Mobility Group Box 1a (HMGB1a) Gene in Red-Bellied Pacu, Piaractus brachypomus.

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a chromosomal protein in the nucleus and a potent extracellular proinflammatory cytokine, widely described in mammals, nevertheless, with scarce reports in fish. In this study, full open reading frame of HMGB1a gene from Piaractus brachypomus is reported as well as its molecular characterization, including tissue gene expression. At predicted protein level, HMGB1a showed similarities with its orthologs in teleosts and higher vertebrates. The relative gene expression of HMGB1a mRNA was measured in several tissues including the brain, where a differential expression appeared in brain regions, i.e., higher expression in the cerebellum and telencephalon. In addition, in an assay of sublethal exposure to chlorpyrifos, upregulation of HMGB1a was detected in optic chiasm. Furthermore, in a traumatic brain injury model, upregulation of HMGB1a expression was evident 24 hours after lesion and remained higher up to 14 days. These findings suggest a role for HMGB1a in brain damage and its candidature as biomarker of brain injury; however, more studies are required to elucidate the functions of HMGB1a and its regulation in P. brachypomus.

Expression profiling of heat shock protein genes in whole blood of Romosinuano cattle breed.

Background and Aim: Heat shock proteins are highly conserved proteins that work as molecular chaperones expressed in response to thermal stress. This study aimed to determine the expression profile of genes related to the heat stress response in whole blood obtained from the Romosinuano creole breed. Materials and Methods: Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the transcript of hsp90, hsp70, hsp60, and hsf1 in the whole blood of Romosinuano under different temperature-humidity indices (THIs). Results: The expression levels of the hsp70 and hsf1 genes at the high-THI level were higher (p = 0.0011 and p = 0.0003, respectively) than those at the low-THI level. In addition, no differences in the expression levels of the hsp60 and hsP90 genes were detected between the two THIs. Conclusion: The overexpression of hsf1 and hsp70 genes play an important role in protecting cells from damage induced by heat stress.

First study on microscopic and molecular detection of Acanthocheilonema reconditum and Leishmania infantum coinfection in dogs in Southwest Colombia.

Background and Aim: Canine vector-borne diseases represent an important issue for the welfare and health of animals, but also have great zoonotic potential. These diseases are caused by bacteria, nematodes such as filariae, and other parasites such as Leishmania spp. Given the difficulty in differentiating common microfilariae in dogs by microscopy and serological methods, molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing should be valuable for reaching a reliable diagnosis. This study aimed to use microscopy and PCR to identify the microfilarial species in dogs from Valle del Cauca, Colombia, and a possible association with Leishmania infantum parasites. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 270 dogs from Pradera and Florida municipalities. Microfilariae were detected in dogs by optical microscopy and amplification with 5.8S-ITS2-28S. Species identification was achieved through the amplification of the gene cytochrome oxidase I (COX1). Results: Microscopic detection of microfilariae was possible in 4.81% (13/270) of the dogs. In addition, by PCR of COX1 and Sanger sequencing of ITS2, Acanthocheilonema reconditum was identified as the circulating microfilarial species in 12 dogs, coinfecting with the species L. infantum (Leishmania donovani complex). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on A. reconditum and L. infantum mixed infection in dogs in Colombia, particularly in the Valle del Cauca.

Molecular Detection of Virulence Factors in Salmonella serovars Isolated from Poultry and Human Samples.

Salmonellosis is a common infectious disease in humans caused by Salmonella spp., which in recent years has shown an increase in its incidence, with products of avian origin being a common source of transmission. To present a successful infective cycle, there are molecular mechanisms such as virulence factors that provide characteristics that facilitate survival, colonization, and damage to the host. According to this, the study aims to characterize the virulence factors of Salmonella spp. strains isolated from broilers (n = 39) and humans (n = 10). The presence of 24 virulence genes was evaluated using end-point PCR. All the strains of Salmonella spp. isolated from broiler chickens revealed presence of 7/24 (29, 16%) virulence genes (lpfA, csgA, sitC, sipB, sopB, sopE, and sivH). Regarding the strains isolated from cases of gastroenteritis in humans, all strains contained (14/24, 58, 33%) virulence genes (lpfA, csgA, pagC, msgA, spiA, sitC, iroN, sipB, orgA, hilA, sopB, sifA, avrA, and sivH). In summary, the presence of virulence genes in different strains of Salmonella isolated from broilers and humans could be described as bacteria with potential pathogenicity due to the type and number of virulence genes detected. These findings are beneficial for the pathogenic monitoring of Salmonella in Colombia.

Molecular Characterization of Salmonella spp. Isolates from Wild Colombian Babilla (Caiman crocodilus fuscus) Isolated In Situ.

Salmonella enterica is a pathogen capable of colonizing various environments, including the intestinal tract of different animals such as mammals, birds, and reptiles, which can act as carriers. S. enterica infection induces different clinical diseases, gastroenteritis being the most common, which in some cases, can evolve to septicemia and meningitis. Reptiles and amphibians have been reported as a reservoir of Salmonella, and transmission of the pathogen to humans has been documented. This study aimed to determine the presence of virulence genes and characterize the genotypic antibiotic resistance profile in Salmonella strains isolated from Caiman crocodilus fuscus obtained in situ (natural habitat) in Prado, Tolima, Colombia in a previous study and stored in a strain bank in our laboratory. Fifteen Salmonella strains were evaluated through endpoint PCR to determine the presence of resistance genes and virulence genes. The genes blaTEM, strB, and sul1 were detected in all the strains that confer resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, and sulfamethoxazole, as well as the virulence genes invA, pefA, prgH, spaN, tolC, sipB, sitC, pagC, msgA, spiA, sopB, sifA, lpfA, csgA, hilA, orgA, iroN, avrA, and sivH, indicating the possible role of babilla (Caiman crocodilus fuscus) as a carrier of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Molecular characterization of HEPCIDIN-1 (HAMP1) gene in red-bellied pacu (Piaractus brachypomus).

Hepcidins are cysteine-rich peptides, which participate in iron metabolism regulation, the inflammatory and antimicrobial response. This study characterizes the hepcidin-1 (HAMP1) gene, its transcript expression in different tissues, as well as its regulation in a model of brain injury in Piaractus brachypomus. Bioinformatic analysis was carried out to determine conserved domains, glycosylation sites and protein structure of HAMP1, and probability that HAMP1 corresponds to an antimicrobial peptide (AMP). Relative gene expression of the P. brachypomus HAMP1 gene was determined by qPCR from cDNA of several tissues, a brain injury model, an organophosphate sublethal toxicity model and anesthetic experiment using the 2-ΔΔCt method. HAMP1 ORF encodes for a 91 aa pre-prohepcidin conformed for a prodomain with 42 aa and mature peptide of 25 aa. Mature domain was determined as an AMP. HAMP1 transcript is expressed in all the tissues, being higher in the spleen and liver. HAMP1 mRNA level was upregulated in the brain injury group, as well as in the olfactory bulb, optic chiasm and telencephalon of red-bellied pacu brain exposed to an organophosphate. In anesthetic experiment, HAMP1 mRNA level was upregulated in the liver and gills. HAMP1 gene of P. brachypomus may be involved in the inflammatory, antimicrobial, hypoxia and stress oxidative response.

Molecular characterization of myelin basic protein a (mbpa) gene from red-bellied pacu (Piaractus brachypomus).

BACKGROUND: Myelin basic protein (MBP) is one of the most important structural components of the myelin sheaths in both central and peripheral nervous systems. MBP has several functions including organization of the myelin membranes, reorganization of the cytoskeleton during the myelination process, and interaction with the SH3 domain in signaling pathways. Likewise, MBP has been proposed as a marker of demyelination in traumatic brain injury and chemical exposure. METHODS: The aim of this study was to molecularly characterize the myelin basic protein a (mbpa) gene from the Colombian native fish, red-bellied pacu, Piaractus brachypomus. Bioinformatic tools were used to identify the phylogenetic relationships, physicochemical characteristics, exons, intrinsically disordered regions, and conserved domains of the protein. Gene expression was assessed by qPCR in three models corresponding to sublethal chlorpyrifos exposure, acute brain injury, and anesthesia experiments. RESULTS: mbpa complete open reading frame was identified with 414 nucleotides distributed in 7 exons that encode 137 amino acids. MBPa was recognized as belonging to the myelin basic protein family, closely related with orthologous proteins, and two intrinsically disordered regions were established within the sequence. Gene expression of mbpa was upregulated in the optic chiasm of the chlorpyrifos exposed fish in contrast to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The physicochemical computed features agree with the biological functions of MBP, and basal gene expression was according to the anatomical distribution in the tissues analyzed. This study is the first molecular characterization of mbpa from the native species Piaractus brachypomus.

Molecular identification of fluoroquinolone resistance in Salmonella spp. isolated from broiler farms and human samples obtained from two regions in Colombia.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Salmonella is one of the most common foodborne pathogens, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of which is increasing. The aim of this study was to phenotypically and genotypically characterize the fluoroquinolone resistance of Salmonella isolates from broiler and humans in two regions of Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Salmonella strains (n=49) were evaluated. The phenotype of antibiotic resistance was assessed by an automated method and agar diffusion method, as well as the presence of the quinolone resistance genes qnrA, qnrB, qnrC, qnrD, qnrS, and aac(6')-Ib as determined by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Strains were resistant to ciprofloxacin (75%), levofloxacin (57.1%), and enrofloxacin (38.8%). Molecular identification showed that 24 out of 49 strains possessed the qnrB gene (48.9%), while only one isolate from the Santander region possessed the aac(6')-Ib gene. Regarding Class 1 integron, it was present in 11 out of the 49 strains (22.44%). CONCLUSION: This study reports the presence of the gene qnrB as well the presence of Class 1 integrons in broiler Salmonella isolates, which may contribute to the resistance to fluoroquinolones.

Heat stress on cattle embryo: gene regulation and adaptation.

Global warming has been affecting animal husbandry and farming production worldwide via changes in organisms and their habitats. In the tropics, these conditions are adverse for agriculture and animal production in some areas, due to high temperatures and relative humidity, affecting competitiveness related to economic activities. These environments have deteriorated livestock production, due to periods of drought, reduction in forage quality and heat stress, eliciting negative effects on reproduction, weight gain, and reduced meat and milk production. However, the use of animals adapted to tropics such as breeds derived from subspecies Bos primigenius indicus and native breeds from tropical countries or their crossings, is an alternative to improve production under high-temperature conditions. Therefore, physiological adaptation including gene expression induced by heat stress have been studied to understand the response of animals and to improve cross-breeding between cattle breeds to maintain high productivity in adverse weather conditions. Heat stress has been associated with lower reproductive performance in cows, due to the impact on blastocyst production, decreased implantation and increased embryonic death. Thus, for decades, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer techniques have focused on studying the optimal conditions for production of high-quality embryos to transfer. The aim of this review is to discuss the effects of heat stress in bovine embryos, and their physiological and genetic modulation, focusing on the genes that are related with major adaptability to heat stress conditions and their relationship with different embryonic stages.

Antibiotic resistance in Salmonella spp. isolated from poultry: A global overview.

Salmonella enterica is the most important foodborne pathogen, and it is often associated with the contamination of poultry products. Annually, Salmonella causes around 93 million cases of gastroenteritis and 155,000 deaths worldwide. Antimicrobial therapy is the first choice of treatment for this bacterial infection; however, antimicrobial resistance has become a problem due to the misuse of antibiotics both in human medicine and animal production. It has been predicted that by 2050, antibiotic-resistant pathogens will cause around 10 million deaths worldwide, and the WHO has suggested the need to usher in the post-antibiotic era. The purpose of this review is to discuss and update the status of Salmonella antibiotic resistance, in particular, its prevalence, serotypes, and antibiotic resistance patterns in response to critical antimicrobials used in human medicine and the poultry industry. Based on our review, the median prevalence values of Salmonella in broiler chickens, raw chicken meat, and in eggs and egg-laying hens were 40.5% ( interquartile range [IQR] 11.5-58.2%), 30% (IQR 20-43.5%), and 40% (IQR 14.2-51.5%), respectively. The most common serotype was Salmonella Enteritidis, followed by Salmonella Typhimurium. The highest antibiotic resistance levels within the poultry production chain were found for nalidixic acid and ampicillin. These findings highlight the need for government entities, poultry researchers, and producers to find ways to reduce the impact of antibiotic use in poultry, focusing especially on active surveillance and finding alternatives to antibiotics.

Molecular characterization of antimicrobial resistance and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR as a molecular typing tool for Salmonella spp. isolated from poultry and humans.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Salmonella spp. are one of the most important food-borne pathogens in the world, emerging as a major public health concern. Moreover, multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains have been isolated from salmonellosis outbreaks, which compromise its treatment success. This study was conducted to characterize the phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance profile of Salmonella strains isolated from broilers and humans from the regions of Tolima and Santander (Colombia). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Salmonella spp. strains (n=49) were confirmed through molecular detection by amplification of the invA gene. Phenotypic antibiotic resistance was determined by the automated method and the agar diffusion method, and the presence of resistance genes was evaluated by PCR. Genotypic characterization was conducted using the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR method, from which a dendrogram was generated and the possible phylogenetic relationships were established. RESULTS: Salmonella isolates were classified as MDR strains exhibiting resistance to four antibiotic classes, penicillins, aminoglycosides, sulfonamides, and cephalosporins, and the human strains were resistant to gentamicin. At the genotypic level, the isolates contained the genes bla CMY2, bla CTX-M, bla PSE-1, bla TEM, aadA1, srtB, dfrA1, sul2, and floR. The genotyping results obtained by ERIC-PCR allowed the grouping of strains according to the source of isolation. CONCLUSION: The Salmonella spp. strains exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotics, as well as multiple genes associated with them, and the ERIC-PCR method was a technique that was helpful in generating clusters with biological significance.

Toxicity of trichlorfon exposure using an experimentally induced model with Silver Pacu (Piaractus brachypomus) / Efectos toxicológicos generados por la exposición a triclorfón en un modelo inducido experimentalmente en cachama blanca (Piaractus brachypomus) / Efeitos toxicológicos no peixe Pirapitinga (Piaractus brachypomus) gerado pela exposição a triclorfon em um modelo induzido experimentalmente

The trichlorfon (TCF) is an organophosphate insecticide widely used in agricultural systems and livestock production. However, its indiscriminate use has generated serious problems affecting organisms in aquatic ecosystems that are not direct targets of the chemical. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess acute toxicity (LC50) and chronic subletal of TCF in cachama blanca fingerlings (Piaractus brachypomus). Acute toxicity was evaluated at 96 hours, using four concentrations of TCF (0.01, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 mg/L) and a control group, each group consisted of 8 animals (2.5 ± 0.5 g). The LC50 value calculated using the Trimmed Spearman-Karber software was 0.18 mg/L (p<0,05). The evaluation of the effect of chronic exposure to sublethal TCF on the immune response of P. brachypomus was performed by testing respiratory burst, showing significant increase in animals exposed to 0.029 mg / L during the first 10 days of exposure compared to control. Likewise, the plasma bactericidal capacity was evaluated in TCF exposed fish using Aeromonas hydrophila, finding greater of colony forming units on day 20 and 30 of exposure to the concentration 0.018 mg/L as opposed to the control. In addition, a histopathological study was performed, finding gill lesions compatible with epithelial cell hypertrophy and lamellar detachment in fish exposed to 0,05 mg/L on day 30 of exposure. This work showed the cachama blanca as a biomarker in contaminations associated with these xenobiotics.

El Triclorfón (TCF) es un insecticida organofosforado ampliamente utilizado en sistemas de producción agrícola y pecuario; sin embargo, su uso indiscriminado ha generado serios problemas en ecosistemas acuáticos afectando organismos que no son blanco directo del compuesto químico. Por este motivo, el presente estudio tuvo como objetivos evaluar la toxicidad aguda (CL50) y crónica subletal del TCF en alevinos de cachama blanca (Piaractus brachypomus). La toxicidad aguda se evaluó a 96 horas, empleando cuatro concentraciones de TCF (0,01, 0,1, 0,25, 0,5 mg/L) y un grupo control, cada grupo consto de 8 animales (2,5 ± 0,5 g). El valor de CL50 calculado mediante el software Trimmed Spearman-Karber fue 0,18 mg/L (p<0,05). La evaluación del efecto de la exposición crónica subletal a TCF sobre la respuesta inmune de P. brachypomus se realizó mediante el ensayo de explosión respiratoria, evidenciándose aumento significativo en animales sometidos a 0,029 mg/L durante los primeros 10 días de exposición en comparación con el control. Asimismo, se evalúo la capacidad bactericida del plasma de los peces expuestos a TCF frente Aeromonas hydrophila, presentándose mayor conteo de unidades formadoras de colonia para el día 20 y 30 de exposición a la concentración de 0,018 mg/L a diferencia del control. Aunado a esto, se realizó estudio histopatológico, hallándose lesiones branquiales compatibles con hipertrofia de células epiteliales y desprendimiento lamelar en los peces expuestos a 0,05 mg/L para el día 30 de exposición. Este trabajo demuestra que la cachama blanca se constituye en un bioindicador de contaminación asociado a estos xenobióticos.

O triclorfom (TCF) é um inseticida organofosforado amplamente utilizado em sistemas de produção agrícola e pecuária; no entanto, seu uso indiscriminado tem levado a sérios problemas que afetam os organismos nos ecossistemas aquáticos que não são alvos diretos da substância química. Portanto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a toxicidade aguda (CL50) e crônica subletal de TCF em alevinos de cachama blanca (Piaractus brachypomus). A toxicidade aguda foi avaliada em 96 horas, usando quatro concentrações de TCF, com um grupo control, cada grupo com 8 animais (2,5 ± 0,5 g). O valor de CL50 calculado com o software de Spearman-Karber foi de 0,18 mg/L (p<0,05). A avaliação do efeito da exposição crônica a concentrações subletais de TCF na resposta imune de P. brachypomus foi realizada pelo teste de explosão respiratória, mostrando um aumento significativo nesta, em animais expostos a 0,029 mg/L, durante os primeiros 10 dias de exposição. Também, a capacidade bactericida do plasma dos peixes expostos a TCF foi avaliada frente a Aeromonas hydrophila, os quais apresentaraõ maior unidades formadoras de colônias no dia 20 e 30 de exposição a concentração de 0,018 mg/L, ao contrario do controle. Alem disso, um estudo histopatológico foi realizado, emcontrando lesões de brânquia compatíveis com hipertrofia e desprendimento de células epiteliais nas lamelas de peixes expostos a 0,05 mg/L no dia 30 de exposição. este trabalho mostra ao cachama blanca como um biomarcador de contaminação asociado com estes xenobióticos.

Perspectivas sobre el uso de sustancias húmicas en la producción aviar / Perspectives on the use of humic substances in poultry production / Perspectivas sobre o uso de substâncias húmicas na avicultura

Resumen Las sustancias húmicas (SH) son un producto de la biotransformación de la materia orgánica, que han sido utilizadas ampliamente en procesos agrícolas, tales como la recuperación de suelos, como agentes biorremediadores por sus propiedades quelantes de sustancias tóxicas residuales, así como en la producción animal como promotor del mejoramiento de los parámetros productivos. Los procesos de producción animal en la actualidad demandan producción limpia aunada a un rendimiento competitivo de los sistemas de producción animal frente a los cuales, alternativas de manejo como la suplementación con aditivos alimentarios de origen natural, que mejoren los parámetros productivos y que a la vez participen en el mejoramiento de la salud animal, son la tendencia en la actualidad. En la presente revisión se hace énfasis en la contribución que las SH realizan en la producción avícola a partir de resultados de investigación que afirman que la suplementación de la dieta tanto de pollos de engorde como de gallinas ponedoras, permite la optimización en la digestión de los nutrientes, lo cual conlleva al mejoramiento en los parámetros zootécnicos. Dada la relación de la fisiología intestinal con la respuesta inmune, es posible que hayan efectos inmunomoduladores positivos asociados a la inclusión de estos aditivos en la dieta como una alternativa de producción limpia.

Abstract Humic substances (SH; product of the biotransformation of organic matter) have been widely used in agricultural processes such as soil remediation and also as bioremediation agents due to their ability to chelate toxic wastes. HS have been also used in animal production to promote growth performance. Animal production systems currently require cleaner production coupled with competitive performance. Today´s trends also include management alternatives such as supplementation with feed additives from natural sources to improve productivity and animal health. This review focuses on how SH contributes to poultry production based on research claims that SH supplementation to broilers and laying hens allows optimizing nutrient digestion, leading to improved productivity. Given the existing relationship between intestinal physiology and the immune response, there could be positive immunomodulatory effects associated with the dietary inclusion of these additives.

Resumo As substancias húmicas (SH) são um produto da biotransformação da matéria orgânica, que tem sido utilizadas comumente em processos agrícolas tais como a recuperação do solo, quanto como agentes biorremediadores pelas suas propriedades quelantes de substancias toxicas residuais. Do mesmo jeito são usadas na produção animal como promotor do crescimento permitindo melhorar os parâmetros produtivos. Os processos de produção animal na atualidade demandam produção limpa junto a um rendimento competitivo dos sistemas de produção animal frente aos quais, alternativas de manejo como a suplementação com aditivos alimentares de origem natural, que melhorem os parâmetros produtivos e que a sua vez participem no melhoramento da saúde animal, são a tendência na atualidade. Na presente revisão se faz ênfase na contribuição que as SH realizam na produção avícola a partir de resultados de pesquisas que afirmam que a suplementação da dieta tanto de frangos de corte quanto de galinhas poedeiras, permite a optimização da digestão dos nutrientes, o qual conduz ao melhoramento dos parâmetros zootécnicos, dada a relação da fisiologia intestinal com a resposta imune, é possível que existam efeitos imuno-moduladores positivos associados a inclusão de estes aditivos na dieta como uma alternativa de produção limpa.