Comparison of necrotic enteritis effects on growth performance and intestinal health in two different meat-type chicken strains Athens Canadian Random Bred and Cobb 500.

Chickens have undergone genetic improvements in the past few decades to maximize growth efficiency. However, necrotic enteritis (NE), an enteric disease primarily caused by C. perfringens, remains a significant problem in poultry production. A study investigated the differences in intestinal health between the nonselected meat-type chicken Athens Canadian Random Bred (ACRB) and the modern meat-type Cobb 500 broilers (Cobb) when challenged with experimental NE. The study utilized a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, consisting of two main effects of chicken strain and NE challenge model (nonchallenged control, NC; NE challenge with 2,500/12,500 Eimeria maxima oocysts + 1 × 109C. perfringens, NE2.5/NE12.5). A total of 432 fourteen-day-old male ACRB and Cobb were used until 22 d (8 d postinoculation with E. maxima on d 14, dpi), and the chickens were euthanized on 6 and 8 dpi for the analysis. All data were statistically analyzed using a two-way ANOVA, and Student's t-test or Tukey's HSD test was applied when P < 0.05. The NE12.5 group showed significant decreases in growth performance and relative growth performance from d 14 to 20, regardless of chicken strain (P < 0.01). The ACRB group exhibited significant decreases in relative body weight and relative body weight gain compared to the Cobb group from d 14 to 22 (P < 0.01). On 6 and 8 dpi, both NE challenge groups showed significant decreases in intestinal villus height to crypt depth ratio, jejunal goblet cell count, and jejunal MUC2 and LEAP2 expression (P < 0.01). Additionally, the NE12.5 group had significantly higher intestinal NE lesion score, intestinal permeability, fecal E. maxima oocyst count, intestinal C. perfringens count, and jejunal IFNγ and CCL4 expression compared to the NC group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, NE negatively impacts growth performance and intestinal health in broilers, parameters regardless of the strain.

Effect of dexamethasone on experimental enteritis produced by Giardia lamblia in a Meriones unguiculatus model.

Our aim was to evaluate the impact of immunosuppression on the development of giardiasis. Thirty-six gerbils (4-6 weeks old) were distributed in four groups containing nine animals each: Control (CT); Control-Infected by Giardia lamblia (CTIn), Immunosuppressed (IS), and Immunosuppressed-Infected by G. lamblia (ISIn). Animals in the IS and ISIn groups received intramuscular dexamethasone solution for 25 days. On the 11th day, the animals in the CTIn and ISIn groups were inoculated with G. lamblia. After 14 days of infection, the 25th day of the experiment, all groups were euthanized. Four hours after euthanasia, the intestinal permeability was evaluated and sections of the duodenum and spleen were harvested for morphometric and histopathological analyses. Immunosuppressed groups showed a significant increase in intestinal permeability compared to control and infected groups. Considering that the infection can become chronic in immunosuppressed groups, we should be alert to the possibilities of chronic inflammatory changes, both locally and systemically, due to the loss of the intestinal barrier. Lesions were observed in the duodenal mucosa of the gerbils of the CTIn group, with reduced villi size, crypt hyperplasia, edema, and the presence of inflammatory infiltrate in the lamina propria. In the ISIn group, we observed no inflammation, long and intact villi, and a significant increase in the area of intestinal mucins, despite the large number of trophozoites identified. Our results suggest that exacerbation of the immune response has a direct relationship with the appearance of lesions during enteritis produced by G. lamblia in the assessed model.

The Effect of Different Species of Eimeria with Clostridium perfringens on Performance Parameters and Induction of Clinical Necrotic Enteritis in Broiler Chickens.

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a common disease that causes great economic loss to the broiler industry due to mortality and reduced performance. Although Clostridium perfringens (CP) is a necessary component of this disease, coccidia species are a well-defined predisposing factor that exacerbates the condition. Different Eimeria species have been reported to influence NE to different degrees. In a pair of experiments, six different Eimeria species were evaluated in the presence and absence of C. perfringens. Male broiler chicks were housed in battery cages for the duration of both experiments. Feed conversion, body weight gain, and NE mortality were reported in both experiments. Experiment 1 challenged birds with E. maxima, E. acervulina, E. tenella, E. necatrix, and E. brunetti at day 13 and subsequently inoculated birds with CP on days 18, 19, and 20. In the second experiment, E. maxima, E. acervulina, E. tenella, and E. praecox were inoculated on day 15 and challenged with CP on days 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 of the experiment. In the first experiment, E. acervulina, E. brunetti, E. maxima, and E. necatrix with the addition of CP all stimulated necrotic enteritis mortality. In the second experiment, E. praecox had minimal impact on performance during the challenge (14-23 days) while E. maxima + CP decreased body weight gain and increased mortality compared to the CP alone control. Eimeria maxima had the highest mortality (21.9%) in this experiment followed by E. acervulina (6.3%). The remaining Eimeria with added CP in the second experiment did not induce NE mortality. While the challenge with CP alone did not induce mortality, feed conversion was increased compared to the unchallenged control group. When using isolated Eimeria species in these experiments, disturbances created by E. brunetti and E. maxima resulted in the most-severe challenges. These experiments highlight the NE risk of these species of Eimeria and give insight into how other species interact with the host in a controlled CP challenge model.

Artículo regular­Efecto de diferentes especies de Eimeria con Clostridium perfringens sobre los parámetros de rendimiento y la inducción de enteritis necrótica clínica en pollos de engorde. La enteritis necrótica (NE) es una enfermedad común que causa grandes pérdidas económicas a la industria del pollo de engorde debido a la mortalidad y a la reducción del rendimiento. Aunque Clostridium perfringens (CP) es un componente necesario de esta enfermedad, las especies de coccidia son un factor predisponente bien definido que agrava la enfermedad. Se ha informado que diferentes especies de Eimeria influyen en la enteritis necrótica en diferentes grados. En un par de experimentos, se evaluaron seis especies diferentes de Eimeria en presencia y ausencia de C. perfringens. Pollos de engorde machos se alojaron en jaulas en batería durante la duración de ambos experimentos. En ambos experimentos se analizaron la conversión alimenticia, el aumento de peso corporal y la mortalidad por enteritis necrótica. En el Experimento 1 se desafió a las aves con E. maxima, E. acervulina, E. tenella, E. necatrix y E. brunetti en el día 13 y posteriormente se inoculó a las aves con C. perfringens en los días 18, 19 y 20. En el segundo experimento, E. maxima, E. acervulina, E. tenella y E. praecox se inocularon en el día 15 y se desafiaron con C. perfringens en los días 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 y 22 del experimento. En el primer experimento, E. acervulina, E. brunetti, E. maxima y E. necatrix junto con C. perfringens estimularon la mortalidad por enteritis necrótica. En el segundo experimento, E. praecox tuvo un impacto mínimo en el rendimiento durante el desafío (14 a 23 días) mientras que el tratamiento de E. maxima + C. perfringens disminuyó el aumento de peso corporal y aumentó la mortalidad en comparación con el control con solamente C. perfringens. Eimeria maxima tuvo la mayor mortalidad (21.9%) en este experimento seguida por E. acervulina (6.3%). El resto de las especies de Eimeria junto con C. perfringens en el segundo experimento no indujeron mortalidad por enteritis necrótica. Si bien el desafío con C. perfringens no solo no indujo mortalidad, sino que la conversión alimenticia aumentó en comparación con el grupo de control no desafiado. Cuando se utilizaron especies de Eimeria aisladas en estos experimentos, los problemas creados por E. brunetti y E. maxima resultaron en los desafíos más severos. Estos experimentos destacan el riesgo por enteritis necrótica con estas especies de Eimeria y dan una idea de cómo otras especies interactúan con el hospedador en un modelo de desafío con C. perfringens controlado.

Research Note: The administration schedule of coccidia is a major determinant in broiler necrotic enteritis models.

A reliable and reproducible in vivo experimental model is an essential tool to study the pathogenesis of broiler necrotic enteritis and to evaluate control methods. Most current in vivo models use Eimeria as predisposing factor. Nevertheless, most models only result in a limited number of animals with intestinal necrosis. This research describes the necrotic enteritis incidence and severity using 2 previously described experimental models varying in the time point and frequency of Eimeria administration: single late and early repeated Eimeria administration models. In an in vivo model in which Clostridium perfringens is administered at 3 consecutive days between day 18 and 20 of age, birds belonging to the single late Eimeria administration regimen received a single administration of a tenfold dose of a live attenuated Eimeria vaccine on the second day of C. perfringens challenge. Broilers belonging to the early repeated administration regimen were inoculated with the same Eimeria vaccine 4 and 2 d before the start of the C. perfringens challenge. Early repeated coccidial administration resulted in a significant increase in average necrotic lesion score (value 3.26) as compared with a single late Eimeria administration regimen (value 1.2). In addition, the number of necrotic enteritis-positive animals was significantly higher in the group that received the early repeated coccidial administration. Single Eimeria administration during C. perfringens challenge resulted in a skewed distribution of lesion scoring with hardly any birds in the high score categories. A more centered distribution was obtained with the early repeated Eimeria administration regimen, having observations in every lesion score category. These findings allow better standardization of a subclinical necrotic enteritis model and reduction of the required numbers of experimental animals.

Cucullanus carettae Baylis, 1923, in a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) from the Adriatic sea: first detection and molecular characterization.

Cucullanus carettae Baylis, 1923 (Nematoda: Cucullanidae) is found worldwide in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). Regarding the Mediterranean, C. carettae has been identified in the Tyrrhenian and the Ionian Sea and a unique description of a Cucullanus sp. specimen in loggerheads from the Adriatic Sea has been reported in the literature so far. In the framework of a bio-monitoring project of the Abruzzo and Molise coasts, a parasitological survey was performed on stranded and by-caught sea turtles, at the Istituto Zooprofilattico of Abruzzo and Molise "G. Caporale." During necropsy, the gastrointestinal system of 72 stranded loggerhead turtles was analyzed for the presence of endoparasites and fecal samples were collected for coprological examination. Adult C. carettae (n = 123) was found in the upper intestine of one loggerhead turtle, associated with chronic lymphoplasmocytic enteritis. Additionally, five stool samples (6.9%) were positive for Cucullanus sp. eggs. Molecular characterization of adult nematodes was carried out to study phylogenetic relationships among the Cucullanus species. To our knowledge, this is the first morphological and molecular identification of C. carettae in loggerhead turtles from the Adriatic Sea. Additional studies on the distribution of this parasite in the Mediterranean are encouraged.

Comparison of the Pathogenicity of Five Clostridium perfringens Isolates Using an Eimeria maxima Coinfection Necrotic Enteritis Disease Model in Commercial Broiler Chickens.

Clostridium perfringens (CP) is the etiologic agent of necrotic enteritis (NE) in broiler chickens that is responsible for massive economic losses in the poultry industry in response to voluntary reduction and withdrawal of antibiotic growth promoters. Large variations exist in the CP isolates in inducing intestinal NE lesions. However, limited information is available on CP isolate genetics in inducing NE with other predisposing factors. This study investigated the ability of five CP isolates from different sources to influence NE pathogenesis by using an Eimeria maxima (EM) coinfection NE model: Str.13 (from soil), LLY_N11 (healthy chicken intestine), SM101 (food poisoning), Del1 (netB+tpeL-) and LLY_Tpel17 (netB+tpeL+) for NE-afflicted chickens. The 2-wk-old broiler chickens were preinfected with EM (5 × 103 oocysts) followed by CP infection (around 1 × 109 colony-forming units per chicken). The group of the LLY_Tpel17 isolate with EM coinfection had 25% mortality. No mortality was observed in the groups infected with EM alone, all CP alone, or dual infections of EM/other CP isolates. In this model of EM/CP coinfections, the relative percentages of body weight gain showed statistically significant decreases in all EM/CP groups except the EM/SM101 group when compared with the sham control group. Evident gut lesions were only observed in the three groups of EM/LLY_N11, EM/Del1, and EM/LLY_Tpel17, all of which possessed an essential NE pathogenesis locus in their genomes. Our studies indicate that LLY_Tpel17 is highly pathogenic to induce severe gut lesions and would be a good CP challenge strain for studies investigating pathogenesis and evaluating the protection efficacy for antibiotic alternative approaches.

Dynamics of the bacterial gut microbiota during controlled human infection with Necator americanus larvae.

Hookworms are soil-transmitted helminths that use immune-evasive strategies to persist in the human duodenum where they are responsible for anemia and protein loss. Given their location and immune regulatory effects, hookworms likely impact the bacterial microbiota. However, microbiota studies struggle to deconvolute the effect of hookworms from confounders such as coinfections and malnutrition. We thus used an experimental human hookworm infection model to explore temporal changes in the gut microbiota before and during hookworm infection. Volunteers were dermally exposed to cumulative dosages of 50, 100 or 150 L3 Necator americanus larvae. Fecal samples were collected for microbiota profiling through 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing at weeks zero, four, eight, fourteen and twenty. During the acute infection phase (trial week zero to eight) no changes in bacterial diversity were detected. During the established infection phase (trial week eight to twenty), bacterial richness (Chao1, p = .0174) increased significantly over all volunteers. No relation was found between larval dosage and diversity, stability or relative abundance of individual bacterial taxa. GI symptoms were associated with an unstable microbiota during the first eight weeks and rapid recovery at week twenty. Barnesiella, amongst other taxa, was more abundant in volunteers with more GI symptoms throughout the study. In conclusion, this study showed that clinical GI symptoms following N. americanus infection are associated with temporary microbiota instability and relative abundance of specific bacterial taxa. These results suggest a possible role of hookworm-induced enteritis on microbiota stability.

Effects of Eimeria maxima and Clostridium perfringens infections on cecal microbial composition and the possible correlation with body weight gain in broiler chickens.

With the voluntary and regulatory withdrawal of antibiotic growth promoters from animal feed, coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis (NE) emerge as the top two enteric poultry infectious diseases responsible for major economic loss worldwide. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between the cecal microbiota compositions with the growth trait after coccidiosis and NE. In this study, the effects of Eimeria maxima and/or Clostridium perfringens infections on the microbial composition and potential correlation with the body weight gain were investigated in broiler chickens using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. E. maxima and C. perfringens coinfection successfully induced NE with its typical gut lesions and significant reductions in the percentage of relative body weight gain (RBWG%). The NE challenge model did not affect cecal microbial diversity, but influenced the cecal microbial composition. KEGG enzymes in microbiota were significantly altered in abundance following dual infections. Furthermore, significant correlations between cecal microbiota modules and RBWG% were identified in the sham control, E. maxima or C. perfringens infected groups. Understanding of host-microbiota interaction in NE would enhance the development of antibiotics-independent strategies to reduce the harmful effect of NE on the gut microbiota structure, and improve the gut health and poultry production.

Reducing protein and supplementing crystalline amino acids, to alter dietary amino acid profiles in birds challenged for subclinical necrotic enteritis.

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is an infection of the gastrointestinal tract and is estimated to cost the global poultry industry billions of dollars annually. A study was conducted to examine whether reducing the crude protein might offset the severity of NE in broilers experimentally challenged with Eimeria spp. on day 9 and Clostridium perfringens on days 14 and 15. Furthermore, increasing the dietary amino acid (AA) density of the diet was also examined owing to identified benefits of improving performance compromised from low protein (LP) diets or NE. A 2 × 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments at 6 replicates per treatment was used with 972 Ross 308 cockerels fed wheat-sorghum-soy-based diets to 35 D. Factors were NE challenge: no or yes; protein: standard (SP) or LP; and AA density: 100% AA, 115% with only essential AA (115% EAA) increased, and 115% AA with both essential and nonessential AA (115% AA) increased. The performance was measured in grower (days 7-21), finisher (days 21-35), and overall (day 7-35) periods. In addition, on day 16, intestinal lesion score and cecal short-chain fatty acids were measured. Only in nonchallenged birds fed LP diets, 115% AA increased grower feed intake (P < 0.01) and body weight gain (P < 0.05) compared to 115% EAA treatments. Challenge increased jejunal lesions (P < 0.001) with no difference between dietary treatments. Finisher body weight gain was greater in nonchallenged birds fed the 115% AA diets than in challenged birds (P < 0.05). Feeding diets with higher nonessential AA encouraged faster recovery from NE challenge. When fed the SP diets, NE challenge increased cecal butyric acid (P < 0.01) and total short-chain fatty acids (P < 0.05). The nutrient matrix used in LP diets does not favor beneficial butyric acid-producing bacteria. Using LP diets to mitigate NE severity does not offset the predisposing effect of E. spp. when attacking the gastrointestinal tract, and NE recovery is favored when feeding SP diets or additional AA.

Determinants of Childhood Zoonotic Enteric Infections in a Semirural Community of Quito, Ecuador.

Domestic animals in the household environment have the potential to affect a child's carriage of zoonotic enteric pathogens and risk of diarrhea. This study examines the risk factors associated with pediatric diarrhea and carriage of zoonotic enteric pathogens among children living in communities where smallholder livestock production is prevalent. We conducted an observational study of children younger than 5 years that included the analysis of child (n = 306) and animal (n = 480) fecal samples for Campylobacter spp., atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, Salmonella spp., Yersinia spp., Cryptosporidium parvum, and Giardia lamblia. Among these seven pathogens, Giardia was the most commonly identified pathogen among children and animals in the same household, most of which was found in child-dog pairs. Campylobacter spp. was also relatively common within households, particularly among child-chicken and child-guinea pig pairs. We used multivariable Poisson regression models to assess risk factors associated with a child being positive for at least one zoonotic enteric pathogen or having diarrhea during the last week. Children who interacted with domestic animals-a behavior reported by nearly three-quarters of households owning animals-were at an increased risk of colonization with at least one zoonotic enteric pathogen (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.00-2.42). The risk of diarrhea in the last seven days was elevated but not statistically significant (PR = 2.27, CI: 0.91, 5.67). Interventions that aim to reduce pediatric exposures to enteric pathogens will likely need to be incorporated with approaches that remove animal fecal contamination from the domestic environment and encourage behavior change aimed at reducing children's contact with animal feces through diverse exposure pathways.

Urogenital myiasis caused by Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in a domestic rabbit in Italy.

The report describes a case of urogenital myiasis in a domestic rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus L. (Lagomorpha: Leporidae) caused by Lucilia sericata (Meigen; Diptera: Calliphoridae) in region Emilia-Romagna (Northern Italy). The case, occurring in June 2018, is the first one involving L. sericata as an agent of myiasis in a domestic rabbit in Italy. Species identification was based on morphological investigations of males through identification keys. The rabbit developed the urogenital myiasis as a consequence of chronic enteritis causing an accumulation of faeces in the perianal and perineal region.

Disruption of gut integrity and permeability contributes to enteritis in a fish-parasite model: a story told from serum metabolomics.

BACKGROUND: In the animal production sector, enteritis is responsible for serious economic losses, and intestinal parasitism is a major stress factor leading to malnutrition and lowered performance and animal production efficiency. The effect of enteric parasites on the gut function of teleost fish, which represent the most ancient bony vertebrates, is far from being understood. The intestinal myxozoan parasite Enteromyxum leei dwells between gut epithelial cells and causes severe enteritis in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), anorexia, cachexia, growth impairment, reduced marketability and increased mortality. METHODS: This study aimed to outline the gut failure in this fish-parasite model using a multifaceted approach and to find and validate non-lethal serum markers of gut barrier dysfunction. Intestinal integrity was studied in parasitized and non-parasitized fish by immunohistochemistry with specific markers for cellular adhesion (E-cadherin) and tight junctions (Tjp1 and Cldn3) and by functional studies of permeability (oral administration of FITC-dextran) and electrophysiology (Ussing chambers). Serum samples from parasitized and non-parasitized fish were analyzed using non-targeted metabolomics and some significantly altered metabolites were selected to be validated using commercial kits. RESULTS: The immunodetection of Tjp1 and Cldn3 was significantly lower in the intestine of parasitized fish, while no strong differences were found in E-cadherin. Parasitized fish showed a significant increase in paracellular uptake measured by FITC-dextran detection in serum. Electrophysiology showed a decrease in transepithelial resistance in infected animals, which showed a diarrheic profile. Serum metabolomics revealed 3702 ions, from which the differential expression of 20 identified compounds significantly separated control from infected groups in multivariate analyses. Of these compounds, serum inosine (decreased) and creatine (increased) were identified as relevant and validated with commercial kits. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate the disruption of tight junctions and the loss of gut barrier function, a metabolomic profile of absorption dysfunction and anorexia, which further outline the pathophysiological effects of E. leei.

Sexual Transmission of Intestinal Parasites and Other Enteric Pathogens among Men Who Have Sex with Men Presenting Gastrointestinal Symptoms in an STI Unit in Barcelona, Spain: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major problem worldwide. In addition, the spectrum of STIs is now expanding, including parasitic, bacterial, and viral infections. The study retrospectively describes the presence of enteric pathogens among 73 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms of enteritis and proctocolitis attending to an STI unit in Barcelona, Spain, between 2015 and 2016. Only patients investigated for intestinal parasitic infections were included in the study. Different diagnostic procedures were established for the detection of parasites, bacterial enteropathogens, and other STI agents. Entamoeba histolytica was the most prevalent pathogen in our cohort (20.5%), especially among individuals with proctocolitis. Contrarily, Giardia intestinalis was detected in 11.0% of patients, only associated with enteritis cases. Polymicrobial infections were common in our study (45.2%). Of note, 55.6% of shigellosis cases were coinfected with E. histolytica. The investigation highlights the importance of including parasites as differential gastrointestinal diagnosis, disregarding travel history, particularly among risk populations.

Fatal parasite-induced enteritis and typhlocolitis in horses in Southern Brazil.

Diseases related to the alimentary system are the main cause of death in horses. This retrospective study aimed to describe the pathological findings of fatal parasite-induced enteritis and typhlocolitis caused by cyathostominae, Eimeria leuckarti, Balantidium coli, and Strongyloides westeri in horses. The records of parasite-induced intestinal lesions in horses necropsied in Southern Brazil between 2005 and 2017 were reviewed. Ten horses had fatal parasitic enteritis and/or typhlocolitis, and the main causes were: cyathostominae typhlocolitis (6/10), E. leuckarti enteritis (1/10), S. westeri enteritis (1/10), B. coli colitis related to cyathostominae (1/10), and infection by multiple agents (1/10). Cyathostominae typhlocolitis showed marked mucosal thickening, with multifocal elevated nodules containing tangled filiform parasites. Microscopic examination revealed that the mucosa and submucosa had encysted parasitic structures surrounded by eosinophilic and granulomatous inflammation. E. leuckarti enteritis was microscopically characterized by macrogamonts, microgamonts, and oocysts inside the host cells. S. westeri enteritis showed microscopic atrophy of the villi with numerous mucosal encysted parasitic structures. B. coli typhlocolitis showed severe diffuse mucosal reddening, with microscopic superficial mucosal necrosis associated with multiple protozoan trophozoites. Fatal parasite-induced enteritis and typhlocolitis are important causes of death in horses in Southern Brazil.

Two different Clostridium perfringens strains produce different levels of necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens.

Subclinical necrotic enteritis (NE) is primarily caused by the gram-positive bacterium, Clostridium perfringens (Cp). The trend towards removal of in-feed antimicrobials and subsequent increased emergence of infection in poultry has resulted in a wide interest in better understanding of the mechanism behind this disease. The virulence of NE, to a large extent, depends on the virulence of Cp strains. Thus, this study was to assess how 2 different strains of Cp affect performance and gut characteristics of broiler chickens. Ross 308 male broilers (n = 468) were assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with antibiotics (Salinomycin at 72 ppm and zinc bacitracin at 50 ppm -, or +) and challenge (non-challenge, Cp EHE-NE18, or Cp WER-NE36). Oral administration of Eimeria oocysts (day 9) followed by inoculation with 1 mL 108 CFU Cp strains (day 14 and 15) were used to induce NE. Broiler performance was analyzed at day 10, 24, and 35. On day 16, intestinal lesion score and intestinal pH were evaluated and samples of cecal content were analyzed for bacterial counts and short-chain fatty acid concentrations (SCFA). Birds in both challenged groups showed higher feed conversion ratio (FCR), lower weight gain (P < 0.001), increased lesion scores in the jejunum (P < 0.01), and reduced pH in the ileum and cecum (P < 0.01), compared to the non-challenged birds. They also showed decreased numbers of Bacillus spp. (P < 0.001), and Ruminococcus spp. (P < 0.01) in the cecal content. On day 35, the NE36 challenged birds had a lower weight gain (P < 0.001) and higher FCR (P < 0.001) compared to the NE18 challenged birds. Interestingly, cecal Lactobacillus and lactate were increased by the NE challenge (P < 0.001), and to a greater extent in birds challenged with NE36 compared to the NE18 strain (P < 0.001). This study suggests that Cp strains varying in virulence produce different levels of disease in broiler chickens through modulating the gut environment, intestinal microbiota, and SCFA profile to different extents.

Comparison of multiple methods for induction of necrotic enteritis in broilers: II. Impact on the growth curve.

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a disease that has gained relevance in the poultry industry with both immediate and sustained effects on BW of broilers. The objective of the 3 experiments was to evaluate the impact of NE, induced by methods that reflect common broiler production systems, on the growth curve throughout the growth period. In addition, the impact of Eimeria maxima (EM) on NE, as well as the long-term impact of Clostridium perfringens (CP) on BW, were analyzed. In experiment 1, a dual infection model of EM and CP was compared to a non-challenged control, while experiment 2 evaluated 2 different strains of EM dual infection, as well as 6 CP-only groups. Similarly, experiment 3 tested dual infection and both high and low dose CP-only groups. Both NetB and non-NetB strains of CP were used to evaluate whether NetB toxin may potentially play a role in NE induction. In all 3 experiments, BW was measured immediately before infection on day 16, then weekly through the end of the test period. In all 3 experiments, a decrease (p < 0.05) in BW was observed immediately following the acute NE disease period of day 21 to day 23, with a negative impact also observed of BW gain during NE disease period (p < 0.05). A long-term effect on BW was most clearly detected in the EM + CP dual infection models, as well as when high levels of CP-only were administered. In these cases, BW was impacted long-term, with a requisite week or more to return to a BW similar to the non-challenged control. The separation in BW, though not significant, was nearly parallel with the non-challenged control throughout the growth period, indicating a shift in the growth curve. In addition to showing the long-term impact of various forms of NE on broiler growth, these shifts in the growth curve can be used to measure the effects of treatments on prevention and recovery of broilers impacted by NE.

Fatal parasite-induced enteritis and typhlocolitis in horses in Southern Brazil / Enterites e tiflocolites parasitárias fatais em equinos no Sul do Brasil

Abstract Diseases related to the alimentary system are the main cause of death in horses. This retrospective study aimed to describe the pathological findings of fatal parasite-induced enteritis and typhlocolitis caused by cyathostominae, Eimeria leuckarti, Balantidium coli, and Strongyloides westeri in horses. The records of parasite-induced intestinal lesions in horses necropsied in Southern Brazil between 2005 and 2017 were reviewed. Ten horses had fatal parasitic enteritis and/or typhlocolitis, and the main causes were: cyathostominae typhlocolitis (6/10), E. leuckarti enteritis (1/10), S. westeri enteritis (1/10), B. coli colitis related to cyathostominae (1/10), and infection by multiple agents (1/10). Cyathostominae typhlocolitis showed marked mucosal thickening, with multifocal elevated nodules containing tangled filiform parasites. Microscopic examination revealed that the mucosa and submucosa had encysted parasitic structures surrounded by eosinophilic and granulomatous inflammation. E. leuckarti enteritis was microscopically characterized by macrogamonts, microgamonts, and oocysts inside the host cells. S. westeri enteritis showed microscopic atrophy of the villi with numerous mucosal encysted parasitic structures. B. coli typhlocolitis showed severe diffuse mucosal reddening, with microscopic superficial mucosal necrosis associated with multiple protozoan trophozoites. Fatal parasite-induced enteritis and typhlocolitis are important causes of death in horses in Southern Brazil.

Resumo Doenças relacionadas ao sistema alimentar são as principais causas de morte em equinos. Esse estudo teve o objetivo de descrever aspectos patológicos de enterites e tiflocolites parasitárias fatais por ciatostomíneos, Eimeria leuckarti, Balantidium coli e Strongyloides westeri, em equinos. Foi revisado o banco de dados de lesões intestinais parasitárias em equinos necropsiados de 2005 a 2017, no Sul do Brasil. Dez equinos apresentaram enterite e/ou tiflocolite parasitária fatal, e as principais foram: tiflocolite por ciatostomíneos (6/10), enterite por E. leuckarti (1/10), enterite por S. westeri (1/10), colite por B. coli com ciatostomíneos (1/10), e infecção por múltiplos agentes (1/10). A tiflocolite por ciatostomíneos exibia acentuado espessamento da mucosa, com nódulos multifocais elevados contendo parasitas filiformes. Microscopicamente, a mucosa e submucosa apresentavam estruturas parasitárias encistadas envoltas por inflamação eosinofílica e granulomatosa. A enterite por E. leuckarti era caracterizada microscopicamente por macrogamontes, microgamontes e oocistos no interior de células do hospedeiro. Microscopicamente, a enterite por S. westeri apresentava atrofia de vilosidades com numerosas estruturas parasitárias encistadas na mucosa. A tiflocolite por B. coli exibia avermelhamento acentuado difuso da mucosa, e microscopicamente necrose superficial associada a múltiplos trofozoítos protozoáricos. Enterites e tiflocolites fatais parasitárias são importantes causas de morte em equinos no Sul do Brasil.

Eosinophilic esophagitis, gastroenteritis, and colitis in a patient with prior parasite exposure.

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGID) comprise a spectrum of inflammatory diseases that can affect any segment of the gastrointestinal tract. The pathogenesis of these conditions is complex; differentiating between primary and secondary forms of these disorders can be clinically challenging. We report a case of primary EGID in a patient with remote parasite exposure, whose symptoms were initially attributed to irritable bowel syndrome. Endoscopy revealed the rare finding of EGID involving the entire gastrointestinal tract; symptoms improved with an elimination diet. This case raises the possibility of a link between prior parasite exposure and development of EGID, and underscores the necessity of exploring alternative diagnoses in patients with presumed IBS who present with severe symptoms.

Hypereosinophilia and epigastralgia after visiting Tunisia: a rare differential diagnosis of helminthiases.

Causes of hypereosinophilia among travelers returning from North Africa are dominated by helminth infections, especially when associated with gastrointestinal signs. Non-infectious causes must nonetheless be investigated after negative microbiological assessment and failure of a broad empiric antiparasite treatment. We report the case of a young man with epigastralgia and major weight loss since a stay in Tunisia. Empiric treatment with albendazole was not successful. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis was diagnosed and resolved under corticosteroid treatment.

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR EVIDENCE OF PUTATIVE NEORICKETTSIA INFECTION IN COATIS ( NASUA NASUA) FROM SOUTHERN BRAZIL.

The pathologic, molecular, and immunohistochemical findings associated with Neorickettsia helminthoeca are described in coatis ( Nasua nasua). Tissue sections (small intestine, lungs, kidney, liver, and spleen) of coatis ( n = 3) that died at the Bela Vista Biological Refuge, Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, southern Brazil were routinely processed from histopathology. Selected formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections of the small intestine, lungs, and spleen were used in an immunohistochemical (IHC) assay designed to identify the antigens of N. helminthoeca. Additionally, FFPE tissue sections of the small intestine were used to demonstrate antigens of canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2) by IHC. Histopathology revealed chronic enteritis in all coatis. Parasitic enteritis was diagnosed in two coatis; one of these contained examples of a trematode within the lumen of the small intestine and the ovum of a trematode encysted in the intestinal mucosa. Other significant pathologic findings included interstitial pneumonia ( n = 2) and pyogranulomatous splenitis ( n = 1). Positive immunolabeling for N. helminthoeca was identified within macrophages of the small intestine and reticuloendothelial cells within the germinal centers of the spleen of all coatis; the intestinal trematode was N. helminthoeca IHC-positive. All pulmonary sections revealed negative immunolabeling for N. helminthoeca. Furthermore, the antigens of CPV-2 were not identified in the intestine of any coati. These findings indicate that these coatis were infected by N. helminthoeca, but since clinical and gross pathological findings were not recorded, it is uncertain if this pathogen produced clinical disease in this canid host; therefore, coatis may be asymptomatic or dead-end hosts for this organism.