Characterization of Faecal Enterococci from Wild Birds in Turkey and Its Importance in Antimicrobial Resistance

ΔΕΝ ΔΙΑΤΙΘΕΤΑΙ ΠΕΡΙΛΗΨΗThis research aimed to investigate the diversity of faecal enterococci isolated from wild birds, to detecttheir antibiotic resistance patterns and to determine their distribution of genes related to vancomycin resistance. Additionally, to investigate their virulence factors that are important in the development of the disease. One hundred seven cloacal/rectal samples were inoculated onto Enterococcus Agar, and presumptive colonies were identified and confirmed by PCR. Multiplex PCR assays were used to screen vanA, vanB, vanC1 and vanC2/3. The virulence-related genes; ace, gelE, efa and agg were determined by PCR. Among the 103 enterococci, 62 E.faecalis, 23 E.faecium 3 E.gallinarum, 2 E.durans, 1 E.casseliflavus and 12 Enterococcus spp. were identified. Of the 103 enterococci, 26 were found to be resistant against to three or more antibiotics. The highest percentages were detected for chloramphenicol (52%), tetracycline (33%) and erythromycin (30%). Two E.gallinarum isolates were harboring three virulence factors, and one isolate was carrying a single virulence factor. There is no virulence factor in the E.casseliflavus isolate. Also, vanA and vanB genes were not found. Forty-two of 103 enterococci were harboring virulence factors, more frequently in E.faecalis. Forty-two enterococci carried efa A, 31 isolates carried gel E, and ace was found in 18 isolates. Virulence gene agg was not detected. When the results of the study were evaluated in general, multiple drug resistance was described as 25%. Considering the risk of polluting the water resources of wild animals, it is suggested that the continuity of this type of epidemiological study in wildlife animals is necessary. In conclusion, the wild birds may act as substantial reservoirs carrying antimicrobial resistance among enterococci and estimate the potential risk for man, pets and farm animals

Studies on the diagnosing of Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection in chickens

The aim of the study was bacteriological isolation of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and detecting specific DNA by the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) through testing 96 tracheal swab samples of chickens. The serum plate agglutination test (SPA) was performed to detect antibodies to MG in the blood sera of the examined chickens. Specific DNA was detected in 47 (49%) of the 96 tracheal swabs by means of the M. gallisepticum DNA Test Kit (Flock Check, IDEXX), MG was isolated from 3 (3.1%) of the 96 trachea samples and SPA revealed that 10 (10.4%) of the 96 sera were sero-positive and 10 (10.4%) suspicious. The results indicated that, despite its common use as a screening test in field conditions, the SPA test alone is not sufficient in diagnosing MG infections in chickens. The PCR technique, however, thanks to its speed and reliability in routine diagnosis seems to be an alternative method to the difficult and time-consuming techniques of culturing MG

Detection of leptospires by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in urine samples of slaughtered cattle

A Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay was used for detection of leptospires in urine samples of slaughtered cattle in the Trakya district of Turkey where sera and kidney samples had been investigated by traditional methods in the authors' previous study. Using a pair of genus-specific primers derived from the rrs (16S) gene of leptospires as a target sequence, 3 of 89 (3.37%) samples were discovered to be positive by PCR while only one and two samples had been found positive by Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) and ELISA, respectively. The results indicate that PCR is a useful method for a rapid and more sensitive detection of infected and carrier cows that are a major source of infection not only for other animals, but also for farm workers and other people

An evaluation of the infection control potential of a UV clinical podiatry unit

Background: Infection control is a key issue in podiatry as it is in all forms of clinical practice. Airborne contamination may be particularly important in podiatry due to the generation of particulates during treatment. Consequently, technologies that prevent contamination in podiatry settings may have a useful role. The aims of this investigation were twofold, firstly to determine the ability of a UV cabinet to protect instruments from airborne contamination and secondly to determine its ability to remove microbes from contaminated surfaces and instruments. Method: A UV instrument cabinet was installed in a University podiatry suite. Impact samplers and standard microbiological techniques were used to determine the nature and extent of microbial airborne contamination. Sterile filters were used to determine the ability of the UV cabinet to protect exposed surfaces. Artificially contaminated instruments were used to determine the ability of the cabinet to remove microbial contamination. Results: Airborne bacterial contamination was dominated by Gram positive cocci including Staphylococcus aureus. Airborne fungal levels were much lower than those observed for bacteria. The UV cabinet significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the observed levels of airborne contamination. When challenged with contaminated instruments the cabinet was able to reduce microbial levels by between 60% to 100% with more complex instruments e.g. clippers, remaining contaminated. Conclusions: Bacterial airborne contamination is a potential infection risk in podiatry settings due to the presence of S. aureus. The use of a UV instrument cabinet can reduce the risk of contamination by airborne microbes. The UV cabinet tested was unable to decontaminate instruments and as such could pose an infection risk if misused. Keywords: Infection control, UV, Bacteria, Fungi, Dermatophytes, Contaminatio