Importance of microbism in the semen of stallion

Les auteurs décrivent l’importance du microbisme dans les spermes d’étalons. L’étude a été faite sur 235 spermes de différentes races de chevaux. La contamination par les Klebsiella, les Streptococcus ( equisimilis et zooepide- micus), les Staphylococcus aureus et les Escherichia coli peut être importante. D’autres germes saprophytes potentiellement pathogènes peuvent être trouvés : Aeromonas, Enterobacter, Serratia, Acinetobacter, etc. 63 % des spermes sont contaminés : soit par 1 germe (45 %), soit par 2 germes (16,3 %), soit par 3 germes (1,2 %). Le contrôle bactériologique des reproducteurs avant la saillie devrait être systématique.The authors described the important intervention of bacterial potential pathogens in the semen of stallion. The study was effectued on 325 semens in different breeds. The contamination was Klebsiella, Streptococcus equisimilis and zooepi- demicus, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Other saprophytic and potentially pathogenic to the stallion’s reproduc tive tract and mare’s reproductive tract are Aeromonas, Enterobacter, Serra tia, Acinetobacter, etc. 63 % of the semens were contamined with one bacteria (45 % ), with two bacteria (16,3 %), with three bacteria (1,2 %). The bacteriological controls of mares and stallions are necessary before breeding and the research of bacterial organisms is necessary

Rhodococcus equi's Extreme Resistance to Hydrogen Peroxide Is Mainly Conferred by One of Its Four Catalase Genes

Rhodococcus equi is one of the most widespread causes of disease in foals aged from 1 to 6 months. R. equi possesses antioxidant defense mechanisms to protect it from reactive oxygen metabolites such as hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) generated during the respiratory burst of phagocytic cells. These defense mechanisms include enzymes such as catalase, which detoxify hydrogen peroxide. Recently, an analysis of the R. equi 103 genome sequence revealed the presence of four potential catalase genes. We first constructed \u394katA-, \u394katB-, \u394katC-and \u394katD-deficient mutants to study the ability of R. equi to survive exposure to H(2)O(2)in vitro and within mouse peritoneal macrophages. Results showed that \u394katA and, to a lesser extent \u394katC, were affected by 80 mM H(2)O(2). Moreover, katA deletion seems to significantly affect the ability of R. equi to survive within murine macrophages. We finally investigated the expression of the four catalases in response to H(2)O(2) assays with a real time PCR technique. Results showed that katA is overexpressed 367.9 times (\ub1122.6) in response to exposure to 50 mM of H(2)O(2) added in the stationary phase, and 3.11 times (\ub10.59) when treatment was administered in the exponential phase. In untreated bacteria, katB, katC and katD were overexpressed from 4.3 to 17.5 times in the stationary compared to the exponential phase. Taken together, our results show that KatA is the major catalase involved in the extreme H(2)O(2) resistance capability of R. equi

Mesure des courbes de dispersion des ondes guidées circonférentielles dans une coque elliptique par retournement temporel

Le retournement temporel permet de déterminer la position de sources acoustiques à partir du signal reçu sur un réseau de récepteurs. On s'intéresse au cas d'une source directive mobile, modélisant une onde guidée circonférentielle dans une coque, rayonnant dans le milieu extérieur. L'analyse de la forme des fronts d'onde aux récepteurs détermine la position de la source effective qui dépend de la vitesse de phase. Cette analyse a permis d'étendre au cas de sections elliptiques une méthode de mesure des courbes de dispersion déjà existante pour des sections circulaires

First report of the epidemiological surveillance network for equine infectious and contagious abortions

Towards the end of 2008, the RESPE epidemiological surveillance network created a sub-network to monitor equine infectious diseases responsible for abortions and neonatal losses in France, with medical, economic and/or zoonotic relevance. These diseases include herpes viral diseases [EHV1, EHV4], equine viral arteritis (EVA) and leptospirosis, a zoonosis considered as an emerging disease in horses. The herpes virus EHV-1 remains a major cause of infectious abortion in mares (5% of all abortions). Cases remain sporadic, and although they occur in groups which can be quite large, vaccination may help limit the spread of infection. On the other hand, abortions due to HVE-4 are rare. Leptospira are suspected in 7% and probably involved in 2% of cases. No abortion due to equine viral arteritis has been reported over the past two years. To meet the set objectives with greater efficiency, the number of case reports must be increased by broadening the geographical and zootechnical limits, and by monitoring systematically all positive and/or suspected foci through contact with the person reporting the cases and/or the breeder. The accumulation of such data is the only way we will improve our understanding of the circulation of pathogens in farms, and thus be able to implement precautionary measures and evaluate the impact of vaccination.Le réseau d'épidémiosurveillance en pathologie équine (RESPE) a mis en place, à la fin de 2008, un sous-réseau consacré à la surveillance des causes d'avortement et de perte néonatale ayant une importance sanitaire, économique et/ou zoonosique. C'est à dire les herpès viroses [HVE1, HVE4], l'artérite virale [VAE] et la leptospirose, zoonose considérée comme maladie émergente chez le Cheval. Durant ces deux premières années, les objectifs ont été globalement atteints. La surveillance des trois catégories étiologiques d'avortement a permis la diffusion d'alertes lors de cas positifs. L'avortement herpétique (HVE1) reste la première cause virale d'avortement infectieux de la Jument (5% de l'ensemble des avortements). Ces cas d'avortements herpétiques sont restés sporadiques ; bien qu'étant observés dans des effectifs parfois importants, la vaccination limite la diffusion de l'infection. Le virus HVE 4 est abortif, mais l'avortement dû à celui-ci est rare. Les leptospires sont suspectés dans 7 % et probablement impliqués dans 2% des cas. Aucun avortement dû au virus de l'artérite n'a été constaté au cours de ces deux années. Cependant, afin de mieux répondre aux objectifs fixés, il est nécessaire d'augmenter le nombre de déclarations. Il est indispensable de mettre en place un suivi systématique des foyers positifs et/ou suspects afin d'augmenter les informations épidémiologiques. Seule l'accumulation de ces données permettra de comprendre la circulation des agents pathogènes dans les élevages et autorisera la mise en place de mesures préventives, ainsi que l'évaluation de la vaccination

Characterization of a bone mimicking phantom by means of circumferential guided waves dispersion curves

International audiencePrevious studies have evidenced the circumferential propagation of waves guided by the roughly cylindrical cortical shell of the femoral neck. We hypothesize that measuring the phase velocities of such waves could yield estimates of the cortical thickness and material properties, which could improve fracture risk prediction. The objective of this study is to test the ability of the DORT method, processing based on time reversal principle, to measure circumferential guided waves in a bone-mimicking tube. The tube has the typical dimensions of the mid-femoral neck. A focused array specifically designed for this study was used for emission and reception. To serve as a noise-free reference, the experiment was also simulated based on an analytical formulation. The DORT method was applied to experimentally recorded and simulated data to retrieve the guided waves dispersion curves. Five branches of modes were obtained. They were identified by comparison with the theoretical dispersion curves of a semi-immersed plate. Experimental branches can be used in an inverse scheme to obtain estimations of the shell properties. This study shows that measuring circumferential guided waves is feasible in a structure with dimensions and material properties (elasticity, attenuation) close to those of the cortical compartment of the femoral neck

Genomic Characterization of the Taylorella Genus

The Taylorella genus comprises two species: Taylorella equigenitalis, which causes contagious equine metritis, and Taylorella asinigenitalis, a closely-related species mainly found in donkeys. We herein report on the first genome sequence of T. asinigenitalis, analyzing and comparing it with the recently-sequenced T. equigenitalis genome. The T. asinigenitalis genome contains a single circular chromosome of 1,638,559 bp with a 38.3% GC content and 1,534 coding sequences (CDS). While 212 CDSs were T. asinigenitalis-specific, 1,322 had orthologs in T. equigenitalis. Two hundred and thirty-four T. equigenitalis CDSs had no orthologs in T. asinigenitalis. Analysis of the basic nutrition metabolism of both Taylorella species showed that malate, glutamate and alpha-ketoglutarate may be their main carbon and energy sources. For both species, we identified four different secretion systems and several proteins potentially involved in binding and colonization of host cells, suggesting a strong potential for interaction with their host. T. equigenitalis seems better-equipped than T. asinigenitalis in terms of virulence since we identified numerous proteins potentially involved in pathogenicity, including hemagluttinin-related proteins, a type IV secretion system, TonB-dependent lactoferrin and transferrin receptors, and YadA and Hep_Hag domains containing proteins. This is the first molecular characterization of Taylorella genus members, and the first molecular identification of factors potentially involved in T. asinigenitalis and T. equigenitalis pathogenicity and host colonization. This study facilitates a genetic understanding of growth phenotypes, animal host preference and pathogenic capacity, paving the way for future functional investigations into this largely unknown genus

Extending in vitro digestion models to specific human populations: Perspectives, practical tools and bio-relevant information

[EN] Background In vitro digestion models show great promise in facilitating the rationale design of foods. This paper provides a look into the current state of the art and outlines possible future paths for developments of digestion models recreating the diverse physiological conditions of specific groups of the human population. Scope and approach Based on a collective effort of experts, this paper outlines considerations and parameters needed for development of new in vitro digestion models, e.g. gastric pH, enzymatic activities, gastric emptying rate and more. These and other parameters are detrimental to the adequate development of in vitro models that enable deeper insight into matters of food luminal breakdown as well as nutrient and nutraceutical bioaccessibility. Subsequently, we present an overview of some new and emerging in vitro digestion models mirroring the gastro-intestinal conditions of infants, the elderly and patients of cystic fibrosis or gastric bypass surgery. Key findings and conclusions This paper calls for synchronization, harmonization and validation of potential developments in in vitro digestion models that would greatly facilitate manufacturing of foods tailored or even personalized, to a certain extent, to various strata of the human population.Shani-Levi, C.; Alvito, P.; Andrés Grau, AM.; Assunção, R.; Barbera, R.; Blanquet-Diot, S.; Bourlieu, C.... (2017). Extending in vitro digestion models to specific human populations: Perspectives, practical tools and bio-relevant information. Trends in Food Science & Technology. 60:52-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2016.10.017S52636

From the lnstitute of Equine Pathothogy to the AFSSA-Dozule. Development of a Laboratory research

Le cheval en Basse-Normandie est le moteur d’une activité économique importante. L’Institut de Pathologie du Cheval a été créé en 1986 à l’initiative du Conseil Régional de Basse-Normandie dans le cadre du 9e plan État- Région dans le but de promouvoir l’élevage local des équidés. L’objectif de départ était de réaliser un observatoire nécropsique des maladies équines et de définir les principales causes de mortalité. Depuis sa création, l’établissement a connu plusieurs phases de développement impliquant l’État, la Région de Basse-Normandie et le Département du Calvados, tant au plan des activités et du personnel que des structures immobilières et de l’équipement. Actuellement, il est intégré dans l’Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Aliments, compte 1 8 agents répartis dans 2 services généraux et 4 services scientifiques (Épidémiologie, Microbiologie-Immunologie, Parasitologie et Anatomie pathologique). Ainsi, la vocation du laboratoire se concentre, d’une part sur l’épidémio- surveillance et l’ épidémiologie des affections équines majeures, d’autre part, sur le diagnostic et la prévention des maladies infectieuses et parasitaires.Because the horse industry plays a major role in the economy of the Region of Basse-Normandie, the Institute of Equine Pathology was created in 1986 following the Region’s initiative within the context of the 9th plan. The first objective of the laboratory was to perform numerous horse necropsies in order to define the main equine diseases and causes of death in the region. Since its creation, the laboratory has experienced several stages of development financed by the State, the Region of Basse-Normandie and the Department of Calvados, involving as well the activities and staff as the buildings and equipment. At the moment, it is one of the AFSSA laboratories, includes 18 agents distributed in 2 general services and 4 scientific services (Epidemiology, Microbiology-Immunology, Parasitology and Pathology). Its activities focus on the epidemiology and control of the major equine diseases, the diagnosis and prevention of infectious equine diseases

La résistance aux anthelminthiques chez les nématodes des équidés

National audienceParascaris equorum and cyathostomins are currently considered as the most important parasites of horses and during the twenty last years, they have been controlled with anthelmintics belonging to three drug classes: benzimidazoles, the tetrahydropyrimidine pyrantel, and macrocyclic lactones. For over 40 years, the use of control programs based on the frequent and regular application of anthelmintics to all horses has led to considerable selection pressure on parasite populations and to the development and extension of anthelmintic resistance in cyathostomins and P. equorum. Thus, resistance to benzimidazoles, and to a lesser extent to pyrantel, is now widespread in cyathostomins and reduced efficacy to macrocyclic lactones is suspected, principally measured as a reduction in strongyle egg reappearance period observed after treatment. Furthermore, resistance of P. equorum to ivermectin has been described in several European countries. Because there is no obvious possibility of reversion to anthelmintic susceptibility and no imminent marketing of new equine anthelmintics, horse owners and veterinarians must work closely together to abandon old practices and develop sustainable control programs. These programs will aim to reduce the frequency of treatments, and to maintain a sufficient level of refugia by performing treatments at strategic times and selective treatments based on fecal egg counts. They will also imperatively rely on sanitary measures applied to horse environmentLes cyathostomes et Parascaris equorum sont considérés actuellement comme les parasites les plus importants des chevaux. Les infestations étaient, jusqu’il y a une vingtaine d’années, contrôlées par des anthelminthiques appartenant à l’une des trois familles chimiques disponibles pour les équidés : les benzimidazoles, les tétrahydropyrimidines représentées uniquement par le pyrantel et les lactones macrocycliques. L’usage répandu, pendant plus de 40 ans, de protocoles de traitement fondés sur une administration régulière et fréquente d’anthelminthiques à tous les chevaux a exercé une forte pression de sélection sur les populations parasitaires, entrainant l’émergence, puis l’extension de la résistance aux anthelminthiques chez les cyathostomes et P. equorum. Ainsi, la résistance des cyathostomes aux benzimidazoles et, à moindre degré, au pyrantel, connaît maintenant une répartition mondiale et une diminution d’efficacité des lactones macrocycliques est suspectée sur la base d’un raccourcissement du délai de réapparition des œufs après traitement. Par ailleurs, la résistance de P. equorum à l’ivermectine est maintenant décrite dans de nombreux pays d’Europe. En l’absence de possibilité de retour à la sensibilité et de la mise sur le marché imminente de nouvelles familles d’anthelminthiques destinées aux équidés, les détenteurs de chevaux et les vétérinaires doivent conjuguer leurs efforts pour abandonner les anciennes pratiques et travailler en étroite collaboration pour l’élaboration de programmes de contrôle durable. Ces programmes viseront à réduire la fréquence des traitements et à préserver un niveau suffisant de refuges parasitaires par la réalisation de traitements à des périodes stratégiques et de traitements sélectifs fondés sur l’excrétion d’œufs dans les fèces, tout en s’appuyant sur des mesures sanitaires appliquées à l’environnement des chevaux

Contribution à l'étude des infestations par des petits strongles chez le cheval en Normandie (données épidemiologiques et aspects lésionnels)

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