Genomic profiling of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli from Pets in the United Arab Emirates: Unveiling colistin resistance mediated by mcr-1.1 and its probable transmission from chicken meat – A One Health perspective

Background The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has witnessed rapid urbanization and a surge in pet ownership, sparking concerns about the possible transfer of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from pets to humans and the environment. This study delves into the whole-genome sequencing analysis of ESBL-producing E. coli strains from healthy cats and dogs in the UAE, which exhibit multidrug resistance (MDR). Additionally, it provides a genomic exploration of the mobile colistin resistance gene mcr-1.1, marking the first instance of its detection in Middle Eastern pets. Methods We investigate 17 ESBL-producing E. coli strains from healthy UAE pets using WGS and bioinformatics analysis to identify genes encoding virulence factors, assign diverse typing schemes to the isolates, and scrutinize the presence of AMR genes. Furthermore, we characterized plasmid contigs housing the mcr-1.1 gene and conducted phylogenomic analysis to evaluate their relatedness to previously identified UAE isolates. Results Our study unveiled a variety of virulence factor-encoding genes within the isolates, with fimH emerging as the most prevalent. Regarding β-lactamase resistance genes, the blaCTX group 1 gene family predominated, with CTX-M-15 found in 52.9% (9/17) of the isolates, followed by CTX-M-55 in 29.4% (5/17). These isolates were categorized into multiple sequence types (STs), with the epidemic ST131 being the most frequent. The presence of the mcr-1.1 gene, linked to colistin resistance, was confirmed in two isolates. These isolates belonged to ST1011 and displayed distinct profiles of β-lactamase resistance genes. Phylogenomic analysis revealed close connections between the isolates and those from chicken meat in the UAE. Conclusion Our study underscores the presence of MDR ESBL-producing E. coli in UAE pets. The identification of mcr-1.1-carrying isolates warrants the urgency of comprehensive AMR surveillance and highlights the role of companion animals in AMR epidemiology. These findings underscore the significance of adopting a One Health approach to mitigate AMR transmission risks effectively

The first record of ostrich feather louse (Struthiolipeurus struthionis) collected from farmed ostriches (Struthio camelus) in the United Arab Emirates

Background and Aim: Ostrich (Struthio camelus) farming in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a relatively new field of farming. Farmed ostriches are susceptible to ectoparasite infestation, which affects their production. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of ectoparasites on ostriches raised on a farm in Abu Dhabi Emirate. Materials and Methods: The feathers of 42 ostriches (26 females and 16 males) were collected and morphologically examined for ectoparasites. In total, 283 lice (89 males and 194 females) were collected from birds. However, there were no ticks or other ectoparasites. Lice were preserved in 1.5 mL tubes containing 70% ethanol and were later identified using taxonomic keys. The prevalence, mean intensity of infection, and mean abundance were estimated. Results: One louse species, Struthiolipeurus struthionis was identified. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of S. struthionis in ostriches raised in the UAE with an overall prevalence of 88%. The prevalence of lice was significantly higher in July (100%) than that in May (66.7%). Likewise, the mean intensity and abundance of lice were significantly higher in June (10.6 and 9.94, respectively) than in May (3.25 and 2.2, respectively). Conclusion: The high prevalence of lice poses a serious risk to ostrich farming by negatively affecting the health and productivity of ostriches

Evaluation of serum profile during various stages of gestation in crossbred deoni cows

The research was conducted on 36 (Deoni and Deoni X H.F.) cross-bred cows between 2nd to 5th lactation. Cows were divided as early, mid and late gestation period comprising 12 cows in each group. Results of the present study indicated that there is no variation in serum Ca, Mg, Na and K level but serum P level declines significantly from early to late gestation, where as serum Cl level decreases from early to mid gestation and again increases from mid to late gestation. [Vet World 2009; 2(10.000): 398-399

Evaluation of Pre and Post Artificial Insemination effect of GnRH Hormone on conception of repeat breeder Deoni Cows

Twenty four Deoni repeat breeder cows were randomly allocated into 4 groups of six each. The animals of groups I, II and III were injected with 250 µg of buserelin acetate (Receptal®) on two occasions i.e. once on day of estrus and second dose on days 10 or 12 or14 respectively in I, II and III groups following breeding, while the animals of group IV served as control. Among the physical characters of estrual cervico-vaginal mucous, typical arborization pattern (80.95 % in pregnant vs. 55.56 % in non-pregnant cows) and marginally high spinnbarkeit readings (24.67+2.7cms in pregnant and 22.21+1.32 cms in non-pregnant cows) favored better fertility, although the differences between the groups were statistically insignificant. However, the pH of estrual cervico-vaginal mucous did not indicate any effect on fertility and it ranged between 8.00 to 9.00. The cows of treatment groups I, II and III registered a considerably higher conception rate of 83.33 percent each, while in control group cows had only 33.33 percent. To conclude GnRH therapy irrespective of days of administration resulted in an overall enhancement in conception rate of 83.33 as against 33.33 percent in control groups of cows. [Vet. World 2010; 3(5.000): 209-211