Response to somatic cell count-based selection for mastitis resistance in a divergent selection experiment in sheep

A divergent selection experiment in sheep was implemented to study the consequences of log-transformed somatic cell score (SCS)-based selection on resistance to natural intramammary infections. Using dams and progeny-tested rams selected for extreme breeding values for SCS, we created 2 groups of ewes with a strong divergence in SCS of approximately 3 genetic standard deviations. A survey of 84 first-lactation ewes of both the High and Low SCS lines indicated favorable responses to SCS-based selection on resistance to both clinical and subclinical mastitis. All clinical cases (n = 5) occurred in the High SCS line. Additionally, the frequency of chronic clinical mastitis,as detected by the presence of parenchymal abscesses, was much greater in the High SCS line (n = 21) than in the Low SCS line (n = 1). According to monthly milk bacterio-logical examinations of udder halves, the prevalence of infection was significantly greater (odds ratio = 3.1) in the High SCS line than in the Low SCS line, with predicted probabilities of 37 and 16%, respectively. The most frequently isolated bacteria responsible for mastitis were staphylococci: Staphylococcus auricularis(42.6% of positive samples), Staphylococcus simulans, Staphylococcus haemoliticus, Staphylococcus xylosus, Staphylococcus chromogenes, Staphylococcus lentus, Staphylococcus warneri, and Staphylococcus aureus. The incidence of positive bacteriology was greater in the High SCS line (39%) than in the Low SCS line (12%)at lambing, indicating that High SCS line ewes were especially susceptible to postpartum subclinical mastitis. Negativation of bacteriological results from one sampling time point to the next was markedly different between lines after weaning (e.g., 41 and 84% in the High and Low SCS lines, respectively). This result was consistent with differences in the duration of infection, which was much greater in the High SCS line compared with the Low SCS line. Finally, ewes from the High SCS line consistently had greater SCS in positive milk samples than did ewes from the Low SCS line (+2.04 SCS, on average), with an especially large difference between lines during the suckling period (+3.42 SCS). Altogether, the preliminary results suggest that the better resistance of Low SCS line ewes, compared with High SCS line ewes, was principally characterized by a better ability to limit infections during the peripartum period, to eliminate infections during lactation, and quantitatively to limit the inflammation process and its clinical consequences

Genetic analysis of milking ability in Lacaune dairy ewes

The milking ability of Lacaune ewes was characterised by derived traits of milk flow patterns, in an INRA experimental farm, from a divergent selection experiment in order to estimate the correlated effects of selection for protein and fat yields. The analysis of selected divergent line effects (involving 34 616 data and 1204 ewes) indicated an indirect improvement of milking traits (+17% for maximum milk flow and -10% for latency time) with a 25% increase in milk yield. Genetic parameters were estimated by multi-trait analysis with an animal model, on 751 primiparous ewes. The heritabilities of the traits expressed on an annual basis were high, especially for maximum flow (0.54) and for latency time (0.55). The heritabilities were intermediate for average flow (0.30), time at maximum flow (0.42) and phase of increasing flow (0.43), and low for the phase of decreasing flow (0.16) and the plateau of high flow (0.07). When considering test-day data, the heritabilities of maximum flow and latency time remained intermediate and stable throughout the lactation. Genetic correlations between milk yield and milking traits were all favourable, but latency time was less milk yield dependent (-0.22) than maximum flow (+0.46). It is concluded that the current dairy ewe selection based on milk solid yield is not antagonistic to milking ability

Differential Transcriptional Response To Staphylococcus aureus Infection In Two Divergent Lines Of Sheep Selected On Milk Somatic Cell Score

The milk somatic cell score (SCS) is an indirect indicator of mastitis, currently used as a selection criterion of dairy ruminants that leads to decreased intra-mammary infection prevalence. In the present study, gene expression profiles after Staphylococcus stimulations were determined in three cell types of mastitis resistant and susceptible ewes. The comparisons of the lists of the differentially-expressed genes allowed identification of commonly-regulated genes among cell types. These results lead to identify a subset of genes involved in pathogen-related receptor signaling. These genes may play an important role in recognition of pathogens and may improve resistance to intramammary infections

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Transcriptomic analysis of milk somatic cells in mastitis resistant and susceptible sheep upon challenge with Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The existence of a genetic basis for host responses to bacterial intramammary infections has been widely documented, but the underlying mechanisms and the genes are still largely unknown. Previously, two divergent lines of sheep selected for high/low milk somatic cell scores have been shown to be respectively susceptible and resistant to intramammary infections by <it>Staphylococcus spp</it>. Transcriptional profiling with an 15K ovine-specific microarray of the milk somatic cells of susceptible and resistant sheep infected successively by <it>S. epidermidis </it>and <it>S. aureus </it>was performed in order to enhance our understanding of the molecular and cellular events associated with mastitis resistance.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The bacteriological titre was lower in the resistant than in the susceptible animals in the 48 hours following inoculation, although milk somatic cell concentration was similar. Gene expression was analysed in milk somatic cells, mainly represented by neutrophils, collected 12 hours post-challenge. A high number of differentially expressed genes between the two challenges indicated that more T cells are recruited upon inoculation by <it>S. aureus </it>than <it>S. epidermidis</it>. A total of 52 genes were significantly differentially expressed between the resistant and susceptible animals. Further Gene Ontology analysis indicated that differentially expressed genes were associated with immune and inflammatory responses, leukocyte adhesion, cell migration, and signal transduction. Close biological relationships could be established between most genes using gene network analysis. Furthermore, gene expression suggests that the cell turn-over, as a consequence of apoptosis/granulopoiesis, may be enhanced in the resistant line when compared to the susceptible line.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Gene profiling in resistant and susceptible lines has provided good candidates for mapping the biological pathways and genes underlying genetically determined resistance and susceptibility towards <it>Staphylococcus </it>infections, and opens new fields for further investigation.</p

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

Effect of pasture as sole feed and herbage allowances on voluntary intake of dairy ewes

International audienceTwo experiments were conducted (E1) and (E2) with multiparous Lacaune dairy ewes in late lactating stage. The ewes were fed only pasture (cocksfoot E1, Italian Ray grass E2) without supplementation excepted in E1 (+200g dehydrated alfalfa/d/e). Pasture was available for about 6 hours, in daytime between the 2 milking. During the time left, they were kept indoor with water and salt block. In E1, 3 groups of 16 ewes balanced on body weight (BW: 70 ± 6kg) body condition score (BCS: 3.2± 0.3) and milk yield (MY: 0.9 ± 0.2l/d) basis were offered one of the three different herbage allowances (namely L1, M1 and H1): low (1.4), medium (1.9) and high (2.4 kgDM/d/e) respectively. Each group was strip grazed for 3 weeks. In E2, 2 groups of 24 ewes balanced on same criterions : (BW: 70±6kg), (BCS: 3.2±0.2) and (MY: 1.0± 0.3 l/d) were offered one of the 2 herbage allowances (namely L2 and M2): low (1.4) or medium (1.9) respectively. In both experiments, 4 (E1) or 8 (E2) ewes per group were daily dosed with Ytterbium oxide as faecal marker. In E1, DM intake of ewes in B1, M1 and H1 was 1.3 ±0.3, 1.7±0.3and 1.7±0.2 kg/d respectively. There were no differences (P>0.05) in BW (67.1±6.5kg), BCS (3.0±0.2), milk yield (0.7±0.2l/d), milk fat (MF 86±10g/l) and milk protein (MP 60± 6g/l) contents. In E2, due to a severe dry season, experiment has been shortened (less than 2 weeks). Herbage allowance was maintained by mean of increasing paddock area. Nevertheless, daily DM intake of B2 and M2 groups was dramatically low: 0.49±0.12 and 0.68±0.12 kg respectively. There were no differences (P>0.05) in BW (64.6±5.3 kg), BCS (2.9±0.2), milk yield (0.9±0.2 l/d), MF (93±9g/l) and MP (56±4g/l) contents. In conclusion, dairy ewes intake did not exceeded 1.7 kg DM /d at pasture when milk yield is low (end of lactation) and with only 6 hours grazing. When grass is offered at low level, and when intake is very low, the ewes still maintain the milk yield (on a short time) but probably part of their energy requirements is mobilized from the body reserves. Experiments should be carried on at earlier stage of lactation in order to reveal a more pronounced effect of herbage allowance at pastureDeux essais (E1) et (E2) ont été conduits avec des brebis laitières multipares de race Lacaune en fin de lactation. Les animaux n'avaient que du pâturage (dactyle E1, raygrass italien E2) comme alimentation, excepté pour E1 où ils recevaient en plus 200 g de bouchons de luzerne déshydratée par jour. Les animaux avaient accès au pâturage entre la traite du matin et celle du soir soit environ 6h/j. Le reste du temps les brebis étaient maintenues en bergerie où elles avaient librement accès à l'eau et à une pierre de sel. Dans l'essai E1, 3 lots (L1, M1 et H1) de 16 brebis équilibrés sur le poids vif (BW: 70±6kg) l'état corporel (BCS: 3,2±0,3) et la production laitière (MY: 0,9±0,2l/j) pâturaient une surface différente afin de leur fournir respectivement une quantité d'herbe : basse (1,4), moyenne (1,9) et haute (2,4 kg DM/j/anim.) Une nouvelle surface délimitée par une clôture électrique, était offerte chaque jour pendant 3 semaines. Dans l'essai E2, 2 lots (L2 et M2) de 24 brebis équilibrés sur le poids vif (BW: 70±6kg), l'état corporel (BCS: 3,2± 0,2) et la production laitière (MY: 1,0±0,3l/j) pâturaient une surface différente afin de leur fournir respectivement une quantité d'herbe : basse (1,4) et moyenne (1,9 kg DM/j/anim). Dans les 2 essais, 4 (E1) ou 8 (E2) brebis par lot étaient droguées quotidiennement 2 fois par jour avec de l'oxyde d'Ytterbium comme marqueur fécal pour déterminer les quantités ingérées individuelles. Dans l'essai E1, la DM ingérée des lots B1, M1 et H1 était respectivement de 1,3 ±0,3, 2 1,7±0,3 et 1,7±0,2 kg/j. Aucune différence significative (P>0.05) n'a été observée entre les lots pour le poids vif (67,1± 6,5kg), l'état corporel (3,0±0,2), la production laitière (0,7±0,2l/j), et les taux butyreux (MF 86± 10g/l) et protéique (MP 60± 6g/l). Du fait d'une sécheresse sévère, l'essai E2 a dû être interrompu avant la 3ème semaine. Malgré un accroissement des surfaces, les quantités d'herbe offertes ont été difficilement maintenues. Dès lors, les quantités ingérées mesurées ont été très faibles pour les lots B2 et M2 avec respectivement : 0,49±0,12 et 0,68±0,12 kg DM. Aucune différence significative (P>0.05) n'a été observée entre les lots pour le poids vif (64,6±5,3 kg), l'état corporel (2,9±0,2), la production laitière (0,9±0,2l/j), et les taux butyreux (MF 93±9g/l) et protéique (MP 56±4g/l). En conclusion, les quantités ingérées de brebis laitières en fin de lactation conduites au pâturage n'excèdent pas 1,7 kg/j de DM. Lorsque les quantités d'herbe offerte sont faibles, les brebis semblent maintenir un niveau de production modéré, mais probablement au détriment de leurs réserves corporelles. Afin de mieux caractériser l'effet d'une alimentation au pâturage sur la production laitières, il faudrait l'étudier à un stade de lactation plus précoc

Blood metabolites and hormones as potential markers of body reserves dynamic and energetic balance in ruminants

Under strict controlled conditions, and thoughout a whole lactation period, we evaluated the consistence of some plasma metabolites and hormones as potential markers of body reserves status (mobilization or accretion) in ruminants