Innovative Perspectives on Biofilm Interactions in Poultry Drinking Water Systems and Veterinary Antibiotics Used Worldwide

Prudent use of antibiotics in livestock is widely considered to be important to prevent antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the interactions between biofilms and veterinary antibiotics in therapeutic concentrations administrated via drinking water through a standardized experimental setup. In this context, two biofilms formed by pseudomonads (Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa or P. fluorescens) and a susceptible Escherichia (E.) coli strain were developed in a nutrient-poor medium on the inner surface of polyvinyl chloride pipe pieces. Subsequently, developing biofilms were exposed to sulfadiazine/trimethoprim (SDZ/TMP) or tylosin A (TYL A) in dosages recommended for application in drinking water for 5 or 7 days, respectively. Various interactions were detected between biofilms and antibiotics. Microbiological examinations revealed that only TYL A reduced the number of bacteria on the surface of the pipes. Additionally, susceptible E. coli survived both antibiotic treatments without observable changes in the minimum inhibitory concentration to 13 relevant antibiotics. Furthermore, as demonstrated by HPLC-UV, the dynamics of SDZ/TMP and TYL A in liquid media differed between the biofilms of both pseudomonads over the exposure period. We conclude that this approach represents an innovative step toward the effective evaluation of safe veterinary antibiotic use.

Investigation of the microbial community structure and diversity in the environment surrounding a veterinary antibiotic production factory

The wastewater discharged from the veterinary antibiotic production factory, due to its antibiotic composition, partly affects the microbial community and distribution in the surrounding environment.

Sorption–Desorption Behavior of Doxycycline in Soil–Manure Systems Amended with Mesquite Wood Waste Biochar

Elevated levels of doxycycline (DC) have been detected in the environment due to its extensive utilization as a veterinary antibiotic. Sorption–desorption behavior of DC in soil affects its transport, transformation, and availability in the environment. Thus, sorption–desorption behavior of DC was explored in three soils (S1, S2, and S3) after manure application with and without mesquite wood-waste-derived biochar (BC) pyrolyzed at 600 °C. Sorption batch trials demonstrated the highest DC sorption in soil S1 as compared to S2 and S3, either alone or in combination with manure or manure + BC. Chemical sorption and pore diffusion were involved in DC sorption, as indicated by the kinetic models. Soil S1 with manure + BC exhibited the highest Langmuir model predicted sorption capacity (18.930 mg g−1) compared with the other two soils. DC sorption capacity of soils was increased by 5.0–6.5-fold with the addition of manure, and 10–13-fold with BC application in a soil–manure system. In desorption trials, manure application resulted in 67%, 40%, and 41% increment in DC desorption in soil S1, S2, and S3, respectively, compared to the respective soils without manure application. In contrast, BC application reduced DC desorption by 73%, 66%, and 65%, in S1, S2, and S3, respectively, compared to the soils without any amendment. The highest DC sorption after BC application could be due to H bonding, π–π EDA interactions, and diffusion into the pores of BC. Hence, mesquite wood-waste-derived BC can effectively be used to enhance DC retention in contaminated soil to ensure a sustainable ecosystem.

Abundance and Dynamic Distribution of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in the Environment Surrounding a Veterinary Antibiotic Manufacturing Site

Background: Antibiotics releasing from the manufacturing sites to the surrounding environment has been identified as a risk factor for the development of antibiotic resistance of bacterial pathogens. However, the knowledge of the abundance and distribution of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) influenced by antibiotic pollution is still limited. Methods: In this work, the contamination by resistance genes of the environmental media including an urban river and soil along the river located near the sewage outlet of a veterinary antibiotic manufacturing site in Shijiazhuang, China, was assessed. The abundance and dynamic distribution of ARGs in different sampling points and during different seasons were analyzed using fluorescent quantitative PCR method (qPCR). Results: A total of 11 resistance genes, one integron and one transposon were detected in water and soils around the pharmaceutical factory, and among which, the sulfonamide resistance genes sul1 and β-lactam resistance genes blaSHV were the most abundant genes. The relative abundance of ARGs in both river water and soil samples collected at the downstream of the sewage outlet was higher than that of samples collected at the upstream, non-polluted areas (p < 0.05). The mobile genetic elements (MGEs) integron in river was significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with the relative abundance of ARGs. Conclusions: The results indicate that the discharge of waste from antibiotic manufacturing site may pose a risk of horizontal transfer of ARGs.

The Next Step to Further Decrease Veterinary Antibiotic Applications: Phytogenic Alternatives and Effective Monitoring; the Dutch Approach

Antibiotics are used to control infectious diseases in both animals and humans. They can be life-saving compounds but excessive use in animal husbandry leads to the development of antibiotic resistance which can impact the public health. Since similar antibiotics are used in both animal and human healthcare, it is important to reduce the use of antibiotics in production animals. In the Netherlands policies have been developed aiming for a decrease of antibiotic usage in animals, and alternatives to antibiotics are investigated. Currently, a one-on-one relationship between farmer and veterinarian is successfully implemented and (national) registration of antibiotic usage is mandatory. Unfortunately, after a 70% decrease in antibiotic usage since 2009, this decrease is now stagnating in most sectors. Innovative strategies are required to facilitate a further reduction. One promising option is a focus on farm management and natural alternatives to antibiotics. The Dutch government has invested in the spread of knowledge of natural remedies and good animal management to support animal health via so called Barnbooks for farmers and veterinarians. Another option is the analysis of on-farm antibiotic use to prevent unregistered applications. New (bio)analytical strategies to monitor the correct and complete registration of antibiotic usage have been developed and trial-tested in the Netherlands. Such strategies support a risk-based monitoring and allow effective selection of high-risk (high antibiotic use or illegal antibiotic) users. Both effective monitoring and the availability and knowledge of alternatives is a prerequisite to achieve a further significant decrease in antibiotic veterinary usage.

A Review of Veterinary Antibiotic Pollution in the Agro-Environment of Pakistan: Alarm Bells Are Ringing

Veterinary antibiotics (VAs) are widely used in Pakistan for growth enhancement, production, and in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in the livestock and poultry industry. Their emergence into the agro-environment began during the resource utilization of farmyard and poultry manure. However, these bioactive organic pollutants are non-degradable in the natural environment and can be uptaken by plants, eventually ending up in the human food chain. Despite the danger these antibiotics pose, unfortunately, it is an issue that still remains underreported, especially in Pakistan. As such, this review critically summarizes the current consumption, exposure pathways, strategies for controlling dissemination, and serious environmental concerns associated with VAs. Additionally, the fate of antibiotics in the dry arid climate of Pakistan is thoroughly explained along with the lack of monitoring and strict legislation in developing countries. It is reported that antibiotic consumption negatively impacts raw manure, hence suggestions such as limiting the consumption of antibiotics from the source, proper disposal of farmyard manure with effective technologies, and remediation techniques are introduced. Finally, the authors highlight the importance of farmer's education and awareness campaigns in the pollution control of antibiotics, as the problem can only be properly addressed with the cooperation of government agencies, companies, and involved stakeholders. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers

Effects of graded levels of Tetracin® on physico-chemical and sensory properties of broiler meat 1

Tetracin® (a feed grade veterinary antibiotic) was administered at 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200mg/kg to conventional starter and finisher feed for broilers for a period of six weeks before the breast meat were analyzed for physical, chemical and organoleptic properties. One hundred and fifty (2 weeks old) broiler chicks were randomly divided into 10 birds per replicate with 3 replicates per treatment. At the end of the feeding trial, 6 birds per treatment were slaughtered, defeathered, eviscerated and dressed. The breasts cuts were however subjected to laboratory analyses. No statistically significant (P>0.05) differences were observed in drip loss, chilling loss, shear force, ash and moisture contents of broiler meat across the treatment groups. However, the cooking loss and thermal loss progressively increased (P<0.05) with the corresponding increase in Tetracin®. Similarly, WHC was also significantly (P<0.05) influenced with increased inclusion of Tetracin®. Crude protein increased (P<0.05) but ether extract was reduced with inclusion of Tetracin®. Meat without antibiotics was highly rated (P<0.05) for flavour, juiciness and tenderness while colour and general acceptability were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced with or without Tetracin®. Conclusively, the inclusion of Tetracin® improved the chemical properties of broiler meat but the physical properties (cooking loss and WHC), flavour, juiciness and tenderness of the meat were compromised especially when administered above 100mg/kg feed.

Rhabdomyolysis and hepatotoxicity following accidental monensin ingestion: A report of two cases

Background: Monensin is a commonly used veterinary antibiotic with a narrow safety range. Overdose of monensin can cause animal poisoning or even death. Monensin poisoning is rare in humans, and there is no effective detoxification protocol in clinical treatment. Objective: We report here two cases of monensin-induced rhabdomyolysis and hepatotoxicity by oral ingestion. The two patients were a couple and both were admitted to the hospital due to oral ingestion of monensin 5 days prior. Patient 1, with a past history of chronic bronchitis and hypertension, presented with severe rhabdomyolysis, hepatotoxicity, and hypoxemia. After treatment with fluid replacement and alkalinization of urine, his condition deteriorated the next day and irreversible cardiopulmonary arrest occurred. Patient 2 was diabetic and using oral hypoglycemic drugs and had obvious rhabdomyolysis from the fifth day of admission. After treatment with fluid replacement, urine alkalization, and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), the patient recovered and was discharged 1 month later. Discussion: The ingestion of monensin can lead to life-threatening toxicity, with rhabdomyolysis and hepatotoxicity as the main manifestations. Comprehensive treatment including CRRT in the early stage of rhabdomyolysis may improve the condition and prognosis.

EFEITOS DE MICRO-HIDRATAÇÃO EM PROPRIEDADES CONFORMACIONAIS E ESPECTROSCÓPICAS DO ANTIBIÓTICO MARBOFLOXACINO

Marbofloxacin (MRB) is a fluoroquinolone used as a veterinary antibiotic. Some analytical methods of optical absorption are used for their determination in pharmaceutical formulations. Thus, we decided to study the electronic absorption spectrum of MRB in the UV-Vis region. For this, we use the TD-DFT, COSMO methods - based on the solvation continuum model - and micro-hydration. The interactions of MRB in both water and vacuum were simulated using computational modeling techniques. Ab initio quantum calculations were used to optimize the geometry of the isolated molecule and in the optical transition energy calculations. The solute-solvent simulation was performed with the Molecular Dynamics technique in the NpT ensemble using a temperature of 300 K in the Amber computer package. The system balance was monitored by Root Mean Square Deviation. The analyzes of the absorption spectra were carried out using the micro-hydration method. This method involved the use of different numbers, from 2 to 8, of the water molecules of the first solvation layer to calculate transition energies. The transition energies were calculated using the TD-DFT method at the theory level B3LYP / 6-311G using together the Conductor-like Screening Model solvation model that assesses the effect of the solvent implicit in the system. For all micro-hydration systems, energy absorption decreases as the wavelength increases. Observing the values it is noticed that there was a deviation in the absorption spectrum 325.4 nm (in the isolated molecule) to 274.1 (with the addition of water). These values are within the experimental ones where we have the bands with maximum absorption at 268 nm and 335 nm.