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Prevalence and genotyping of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from food and human sources

Research Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common pathogen of a wide range of nosocomial infections in humans, as well as foodborne illnesses. The current study focuses on the molecular genotyping of P. aeruginosa recovered from human, water, and food specimens. A total of 350 samples, fifty samples each from human, tap water, fish swamp, chicken meat, minced meat, raw milk, and hospital surface from the Menoufiya governorate, Egypt. P. aeruginosa was detected in 14.28%, including human (26%), tap water (18%), fish swamp (18%), chicken meat (12%), minced meat (10%), raw milk (16%), and hospital surface (0%). The results of testing of 50 P. aeruginosa isolates against sixteen antibiotics revealed a relatively high antibiotic resistance for Amoxicillin (100%), Erythromycin (98%), Cephradine (90%), Colistin (82%), Oxytetracyclin, (79%), Chloramphenicol (70%), Doxycycline (70%), and Kanamycin (62%) and high susceptibility for Imipenem (96%), Apramycin (94%), Amikacin (90%), Norfloxacin (78%), Sulphamethoxazol (86%), Enrofloxacin (64%), and Ofloxacin (60%). Furthermore, PCR was successfully amplified for the toxA, exoS, and oprL virulence genes at 396, 118, and 504 bp, respectively, as well as amplifying the ermB, pelA, blaTEM, and tetA resistance genes at 639, 786, 516, and 570 bp, respectively. The dendrogram investigation by ERIC-PCR of 10 clinical P. aeruginosa isolates revealed two main clusters and 10 different ERIC-PCR patterns. The presence of P. aeruginosa isolates in food may represent a potential public health concern, with the need for further epidemiological studies, as well as whole-genome sequencing and correlations of P. aeruginosa in water, food samples, and human infections.

Research Authors
Walid S. Mousa1, Eman E. Abdeen2, Hanem F. El-Gendy3, Reem M. Alsaadawy4 & Mary M. Hana5
Research Date
Research Department
Research File
Research Journal
Scientific Reports
Research Member
Research Pages
1-10
Research Publisher
Nature Publishing Group UK
Research Rank
Q1
Research Vol
71
Research Website
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-37559-y
Research Year
2026

Unraveling Spermatogenesis in Molly Fish Poecilia sphenops An Integrative Study of Testicular Ultrastructure and Immunohistochemistry

Research Abstract

Spermatogenesis in teleosts is essential for reproductive function; however, it varies considerably among species. The testis of the viviparous molly fish (Poecilia sphenops) was examined using both ultrastructural and immunohistochemical methods. The testis displays a restricted lobular type, where germ cells develop synchronously within Sertoli cell-forming cysts. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed all stages of spermatogenesis. Mature sperm are at the apex of the cysts and migrate toward the sperm ducts. Sperm duct epithelium is lined by cuboidal cells joined by tight junctions, with apical cilia and desmosomal complexes contributing to transport and structural integrity. The sperm ducts showed strong Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive expression among negative stained spermatocysts. Centrally, a cavity serves as a storage area for spermatozoa that are organized into unencapsulated bundles known as spermatozeugmata. Sertoli cells exhibited extended cytoplasmic processes that supported developing germ cells, whereas Leydig cells occupied the interstitial tissue, contributing to hormonal regulation. Immunohistochemical labeling demonstrated strong vimentin expression in Sertoli cells and telocytes, indicating their mesenchymal origin and structural role. Calretinin expression was confined to Leydig cells and certain ductal epithelial cells, supporting its use as a marker for steroidogenic and secretory functions. These findings provide new insights into the testicular specialization of P. sphenops, highlighting key somatic-germ cell interactions, ductal adaptations, and marker expression patterns that underlie male reproductive success in viviparous fish.

Research Authors
Doaa M Mokhtar 1 2, Giacomo Zaccone 3, Marialuisa Aragona 4, Maria Cristina Guerrera 4, Rasha Alonizan 5, Manal T Hussein
Research Date
Research Journal
Veterinary science
Research Pages
20
Research Publisher
MDPI- Veterinary science
Research Vol
12
Research Website
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41150069/
Research Year
2025

Serotonin Signaling and Macrophage Subsets in Goldfish Gills Unraveling the Neuroimmune Network for Gill Homeostasis

Research Abstract

Goldfish (Carassius auratus) gills function as both respiratory and immune-regulatory organs, integrating neuroendocrine and immune responses to environmental stimuli. This study explores the spatial organization and interaction of neuroendocrine cells (NECs) and immune cells within goldfish gills using confocal immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. NECs, identified near blood capillaries and nerve fibers, highlight their role in environmental sensing and physiological regulation. These cells express serotonin (5-HT), a neurotransmitter critical for neuroimmune communication. Two distinct macrophage subsets were observed: iNOS-positive macrophages, concentrated in the basal epithelium, suggest a pro-inflammatory role, whereas 5-HT-positive macrophages, dispersed in the subepithelium, likely contribute to immune modulation. The co-localization of MHC-II and CD68 in macrophages further supports an active antigen-processing system in the gills. Ultrastructural analysis revealed diverse immune cells, including rodlet cells, telocytes, and lymphocytes, within the gill epithelium. Telocytes formed intricate networks with immune cells, highlighting their role in immune coordination and tissue homeostasis. These findings provide new insights into the neuroimmune interactions in fish gills, contributing to a broader understanding of aquatic immune systems and environmental adaptability.

Research Authors
Manal T. Hussein ,Giacomo Zaccone ,Marco Albano ,Alessio Alesci ,Sebastian Marino ,Rasha Alonaizan and Doaa M. Mokhtar
Research Date
Research Journal
Life
Research Pages
18
Research Publisher
MDPI- Life
Research Vol
15
Research Website
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/5/751
Research Year
2025

Morphological and Ultrastructural Insights into the Goldfish Carassius auratus Spleen Immune Organization and Cellular Composition

Research Abstract

The spleen plays a critical role in the immune and hematopoietic systems of teleost fish, functioning as a major secondary lymphoid organ. This study provides a detailed morphological and ultrastructural assessment of the spleen in goldfish (Carassius auratus), focusing on its immunological organization and cellular diversity. Through light and transmission electron microscopy, we examined red and white pulps, identifying key features such as melanomacrophage centers (MMCs), ellipsoids, and various immune cell types. The red pulp was rich in sinusoidal capillaries and splenic cords, whereas the white pulp housed lymphocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages, and telocytes, all contributing to immune regulation. Notably, ellipsoids were surrounded by reticular and macrophage sheaths, forming a filtration barrier against pathogens. Ultrastructural analysis revealed diverse immune cells with active morphological traits, including macrophages with pseudopodia and pigment granules, dendritic cells with dendrite-like extensions, and epithelial reticular cells involved in forming the blood–spleen barrier. These findings highlight the complex immunological microarchitecture of the goldfish spleen and its functional relevance in teleost immune responses.

Research Authors
Doaa M Mokhtar, Giacomo Zaccone, Manal T Hussein,
Research Date
Research Journal
Veterinary science
Research Pages
12
Research Publisher
MDPI- Veterinary science
Research Vol
12
Research Website
https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/12/6/517
Research Year
2025

settingsOrder Article Reprints Open AccessArticle Unraveling Spermatogenesis in Molly Fish (Poecilia sphenops): An Integrative Study of Testicular Ultrastructure and Immunohistochemistry

Research Abstract

Spermatogenesis in teleosts is essential for reproductive function; however, it varies considerably among species. The testis of the viviparous molly fish (Poecilia sphenops) was examined using both ultrastructural and immunohistochemical methods. The testis displays a restricted lobular type, where germ cells develop synchronously within Sertoli cell-forming cysts. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed all stages of spermatogenesis. Mature sperm are at the apex of the cysts and migrate toward the sperm ducts. Sperm duct epithelium is lined by cuboidal cells joined by tight junctions, with apical cilia and desmosomal complexes contributing to transport and structural integrity. The sperm ducts showed strong Periodic Acid–Schiff (PAS)-positive expression among negative stained spermatocysts. Centrally, a cavity serves as a storage area for spermatozoa that are organized into unencapsulated bundles known as spermatozeugmata. Sertoli cells exhibited extended cytoplasmic processes that supported developing germ cells, whereas Leydig cells occupied the interstitial tissue, contributing to hormonal regulation. Immunohistochemical labeling demonstrated strong vimentin expression in Sertoli cells and telocytes, indicating their mesenchymal origin and structural role. Calretinin expression was confined to Leydig cells and certain ductal epithelial cells, supporting its use as a marker for steroidogenic and secretory functions. These findings provide new insights into the testicular specialization of P. sphenops, highlighting key somatic–germ cell interactions, ductal adaptations, and marker expression patterns that underlie male reproductive success in viviparous fish.

Research Authors
Doaa M. Mokhtar , Giacomo Zaccone, Marialuisa Aragona , Maria Cristina Guerrera , Rasha Alonizan and Manal T. Hussein
Research Date
Research Journal
Veterinary science
Research Pages
20
Research Publisher
MDPI- Veterinary science
Research Vol
12
Research Website
https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/12/10/930
Research Year
2025

Evaluating Probiotic Efficacy Against Mycotoxins Threat in Semi-Dry Fermented Beef Sausage

Research Abstract

ROBIOTIC consumption is recognized as being generally safe and correlates with multiple and
valuable health benefits. Food exposure to mycotoxins is a major concern for public health
officials and regulatory authorities globally. Aflatoxins (AFLs) and ochratoxin A (OTA)
contamination of meat products can happen anywhere along the production process, from farm to
fork. The purpose of this study is to determine the concentration of AFLs and OTA residues in some
beef products and evaluate the effects of different probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus,
Bifidobacterium lactis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on AFLs and OTA in semi-dry fermented beef
sausage that has been contaminated in an experiment stored for seven days. The study found that the
AFLs were present in 86.7%, 60%, 80%, 70%, 76.7%, and 70% of the meat products under
investigation, while the OTA residues were present in 83.3%, 56.7%, 80%, 73.3%, 63.3%, and 76.7%
of the burger, minced beef, luncheon, basterma, kofta, and sausage, respectively. Burger (13.89 ±
2.62 ppb) and sausage (12.67 ± 2.37 ppb) had the greatest AFLs residues (ppb), followed by kofta
(11.38 ± 2.15 ppb) and luncheon (11.26 ± 2.72 ppb). Basterma (3.31 ± 1.85 ppb) and minced meat
(5.47 ± 1.55 ppb) had the lowest values. Luncheon had the greatest OTA residues (2.76 ± 0.43 ppb),
followed by burger (2.64 ± 0.14 ppb), sausage (2.32 ± 0.57 ppb), and kofta (1.78 ± 0.74 ppb), while
basterma (1.23 ± 0.65 ppb) and minced beef (1.56 ± 0.12 ppb) had the lowest concentrations. The
findings reveal that the levels of AFLs in some examined samples exceeded the legal limits (˂ 20
ppb), while the levels of OTA were within the acceptable range (˂ 5 ppb). The data shows a positive
association between the use of probiotics and the reduction of AFLs and OTA in all samples studied.
The results indicate that probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis and
Saccharomyces cerevisiae can potentially serve as decontaminants in the food industry as well as can
replace chemical preservatives in producing organic foods and reduce the levels of mycotoxins in
beef products intended for human consumption.

Research Authors
Nady Khairy Elbarbary1*, Ashraf Abd El-malek2,3, Wageh Sobhy Darwish4, Sohaila Fathi El-Hawary5, Neveen M. Abdelmotilib6, Marwa A. Ali7 and Mohamed K. Dandrawy8
Research Date
Research Department
Research File
Research Journal
Egyptian Journal of Veterinary Sciences
Research Member
Research Pages
78-87
Research Publisher
©2025 National Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC)
Research Vol
56
Research Year
2025

Assessment of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), sensory, physico-chemical and microbiological quality in some meat products

Research Abstract

This study aimed to assess the values of one of the harmful food additives used in food production, monosodium glutamate (MSG). A total of 60 random samples of some frozen meat products included beef burger, sausage, beef kofta and chicken nuggets (15 for each) collected from different supermarkets in Assiut City, Egypt. The samples were subjected to sensory evaluation, physico-chemical and microbiological quality. The findings revealed that the examined beef kofta samples have the lowest scores of sensory attributes, compared to beef burger and chicken nuggets samples, which recorded the highest scores. Concerning MSG, the results revealed levels were 1.415 mg/gm. in beef burger; 2.28 in sausage; 2.18 in beef kofta and 3.34 in chicken nuggets, respectively. Moreover, pH determined, and the mean values were 6.37 in beef burger; 6.22 in sausage; 6.45 in beef kofta and 6.27 in chicken nuggets, respectively. Also, the mean values for total volatile basic-nitrogen (TVB-N) (mg/100gm.) and thiobarbituric acid number (TBA) (mg MAD/kg) were 9.52 and 0.35 in beef burger; 12.13 and 0.27 in sausage; 8.87 and 0.4 in beef kofta and 11.11 and 0.23 in chicken nuggets, respectively, which within the permissible limits and all accepted according to the Egyptian standard specifications. Moreover, the bacteriological examination showed that mean values (cfu/g) of TBC and Total Y&M Count were 1.03x105±5.12x104 and 1.33x104±7.12x103 in beef burger; 1.43x105±6.63x104 and 3.73x104±1.66x104 in sausage; 6.75x104±3.01x104 and 3.2x104±1.04x104 in beef kofta and 5.33x104 ±3.35x104 and 1.98x104±9.67x103 in chicken nuggets, respectively. Furthermore, E.coli 0157:H7 identified serologically in two of both beef burger and sausage were (13.33%) and in one of chicken nuggets was (6.67%). In conclusion, application strict hygiene practices along the meat production process is important to prevent low quality products and food-borne diseases.

Research Authors
SALMA, A.A. BAKRY ; ABD-EL-MALEK, A.M. AND AMINA, M. ElRAIS
Research Date
Research Department
Research File
Research Journal
Assiut Veterinary Medical Journal
Research Member
Research Pages
447-464
Research Publisher
Faculty of Vet. Med., Assiut Uni.
Research Vol
71
Research Website
10.21608/avmj.2025.362412.1598 - Assiut University web-site: www.aun.edu.eg
Research Year
2025

The impact of dietary neem leaf on the growth and biochemical traits of rabbits

Research Abstract

Neem is a plant used both as food and in traditional medicine. Its many active components, such as Carotenoids, Saponins, Triterpenoids and Nimbidin, may render it a beneficial feed additive for rabbits. Healthy weaned rabbits from breed V-line (VL) were selected to examine the effect of neem (Azadirachta indica) on growth performance, carcass traits, morphology, and blood parameters responses. Thirty-two V-line rabbits (45 days old) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 8 per group): a control group (G1) receiving a basal diet, and three treatment groups (G2, G3, G4) receiving the basal diet supplemented with 5%, 10%, and 15% neem leaf powder, respectively. Neem leaf supplementation had no significant effect on the rabbits' growth performance, live body weight, carcass weight, lungs and abdominal fat, dressing percentage and liver. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in intestine length in G4. Nevertheless, the cecum considerably shrank (P < 0.05) in G3 and G4, which might have a more negative impact on growth performance. Certain biochemical measures (albumin, globulin, triglycerides, LDL, total protein, cholesterol, glucose, AST, and ALT) did not exhibit significant variations. However, a significant (P < 0.01) drop in blood urea occurred after the higher concentration. A significant (P < 0.05) rise in HDL after neem supplementation. Histologically, the liver showed signs of hepatotoxicity in the group supplemented with neem leaves, such as abnormal hepatocytes' nuclear membranes, pyknotic nuclei, karyorrhexis and karyolysis. Additionally, the portal and central veins were congested, and a greater number of Kupffer cells were seen. In conclusion, the findings suggest that dietary neem leaf supplementation may have adverse effects on rabbit health and performance, particularly at higher concentrations.


 

Research Authors
Abdalla Ali , Ahmed Adawy , Zeinhom Ismaiel , Manal Hussein , Abdelraheim Attaai
Research Date
Research Journal
Scientific Reports
Research Pages
20280-20292
Research Publisher
Springer Nature
Research Rank
3.9
Research Vol
15
Research Website
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-06905-x
Research Year
2025

Sequential Development of Albino Rabbit Iris During Fetal and Postnatal Life: Histological, Ultrastructural, and Immunohistochemical Investigations

Research Abstract

The iris has several unique structures that are determined by its embryonic origin. Therefore, this research aimed to demonstrate the morphogenesis of the albino rabbit iris. The development of the rabbit iris began at mid-gestation and was completed postnatally. Consequently, we used 36 embryos and 12 neonatal rabbits. The iris originated from the tip of the optic cup. The epithelium of the iris began to differentiate on day 15 of pregnancy, forming a single layer of epithelial cells. The constrictor muscle began its differentiation on day 27 of pregnancy in the area around the pupil, while the dilator muscle differentiated on day 30 as a protrusion from the anterior epithelial cells. The stroma of the iris differentiated from the periocular mesenchyme into fibroblasts, telocytes, dendritic cells, and macrophages. The tyrosinase enzymes expressed in the albino rabbit's iris were inactive and at low levels, with melanocytes lacking melanin pigment. Vimentin immunohistochemistry expression was observed in all layers of the iris. Desmin was expressed only in the constrictor muscle and stroma. Explaining the developmental process of the albino's iris is vital for advancing our knowledge of this tissue.

Research Authors
Nagwa Ibrahim , Sara M M Eldesoky
Research Date
Research Journal
Microscopy and Microanalysis
Research Pages
ozag015
Research Publisher
Oxford University Press
Research Vol
32
Research Website
https://academic.oup.com/mam/article-abstract/32/2/ozag015/8519523?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Research Year
2026
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