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Novel natural and economic approach for controlling methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using apple cider vinegar

Research Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) constitutes a significant health concern because it promotes
infectious mastitis in dairy animals and poses a hazard risk to humans. Controlling MRSA infections is a growing
challenge on a global scale because of the bacteria’s toxicity and its capacity to develop multidrug resistance
(MDR). Combating against MDR bacteria and the spread of infectious diseases needs natural antibacterial alternatives to minimize the economic losses of mastitis. The average treatment cost in Egypt was highlighted. The
antibacterial effect of apple cider vinegar (ACV) against MDR-MRSA isolates was evaluated, also the study aimed
at profiling antimicrobial resistance genes in MRSA isolates. The incidence of mastitis in cows was more than in
buffaloes, and the average total treatment cost was estimated at 82 million EGP from 2016 to 2021 (around 14
million EGP annually). Of the 22 S. aureus isolates (20 %), of which (59.1 % were from cows and 40.9 % from
buffaloes), 19 (86.4 %) were confirmed as MRSA. All MRSA isolates exhibited resistance to clindamycin (94.7
%), then both ampicillin and doxycycline (84.2 %), and ampicillin and sulbactam, erythromycin and Fosfomycin
(each, 78.9 %). Vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin can be used to treat MRSA. The prevalence of MDR
was significantly high, with 94.7 % of the cases having multiple antimicrobial resistance (MAR) indices ranging
from 0.25 to 0.75. All MRSA isolates tested positive for mecA, 89.5 % for the blaZ gene, 84.2 % for tetM, and 73.4
% for ermB. In vitro, the antibacterial properties of ACV were demonstrated to be superior by our results which
demonstrate a zone of inhibition with diameters ranging from 20 to 40 mm detected by Agar well diffusion
technique and MIC’s (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration) ranging from 2 to 4 μg/ml. Some isolates possess MBC
(Minimal Bactericidal Concentration) values at the same MIC. This research proposes the potential of ACV to act
as a promising antibacterial alternative against MRSA. This can help minimize the health problem of antibioticresistant bacteria and improve the efficiency of dairy farms. Further studies are recommended to determine the proper dosage for field administration.

Research Authors
Sherief M. Abdel-Raheem, Eman M. Abouelhassan , Mostafa Mandour, Waleed Rizk El-Ghareeb, Mohamed Shawky, Reham M. Eltarabili
Research Date
Research Journal
Microbial Pathogenesis
Research Pages
1-9
Research Publisher
www.elsevier.com/locate/micpath
Research Rank
Q2
Research Vol
198, 107150
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2024.107150
Research Year
2024

Comprehensive Efficacy of Nano-Formulated Mixed Probiotics on Broiler Chickens’ Performance and Salmonella Typhimurium Challenge

Research Abstract

The increasing recognition of the potential advantages beyond nanoencapsulation of probiotics has gained great attention owing to their effective properties. Hence, we provided the most in-depth look into the influence of nanoformulated multistrain probiotics (BLB-NPs), comprising Bacillus subtilis ATCC 19659, Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014, and Bifidobacterium bifidum ATCC 29521, on growth performance, antioxidant status, and intestinal immunity, supporting the defense against Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) challenge in broiler chickens.

A total of 2,800 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were divided into 7 groups: (1) control without additives, (2-4) three probiotics groups (fed control diets mixed with B. subtilis, L. plantarum, and B. bifidum (BLB) at concentrations of 1×10⁴ (BLB-I), 1×10⁶ (BLB-II), and 1×10⁸ (BLB-III) CFU/kg diet, respectively), and (5-7) three nanoencapsulated probiotics groups (fed control diets supplemented with BLB-loaded nanoparticles (BLB-NPs) at concentrations of 1×10⁴ (BLB-NPs-I), 1×10⁶ (BLB-NPs-II), and 1×10⁸ (BLB-NPs-III) CFU/kg diet, respectively). All groups were challenged at day 22 of age with S. Typhimurium.

Birds fed BLB-NPs-II and III exhibited better weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR), along with upregulation in nutrient transporter genes (*LAT-1, PepT-1, CAT-1*, and SGLT1), even after S. Typhimurium challenge. Upregulation of immune-related genes (*IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MyD88, NF-κB, CCL20, CXCLi2, TLR-2, TLR-4*, and SOCS1) was prominently subdued in the BLB-NPs-III-fed group. The strengthening ability of BLB-NPs for broilers’ intestinal barriers was evidenced by augmented expression of *JAM, MUC-2, occludin*, and *FABP-2* genes, diminished S. Typhimurium counts, and suppressed its virulence-related genes (HilA and SopD), along with restored histopathological pictures of the cecum.

Notably, after dietary inclusion of higher levels of BLB-NPs-III, the abundance of beneficial Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species dominated over harmful E. coli ones. Birds fortified with BLB-NPs displayed potent antioxidant potential, signified by boosting serum and intestinal antioxidant markers while reducing oxidative ones.

Overall, the abovementioned positive outcomes of BLB-NPs encourage their potential application in poultry feed to attain superior performance and elicit protective immunity against S. Typhimurium infection.

Research Authors
SheriefM.Abdel-Raheem, MarwaI.AbdEl-Hamid, TarekKhamis, HebaA.Baz, AnaamE.Omar, WafaaM.Gad, MonaM.El-Azzouny, ManalA.M.Habaka, RaniaI.Mohamed, Mona E.Elkenawy, RehabE.Dawod, Eman.A.Elalfy, andDoaaIbrahim
Research Date
Research Pages
1-17
Research Publisher
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/poultry-science
Research Rank
Q1
Research Vol
103 (12), 104334
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2024.104334
Research Year
2024

Dissemination, virulence characteristic, antibiotic resistance determinants of emerging linezolid and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. in fish and crustacean

Research Abstract

Enterococci are emerging nosocomial pathogens. Their widespread distribution causes them to be food contaminants.Furthermore, Enterococci can colonize various ecological niches and diffuse into the food chain via
contaminated animals and foods because of their remarkable tolerance to unfavorable environmental circumstances Due to their potential dissemination to humans, antimicrobial-resistant Enterococci in fish are a
worldwide health issue. This study characterized AMR, ARGs, VAGs, gelatinase activity, and biofilm formation in
Enterococcus spp. recovered from fish and seafood and evaluated potential correlations. 54 Enterococcus spp.
strains(32.73 %)were isolated from 165 samples (75 Oreochromis niloticus, 30 Argyrosomus regius, and 60
Shrimp), comprising 30 Enterococcus faecalis (55.6 %) and 24 Enterococcus faecium (44.4 %) with total 32.73 %
(54/165), The maximum prevalence rate of Enterococcus spp. was observed in Nile tilapia (34/54; 63 %), followed
by shrimp (14/54; 25.9 %) and Argyrosomus regius (6/54; 11.1 %). The maximum prevalence rate of E.
faecalis was observed in Nile tilapia (22/30; 73.3 %), followed by shrimp (8/30; 26.7 %) with significant differences.
The prevalence rate of E. faecium was observed in Nile tilapia (12/24; 50 %), followed by shrimp (6/
24,25 %). E. faecium is only isolated from Argyrosomus regius (6/24,25 %). Isolates exhibited high resistance
against both tetracycline (90.7 %) and erythromycin(88.9 %), followed by gentamycin (77.8 %), ciprofloxacin
(74.1 %), levofloxacin (72.2 %), penicillin (44.4 %), vancomycin (37 %), and linezolid (20.4 %). 50 strains (92.6
%) exhibited resistance to more than two antibiotics, 5 strains (10 %) were XDR, and the remaining 45 strains
(90 %) were classified as MDR. 92.6 % of the isolates had MARindices >0.2, indicating they originated in settings
with a high risk of contamination. Additionally, ten ARGs were identified, with tet(M) 92.6 %, followed by erm(B)
(88.9 %), aac(6′)-Ie-aph(2″)-Ia(77.8 %), tet(K) (75.9 %), gyrA (74.1 %), blaZ (48.1 %), vanA (37 %), vanB (31.5
%), optrA (20.4 %), and catA(3.7 %). Biofilm formation and gelatinase activity were observed in 85.2 %, and
61.1 % of the isolates, respectively. A total of 11 VAGs were detected, with gelE as the most prevalent (83.3 %)
followed by agg(79.6 %), pil (74.1 %), both sprE and asa1 (72.2 %), hyl (70.4 %), eps(68.5 %), EF3314 (57.4 %),
ace (50 %), and cylA (35.2 %) with no detection of cylB. In conclusion, the emergence of linezolid-resistant
-vancomycin-resistant enterococci recovered from Egyptian fish and shrimp, suggests that fish and seafood
might participate a fundamental part in the emergence of antimicrobial resistance among humans.

Research Authors
Sherief M. Abdel-Raheem a,b,**, Sherin M. Khodier , Faisal Almathen , Al-Shaimaa T. Hanafy , Sarah M. Abbas, Salah Abdulaziz Al-Shami , Saad Ibrahim Al-Sultan , Ahmed Alfifi , Reham M. El-Tarabili,
Research Date
Research Journal
International Journal of Food Microbiology
Research Pages
1-12
Research Publisher
www.elsevier.com/locate/ijfoodmicro
Research Rank
Q1
Research Vol
418 (2024) 110711
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2024.110711
Research Year
2024

Molecular identification of Haemonchus contortus in sheep from Upper Egypt

Research Abstract

Introduction

Haemonchus spp. are considered the most important strongylid nematodes with a worldwide distribution. The parasite’s blood-sucking nature can lead to severe anemia in infected animals. Despite its widespread impact, there is a dearth of comprehensive data on morphological and molecular identification methods for Haemonchus spp. in sheep from Upper Egypt. To address this gap, our current study aimed to assess the prevalence of Haemonchus spp. in 400 sheep fecal samples.

Methods

We employed microscopic examination and molecular techniques, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 18S gene for precise identification. Additionally, the potential risk factors associated with the infection by the parasite in sheep were explored.

Results

The study pointed out that 33.00% (132 of 400) of the examined sheep were infected with Haemonchus spp. Sheep age and seasonal variability were found to be significant factors (p < 0.05) associated with the infection. Notably, sheep under 2 years old exhibited a higher risk, with an infection rate of 43.75% (84 out of 192), than their older counterparts. Furthermore, all reported infections were exclusively observed during the cold season, constituting 58.93% (132 out of 224) of cases. By contrast, no statistically significant association (p > 0.05) was found between the sex of the examined sheep and the occurrence of haemonchosis. Employing molecular methods, we isolated and identified the parasite through PCR analysis of cultured larvae, which were then subsequently confirmed as Haemonchus contortus via phylogenetic analysis.

Research Authors
Sara Abdel-Aal Mohamed, Ahmed Kamal Dyab, Enrique Raya-Álvarez, Fatma Mohamed Abdel-Aziz, Fathy Osman, Ahmed Gareh, Alshimaa MM Farag, Doaa Salman, Manal F El-Khadragy, Daniel Bravo-Barriga, Ahmad Agil, Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Research Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Research Year
2024

Microscopic and molecular detection of piroplasms among sheep in Upper Egypt

Research Abstract

Blood parasites pose a significant threat to livestock production in southern Egypt, yet there is a scarcity of information regarding their circulation and epidemiology in sheep in this region. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of blood parasite infections in sheep in Assiut governorate, Upper Egypt.

Research Authors
Ahmed Kamal Dyab, Sara Abdel-Aal Mohamed, Fatma Mohamed Abdel-Aziz, Ahmed Gareh, Fathy Osman, Fatma A Elgohary, Ehssan Ahmed Hassan, Noorah Alsowayeh, Hind Alzaylaee, Abd Al-Rahman S Ahmed, Daniel Bravo-Barriga, Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Research Rank
Q1
Research Year
2024

Beneficial Effects of Tilapia Fish Skin on Excisional Skin Wound Healing in a Type I Diabetic Rat Model

Research Abstract
IntroductionProlonged hyperglycemia in diabetic patients often impairs wound healing, leading to chronic infections and complications. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of fresh Tilapia fish skin as a treatment to enhance wound healing in diabetic rats. MethodsThirty‐nine healthy adult albino rats, weighing between 150 and 200 g, were divided into three groups: non‐diabetic rats with untreated wounds [C‐], diabetic rats with untreated wounds [C+], and diabetic rats treated with fresh Tilapia skin [TT]. The healing process was monitored through clinical observation, gross examination, and histopathological analysis. ResultsThe results demonstrated that the Tilapia skin treatment accelerated wound healing, as evidenced by complete reepithelialization, full epidermal cell differentiation, an intact dermo‐epidermal junction, and a reorganized dermis with fewer blood vessels. ConclusionFresh Tilapia skin …
Research Authors
Omar Hussein Hosny, Khaled Radad, Magda Mahmoud Ali, Ahmed Fathy Ahmed
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Biomedical Materials

Epidemiological aspects of mpox (Monkeypox)

Research Abstract

Monkeypox, lately known as mpox, is a zoonotic viral disease leading to an illness like smallpox in humans, but with lower mortality rates. Usually, the disease lasts between two and four weeks and occasionally results in death. The mpox virus (MPXV) is critical because it is widespread in Western and Central Africa and has spread throughout the Western Hemisphere due to international travel and the exotic pet trade. Mpox is now clinically significant due to the elimination of smallpox and the ensuing decline in vaccination efforts. Concern over the emergence of the human MPXV and its occasionally severe clinical manifestations has grown recently. The importation of diseased dogs to commercialize them as pet animals caused an outbreak of the MPXV in the United States of America. This heightened awareness of the potential for this disease to spread over the globe, either as a component of biological weapons in terrorist operations or as a result of the practice of importing wild animals as exotic pets. This review briefly describes the history, etiological agent, mode of transmission, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management of mpox, as well as vaccination and prevention of the disease.

Research Authors
Ahmed Abdel-Rady, Hanin Ashraf Abu-Seida , Ashraf Mohamed Abu-Seida
Research Date
Research Department
Research File
Research Journal
Journal of Zoonotic diseases
Research Member
Research Pages
852-861
Research Publisher
Scopus
Research Vol
9 (3)
Research Website
* https://doi.org/10.22034/jzd.2025.64728.1337 https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_ 19154.html
Research Year
25

Impact of Polyonchobothrium magnum on health and gut microbial ecology of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus): Insights from morphological, molecular, and …

Research Authors
Alamira Marzouk Fouad, Haitham G Abo‐Al‐Ela, Eman A Negm, Maha Abdelhaseib, Abdallah Alian, Naser Abdelsater, Rashad EM Said, Fatma AS Anwar, Doaa H Assar, Sara Abdel‐Aal Mohamed
Research Date
Research Journal
Journal of Fish Diseases
Research Year
2024

High Prevalence of Bovine Cardiac Cysticercosis in Upper Egypt: An Epidemiological and Histopathological Study

Research Authors
Fatma AS Anwar, Eman A Negm, Maha Abdelhaseib, Fatma M Abdel-Maksoud, Ahmed A Mohammed, Sara Abdel-Aal Mohamed, Ahmed Gareh, Nady Khairy Elbarbary, Manal F El-Khadragy, Ehssan Ahmed Hassan, Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
Research Date
Research Journal
Animals
Research Publisher
MDPI
Research Year
2024
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