Slovenian Veterinary Research

ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE PROFILING OF SELECTED E. coli ISOLATES AND DETECTION OF ESBL/PAMPC-ENCODING GENES IN BROILER FLOCKS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA USING REAL-TIME PCR

2025-07-19T01:12:57+02:00

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global issue, driven by the nontargeted use of antimicrobials in livestock. Poultry, particularly broilers, may serve as significant reservoirs for resistant Escherichia (E.) coli strains. This study aimed to isolate E. coli from broiler flocks and evaluate their in vitro susceptibility towards β-lactams, cephalosporins, carbapenems, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones. Additionally, a multiplex real-time PCR assay was used to detect extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and carbapenemase-encoding genes. A total of 48 commensal E. coli isolates from broiler flocks in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) were analyzed. Phenotypic resistance, determined using the disc diffusion method, was observed for ampicillin (87.5%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (62.5%), cefepime (41.7%), cefoxitin (45.8%), cefotaxime (50.0%), ceftazidime (47.9%), azithromycin (58.3%), ciprofloxacin (66.7%), and tetracycline (72.9%). PCR analysis confirmed bla_TEM, bla_CTX-M and bla_CMY genes in 24 isolates (50%), whereas bla_SHV and carbapenemase-encoding genes (bla_KPC, bla_NDM, bla_OXA-48,bla_VIMand bla_GES) were not detected. The high prevalence of multidrug-resistant E. coli strains highlights the need for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship in poultry production. Reducing antibiotic use, promoting alternative disease control measures, and implementing systematic resistance monitoring programs are crucial to reduce AMR in broiler farms and potential spill over to public health.

Profiliranje protimikrobne odpornosti izbranih izolatov E. coli in odkrivanje genov, ki kodirajo ESBL/PAMPC, v jatah brojlerjev v Bosni in Hercegovini z uporabo PCR v realnem času

Izvleček: Protimikrobna odpornost (AMR) je vse večji globalni problem, ki ga povzroča neciljna uporaba protimikrobnih sredstev pri živini. Perutnina, zlasti brojlerji, lahko predstavlja pomemben rezervoar odpornih sevov Escherichia (E.) coli. Namen študije je bil izolirati E. coli iz jat brojlerjev in oceniti njihovo in vitro občutljivost za β-laktame, cefalosporine, karbapeneme, tetracikline in fluorokinolone. Poleg tega je bil za odkrivanje genov, ki kodirajo β-laktamaze z razširjenim spektrom (ESBL) in karbapenemaze, uporabljen hkratni PCR v realnem času. Analizirali smo skupno 48 izolatov komenzalne E. coli iz jat brojlerjev v Bosni in Hercegovini (BiH). Fenotipska odpornost, določena z metodo difuzije z diski, je bila opažena pri ampicilinu (87,5 %), amoksicilinu/klavulanski kislini (62,5 %), cefepimu (41,7 %), cefoksitinu (45,8 %), cefotaksimu (50,0 %), ceftazidimu (47,9 %), azitromicinu (58,3 %), ciprofloksacinu (66,7 %) in tetraciklinu (72,9 %). Analiza PCR je potrdila gene bla_TEM, bla_CTX-M in bla_CMY v 24 izolatih (50 %), medtem ko genov bla_SHV in genov, ki kodirajo karbapenemaze (bla_KPC, bla_NDM, bla_OXA-48,bla_VIMin bla_GES), nismo odkrili. Visoka prevalenca večkratno odpornih sevov E. coli poudarja potrebo po izboljšanem upravljanju s protimikrobnimi sredstvi v perutninski proizvodnji. Zmanjšanje uporabe antibiotikov, spodbujanje alternativnih ukrepov za nadzor bolezni in izvajanje sistematičnih programov spremljanja odpornosti so ključni za zmanjšanje AMR na farmah brojlerjev in potencialnega prenosa na ljudi.

Ključne besede: protimikrobna odpornost; E. coli; brojlerji; Bosna in Hercegovina

HISTOPATHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE INHIBITORY EFFECT OF IBUPROFEN ON AMYLOIDOGENESIS IN A MOUSE MODEL

2025-03-11T00:01:19+01:00

Amyloidosis represents a group of diseases, all characterized by the deposition of protein fibrils with a β-sheet structure. To evaluate the effects of ibuprofen on the inhibition of amyloid deposition, we used an animal model of experimental amyloid A amyloidosis. BALB/c mice (n = 30) were divided into two groups (n = 15 mice/group). Both the treatment and control groups received casein solution for 3 weeks to induce experimental amyloidosis, and ibuprofen was added to the drinking water of the treatment group simultaneously. After 3 weeks, all mice were euthanized. Tissue samples of various organs were collected, fixed, and processed for routine histopathological examination. This revealed amyloid deposition as an amorphous, homogenous, and eosinophilic substance in the control group’s renal glomeruli, hepatic parenchyma, and splenic vascular walls. In the treatment group, only mild amyloid deposition was observed in renal glomeruli and occasionally in the vascular wall of other tissues. The amount of amyloid deposition in the liver and kidneys in the treatment group was significantly lower than in the control group. Our results suggest that ibuprofen may prevent amyloid formation and accumulation in mice, especially in the kidneys and liver.

Histopatološka analiza zaviralnega učinka ibuprofena na amiloidogenezo na mišjem modelu

Izvleček: Amiloidoza predstavlja skupino bolezni, za katere je značilno odlaganje beljakovinskih fibril s strukturo β-ploskve. Za oceno učinkov ibuprofena na zaviranje odlaganja amiloida smo uporabili živalski model eksperimentalne amiloidoze amiloida A. Miši BALB/c (n = 30) smo razdelili v dve skupini (n = 15 miši/skupina). Tako zdravljena kot kontrolna skupina sta tri tedne prejemali raztopino kazeina za indukcijo eksperimentalne amiloidoze, hkrati pa je bil pitni vodi zdravljene skupine dodan ibuprofen. Po treh tednih so vse miši evtanazirali. Vzorci tkiva različnih organov so bili zbrani, fiksirani in obdelani za rutinsko histopatološko preiskavo. Ta je pokazala odlaganje amiloida kot amorfne, homogene in eozinofilne snovi v ledvičnih glomerulih, jetrnem parenhimu in žilnih stenah vranice kontrolne skupine. V skupini, ki je bila zdravljena, je bilo v ledvičnih glomerulih in občasno v žilni steni drugih tkiv opaženo le blago nalaganje amiloida. Količina odloženega amiloida v jetrih in ledvicah v tej skupini je bila bistveno manjša kot v kontrolni skupini. Naši rezultati kažejo, da lahko ibuprofen prepreči nastajanje in kopičenje amiloida pri miših, zlasti v ledvicah in jetrih.

Ključne besede: amiloid A; amiloidoza; kazein; ibuprofen; mišji model

ASSESSMENT OF THE PRESENCE OF FURUNCULOSIS IN CULTURED Oncorhynchus mykiss

2025-03-22T00:07:16+01:00

Furunculosis is a significant and pervasive disease affecting fresh and seawater fish globally. The disease is caused by a specific etiological agent, Aeromonas salmonicida, which leads to the formation of furuncles, or ulcerative muscle lesions, and other cutaneous manifestations such as red patches and skin discolouration. A total of 15 trout farms were visited, and 300 samples were taken from 60 individuals with an average live weight of 100-180 grams. Subsequently, the bacteria were identified through culture and MALDI-TOF. The severity of pathological symptoms correlates with the virulence of the disease. The agent has been detected in fish at temperatures between 15°C and 19°C. 40 % of the fish exhibited exophthalmus, 38.7% displayed sluggish swimming, 38.3% exhibited lethargic swimming, and 46.67 % exhibited loss of appetite. The prevalence of fish exhibiting pallor of the gills was 45%. Furthermore, 46.7% of the fish exhibited haemorrhages in the skin and fins. Ulcer formation on the skin was observed in 36.7% of the fish. An internal examination revealed the presence of bloody fluid accumulation in the intestines of the fish at a rate of 23.7%. Furthermore, 29% of the fish exhibited splenomegaly, while 23.3% displayed hepatomegaly and pigmentation changes. The aforementioned symptoms were observed with greater frequency on farms belonging to Group A. An examination of the antimicrobial susceptibility of A. salmonicida revealed that florfenicol (30 µg), enrofloxacin (10 µg), amikacin (10 µg) and gentamycin (10 µg) demonstrated sensitivity.

Ocena prisotnosti furunkuloze pri gojenih ribah Oncorhynchus mykiss

Izvleček: Furunkuloza je pomembna in vsesplošna bolezen, ki prizadene sladkovodne in morske ribe po vsem svetu. Bolezen povzroča specifičen etiološki dejavnik, Aeromonas salmonicida, ki povzroči nastanek furunklusov ali ulcerativnih mišičnih lezij in drugih kožnih manifestacij, kot so rdeče lise in razbarvanje kože. Obiskanih je bilo 15 ribogojnic postrvi, odvzetih pa je bilo 300 vzorcev 60 osebkov s povprečno živo težo 100-180 gramov. Nato so bile bakterije identificirane s kulturo in MALDI-TOF. Resnost patoloških simptomov je v korelaciji z virulentnostjo bolezni. Povzročitelj je bil odkrit v ribah pri temperaturah med 15°C in 19°C. 40 % rib je kazalo eksoftalmus, 38,7 % je pokazalo počasno plavanje, 38,3 % je pokazalo letargično plavanje in 46,67 % rib je pokazalo izgubo apetita. Prevalenca rib, ki so pokazale bledico škrg, je bila 45 %. Poleg tega je 46,7 % rib imelo krvavitve v koži in plavutih. Nastanek razjed na koži so opazili pri 36,7 % rib. Interni pregled je pokazal prisotnost nabiranja krvave tekočine v črevesju rib v 23,7 %. Poleg tega je 29% rib pokazalo splenomegalijo, medtem ko je 23,3% pokazalo hepatomegalijo in spremembe pigmentacije. Omenjene simptome smo pogosteje opazili na kmetijah skupine A. Preiskava protimikrobne občutljivosti A. salmonicida je pokazala, da so občutljivi florfenikol (30 µg), enrofloksacin (10 µg), amikacin (10 µg) in gentamicin (10 µg).

Ključne besede: Aeromonas salmonicida; antibiotik; ribogojnice; furunkuloza; razjeda

LABORATORY ANIMALS: HONORING THE PAST AND EMBRACING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FUTURE

2025-12-19T13:45:08+01:00

Rodents, particularly mice and rats, are indispensable to life science research and have enabled major breakthroughs in understanding biology, uncovering disease mechanisms, and developing new therapies. Despite the FDA’s recent plans to phase out certain mandatory animal-testing requirements and the European Commission’s preparation of a “Roadmap Towards Phasing Out Animal Testing for Chemical Safety Assessments (Communication C(2023)5041),” animal models remain essential for translating basic scientific discoveries into medical advances and for improving both human and animal health. From the earliest physiological experiments that revealed the beating of the heart and the function of the nervous system, to discoveries that led to antibiotics, vaccines, and gene therapies, laboratory animals have been at the foundation of nearly every medical advance. Their contribution deserves deep appreciation and ethical reflection. The use of animals in scientific inquiry is deeply rooted in human history, from Aristotle’s early dissections to the controlled experimental work of Pasteur and Lavoisier that shaped modern biomedicine. With the advent of preclinical testing, drug discovery, and genetic engineering, animal models have become indispensable for studying disease mechanisms and evaluating therapeutic safety and efficacy.

Laboratorijske živali: počastitev preteklosti in sprejemanje odgovornosti za prihodnost

Glodavci, zlasti miši in podgane, so nepogrešljivi v znanstvenih raziskavah in so omogočili ključne preboje pri razumevanju biologije, odkrivanju mehanizmov bolezni ter razvoju novih terapij. Kljub nedavnim načrtom FDA za postopno opuščanje testiranja na živalih ter “Načrta za postopno odpravo testiranja na živalih pri oceni kemijske varnosti (Communication C(2023)5041)” s strani Evropske komisije, živalski modeli ostajajo bistveni za prenos temeljnih znanstvenih odkritij v medicinski napredek ter za izboljšanje zdravja ljudi in živali. Od najzgodnejših fizioloških poskusov, ki so razkrili utripanje srca in delovanje živčnega sistema, do odkritij, ki so vodila do antibiotikov, cepiv in genskih terapij, so laboratorijske živali temelj skoraj vsakega medicinskega napredka. Njihov prispevek si zasluži globoko spoštovanje in etični premislek. Uporaba živali v znanstvenem raziskovanju ima globoke korenine v človeški zgodovini, od Aristotelovih zgodnjih seciranj do nadzorovanih eksperimentalnih del Louisa Pasteurja in Lavoisierja, ki so oblikovala temelje sodobne biomedicine. Z razvojem predkliničnega testiranja, odkrivanja zdravil in gensko-inženirskih pristopov so živalski modeli postali nepogrešljivi za preučevanje mehanizmov bolezni ter ocenjevanje varnosti in učinkovitosti terapij.

Ključne besede: miš; podgana; živalski modeli

EMPTY SELLA SYNDROME FOLLOWING CRANIAL TRAUMA IN A DOG

2025-07-19T01:12:27+02:00

This report describes a case of empty sella syndrome in a 6-month-old male dog that experienced cranial trauma 4 months prior. Clinical signs included behavioural disturbances such as aggression and growth retardation. Clinical examinations, laboratory tests, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the absence of the pituitary gland in the sella turcica and possible pituitary insufficiency indicated by decreased IGF-1 levels with TSH below the detection limit of the assay. The dog subsequently developed polyuria and intense polydipsia, raising suspicion of central diabetes insipidus. Persistent aggression led the owners to opt for euthanasia. In humans, empty sella syndrome has been associated with hormonal alterations, although it may be asymptomatic. This report underscores the importance of evaluating brain structures via MRI following cranial trauma and paying attention to the functionality of the endocrine system.

Sindrom praznega turškega sedla po poškodbi lobanje pri psu

Izvleček: Poročilo opisuje primer sindroma praznega turškega sedla pri 6-mesečnem psu, ki je 4 mesece prej utrpel poškodbo lobanje. Klinični znaki so vključevali vedenjske motnje, kot sta agresivnost in upočasnjena rast. Klinični pregledi, laboratorijske preiskave in magnetna resonanca (MR) so pokazali odsotnost hipofize v turškem sedlu in možno insuficienco hipofize, na kar je kazalo zmanjšanje ravni IGF-1 s TSH pod mejo zaznavnosti testa. Pes je nato razvil poliurijo in intenzivno polidipsijo, kar je vzbudilo sum na centralni diabetes insipidus. Zaradi trajajoče agresivnosti so se lastniki odločili za evtanazijo. Pri ljudeh je sindroma praz-nega turškega sedla povezan s hormonskimi spremembami, čeprav lahko poteka brez simptomov. Poročilo poudarja pomemb-nost ocenjevanja možganskih struktur z MR po poškodbi lobanje in pozornosti, ki jo je treba posvetiti delovanju endokrinega sistema.

Ključne besede: hipofizna insuficienca; pes; magnetna resonanca; prazno turško sedlo; poškodba lobanje

SMART CAGES, BETTER WELFARE: SUPPORTING THE 3RS IN ANIMAL RESEARCH WITH HOME-CAGE MONITORING AND SYSTEM SELECTION

2025-11-03T02:15:37+01:00

High welfare standards for animals used in research is as much an ethical issue as it is a cornerstone of high-quality science. Researchers can improve both animal welfare and data reliability by implementing strategies that reduce stress in experimental animals. One modern and effective approach is to monitor animals within their familiar home-cage environment. Home-cage monitoring (HCM) systems integrate multiple approaches to automatically, continuously, and non-invasively monitor the physiology and behaviour of laboratory animals within their home environments. HCM favours the animals’ natural rhythms and behaviours while reducing stress from various sources and the need for human intervention. In this article, we explore how HCM contributes to the 3Rs framework introduced by Russell and Burch and focus particularly on how to select the most appropriate HCM system for specific research needs. We discuss available resources and practical limitations for system choice, and provide a brief outlook on the evolving role of artificial intelligence to analyse HCM data. We also discuss the opportunities and barriers to HCM adoption, particularly in relation to countries with developing research structure and limited funding in Europe. Our central message is clear: use of HCM technologies supports 3Rs and promotes both better science and better animal welfare.

Pametne kletke, večja dobrobit: podpora načelom 3R v raziskavah na živalih s spremljanjem v domači kletki in ustrezno izbiro sistema

Izvleček: Visoki standardi dobrobiti živali v raziskavah niso zgolj etična obveznost, temveč tudi temelj visokokakovostne znanosti. Raziskovalci lahko izboljšajo tako dobrobit živali kot tudi zanesljivost podatkov z uvedbo strategij, ki zmanjšujejo stres pri poskusnih živalih. Eden izmed sodobnih in učinkovitih pristopov je spremljanje živali v njihovem domačem okolju. Sistemi za spremljanje v domači kletki (HCM, angl. home-cage monitoring) združujejo več pristopov za samodejno, neprekinjeno in neinvazivno spremljanje fiziologije in vedenja laboratorijskih živali v njihovem domačem okolju. HCM podpira naravne ritme in vedenja živali ter zmanjšuje stres iz različnih virov in potrebo po posegih človeka. V članku opisujemo, kako HCM prispeva k načelom 3R, ki sta ga uvedla Russell in Burch, s posebnim poudarkom na izbiri najprimernejšega sistema HCM za specifične raziskovalne potrebe. Obravnavamo razpoložljive vire in praktične omejitve pri izviri sistema ter podajamo kratek pogled na razvijajočo se vlogo umetne inteligence pri analizi podatkov HCM. Prispevek obravnava tudi priložnosti in ovire pri uvajanju HCM, zlasti v povezavi z državami z manj razvito raziskovalno infrastrukturo in omejenimi sredstvi v Evropi. Naše osrednje sporočilo je jasno: uporaba tehnologij HCM podpira načela 3R ter spodbuja boljšo dobrobit živali in boljšo znanost.

Ključne besede: laboratorijske živali; avtomatsko spremljanje vedenja; izboljšave; kontinuirno zbiranje podatkov; stres