Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Larissa Justino, Ana A. S. Baptista, Marielen de Souza, Maisa F. Menck-Costa, Barbara G. Pires, Claudineia E. Cicero, Ana P. F. R. L. Bracarense, Vanessa M. Kaneko, Alexandre Oba, Adriano S. Okamoto, Raphael L. Andreatti Filho
Summary: The ban of antibiotic growth promoters in animal feed has increased the number of cases of necrotic enteritis (NE) in broilers, which greatly impacts the poultry industry. However, inducing NE in experimental settings is challenging due to its multifactorial nature. This study evaluated the effects of immunosuppression, infection, or both, by Eimeria spp., on the predisposition to NE in broilers fed a wheat-based diet and challenged with different strains of Clostridium perfringens. The results suggest a synergistic effect between the strain of C. perfringens and the predisposing factors, but further evaluation is needed.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Chake Keerqin, Katherine McGlashan, Thi Thu Hao Van, Helene N. Chinivasagam, Robert J. Moore, Mingan Choct, Shu-Biao Wu
Summary: This study isolated three highly active bacteriophages from Australian commercial poultry environments, which were capable of lysing several disease-causing bacteria. Animal trials showed that oral administration of the bacteriophages cocktail significantly alleviated intestinal necrotic lesions. However, no effect on growth performance was observed.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mohammad Ali Shamshirgaran, Mehdi Golchin, Elham Mohammadi
Summary: In this study, a recombinant Lactobacillus casei strain expressing the NetB protein of Clostridium perfringens was used as a probiotic-based vector vaccine to immunize broiler chickens against necrotic enteritis. The vaccinated birds showed significant protection against the disease and developed strong antibody responses. This study suggests that a probiotic-based vector vaccine could be a promising candidate for controlling necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
D. Goo, U. D. Gadde, W. K. Kim, C. G. Gay, E. W. Porta, S. W. Jones, S. Walker, H. S. Lillehoj
Summary: This study presents a passive immunization technology using hyperimmune egg yolk immunoglobulin Y (IgY) to protect against Necrotic enteritis (NE) caused by Clostridium perfringens in poultry. The protective effects of the IgYs were evaluated in commercial broilers, and it was found that the dietary mixture containing antibodies provided protection against NE through passive immunization.
Article
Immunology
Kyung-Woo Lee, Hyun S. Lillehoj
Summary: Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a devastating enteric disease caused by Clostridium perfringens type A/G that impacts the global poultry industry. Coccidiosis is a major contributing factor to NE. Recent studies have shown that NetB toxin is the primary virulence factor in NE pathogenesis, although there is emerging evidence suggesting the involvement of other toxins. Understanding the interaction between NetB toxin and other potential virulence factors of C. perfringens is crucial for a better characterization of NE pathogenesis.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
D. Goo, I. Park, H. Nam, Y. Lee, J. Sawall, A. H. Smith, T. G. Rehberger, C. Li, H. S. Lillehoj
Summary: Mouse monoclonal antibodies reactive with Clostridium perfringens collagen adhesin protein (CNA) and necrotic enteritis B-like toxin (NetB) were developed, and sandwich ELISAs were established to detect CNA and NetB proteins in jejunal digesta samples from commercial broiler farms. The CNA and NetB levels in the samples showed a positive correlation with each other and were significantly lower in certified organic farms compared to nonantibiotics farms. These antigen-specific ELISAs provide a sensitive and specific method for early detection of C. perfringens CNA and NetB proteins in field samples.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Shifeng Wang, Charles L. Hofacre, Soo-Young Wanda, Jingyu Zhou, Richard A. Callum, Bob Nordgren, Roy Curtiss
Summary: We have improved a vaccine for C. perfringens by integrating a triple-sugar regulation system and a DsifA mutation, which resulted in increased protection and a safer profile.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ali Daneshmand, Hassan Kermanshahi, Javid Mohammed, Mohammad Hadi Sekhavati, Ali Javadmanesh, Monireh Ahmadian, Marzieh Alizadeh, Jamshid Razmyar, Raveendra R. Kulkarni
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of C. perfringens on the intestines, microbial colonization, and immune responses in broiler chickens. The results showed that C. perfringens can cause intestinal damage, changes in microbial populations, and trigger host immune responses. Furthermore, using coccidia and a wheat-based diet predisposition may facilitate better research on C. perfringens.
Article
Physiology
Wanwei He, Emanuele C. Goes, Jeremy Wakaruk, Daniel R. Barreda, Douglas R. Korver
Summary: Necrotic enteritis (NE) is an opportunistic infection in poultry caused by Clostridium perfringens. It is influenced by various environmental risk factors, and current research aims to enhance models by inducing subclinical infection through exposure to the barn environment.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Martina Husta, Svitlana Tretiak, Richard Ducatelle, Filip Van Immerseel, Evy Goossens
Summary: This study evaluated the behavior of C. perfringens in different intestinal compartments of broiler chickens during a NE trial. The results showed that necrotic enteritis-associated lesions were mainly found in the jejunum and were more severe compared to the duodenum and ileum. There was a positive correlation between the total number of vegetative C. perfringens cells in the intestinal compartments and disease severity. C. perfringens was mainly present as spores in the caecum and distal colon.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Jin Liu, Shuangqi Wu, Honghao Zhao, Chun Ye, Shulin Fu, Yu Liu, Ting Liu, Yinsheng Qiu
Summary: Baicalin-aluminum complex, synthesized from baicalin, inhibits the virulence-associated traits and virulence genes expression of Clostridium perfringens. It has potential as a candidate against C. perfringens infection.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Mohamed E. Abd El-Hack, Mohamed T. El-Saadony, Ahmed R. Elbestawy, Nahed A. El-Shall, Ahmed M. Saad, Heba M. Salem, Amira M. El-Tahan, Asmaa F. Khafaga, Ayman E. Taha, Synan F. AbuQamar, Khaled A. El-Tarabily
Summary: In line with the global increase in the broiler industry, Clostridium perfringens-induced necrotic enteritis has become a continuous challenge, resulting in high economic losses. The disease is distributed worldwide and has various clinical signs. Strict hygienic management, careful selection of feed ingredients, and the use of alternative antibiotics are important in maintaining broiler efficiency and profitability.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Kosar Gharib-Naseri, Sarbast Kheravii, Chake Keerqin, Robert A. Swick, Mingan Choct, Shu-Biao Wu
Summary: The primary cause of necrotic enteritis in chickens is the NetB-positive Clostridium perfringens bacterium. This study evaluated the impact of two pathogenic C. perfringens strains on gut health and gene expression in broilers, finding that the challenge is detrimental to performance and different strains can modulate the severity of the disease through gene expression.
Article
Immunology
Baohong Yuan, Zhifeng Sun, Mingmin Lu, Hyun Lillehoj, Youngsub Lee, Liheng Liu, Xianghe Yan, Danchen Aaron Yang, Charles Li
Summary: Necrotic enteritis is a significant enteric infectious disease caused by pathogenic C. perfringens infection, leading to substantial losses in the global poultry industry. The reduction of antibiotic growth promoters in animal feed has resulted in an increased incidence of this disease, highlighting the importance of developing effective vaccines. This study identified potential vaccine targets for Necrotic enteritis and demonstrated that immunization with certain C. perfringens proteins can provide partial protection.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Qing Yang, Jing Liu, Kelsy J. Robinson, Melanie A. Whitmore, Sydney N. Stewart, Guolong Zhang
Summary: This study found that dysbiosis of the ileal mycobiota induced by necrotic enteritis (NE) is positively correlated with disease severity, suggesting a potential role of the intestinal mycobiota in the pathogenesis of NE.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tuyet Hoang, Anders Goncalves da Silva, Amy Jennison, Deborah A. Williamson, Benjamin P. Howden, Torsten Seemann
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has driven the development of Australia's pathogen genomics platform AusTrakka, enabling rapid data sharing and real-time genomic surveillance.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Charlie Higgs, Norelle L. Sherry, Torsten Seemann, Kristy Horan, Hasini Walpola, Paul Kinsella, Katherine Bond, Deborah A. Williamson, Caroline Marshall, Jason C. Kwong, M. Lindsay Grayson, Timothy P. Stinear, Claire L. Gorrie, Benjamin P. Howden
Summary: The researchers developed a standardized genomic method to identify transmission links of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm). They found that clustering by core genome multilocus sequence type (cgMLST) provided more informative population structure than traditional MLST, and pairwise genome comparisons using split k-mer analysis (SKA) were effective in inferring patient-to-patient transmission. This study provides a standardized genomic framework for VREfm transmission detection, which can be globally deployed for outbreak detection and investigation.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Canh Phung, Peter C. Scott, Chaitali Dekiwadia, Robert J. Moore, Thi Thu Hao Van
Summary: A novel species of Campylobacter, named Campylobacter bilis sp. nov., was isolated from bile samples of chickens with spotty liver disease in Australia. It differs from recognized Campylobacter species in several aspects, such as the ability to hydrolyze hippurate and sensitivity to certain drugs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Canh Phung, Robert J. Moore, Van Thi Thu Hao
Summary: Campylobacter hepaticus causes Spotty Liver Disease (SLD) in layer hens, resulting in mortality and productivity losses. This study found that C. hepaticus can enter a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state, which has implications for understanding its environmental reservoirs and routes of transmission.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Matthew J. Neave, Patrick Mileto, Ancy Joseph, Tristan J. Reid, Angela Scott, David T. Williams, Anthony L. Keyburn
Summary: Ehrlichia canis, a prevalent tick-borne pathogen in dogs worldwide, was detected in several dogs from Kununurra, Western Australia in May 2020. Subsequent surveillance activities revealed a significant spread of E. canis throughout northern Australia. Genomic analysis of E. canis samples from different regions in Australia suggests a potential origin from Asia or the Middle East.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Gabriela Veronica Pinget, Jian Kai Tan, Duan Ni, Jemma Taltz, Claire Immediato Daien, Julie Mielle, Robert John Moore, Dragan Stanley, Stephen Simpson, Nicholas Jonathan Cole King, Laurence Macia
Summary: This study demonstrates that psoriasis disrupts gut homeostasis in mice, leading to an increased susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease. This suggests a two-hit requirement, involving psoriasis-induced altered gut homeostasis and a secondary environmental challenge.
Review
Immunology
Megha M. Manohar, Bronwyn E. Campbell, Anna K. Walduck, Robert J. Moore
Summary: Vaccines are effective in preventing infectious diseases, but developing highly efficacious vaccines against certain pathogens remains challenging. Research has been focused on improving the immunogenicity of live vaccines by engineering them to produce immunomodulatory molecules that stimulate a stronger immune response.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Thi Thu Hao Van, Lisa F. M. Lee Nen That, Rachelle Perera, Arif Anwar, Timothy B. Wilson, Peter C. Scott, Dragana Stanley, Robert J. Moore
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Campylobacter hepaticus on chicken gut microbiota and gut structure. The results showed that one strain of C. hepaticus caused more severe liver disease and had a greater adverse impact on chicken gut microbiota. Compared to the unchallenged control group, the challenged groups had lower microbial diversity and reduced abundance of short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria. Although the gut microbiota was affected, the morphology of the small intestine was not noticeably affected.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Thi Thu Hao Van, Canh Phung, Arif Anwar, Timothy B. Wilson, Peter C. Scott, Robert J. Moore
Summary: Spotty Liver Disease (SLD) is a significant disease of commercial layer hens, causing high mortality rates and reduced egg production. Campylobacter hepaticus has been identified as the main cause, but stress and other factors may also contribute. A newly identified species, Campylobacter bilis, has been found to be another cause of SLD. Koch's postulates have been fulfilled, confirming the pathogenic potential of C. bilis. A PCR method has been developed to specifically detect C. bilis, aiding in vaccine development and disease control.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jamieson B. McDonald, Nichollas E. Scott, Greg J. Underwood, Daniel M. Andrews, Thi Thu Hao Van, Robert J. Moore
Summary: Campylobacter hepaticus is a significant pathogen causing Spotty Liver Disease in layer chickens, leading to increased mortality and reduced egg production. This study confirms the functionality of the N-glycosylation system in C. hepaticus through glycoproteomic analysis, which showed the modification of over 35 proteins with an N-linked heptasaccharide glycan. C. hepaticus shares conserved glycoproteins with Campylobacter jejuni involved in host colonization and possesses unique glycoproteins that may contribute to its survival in challenging host environments.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Chake Keerqin, Katherine McGlashan, Thi Thu Hao Van, Helene N. Chinivasagam, Robert J. Moore, Mingan Choct, Shu-Biao Wu
Summary: This study isolated three highly active bacteriophages from Australian commercial poultry environments, which were capable of lysing several disease-causing bacteria. Animal trials showed that oral administration of the bacteriophages cocktail significantly alleviated intestinal necrotic lesions. However, no effect on growth performance was observed.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Chithralekha Muralidharan, Jose A. Quinteros, Arif Anwar, Timothy B. Wilson, Peter C. Scott, Robert J. Moore, Thi Thu Hao Van
Summary: This study reports a new ELISA method for detecting C. hepaticus infection. The method uses a recombinant FHA fragment as the antigen coating, allowing for a more convenient and standardized screening of antibody responses to C. hepaticus in infected birds.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Ryan R. Wick, Louise M. Judd, Ian R. Monk, Torsten Seemann, Timothy P. Stinear
Summary: This report presents an improved assembly of the genome sequence of a prominent community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clone in Australia. The assembly was achieved through deep sequencing with multiple technologies and careful curation, resulting in an error-free sequence.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Reza Barekatain, Peter Chrystal, Tanya Nowland, Amy F. Moss, Gordon S. Howarth, Thi Thu Hao Van, Robert J. Moore
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of reducing dietary protein and source of protein on gut health and barrier function in broiler chickens. The results showed that feeding broilers with reduced protein diets decreased weight gain and increased feed conversion ratio, and had an impact on intestinal permeability and gut microbiota composition.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Nitish Joat, Yadav S. Bajagai, Thi Thu Hao Van, Dragana Stanley, Kapil Chousalkar, Robert J. Moore
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the development and composition of the gut microbiota in commercially raised layer flocks from hatch to end of the production cycle. The results showed differences in microbiota composition across different flocks and changes in richness, diversity, and composition as the birds matured. A deeper understanding of normal microbiota development in layers may provide opportunities for improving gut health and productivity through microbiota management.
