Veterinary Medicine: Enterobacteriaceae and Salmonella

Enterobacteriaceae and Salmonella in Veterinary Medicine

Gastrointestinal Infections

• Pathogenesis: Enterobacteriaceae, including Salmonella, can cause gastrointestinal infections in animals, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.
• Host range: Affects various animal species, including poultry, swine, cattle, and companion animals.
• Transmission: Fecal-oral transmission, contaminated food and water, and vertical transmission from mother to offspring.

Diagnostic Testing

• Isolation and identification: Culture on selective media, biochemical tests (e.g., API 20E), and molecular methods (e.g., PCR, DNA-DNA hybridization).
• Serotyping: Identifies specific Salmonella serotypes using agglutination reactions.
• Molecular typing: Techniques like PFGE, MLST, and WGS help track outbreaks and identify sources.

Vaccine Development

• Types of vaccines: Inactivated, live attenuated, and subunit vaccines have been developed against Salmonella.
• Targets: Poultry, swine, and cattle are primary targets for vaccine development.
• Challenges: Antigenic variation, limited cross-protection, and potential negative impacts on gut microbiota.

Zoonotic Diseases

• Transmission: Direct contact with infected animals, contaminated food, and water.
• Human health impact: Salmonellosis causes gastroenteritis, with high-risk groups including the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised individuals.
• Prevention: Proper hygiene, safe food handling, and cooking practices can reduce transmission.

Antibiotic Resistance

• Mechanisms: Chromosomal mutations, horizontal gene transfer, and gene expression regulation contribute to antibiotic resistance in Enterobacteriaceae.
• Consequences: Reduced treatment options for animal and human infections, increased morbidity and mortality.
• Mitigation strategies: Prudent antibiotic use, antimicrobial stewardship, and development of novel therapeutics.

Enterobacteriaceae and Salmonella in Veterinary Medicine

Gastrointestinal Infections

• Gastrointestinal infections in animals: Caused by Enterobacteriaceae, including Salmonella, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.
• Affected animal species: Poultry, swine, cattle, and companion animals.
• Transmission modes: Fecal-oral transmission, contaminated food and water, and vertical transmission from mother to offspring.

Diagnostic Testing

• Isolation and identification methods: Culture on selective media, biochemical tests (e.g., API 20E), and molecular methods (e.g., PCR, DNA-DNA hybridization).
• Serotyping: Identifies specific Salmonella serotypes using agglutination reactions.
• Molecular typing techniques: PFGE, MLST, and WGS help track outbreaks and identify sources.

Vaccine Development

• Vaccine types: Inactivated, live attenuated, and subunit vaccines have been developed against Salmonella.
• Target animal species: Poultry, swine, and cattle are primary targets for vaccine development.
• Challenges: Antigenic variation, limited cross-protection, and potential negative impacts on gut microbiota.

Zoonotic Diseases

• Transmission modes: Direct contact with infected animals, contaminated food, and water.
• Human health impact: Salmonellosis causes gastroenteritis, with high-risk groups including the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised individuals.
• Prevention strategies: Proper hygiene, safe food handling, and cooking practices can reduce transmission.

Antibiotic Resistance

• Mechanisms of antibiotic resistance: Chromosomal mutations, horizontal gene transfer, and gene expression regulation.
• Consequences of antibiotic resistance: Reduced treatment options for animal and human infections, increased morbidity and mortality.
• Mitigation strategies: Prudent antibiotic use, antimicrobial stewardship, and development of novel therapeutics.