Molecular characterization of virulence genes of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi and Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus in equines.
Abstract: The aim was to determine the occurrence of streptococci in equines in Jammu (R. S. Pura, Katra), characterization of Streptococci equi subsp. equi and Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus with respect to their virulence traits and to determine antibiotic sensitivity pattern of virulent Streptococcus isolates. Methods: A total of 96 samples were collected from both clinically affected animals (exhibiting signs of respiratory tract disease) and apparently healthy animals and were sent to laboratory. The organisms were isolated on Columbia nalidixic acid agar containing 5% sheep blood as well as on sheep blood agar and confirmed by cultural characteristics and biochemical tests. Molecular detection of Streptococcus was done directly from cultures using sodA and seM gene-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antibiogram was performed against five antibiotics such as amoxicillin, penicillin G, streptomycin, rifampicin, and methicillin. Results: During this study, a total 40 streptococcal isolates were obtained out of which 2 isolates were of S. equi subsp. equi, 12 isolates were from S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus. In the PCR-based detection, we revealed amplicons of 235 bp and 679 bp for confirmation of sodA and seM gene, respectively. In antibiogram, two isolates of S. equi subsp. equi were found resistant to penicillin G, and all other isolates were found sensitive to amoxicillin and streptomycin. Conclusions: The majority of streptococcal infections was due to S. equi subsp. Zooepidemicus, and thus was recognized as a potential pathogen of diseases of equines besides S. equi subsp. equi.
Publication Date: 2016-08-19 PubMed ID: 27651677PubMed Central: PMC5021838DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.875-881Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research focused on identifying the presence of specific types of streptococci bacteria in horses located in Jammu, India. The investigation also included understanding the characteristics related to their harmful traits and exploring how these bacteria react to various antibiotics. The results showed that the majority of streptococcal infections were a result of a certain type of bacteria known as S. equi subsp. Zooepidemicus.
Methodology
- The study was conducted using a total of 96 samples, which were derived from horses that showed symptoms of respiratory disease, as well as healthy animals.
- These samples were sent to a laboratory for processing and analysis.
- The researchers used a particular type of agar, Columbia nalidixic acid agar with 5% sheep blood, and sheep blood agar as well to isolate the bacteria present in the samples.
- The isolated organisms were identified based on their cultural characteristics and through biochemical tests.
- SodA and seM gene-based polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were used for the molecular detection of streptococcus directly from the cultures.
- The researchers then performed an antibiogram to analyze the bacteria’s sensitivity to five different antibiotics: amoxicillin, penicillin G, streptomycin, rifampicin, and methicillin.
Results
- A total of 40 streptococcal isolates were identified during the study.
- Among the identified isolates, 2 were from S. equi subsp. equi and 12 were from S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus.
- In the PCR-based detection method, amplicons of 235 bp and 679 bp were revealed for confirmation of sodA and seM gene respectively.
- Upon conducting the antibiogram, two S. equi subsp. equi isolates showed resistant properties against penicillin G, while all other isolates showed sensitivity to amoxicillin and streptomycin.
Conclusions
- The majority of the streptococcal infections identified in the horses were a result of S. equi subsp. Zooepidemicus, highlighting this bacteria as a potential pathogen for equine diseases besides S. equi subsp. equi.
- The study emphasizes the importance of accurate identification and evaluation of antibiotic sensitivity of pathogenic bacteria in ensuring effective treatment of equine infections.
Cite This Article
APA
Javed R, Taku AK, Gangil R, Sharma RK.
(2016).
Molecular characterization of virulence genes of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi and Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus in equines.
Vet World, 9(8), 875-881.
https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2016.875-881 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, R.S. Pura, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, R.S. Pura, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, India.
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, R.S. Pura, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
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Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Rotinsulu DA, Ewers C, Kerner K, Amrozi A, Soejoedono RD, Semmler T, Bauerfeind R. Molecular Features and Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Streptococcus equi ssp. equi Isolates from Strangles Cases in Indonesia.. Vet Sci 2023 Jan 10;10(1).
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