Different studies have reported the prevalence of Salmonella in turtles and its role in reptile-associated salmonellosis in humans, but there is a lack of scientific literature related with the epidemiology of Campylobacter in turtles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Campylobacter and Salmonella in free-living native (Emys orbicularis, n=83) and exotic ( Trachemys scripta elegans, n=117) turtles from 11 natural ponds in Eastern Spain. In addition, different types of samples (cloacal swabs, intestinal content and water from Turtle containers) were compared. Regardless of the turtle species, natural ponds where individuals were captured and the type of sample taken, Campylobacter was not detected. Salmonella was isolated in similar proportions in native (8.0±3.1%) and exotic (15.0±3.3%) turtles (p=0.189). The prevalence of Salmonella positive turtles was associated with the natural ponds where animals were captured. Captured turtles from 8 of the 11 natural ponds were positive, ranged between 3.0±3.1% and 60.0±11.0%. Serotyping revealed 8 different serovars among four Salmonella enterica subspecies: S. enterica subsp. enterica (n = 21), S. enterica subsp. salamae (n = 2), S. enterica subsp. diarizonae (n = 3), and S. enterica subsp. houtenae (n = 1). Two serovars were predominant: S. Thompson (n=16) and S . typhimurium (n=3). In addition, there was an effect of sample type on Salmonella detection. The highest isolation of Salmonella was obtained from intestinal content samples (12.0±3.0%), while lower percentages were found for water from the containers and cloacal swabs (8.0±2.5% and 3.0±1.5%, respectively). Our results imply that free-living turtles are a risk factor for Salmonella transmission, but do not seem to be a reservoir for Campylobacter . We therefore rule out turtles as a risk factor for human campylobacteriosis. Nevertheless, further studies should be undertaken in other countries to confirm these results.

Campylobacter is the most common bacterial cause of human gastrointestinal disease in most developed countries. It is generally accepted that poultry products are a significant source of foodborne Campylobacter infections in humans. Assessing the effectiveness of any potential intervention at farm level requires monitoring of the Campylobacter status of broiler flocks, using appropriate sampling methods. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the sample type across the rearing period for the detection of Campylobacter spp. at farm level. During this study, 21 commercial broiler farms were intensively sampled. Each farm was visited and sampled at different times during the rearing period (d 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42). On the first day of rearing, the status of the house and the day-old flock was evaluated, and environmental and cecal samples were collected. During rearing, 4 different sample types were collected: feces with sock swabs (sock swabs), feces directly from the litter (feces), cloacal swabs, and cecal content. All samples were analyzed according to ISO 10272-1:2006 (Annex E) and also by direct culture. The results of this study showed that Campylobacter spp. were detected in all of the sample types on d 14 of rearing. From this point on, the detection increased significantly, with a maximum detection rate by the end of rearing, regardless of the sample type. All samples that were negative upon direct culture were also negative after pre-enrichment. At the end of rearing, the percentage of samples positive for Campylobacter spp. was 71.4% for cecal samples, 61.9% for cloacal swabs, 45.2% for sock swabs, and 69.1% for fecal samples. C. jejuni was detected in all the sample types, with positive rates ranging from 67.1 to 76.0% for cecal samples and cloacal content, respectively. Cecal samples, cloacal swabs, and fecal samples cultured by direct plating onto modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar (mCCDA) without pre-enrichment have the same sensitivity for detection of Campylobacter spp. in broiler flocks independent of the day of rearing.

While horizontal transmission is a route clearly linked to the spread of Campylobacter at the farm level, few studies support the transmission of Campylobacter spp. from breeder flocks to their offspring. Thus, the present study was carried out to investigate the possibility of vertical transmission. Breeders were monitored from the time of housing day-old chicks, then throughout the laying period (0 to 60 wk) and throughout their progeny (broiler fattening, 1 to 42 d) until slaughter. All samples were analyzed according with official method ISO 10272:2006. Results revealed that on breeder farms, Campylobacter isolation started from wk 16 and reached its peak at wk 26, with 57.0% and 93.2% of positive birds, respectively. After this point, the rate of positive birds decreased slightly to 86.0% at 60 wk. However, in broiler production all day-old chicks were found negative for Campylobacter spp, and the bacteria was first isolated at d 14 of age (5.0%), with a significant increase in detection during the fattening period with 62% of Campylobacter positive animals at the end of the production cycle. Moreover, non-positive sample was determined from environmental sources. These results could be explained because Campylobacter may be in a low concentration or in a non-culturable form, as there were several studies that successfully detected Campylobacter DNA, but failed to culture. This form can survive in the environment and infect successive flocks; consequently, further studies are needed to develop more modern, practical, cost-effective and suitable techniques for routine diagnosis.

The effects of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) as a dietary supplement on growth performance, carcass traits and mortality in meat guinea pigs were compared to a commonly used antimicrobial growth promoter (AGP, Zn-Bacitracin). The four experimental treatments were as follow: Control group (no additives); MOS 1 (1.5 g kg−1); MOS 2 (2 g kg−1) and AGP (0.1 g kg−1). The guinea pigs were housed in 40 floor pens containing a deep litter of woodchips (n = 100 animals in each trial; 10 animals per pen). Guinea pigs were all weaned on day 28 and their body weight was measured weekly. All animals were slaughtered at the end of fattening period (day 77) and carcass traits were evaluated. Significant differences against the control group were observed for traits studied (P < 0.05). Between MOS groups and AGP no significant differences were observed. In conclusion, the use of MOS could be a suitable replacement for antibiotic growth promoter to raise guinea pigs.

Cada vez resulta más importante la colaboración entre expertos de diferentes áreas científicas multidisciplinares. En este trabajo, se han realizado prácticas de laboratorio agrupando alumnos de cuatro grados universitarios del área de biomedicina: Biotecnología, Ciencias del Mar, Veterinaria, Odontología y un grado impartido en inglés: Dentistry. Las asignaturas, que participaron en el estudio fueron: Biorreactores, Cultivos Celulares, Microbiología Marina, Microbiología Veterinaria,  Microbiología de Odontología y Microbiology de Dentistry. Se abordó el tema de las síntesis química y por impresión 3D de biomateriales, su caracterización antimicrobiana por tres métodos complementarios (difusión en agar, contacto y formación de biofilm en biorreactor) y repoblación por cultivo con células madre adultas. Se diseñó una WebQuest con las instrucciones, laboratorio virtual y guías de prácticas en formato digital. Con motivo de llevar a cabo un Aprendizaje Integrado de Contenido y de Lenguas Extranjeras (AICLE), la WebQuest fue diseñada en inglés y los participantes realizaron una exposición en inglés al finalizar la experiencia. Las prácticas fueron realizadas en los laboratorios de la Universidad Católica de Valencia y en el Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe. Este procedimiento fue evaluado mediante un cuestionario de 14 preguntas, y mediante dos rúbricas para las memorias y exposiciones.