Journal of Poultry Sciences and Avian Diseases

Gastrointestinal health plays a crucial role in enhancing immune function and maintaining a balanced gut microbiota in poultry. Regulation of inflammatory gene expression and upregulation of genes related to intestinal health are key factors in preserving epithelial integrity and immune efficiency. In the present study, the effects of a drinking water supplement, commercially known as CytoGard, on the expression of inflammatory and intestinal health-related genes during the rearing period of broiler chickens were evaluated. A total of 180 Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly allocated to three experimental treatments: CytoGard, a commercial probiotic serving as a positive control, and control groups, with six replicates of 10 birds each. On day 42, ileum samples were collected to analyze the expression of pro-inflammatory genes (TNF-α and IL-1β) as well as the anti-inflammatory gene (IL-10). Additionally, the expression of gut health-related genes, including occludin, mucin-2, and immunoglobulin A, was assessed using real-time PCR. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the tibia bone were evaluated. The results showed that CytoGard significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β compared to the control group (p<0.01). Moreover, the expression of intestinal health-related genes such as mucin-2 and occludin was significantly upregulated (p<0.01). The mechanical properties of tibia bone did not differ significantly among groups (p > 0.05). Therefore, regular supplementation with CytoGard during the rearing period may be considered as an effective strategy to enhance poultry gut health by reducing inflammation and upregulating the expression of intestinal health-related genes.

Veterinary diagnostic techniques are rapidly evolving, with radiology techniques playing a key role in clinical activities and disease diagnosis. Computed Tomography (CT) has gained popularity due to its detailed structural imaging capabilities and ability to provide precise diagnostic information. The Buteo rufinus, a common bird of prey species admitted to the Environmental Protection Department of Kerman, often presents with skeletal injuries, making advanced imaging techniques valuable for effective treatment. This study examined the femoral bone structure using digital radiology and CT in 10 adult Buteo Rufinus. Sedated birds underwent imaging of left and right femur structures, and multiple indices were measured. A significant difference was found in the diameter of the medullary cavity and thickness of the cortex between radiology and CT techniques (p<0.05), while no significant difference was observed between left and right femoral indices using either method (p>0.05). CT offers higher accuracy in measuring some femur indices and provides precise information for managing femoral injuries in Buteo rufinus. It is recommended for enhancing clinical outcomes in these raptors.

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Colibacillosis caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a major health and stewardship concern in poultry. We conducted a study in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, which was chosen because it is a major hub for broiler production and frequently reports veterinary cases of colibacillosis. From 106 diagnostic submissions with compatible necropsy lesions, 81 isolates of Escherichia coli were recovered using EMB culture and confirmed by IMViC. Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes were screened by conventional PCR for qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, oqxAB, qepA, and aac(6′)-Ib-cr, with one representative amplicon per target Sanger-confirmed. Fluoroquinolone susceptibility was assessed by Kirby–Bauer with ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, and nalidixic acid. PMQR carriage was common: oqxAB in 53.1% of isolates and qnrS in 34.6%, with lower frequencies of aac(6′)-Ib-cr (13.6%) and qnrB (4.9%); qnrA and qepA were not detected. Non-susceptibility in disk diffusion was highest for enrofloxacin (76.5%) and also high for nalidixic acid (60.5%), while ciprofloxacin was lowest (23.5%), indicating substantial but heterogeneous fluoroquinolone pressure in this setting. Genotype–phenotype discordance occurred: five PMQR-positive isolates were fully susceptible to all tested fluoroquinolones, whereas nine non-susceptible isolates lacked the screened PMQR genes, consistent with alternative mechanisms such as gyrA/parC mutations or non-oqxAB efflux. These Mazandaran-specific data link PMQR genotypes to clinically relevant phenotypes in a high-priority poultry region, providing a baseline for surveillance and targeted stewardship to curb empirical fluoroquinolone use while expanding monitoring of both plasmid-borne and chromosomal resistance.

The use of synbiotic additives in chicken feed improves gut microbiota and represents a promising approach to bolster protective immunity against infectious diseases and enhance production efficiency. These additives, which encompass probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, are essential in modulating the microbiota of the chicken, thus promoting gut health. This narrative review aimed to explore the application of synbiotic feed additives to enhance gut microflora and mucosal immunity to disease control and improve production efficiency in chickens. In poultry production, infectious diseases are among the major challenges. Chickens may acquire these diseases either from external sources or from opportunistic pathogens that normally exist within their bodies. Most commensal bacteria reside in the gastrointestinal tract, where they form the gut microbiota. This microbiota, which begins to establish immediately after hatching, is essential for the health and well-being of chickens. The gut microbiota includes both beneficial and opportunistic pathogens. While medications are used to control infections and promote growth, excessive antibiotic use in poultry disrupts this balance, leading to negative health effects. To promote a balanced intestinal microbiota in chickens, beneficial microbes can be provided through synbiotic feed additives. This strategy can improve gut health for better nutrient absorption, strengthen mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue to enhance immunity, and potentially reduce reliance on antibiotics. Synbiotics generally have beneficial effects on host biological functions, acting as immunomodulators and promoting growth in chickens. They help limit pathogen colonization and enhance overall performance. Therefore, poultry producers should be encouraged to incorporate synbiotic-based feed supplements.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a biologically generated mycotoxin with nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, and immunotoxic properties generated by various Aspergillus and Penicillium species. The present investigation aimed to study the toxicological effects of OTA on human kidney cells by examining the genes associated with inflammation (Caspase 3 and NFκB), as well as the combined effects of AgNPs and Nano cineole alone and in combination on the expression of these genes. The cell viability of the treated HEK-293 cell line and OTA-induced HEK-293 cells was evaluated using the MTT assay. Silver nanoparticles, Cineole nanoparticles, and combined-NPs treated and untreated HEK-293 cells and OTA-induced HEK-293 cells were used to study the expression of the genes involved in the apoptosis pathway, including Caspase 3 and NFkB genes. The rate of apoptosis in HEK-293 and OTA-induced normal cells subjected to nanoparticles was also assessed using the Annexin-V Apoptosis Detection Kit. The MTT assay indicated that treatment of HEK-293 cells with OTA resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability . In contrast, a substantial rise in the vitality of HEK-293 cell lines was observed in cells treated with higher concentrations of both AgNPs and cineole nanoparticles. The qPCR analysis showed that treatment of the OTA-treated cells with all produced NPs (single form and combination form) significantly decreased the expression of Caspase 3 and NFkB genes relative to normal OTA-induced cells (p<0.05). The frequency of apoptotic cells in cells treated with produced nanoparticles was slightly lower compared to cells treated with OTA, suggesting that exposure to these nanoparticles can decrease the toxicity caused by OTA in normal cells. Altogether, combining AgNPs and cineole nanoparticles shows promise for utilizing nanoparticles to improve mycotoxin-induced toxicity in human cells.

This review explores histomoniasis in poultry, focusing on its epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, risk factors, diagnostic methods, and control strategies. We analyzed recent literature on histomoniasis published between 2014 and 2024 using a narrative review approach. Articles were selected based on their relevance to the disease's epidemiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, and control measures. Histomoniasis, caused by Histomonas meleagridis, primarily affects turkeys and chickens, showing significant geographic variations in prevalence. The disease is transmitted through contaminated earthworms, with environmental factors such as moisture and soil type playing a crucial role in its transmission dynamics. Clinical signs include lethargy, diarrhea, and liver lesions, which can lead to high mortality rates, especially among young birds. Pathological findings typically reveal necrosis in the cecum and liver, and if left untreated, the infection can cause severe tissue damage. Various risk factors, including farming practices and co-infections, contribute to the spread and severity of histomoniasis. Diagnosis often relies on clinical signs, histopathology, and molecular methods, such as PCR, although early detection can be challenging. Control measures include antimicrobial treatments, biosecurity practices, and ongoing research into vaccines. However, existing solutions face limitations in terms of resistance and efficacy. Histomoniasis remains a significant threat to poultry health, influenced by farming practices, environmental conditions, and the presence of intermediate hosts. While antimicrobial treatments and management practices provide some level of control, further research into diagnostic tools, alternative treatments, and vaccines is essential for effective long-term disease management. Comprehensive control strategies, including enhanced biosecurity and preventive measures, are vital for reducing the impact of histomoniasis on poultry farms.

Restrictions on the use of antibiotic growth promoters in broiler chickens have stimulated the search for alternatives, such as probiotics and enzymes. Bacillus has benefits for intestinal microbial balance and productive performance; however, less is known about the effects of the enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx) in chickens, and there is scarce information about the combination of both additives on broiler performance and cecal microbiota. Chickens supplemented with either Bacillus (10⁶ spores/g feed), GOx (100 U/kg feed), the combination of both, or a control group were evaluated. Improvements were observed in performance parameters and gut health, with a reduction in intestinal IgA concentration in the treated groups; however, no difference was noted in gut permeability (serum FITC-d concentration). Bacillus and GOx alone increased the cecum microbial Alpha diversity; meanwhile, the Beta diversity from the Bacillus group was different from that of the control and Bacillus-GOx groups. A reduction in harmful bacteria (Proteobacteria) along with an increase in beneficial bacteria (Firmicutes and Actinobacteria) was observed in the cecal microbiota composition from the treated groups. GOx treatment increased the phylum Actinobacteria. Bacillus and GOx can enhance the gut health of chickens by modulating the gut microbiota. However, no synergic effect was seen in the group receiving the additive combination. Further research is needed to more effectively demonstrate the effect.

To investigate the potential of the chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) leaf powder (CLP) as a new phytobiotic additive in broilers' diet, 600 one-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly distributed among five experimental groups with four replicates (30 birds/replicate). During the rearing period, one of the following additives was added to the diet of each experimental group: No additive as the control group, antibiotic (Erythromycin) at 0.025% of the diet, 0.3, 0.6, or 0.9% of CLP. The birds were kept under the same management and rearing conditions for 42 days. During the rearing period, the birds were fed starter, grower, and finisher diets from 1-12, 13-24, and 25-42 days of age, respectively. Performance traits, including feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR), were measured for the entire period (d 1-42) of the study. Also, the status of the immune system, some ileal bacterial count, and jejunum morphology were evaluated. The findings indicated that dietary inclusion of different levels of CLP had detrimental effects on broiler performance, such that FI and BWG decreased while FCR increased (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed between the control and CLP groups in view of Ig M, Ig Y, and Total Ig titers against SRBC (P>0.05). Dietary inclusion of 0.3 % CLP decreased ileal E. coli count compared to the control group (P<0.05). Jejunum morphology (villus height, crypt depth, villus height/crypt depth ratio) was not influenced by experimental treatments (P>0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 % CLP had no significant effect on immunity and jejunum morphology but negatively influenced broilers' performance traits and thus could not be recommended as a phytobiotic additive. Investigation of the effects of lower levels of CLP is recommended for future studies.