In poultry production, gut microbiota (GM) plays a pivotal role and influences different host functions related to the efficiency of production performances. Antimicrobial (AM) use is one of the main factors affecting GM composition and functions. Although several studies have focused their attention on the role of AMs as growth promoters in the modulation of GM in broilers, the consequences of higher AM concentrations administered during prophylactic treatments need to be better elucidated. For this purpose, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to evaluate the impact of different prophylactic AM protocols on the composition and diversity of the broiler GM. Diversity analysis has shown that AM treatment significantly affects alpha diversity in ileum and beta diversity in both ileum and caecum. In ileal samples, the Enterobacteriaceae family has been shown to be particularly affected by AM treatments. AMs have been demonstrated to affect GM composition in broiler. These findings indicate that withdrawal periods were not enough for the restoral of the original GM. Further studies are needed for a better elucidation of the negative effects caused by an altered GM in broilers.

Porcine pleuropneumonia (PPP) is one of the main causes leading to massive losses in the pig industry, with high economic impacts. Among different etiological agents, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) is responsible for severe fibrinous-necrotizing pleuropneumonia. A total of 19 different APP serotypes are currently recognized. This study aimed to identify APP serotypes isolated from pneumonic lesions in naturally infected and dead pigs in the Piedmont Region and to describe lesions. A total of 107 dead pigs with a suspected PPP diagnosis were included in this study. Lungs were evaluated using gross-pathology scoring systems, histopathology, and APP isolation and serotypes identification by multiplex PCR were conducted. Gross lung lesions were mainly represented by fibrinous pneumonia and pleuropneumonia. APP was isolated in 20/107 (18.7%) samples. PCR indicated APP DNA presence in 53/107 (49.5%) of lung samples. The most observed serotypes were serotype 2 in 24/53 (45.3%) and serotype 6 in 13/53 (24.5%) samples. Moreover, multiplex PCR results suggested a coinfection of different serotypes in five samples. This study emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach, utilizing various techniques, such as gross- and histopathology, and bacteriological culture and PCR, to enhance the diagnosis of APP infections.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) can impair the growth of chickens and reduce the quality of eggs and meat, resulting in significant economic losses. The inclusion of mycotoxin detoxifying agents (MyDA) with binding properties in the diet is an efficient tool to reduce their absorption rate in the gastrointestinal tract. Our aim was to investigate the ability of two innovative MyDA (SeOX, a feed additive featuring a tri-octahedral smectite mixed with lignocellulose, and CHS, a di-octahedral smectite functionalized with an organic non-toxic modifier) in both reducing the bio-accessibility and mitigating the adverse effects of AFB1 in broilers exposed for 10 days to concentrations approaching the European Union maximum limits in feed (0.02 mg/kg). The amount of AFB1 in the excreta of birds, collected over four consecutive days (starting on day 7), was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the group exposed to AFB1 alone compared to the groups treated with either SeOX or CHS. The calculated bio-accessibility was decreased by nearly 30% with both MyDA. This positive effect was reflected by a significant reduction (p < 0.001) in the oxidative stress (measured as serum antioxidant capacity and hepatic lipid peroxidation) induced by AFB1. Although antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione levels were unaffected by any treatment, AFB1 significantly induced (p < 0.001) the upregulation of CYP2A6 and the downregulation of Nrf2; the latter was reverted by each MyDA. Overall, these results demonstrate that the selected MyDA are effective in limiting the AFB1 absorption rate, thereby mitigating or even reverting the oxidative stress induced by AFB1 in broilers.

An adult male ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) from a biopark of northern Italy was submitted to necropsy. A multi-organ parasitic infection was macroscopically evident. Abundant sero-hemorrhagic fluid with larval parasites was present in all cavities. The microscopic evaluation of parasites and the molecular characterization revealed the presence of Cysticercus longicollis (the larval stage of Taenia crassiceps). Histology of liver, lungs, intestine and urinary bladder revealed several larval parasites surrounded by a severe lymphocytic infiltrate, fibrous tissue and hemorrhages. This is the first report of a ring-tailed lemur with an infection of C. longicollis in Italy. The source of infection is still not known however, the discovery of this parasite in a captive lemur poses more attention on the control of parasitic diseases implementing monitoring tests and biosecurity measures.

Porcine pleuropneumonia (PPP) is one of the main causes leading to massive losses in the pig industry, with high economic impacts. Among different etiological agents, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) is responsible for severe fibrinous-necrotizing pleuropneumonia. A total of 19 different APP serotypes are currently recognized. This study aimed to identify APP serotypes isolated from pneumonic lesions in naturally infected and dead pigs in the Piedmont Region and to describe lesions. A total of 107 dead pigs with a suspected PPP diagnosis were included in this study. Lungs were evaluated using gross pathology scoring systems, APP isolation and serotypes identification by multiplex PCR were conducted. Gross lung lesions were mainly represented by fibrinous pneumonia and pleuropneumonia. APP was isolated in 21/107 (19.6%) samples. On the contrary, PCR indicated APP DNA presence in 53/107 (49.5%) of lung samples. The most observed serotypes were serotype 2 in 24/53 (45.3%) and serotype 6 in 13/53 (24.5%) samples. Moreover, multiplex PCR results suggested a coinfection of different serotypes in 5 samples. This study highlights the relevance of the different techniques application (i.e. bacteriological culture, PCR, gross and histopathology) for improving the identification of APP infections.

An aborted female foal was submitted for necropsy. During the gross examination, the ovaries were pale, grayish, and enlarged (6 × 5 cm), with a well-developed vascular structure surrounding the external surface; the cut surface of the ovaries showed a brownish parenchyma with white follicular areas mainly localized in the peripheral region. The ovaries were fixed for histological investigations. The histological evaluation of the ovaries showed polygonal-shaped cells with abundant cytoplasm and round or oval nuclei, arranged in cords of single cells. The tissue architecture was characterized by the presence of lobular-like tissues with a central vein. The tissue mimicking hepatocytes was delimited by a mature fibrous tissue and was surrounded by the normal ovarian tissue characterized by germinal epithelium and primordial follicular structures. Based on the histological findings, a diagnosis of bilateral ovarian hamartoma was carried out initially. For a better characterization of the ovarian tissue, the expression of tissue-specific (liver and ovary) markers was investigated using immunohistochemistry. Following the immunohistochemical analysis, the hamartoma diagnosis was excluded. The ovaries exhibited unique characteristics different from those of adult horse ovaries as well as unique morphological features different from other mammalian species. This case report enhances our understanding of ovaries at a later stage of pregnancy and unveils unique characteristics of horse ovaries development, avoiding misdiagnosis with pathological findings, hamartomas, or neoplasia.