Background: Several occupational diseases of multiple origins are encountered among abattoir workers. Presence of indicator microorganisms (coliforms) on hands of workers can be used a gauge for hygienic practices. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to assess the prevalence of E.coli and enterobacteriaceae among Halal abattoir workers in some government halal abattoirs of Malaysia. A total of one hundred and sixty-five hand swab samples were collected from workers of Halal abattoirs in Malaysia. The samples were subjected to microbiological analysis for characterisation and serotyping. Results: The results have shown that no Escherichia coli O157:H7 was isolated on the hands of abattoir workers before and after work. However, a total prevalence of 9.7% was recorded for all samples during work. For non-O157:H7, total prevalence of 33.3% during work and 13% after work were obtained. High prevalence was recorded in sample taken during work from Tampin, Jasin and Kemaman (100% each) while low prevalence where observed in Shah Alam, Banting and Ipoh (20% each). Conclusions: Based on the findings the hygienic practices of hand washing among the workers in few locations was found to be low especially after work.

Aims: This study was designed to determine the virulence genes and antibiotic resistance profiles of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from dogs, cats, chickens and horses. Methodology and results: A total of 15 S. aureus isolates were used in this study. Antibiogram and screening of virulence genes was carried out using disc diffusion method and polymerase chain reaction. The results obtained showed that a total of 9 S. aureus isolates were resistant towards oxacillin (60%), 9 isolates were resistant towards neomycin (60%) and 8 isolates were resistant towards tilmicosin (53%). Resistance to amoxicillin, tetracycline and vancomycin was also observed in 6 (40%) of the isolates. Additionally, 5 (33%) of the isolates showed resistance towards streptomycin and linzolide while 4 (27%) of the isolates were resistant towards rifampin, erythromycin and mupirocin. Lastly, 3 (20%) of the isolates were resistant towards doxycycline. Intermediate resistance to amoxicillin and doxycycline was also observed. Virulence gene profiling showed that 4 (26.7%) of the isolates were positive for hlβ and SspA, 9 of the isolates (60%) showed positive for geh and 12 of the isolates (80%) showed positive for Set-1. Similarly, 2 (13.3%) of the isolates showed positive for etA and Seu while only 1 isolate (6.7%) showed positive for PVL and hlα. None of the isolates were positive for tst-1 and etB. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: This study revealed reduced susceptibility and multiple drug resistance (MDR) in four isolates, and susceptibility to all antibiotics in two isolates in addition to low carriage rate of virulence gene in all isolates. Thus, indicating resistance development in majority of the isolates and the need to regulate indiscriminate use of antibiotics in animals.
Staphylococcus aureus

A study on seroprevalence and molecular detection of canine leptospirosis was carried out in a dog population (randomly selected n =80 dogs) from an animal shelter X. All the dogs in Shelter X appeared clinically healthy. Eighty blood samples were obtained and their serum were serologically examined using Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) against 10 Leptospira serovars. Plasma samples obtained were subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay. Three out of 80 dogs (3.8%) tested positive for L. bataviae based on MAT at a titer of 1:80. The seroprevalence of 9 other Leptospira serovars was not evident in this study. All the dogs tested negative against leptospirosis with PCR assay. In conclusion, canine leptospirosis was detected in dogs in this animal shelter. L. bataviae was identified as the infecting serovar. To our knowledge, this is the second report of serovar Bataviae infection in dogs in Malaysia. The 3 dogs in our study could possibly be a source of leptospiral infection to other dogs and may shed the bacteria into the environment. This serovar is not available in canine vaccination programs, therefore the dogs are not protected from this disease. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether the infected dogs are carriers of this serovar.

Aims: Antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is increasing gradually towards those antibiotics that are frequently used leading to limited therapeutic options due to multidrug resistance. The objectives of the study were to investigate the antibiotic resistance profiles of S. pseudintermedius isolates from pet and stray dogs and cats in Selangor, Malaysia and to detect the resistance genes (mecA and BlaZ) within the isolates. Methodology and results: A total of 200 stray and pet dogs and cats were sampled. The samples were cultured onto Mannitol Salt agar and all the presumptive colonies were subcultured, then identified using biochemical tests and confirmed by PCR assay targeting the nuc gene. The isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test against 12 antibiotics. Twenty three isolates (11.5%) were positive to S. pseudintermedius (stray cats, 11/50; stray dogs, 9/50; pet dogs, 3/50 and pet cats, 0/50). One hundred percent (100%) of the S. pseudintermedius isolates were found to be resistant to penicillin, erythromycin and tetracycline while they showed 100% susceptible to oxacillin, amoxicillinclavulanic acid, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, cephalexin and rifampicin. The blaZ gene which codes for β-lactamases production was found in all of the isolates that were resistant to penicillin but not to methicillin. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: A high number of S. pseudintermedius from dogs and cats developed antibiotic resistance which is a public health concern.

Aims: Campylobacter is a major cause of gastroenteritis in humans worldwide, particularly in developed countries and is reported to show an increased trend in antibiotic resistance. The purpose of this study was to determine the occurrence of Campylobacter in wild birds, poultry and in poultry environments in Selangor, Malaysia as well as to determine the rate of antibiotic resistance among Campylobacter isolates from poultry and wild birds. Methodology and results: The wild birds were trapped near poultry farm areas and in open areas which were more than 5 km away from poultry farms (refered to as open environment). Of 57 wild birds trapped near the farm environment, 17.5% were positive for Campylobacter and out of these, 90% were Campylobacter jejuni. Of a total of 77 birds in the open environment, 22.1% were positive for Campylobacter and of these 88.7% were C. jejuni. The poultry farms consisted of 3 chicken and 2 duck farms. About 60% of the chickens and 44.8% of the ducks were positive for Campylobacter of which 80% were C. jejuni, while 20% were Campylobacter coli. The Campylobacter isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test using disk diffusion method against 12 antibiotics. All the isolates (100%) from wild birds around poultry houses were resistant to at least one antibiotic. Conclusion, significance and impact of study The findings showed 93% of the isolates from wild birds were resistant to at least two antibiotics. Campylobacter isolates from poultry in the farms were resistant to at least one antibiotic. The antibiotic resistant Campylobacter is of public health importance.

Aims:Campylobacter infection is one of the leading bacterial food-borne illness and most frequently reported in humans in developed countries. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of multidrug resistant (MDR) Campylobacterand the risk factors associated with their occurrence in broiler chicken meat retailed in markets. Methodology and results:A total of 210 samples consisting of 140 chicken meat and 70 swabs from weighing scales and cutting boards were collected. Isolates were cultured by passive filtration method, identified by biochemical tests and confirmed using PCR assay.Thirty-two(32/210) 15.2% were positive for Campylobacterof which (25/210) 11.9%, (6/210) 2.9% and (1/210) 0.5% were Campylobacter jejuni, C.coli andC.upsaliensis respectively. The isolates showed high resistance to ampicillin (62.5%), enrofloxacin (56.3%) and nalidixic acid (50.0%), while only 3.1% were resistant to streptomycin. Multidrug resistant isolates (resistance to at least one antibiotics in three classes or more) was high at 71.9%. The risk factors significantly (p<0.05) associated with Campylobactercontamination on chicken’smeat included poor workers hygiene {OR: 5.250 (95% CI: 0.988-27.895)}, wearing improper work attire {OR: 2.700 (95% CI: 1.144-6.374)}, poor protective equipment {OR 38.50 (95% CI: 2.915-508.463)}, poor environment/stall hygiene {OR 44.00 (95% CI: 2.193-882.66)}, and using tiled counter top surface {OR 6.667 (95% CI: 0.597-74.506). Conclusion, significance and impact of study:The finding of this study affirmed that lack or poor work hygiene, unclean environmental stall and protective equipment are associated with high occurrence of multidrug resistant Campylobacterspecies isolated from chicken meat