Latest news with #mSphere
Hamilton Spectator
30-06-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
NEW STUDY IDENTIFIES ADDITIONAL LINKS BETWEEN POULTRY ANTIBIOTIC USE AND HUMAN DRUG RESISTANCE
Salisbury, MD, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new study , published in mSphere, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology, suggests some antibiotics used in conventional poultry farming may contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance in humans. This research, conducted by Dr. Alex Wong, Asalia Ibrahim and Jason Au of Carleton University's Department of Biology, focuses on ionophores, a class of antibiotics commonly used in conventional poultry farming and previously described as 'not important to human medicine.' 'This research underscores the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of animal and human health,' explains Dr. Alex Wong. 'While ionophores have long been considered safe for use in poultry to prevent parasitic infections, this study suggests that ionophore use could fuel the growth of antibiotic resistance to medically relevant drugs.' This study highlights the ongoing research and critical discussion about responsible antibiotic use in animal agriculture, showcasing the potentially negative long-term human and animal health effects of using antibiotics in animal production, even those not presently deemed 'important to human medicine.' The study found: The study's findings contribute to the ongoing scientific conversation about antibiotic resistance and inform future research and policy decisions and provides evidence that the widespread use of ionophores potentially threaten human health. 'This study surprised me. Personally, I've been dismissing the use of ionophores for years because we didn't have this evidence. This study suggests that it could be driving resistance to the drugs we do care about. When animal producers use ionophores they can drive the growth of bacteria that are resistant to our most important medicines,' Lance Price, M.S. Ph.D., Professor at George Washington's (GW) Milken Institute School of Public Health and Founding Director of GW's Antibiotic Resistance Action Center. Perdue Takes No Chances with Animal or Human Health, Standing Firm on Its Decade-Long 'No Antibiotics Ever' Commitment Ionophore use in poultry has been on the rise after a reintroduction of usage by large producers—with some poultry companies relying on routine use of the drug class for preventing illness. However, Perdue Farms took a trailblazing approach by committing to No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) in 2016, shunning the use of all antibiotics including ionophores. Perdue Farms remains committed to its No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) program. 'We started our NAE transition initially due to consumer demand, however with time we have seen, and appreciate, the animal welfare and human health benefits of this approach,' states Dr. Bruce Stewart-Brown, DVM, Chief Science Officer at Perdue Farms. 'For a decade now, our No Antibiotics Ever commitment has reflected our belief that what's good for the bird is also good for people– and this study confirms that belief is well-founded. At the end of the day, it's a promise that gives consumers peace of mind and sets a higher standard for responsible poultry production.' This research was funded by the Canadian Government, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Perdue Farms. Learn more about the study and Perdue Farms' commitment to NAE at . For media interested, there will be a virtual briefing today, June 25, at 10 AM ET. You can join that briefing using this link starting at 10 AM ET, or reach out to for more detail. ### About Perdue Farms We're a fourth-generation, family-owned, U.S. food and agriculture company. Through our belief in responsible food and agriculture, we are empowering consumers, customers, and farmers through trusted choices in products and services. Perdue Foods consists of a premium protein portfolio, including our flagship PERDUE® brand, Niman Ranch® , Coleman Natural® , Pasturebird® , and Yummy® , as well as our pet brands, Full Moon® and Spot Farms® , and is available through various channels including retail, foodservice, club stores and our direct-to-consumer website, . Perdue AgriBusiness is a leading merchandiser, processor, and exporter of agricultural products and the largest U.S. manufacturer of specialty, organic, and non-GMO oils. It also ranks as one of the largest suppliers of organic feed ingredients in the world. Now in our company's second century, we never use drugs for growth promotion in raising poultry and livestock, and we are actively advancing our animal welfare programs. Our brands are leaders in no-antibiotics-ever and in USDA-certified organic proteins. Learn more at . Attachment
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
What viruses make up a red tide bloom?
TAMPA – A study led by researchers at the University of South Florida has for the first time identified viruses associated with the organism Karenia brevis, which often leads to bouts of red tide. In the study recently published in the American Society for Microbiology's journal mSphere, researchers said an examination of water samples from off of Southwest Florida found several viruses percolating in red tide blooms. The viruses are largely not harmful to humans in the traditional sense, but they can help researchers gain insights into the development of blooms that can plague coastlines for weeks, months, or even years at a time. "We know that viruses play an important role in the dynamics of harmful algal blooms, but we haven't known what viruses might be associated with Karenia brevis blooms," Jean Lim, the study's lead author and researcher at the USF College of Marine Science, said in a statement. "Now that we've identified several viruses in red tide blooms, we can work to determine which viruses might have an influence on these events." The study's findings were heavily based on water samples collected off Southwest Florida during what was considered a severe bloom in 2021. The red tide event was the worst in recent memory along Florida's Gulf Coast, with widespread reports of fish die-offs and respiratory irritations, from Sarasota to Naples. The extensive bloom even impacted the manatee population, resulting in hundreds of deaths of the giant sea cows. Red Tide Triggers Health Alerts Along Florida's Gulf Coast Following Active Hurricane Season Using a technique called viral metagenomics, researchers identified multiple viral species, including one previously unknown virus, among the algae. Most of the viruses belonged to the order Picornavirales and the family Marnaviridae, which are considered important in regulating marine ecosystems. By better understanding the viruses, researchers may hold a potential key to controlling the growth of blooms and triggering their decline. "There may be a correlation between viral abundances and bloom dynamics," Lim stated. "For example, an increase in the number of viruses found in a sample might suggest that a red tide bloom is about to begin or is near its end. Researchers could use information about viral abundances to help predict bloom cycles." Additionally, by understanding what makes a bloom grow, there theoretically could be advanced alerts before an event impacts a coastal region. Traditionally, marine experts have relied on satellite images and ocean circulation models to track the movement of blooms, but by understanding the viral dynamics, researchers may be able to identify certain patterns and predict the onset or decline of a red tide event. Mexico Unveils Plan To Tackle Caribbean Seaweed Invasion At Popular Beaches In 2024, satellites detected significant levels of chlorophyll in the Gulf, which can sometimes signal the onset of a red tide event. The bloom gradually began to affect coastal regions across Southwest Florida in early 2025, prompting health alerts for several communities. Rather unexpectedly, during the spring, samples started to show fewer traces of Karenia brevis, suggesting that the bloom might be in its waning stages. The recent event is one that university researchers may be able to develop a timeline for once viruses and their impacts on microscopic algae are better understood. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, blooms are most commonly found in the Sunshine State during late summer and fall, but they can occur year-round and be detrimental to marine life and the tourism article source: What viruses make up a red tide bloom?
