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Scholz J, Holland G, Laue M, Banhart S, Heuer D. Chlamydia-containing spheres are a novel and predominant form of egress by the pathogen Chlamydia psittaci. mBio 2024:e0128824. [PMID: 39041785 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01288-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The egress of intracellular bacteria from host cells and cellular tissues is a critical process during the infection cycle. This process is essential for bacteria to spread inside the host and can influence the outcome of an infection. For the obligate intracellular Gram-negative zoonotic bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, little is known about the mechanisms resulting in bacterial egress from the infected epithelium. Here, we describe and characterize Chlamydia-containing spheres (CCSs), a novel and predominant type of non-lytic egress utilized by Chlamydia spp. CCSs are spherical, low-phase contrast structures surrounded by a phosphatidylserine-exposing membrane with specific barrier functions. They contain infectious progeny and morphologically impaired cellular organelles. CCS formation is a sequential process starting with the proteolytic cleavage of a DEVD tetrapeptide-containing substrate that can be detected inside the chlamydial inclusions, followed by an increase in the intracellular calcium concentration of the infected cell. Subsequently, blebbing of the plasma membrane begins, the inclusion membrane destabilizes, and the proteolytic cleavage of a DEVD-containing substrate increases rapidly within the whole infected cell. Finally, infected, blebbing cells detach and leave the monolayer, thereby forming CCS. This sequence of events is unique for chlamydial CCS formation and fundamentally different from previously described Chlamydia egress pathways. Thus, CCS formation represents a major, previously uncharacterized egress pathway for intracellular pathogens that could be linked to Chlamydia biology in general and might influence the infection outcome in vivo.IMPORTANCEHost cell egress is essential for intracellular pathogens to spread within an organism and for host-to-host transmission. Here, we characterize Chlamydia-containing sphere (CCS) formation as a novel and predominant non-lytic egress pathway of the intracellular pathogens Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia trachomatis. CCS formation is fundamentally different from extrusion formation, the previously described non-lytic egress pathway of C. trachomatis. CCS formation is a unique sequential process, including proteolytic activity, followed by an increase in intracellular calcium concentration, inclusion membrane destabilization, plasma membrane blebbing, and the final detachment of a whole phosphatidylserine-exposing former host cell. Thus, CCS formation represents an important and previously uncharacterized egress pathway for intracellular pathogens that could possibly be linked to Chlamydia biology, including host tropism, protection from host cell defense mechanisms, or bacterial pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Scholz
- Unit of Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Pathogens and HIV, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gudrun Holland
- Unit of Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Laue
- Unit of Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Banhart
- Unit of Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Pathogens and HIV, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dagmar Heuer
- Unit of Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Pathogens and HIV, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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Liu K, Wu L, Chen G, Zeng D, Zhong Q, Luo L, Song B, Ying X, Ni F, Yu L, Xu L, Lin X, Chen X, Zou X, Xiao J, Hu Y. Clinical Characteristics of Chlamydia psittaci Infection Diagnosed by Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing: A Retrospective Multi-Center Study in Fujian, China. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:697-708. [PMID: 38405056 PMCID: PMC10894596 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s443953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to describe and compare the epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics as well as the complications, treatments, and outcomes of these patients. Methods We retrospectively investigated clinical data of patients with C. psittaci infection (psittacosis) in eight Grade IIIA hospitals of Fujian. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was used identify C. psittaci in clinical samples of all included patients. Results A total of 74 patients (39 severe/35 non-severe) was diagnosed with psittacosis, 25 (33.8%) of whom had history of poultry exposure. Common symptoms included high fever (98% [37/74]), fatigue (52.7% [39/74]), and dyspnea (51.4% [38/74]). Common manifestations in imaging included consolidation (89.2%), pleural effusion (77.0%), and air bronchogram (66.2%). Common complications included acute respiratory distress syndrome (55.4% [41/74]), type I respiratory failure (52.7% [39/74]), acute liver injury (41.9% [31/74]), and secondary infection (27.0% [20/74]). The in-hospital mortality rate was 8.11% (6/74). Conclusion C. psittaci infection is represents an underestimated cause of CAP. For SCAP patients with poultry and bird contact history, specimens were encouraged to be sended for mNGS test in time. C. psittaci infection can lead to severe, multiple system involvement, and several complications. mNGS facilitate timely diagnosis of C. psittaci infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixiong Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Respiratory Disease, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Luling Wu
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gongping Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Respiratory Disease, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dunhuan Zeng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Respiratory Disease, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiwei Zhong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Minnan Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quau zhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Luo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Song
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Ningde, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiuhong Ying
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fayu Ni
- Department of Respiratory, Fuqing General Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lifang Yu
- Department of Respiratory, Fuqing General Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liyu Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Fuzhou First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Lin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Fuzhou First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Zou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, LongYan First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianhong Xiao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Ningde, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuekai Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
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3
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Guo X, Zhu D, Chen H. Clinical features and risk factors of liver injury in patients with Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia- a retrospective analysis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1320758. [PMID: 38264732 PMCID: PMC10803654 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1320758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Research into the effects of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia on the liver has emerged in the last few years. However, no studies have systematically described liver injury in patients with psittacosis. We present the first report on the clinical features and risk factors of liver injury in patients with Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia. Methods We retrospectively collected the clinical parameters for 46 patients with Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia admitted to Jinhua Central Hospital from January 2019 to February 2023. We analyzed the liver function parameters and summarized the clinical characteristics and risk factors of liver injury. Results Among the 46 patients, 39 (84.8%) had abnormal liver function, and 23 (50.0%) had liver injury. The ratio of patients with a history of alcohol consumption (39.1% vs. 4.3%, P =0.004) or severe pneumonia (56.5% vs. 26.1%, P =0.036) was higher in the liver injury group compared with the non-liver injury group. Laboratory tests showed higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the liver injury group (P <0.001). The optimal cut-off LDH level associated with liver injury was 473 IU/L as determined by ROC curve analysis. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that a history of alcohol consumption (odds ratio [OR] = 11.251; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.022 ~ 123.897, P =0.048) and an LDH level of ≥ 473IU/L (OR = 11.635, 95% CI = 1.832 ~ 73.869, P =0.009) were independent risk factors for liver injury. Conclusions A history of alcohol consumption and an LDH level of over 473 IU/L are independent risk factors for Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia-related liver injury. It is recommended that particular attention be given to monitoring and evaluating liver function parameters when treating patients with Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia who have a high LDH level and history of alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, Jinhua, China
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El-Hage C, Gilkerson J. Chlamydia psittaci: an emerging cause of equine abortion and fatal neonatal illness in south-eastern Australia. Vet Rec 2023; 193. [PMID: 38038292 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
While well known as a zoonotic pathogen of birds, Chlamydia psittaci is less well recognised as a cause of abortion in mares and severe infection in foals. However, in the past decade it has been causing epizootics of both in south-eastern Australia, as Charles El-Hage and James Gilkerson explain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles El-Hage
- Centre for Equine Infectious Disease, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - James Gilkerson
- Centre for Equine Infectious Disease, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Australia
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El-Hage C, Legione A, Devlin J, Hughes K, Jenkins C, Gilkerson J. Equine Psittacosis and the Emergence of Chlamydia psittaci as an Equine Abortigenic Pathogen in Southeastern Australia: A Retrospective Data Analysis. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2443. [PMID: 37570252 PMCID: PMC10416985 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is an important zoonotic pathogen. Although primarily a pathogen of birds, from which infection can spillover into humans and other mammalian hosts, the importance of C. psittaci as a cause of equine reproductive loss and the risk of infection to humans in contact with infected horses are increasingly being recognised in Australia and elsewhere. Despite the risks to both human and equine health, C. psittaci infection in horses is incompletely understood. This study aimed to update and summarise cases of equine psittacosis in Australia in the period 2018-2022, thus addressing a knowledge gap relating to recent cases in this country. These cases were identified from the examination of records held by state and federal veterinary authorities and from a review of published cases. A total of 31 cases were identified. Spatial and temporal trends were identified, with cases being more prevalent in winter and spring and geographically restricted to Victoria and New South Wales. The results show that cases of equine reproductive loss due to C. psittaci are consistent and ongoing and demonstrate the importance of routinely considering C. psittaci in diagnostic investigations. The need for ongoing study to better understand this important zoonotic pathogen is evident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles El-Hage
- Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, The Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.L.); (J.D.); (J.G.)
| | - Alistair Legione
- Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, The Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.L.); (J.D.); (J.G.)
| | - Joanne Devlin
- Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, The Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.L.); (J.D.); (J.G.)
| | - Kristopher Hughes
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650, Australia;
| | - Cheryl Jenkins
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia;
| | - James Gilkerson
- Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, The Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.L.); (J.D.); (J.G.)
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Lu H, Yuan J, Wu Z, Wang L, Wu S, Chen Q, Zhang Z, Chen Z, Zou X, Hu Q, Feng T, Lu J, Ji L, Qiu S, Xu S, Jiang M, Li Y, Peng B, Bai Q, Cai R, Geng Y, Shi X. Distribution of drug-resistant genes in alveolar lavage fluid from patients with psittacosis and traceability analysis of causative organisms. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1182604. [PMID: 37425996 PMCID: PMC10327639 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1182604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia psittaci is a small bacterium often found in birds, including poultry, and domesticated mammals, which causes psittacosis (or parrot fever) in humans. Different strains of C. psittaci respond variably to antibiotics, suggesting a possible risk of antibiotic resistance. In general, different genotypes of C. psittaci have relatively stable hosts and different pathogenicity. Methods Macrogenomic sequencing was performed using nucleic acids extracted from psittacosis patients' alveolar lavage fluid samples and analyzed for genetic variability and antibiotic resistance genes. Nucleic acid amplification sequences specific to the core coding region of the C. psittaci ompA gene were used, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed with C. psittaci genotypic sequences from other sources, including Chinese published sources. The C. psittaci found in each patient were genotyped by comparing ompA gene sequences. In addition, to better illustrate the relationship between genotype and host of C. psittaci, 60 bird fecal samples were collected from bird-selling stores for screening and C. psittaci typing. Results Macrogenomic sequence alignment revealed the presence of resistance genes in varying abundance in samples from all three patients, including C. psittaci resistance gene sequences from two patients that matched those previously published on NCBI. Based on ompA genotyping, two patients were infected with C. psittaci genotype A and one patient was infected with genotype B. All five C. psittaci-positive samples obtained from bird-selling stores were genotype A. Both genotypes are reported to be infectious to humans. The host origin of the samples and the previously reported main sources of each genotype suggested that all but one of the C. psittaci genotype A in this study were derived from parrots, while genotype B was probably derived from chickens. Conclusion The presence of bacterial resistance genes in psittacosis patients may affect the efficacy of clinical antibiotic therapy. Focusing on the developmental progression of bacterial resistance genes and differences in the therapeutic efficacy may facilitate effective treatment of clinical bacterial infections. Pathogenicity genotypes (e.g., genotype A and genotype B) are not limited to one animal host, suggesting that monitoring the development and changes of C. psittaci may help prevent transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqun Lu
- Department of Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zeming Wu
- Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Futian), Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Shuang Wu
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiongcheng Chen
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhigao Chen
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuan Zou
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qinghua Hu
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tiejian Feng
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianhua Lu
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liyin Ji
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuxiang Qiu
- Department of Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Shiqin Xu
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Min Jiang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yinghui Li
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bo Peng
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qinqin Bai
- Department of Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Rui Cai
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yijie Geng
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaolu Shi
- Department of Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
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Zhu Z, Wang X, Zhao J, Xie Z, Yang C, Li L, Liu Y. Clinical Characteristics of Six Patients with Chlamydia psittaci Infection Diagnosed by Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing: A Case Series. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:869-878. [PMID: 36820082 PMCID: PMC9938668 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s393195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of psittacosis infection has gradually increased in recent years. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) can be used to comprehensively identify the total DNA and RNA content of the microbiome, as well as identify both known and unexpected pathogens within 24 hours. We diagnosed and treated six patients with psittacosis infection using mNGS, two of whom developed severe disease and most of whom presented with pulmonary symptoms. One of the young female patients also presented with irregular vaginal bleeding and myocarditis. Patients with underlying gastric disorders first showed gastrointestinal symptoms, which is a rare manifestation in patients with psittacosis. Older patients with underlying disease usually showed more severe symptoms. However, rare complications can also occur in immunocompetent young people and develop into severe disease. All patients showed significant congestion at bronchial lumen lesions, which may be associated with a severe inflammatory response to mucosal Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) infection. Overall, mNGS is a rapid and effective tool for the clinical diagnosis of psittacosis caused by C. psittaci, and early diagnosis and treatment can prevent psittacosis from developing into a serious illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghua Zhu
- Department of Respiration, The Second People’s Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Respiration, The Second People’s Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinhong Zhao
- Department of Respiration, The Second People’s Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zuozhou Xie
- Department of Respiration, The Second People’s Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chen Yang
- Department of Respiration, The Second People’s Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingyi Li
- Department of Medical, Hangzhou Matridx Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Lingyi Li, Department of Medical, Hangzhou Matridx Biotechnology Co., Ltd, No. 2073 Jinchang Road, Yuhang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 311100, People’s Republic of China, Tel +8613888173009, Email
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Respiration, The Second People’s Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, People’s Republic of China,Yi Liu, Department of Respiration, the Second People’s Hospital of Kunming, No. 871 Longquan Road, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, 650051, People’s Republic of China, Tel +8613648898773, Email
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8
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Wang Z, Chen C, Lu H, Wang L, Gao L, Zhang J, Zhu C, Du F, Cui L, Tan Y. Case report: Clinical characteristics of two cases of pneumonia caused with different strains of Chlamydia psittaci. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1086454. [PMID: 36798086 PMCID: PMC9927004 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1086454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background With the development of metagenomic sequencing technologies, more and more cases of pneumonia caused with Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) have been reported. However, it remains unknown about the characteristics of patients with pneumonia caused by different strains of C. psittaci. Here, we shared the clinical characteristics of two cases of pneumonia caused with C. psittaci strains SZ18-2 and SZ15 which were rarely identified in humans. Case presentation Case 1: A 69-year-old male farmer who fed ducks presented to hospital for cough, diarrhea and lethargy with the temperature of 39.8°C. Case 2: A 48-year-old male worker who slaughtered ducks was transferred to hospital for high fever, cough, myalgia, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Both patients did not take any protective measures (wearing face masks or gloves) while processing ducks. C. psittaci pneumonia was diagnosed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing and polymerase chain reaction. After treatment with doxycycline and azithromycin individually, they recovered well and discharged from hospital. Through OmpA sequencing, two different strains of SZ18-2 and SZ15 were identified in case 1 and case 2, respectively. Conclusions Patients infected with different strains of C. psittaci may own different clinical manifestations. C. psittaci infection should be suspected when pneumonia appears, accompanied by digestive symptoms and multiple organ dysfunction, especially under the exposure of specific birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hu Lu
- Department of Emergency, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Gao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Furong Du
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Lunbiao Cui
- NHC Key Laboratory of Enteric Pathogenic Microbiology, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China,*Correspondence: Yan Tan, ; Lunbiao Cui,
| | - Yan Tan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,*Correspondence: Yan Tan, ; Lunbiao Cui,
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Li M, Wang B, Liu P, Wang H, Zhu J. Prostatitis as initial manifestation of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia diagnosed by metagenome next-generation sequencing: A case report. Open Life Sci 2023; 18:20220596. [PMID: 37070075 PMCID: PMC10105550 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) pneumonia is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by C. psittaci, which is often underdiagnosed. The application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) provides an unbiased method for the detection of unknown pathogens. A 46-year-old man received empirical treatment with piperacillin-tazobactam and moxifloxacin after an initial diagnosis of prostatitis and pneumonia. However, he experienced recurrent symptoms and a cough, and a chest computed tomography (CT) showed aggravated pulmonary inflammation. Upon further questioning, the patient recalled a history of contact with pigeons, and a bronchoscope alveolar lavage fluid analysis with mNGS suggested C. psittaci infection. Following treatment with doxycycline, the patient's symptoms were rapidly alleviated, and chest CT showed pulmonary lesions absorption. The patient was followed up for 1 month without any discomfort. This case highlights that initial manifestations of C. psittaci pneumonia may present with atypical symptoms such as prostatitis. Furthermore, mNGS can be a useful tool for the detection of rare or unknown pathogens such as C. psittaci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Cangzhou Fifth Hospital (People’s Hospital of Qingxian), Cangzhou062650, China
| | - Biao Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Cangzhou Fifth Hospital (People’s Hospital of Qingxian), Cangzhou062650, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Cangzhou Fifth Hospital (People’s Hospital of Qingxian), Cangzhou062650, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Cangzhou Fifth Hospital (People’s Hospital of Qingxian), Cangzhou062650, China
| | - Jian Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of The People’s Liberation Army, No. 627 Wuluo Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan430070, China
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He Y, Wang S, Deng J, Pu Q, Chen H, Huang L. Chlamydia psittaci Pneumonia Complicated with Lower Extremity Atherosclerotic Occlusive Disease. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:2141-2145. [PMID: 37077253 PMCID: PMC10106326 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s393256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia is a zoonotic pathogen that mainly infects poultry and pet birds. This Gram-negative obligate intracellular parasite also causes human psittacosis, the severity of which varies from mild flu-like symptoms to life-threatening severe pneumonia, including sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and multiple organ failure. Inhalation of aerosols from contaminated bird excreta through the respiratory tract is the main route of transmission to humans. Here, we present a case of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia accompanied by lower extremity atherosclerotic occlusive disease. A 48-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department with a four-day history of cough and dyspnea. A detailed history revealed his contact with domestic pigeons. The results of metagenomic next-generation sequencing of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid suggested C. psittaci infection. Antibacterial agents were switched to targeted doxycycline, but in the next week, skin examination revealed acrocyanosis of both lower extremities, and the remarkable palpable purpura progressively worsened. Re-examination of the lower extremity vascular ultrasound suggested left dorsalis pedis artery occlusion and right peroneal vein thrombosis, which resulted in the amputation of both legs. This case is the first report of C. psittaci pneumonia combined with arterioocclusive sclerosis of both lower extremities.
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Affiliation(s)
- YongHong He
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - SongPing Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: SongPing Wang, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China, Email
| | - Jun Deng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Pu
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, ChengDu City, Sichuan Province, 610000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, ChengDu City, Sichuan Province, 610000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lan Huang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, ChengDu City, Sichuan Province, 610000, People’s Republic of China
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11
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Chen M, Zhang M, Shi M, Hu X. Diagnosis and Analysis of Clinical Characteristics of Chlamydia psittaci Pneumonia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:499-504. [PMID: 36190520 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2022.0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: We assessed the clinical characteristics of three patients with Chlamydia psittaci-associated pneumonia. Methods: Clinical data for three patients with C. psittaci-associated pneumonia admitted to our hospital from June 2020 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, and the diagnosis, clinical features, and treatment of the disease are summarized. Results: Fever, headache, and fatigue were the main symptoms in all three patients, whereas local respiratory symptoms such as cough and expectoration were not obvious. Not all patients had a definite contact history with poultry and birds. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed inflammatory exudation, consolidation, and bronchial inflation signs on one side of the lungs, which progressed rapidly. Treatment with beta-amides did not result in positive clinical responses. Combined with clinical manifestations, the disease was confirmed by detection of C. psittaci nucleic acid sequences in alveolar lavage fluid and blood by metagenomic second-generation sequencing technology. Fever and malaise were rapidly relieved after the administration of moxifloxacin-based regimens and levels of infectious blood markers decreased; and the consolidation shadow on chest CT was gradually absorbed. Conclusion: Early application of metagenomic second-generation sequencing in patients with community-acquired pneumonia due to rare and complex pathogens that cannot be diagnosed by conventional tests and for whom empirical anti-infective therapy is ineffective is important for definitive diagnosis and selection of appropriate antibacterial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang, China
| | - Miao Shi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueqin Hu
- Basic Academic Department of Orthopaedic Institute, The first Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang, China.,Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang, China
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12
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Zhang Z, Wang P, Ma C, Wang J, Li W, Quan C, Cao H, Guo H, Wang L, Yan C, Carr MJ, Meng L, Shi W. Host inflammatory response is the major factor in the progression of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia. Front Immunol 2022; 13:929213. [PMID: 36119044 PMCID: PMC9478202 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.929213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PurposeChlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) has caused sporadic, but recurring, fatal community-acquired pneumonia outbreaks worldwide, posing a serious threat to public health. Our understanding of host inflammatory responses to C. psittaci is limited, and many bronchitis cases of psittaci have rapidly progressed to pneumonia with deterioration.MethodsTo clarify the host inflammatory response in psittacosis, we analyzed clinical parameters, and compared transcriptomic data, concentrations of plasma cytokines/chemokines, and changes of immune cell populations in 17 laboratory-confirmed psittacosis cases, namely, 8 pneumonia and 9 bronchitis individuals, in order to assess transcriptomic profiles and pro-inflammatory responses.ResultsPsittacosis cases with pneumonia were found to have abnormal routine blood indices, liver damage, and unilateral pulmonary high-attenuation consolidation. Transcriptome sequencing revealed markedly elevated expression of several pro-inflammatory genes, especially interleukins and chemokines. A multiplex-biometric immunoassay showed that pneumonia cases had higher levels of serum cytokines (G-CSF, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, IP-10, MCP-3, and TNF-α) than bronchitis cases. Increases in activated neutrophils and decreases in the number of lymphocytes were also observed in pneumonia cases.ConclusionWe identified a number of plasma biomarkers distinct to C. psittaci pneumonia and a variety of cytokines elevated with immunopathogenic potential likely inducing an inflammatory milieu and acceleration of the disease progression of psittaci pneumonia. This enhances our understanding of inflammatory responses and changes in vascular endothelial markers in psittacosis with heterogeneous symptoms and should prove helpful for developing both preventative and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Peihan Wang
- Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanmin Ma
- Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Chuansong Quan
- Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Huae Cao
- Department of Infectious Disease, Xintai Third People’s Hospital, Xintai, China
| | - Hongfeng Guo
- Department of Infectious Disease, Xintai Third People’s Hospital, Xintai, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Chengxin Yan
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
| | - Michael J. Carr
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ling Meng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
- *Correspondence: Weifeng Shi, ; Ling Meng,
| | - Weifeng Shi
- Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
- *Correspondence: Weifeng Shi, ; Ling Meng,
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13
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Walton RM, Siegel A. Avian Inflammatory Markers. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2022; 25:679-695. [PMID: 36122946 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation represents a fundamental response to diverse diseases ranging from trauma and infection to immune-mediated disease and neoplasia. As such, inflammation can be a nonspecific finding but is valuable as an indicator of pathology that can itself lead to disease if left unchecked. This article focuses on inflammatory biomarkers that are available and clinically useful in avian species. Inflammatory biomarkers are identified via evaluation of whole blood and plasma and can be divided into acute and chronic, with varying degrees of specificity and sensitivity. Evaluation of multiple biomarkers may be necessary to identify subclinical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel M Walton
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., 216 Delmar Street, Philadelphia, PA 19128, USA.
| | - Andrea Siegel
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., 510 E. 62nd Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
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14
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Wang L, Hou Y, Yuan H, Chen H. The role of tryptophan in Chlamydia trachomatis persistence. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:931653. [PMID: 35982780 PMCID: PMC9378776 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.931653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) is the most common etiological agent of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and a worldwide public health issue. The natural course with C. trachomatis infection varies widely between individuals. Some infections clear spontaneously, others can last for several months or some individuals can become reinfected, leading to severe pathological damage. Importantly, the underlying mechanisms of C. trachomatis infection are not fully understood. C. trachomatis has the ability to adapt to immune response and persist within host epithelial cells. Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) induced by interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) degrades the intracellular tryptophan pool, to which C. trachomatis can respond by converting to a non-replicating but viable state. C. trachomatis expresses and encodes for the tryptophan synthase (TS) genes (trpA and trpB) and tryptophan repressor gene (trpR). Multiple genes interact to regulate tryptophan synthesis from exogenous indole, and persistent C. trachomatis can recover its infectivity by converting indole into tryptophan. In this review, we discuss the characteristics of chlamydial infections, biosynthesis and regulation of tryptophan, the relationship between tryptophan and C. trachomatis, and finally, the links between the tryptophan/IFN-γ axis and C. trachomatis persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Chenzhou No.1 People’s Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Chenzhou No.1 People’s Hospital, Chenzhou, China
| | - YingLan Hou
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Chenzhou No.1 People’s Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Chenzhou No.1 People’s Hospital, Chenzhou, China
| | - HongXia Yuan
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Chenzhou No.1 People’s Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Chenzhou No.1 People’s Hospital, Chenzhou, China
| | - Hongliang Chen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Chenzhou No.1 People’s Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Chenzhou No.1 People’s Hospital, Chenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Hongliang Chen,
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15
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Li X, Zuo Z, Wang Y, Hegemann JH, He C. Polymorphic Membrane Protein 17G of Chlamydia psittaci Mediated the Binding and Invasion of Bacteria to Host Cells by Interacting and Activating EGFR of the Host. Front Immunol 2022; 12:818487. [PMID: 35173712 PMCID: PMC8841347 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.818487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) is an obligate intracellular, gram-negative bacterium, and mainly causes systemic disease in psittacine birds, domestic poultry, and wild fowl. The pathogen is threating to human beings due to closely contacted to employees in poultry industry. The polymorphic membrane proteins (Pmps) enriched in C. psittaci includes six subtypes (A, B/C, D, E/F, G/I and H). Compared to that of the 1 pmpG gene in Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis), the diverse pmpG gene-coding proteins of C. psittaci remain elusive. In the present study, polymorphic membrane protein 17G (Pmp17G) of C. psittaci mediated adhesion to different host cells. More importantly, expression of Pmp17G in C. trachomatis upregulated infections to host cells. Afterwards, crosstalk between Pmp17G and EGFR was screened and identified by MALDI-MS and Co-IP. Subsequently, EGFR overexpression in CHO-K1 cells and EGFR knockout in HeLa 229 cells were assessed to determine whether Pmp17G directly correlated with EGFR during Chlamydial adhesion. Finally, the EGFR phosphorylation was recognized by Grb2, triggering chlamydial invasion. Based on above evidence, Pmp17G possesses adhesive property that serves as an adhesin and activate intracellular bacterial internalization by recognizing EGFR during C. psittaci infection
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Li
- Key Lab of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonoses of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zonghui Zuo
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Breeding and Healthy Husbandry, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Biology, Institute for Functional Microbial Genomics, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Yihui Wang
- Key Lab of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonoses of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Johannes H. Hegemann
- Department of Biology, Institute for Functional Microbial Genomics, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Cheng He
- Key Lab of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonoses of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Cheng He,
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16
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Toxoplasma gondii association with host mitochondria requires key mitochondrial protein import machinery. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2013336118. [PMID: 33723040 PMCID: PMC7999873 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2013336118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Host mitochondrial association (HMA) is a well-known phenomenon during Toxoplasma gondii infection of the host cell. The T. gondii locus mitochondrial association factor 1 (MAF1) is required for HMA and MAF1 encodes distinct paralogs of secreted dense granule effector proteins, some of which mediate the HMA phenotype (MAF1b paralogs drive HMA; MAF1a paralogs do not). To identify host proteins required for MAF1b-mediated HMA, we performed unbiased, label-free quantitative proteomics on host cells infected with type II parasites expressing MAF1b, MAF1a, and an HMA-incompetent MAF1b mutant. Across these samples, we identified ∼1,360 MAF1-interacting proteins, but only 13 that were significantly and uniquely enriched in MAF1b pull-downs. The gene products include multiple mitochondria-associated proteins, including those that traffic to the mitochondrial outer membrane. Based on follow-up endoribonuclease-prepared short interfering RNA (esiRNA) experiments targeting these candidate MAF1b-targeted host factors, we determined that the mitochondrial receptor protein TOM70 and mitochondria-specific chaperone HSPA9 were essential mediators of HMA. Additionally, the enrichment of TOM70 at the parasitophorous vacuole membrane interface suggests parasite-driven sequestration of TOM70 by the parasite. These results show that the interface between the T. gondii vacuole and the host mitochondria is characterized by interactions between a single parasite effector and multiple target host proteins, some of which are critical for the HMA phenotype itself. The elucidation of the functional members of this complex will permit us to explain the link between HMA and changes in the biology of the host cell.
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17
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Genetic and phenotypic analysis of the pathogenic potential of two novel Chlamydia gallinacea strains compared to Chlamydia psittaci. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16516. [PMID: 34389764 PMCID: PMC8363750 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95966-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia gallinacea is an obligate intracellular bacterium that has recently been added to the family of Chlamydiaceae. C. gallinacea is genetically diverse, widespread in poultry and a suspected cause of pneumonia in slaughterhouse workers. In poultry, C. gallinacea infections appear asymptomatic, but studies about the pathogenic potential are limited. In this study two novel sequence types of C. gallinacea were isolated from apparently healthy chickens. Both isolates (NL_G47 and NL_F725) were closely related to each other and have at least 99.5% DNA sequence identity to C. gallinacea Type strain 08-1274/3. To gain further insight into the pathogenic potential, infection experiments in embryonated chicken eggs and comparative genomics with Chlamydia psittaci were performed. C. psittaci is a ubiquitous zoonotic pathogen of birds and mammals, and infection in poultry can result in severe systemic illness. In experiments with embryonated chicken eggs, C. gallinacea induced mortality was observed, potentially strain dependent, but lower compared to C. psittaci induced mortality. Comparative analyses confirmed all currently available C. gallinacea genomes possess the hallmark genes coding for known and potential virulence factors as found in C. psittaci albeit to a reduced number of orthologues or paralogs. The presence of potential virulence factors and the observed mortality in embryonated eggs indicates C. gallinacea should rather be considered as an opportunistic pathogen than an innocuous commensal.
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18
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Chaber AL, Jelocnik M, Woolford L. Undiagnosed Cases of Human Pneumonia Following Exposure to Chlamydia psittaci from an Infected Rosella Parrot. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080968. [PMID: 34451432 PMCID: PMC8399200 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This report describes two cases of occupational exposure to Chlamydia psittaci following dissection of an infected Rosella (Platycercus elegans). The C. psittaci infections (with one of them resulting in diagnosed pneumonia and hospitalisation) were undiagnosed during routine medical investigations but later established due to epidemiological and clinical evidence, and molecular testing of the archived Rosella’ specimens. This case report stresses the importance of correct application and interpretation of diagnostic tests and the need to raise awareness about this zoonotic pathogen among medical practitioners and people exposed to potential animal carriers. Our findings suggest other infected individuals might be misdiagnosed and that C. psittaci (psittacosis) is likely to be underreported in Australia. This case highlights the need to operationalise the One Health concept. We call for improved communication between human and animal health service providers to allow accurate and rapid diagnosis of this zoonotic disease and raised awareness among medical practitioners. Further targeted surveys of wild birds (and other animals) should be conducted to improve assessment of risks to the general population and people working with or exposed to wild birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Lise Chaber
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4557, Australia;
| | - Lucy Woolford
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia;
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19
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Ravichandran K, Anbazhagan S, Karthik K, Angappan M, Dhayananth B. A comprehensive review on avian chlamydiosis: a neglected zoonotic disease. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:414. [PMID: 34312716 PMCID: PMC8313243 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02859-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Avian chlamydiosis is one of the important neglected diseases with critical zoonotic potential. Chlamydia psittaci, the causative agent, affects most categories of birds, livestock, companion animals, and humans. It has many obscured characters and epidemiological dimensions, which makes it unique among other bacterial agents. Recent reports on transmission from equine to humans alarmed the public health authorities, and it necessitates the importance of routine screening of this infectious disease. High prevalence of spill-over infection in equines was associated with reproductive losses. Newer avian chlamydial species are being reported in the recent years. It is a potential biological warfare agent and the disease is an occupational hazard mainly to custom officers handling exotic birds. Prevalence of the disease in wild birds, pet birds, and poultry causes economic losses to the poultry industry and the pet bird trade. Interestingly, there are speculations on the ‘legal’ and ‘illegal’ bird trade that may be the global source of some of the most virulent strains of this pathogen. The mortality rate generally ranges from 5 to 40% in untreated cases, but it can sometimes be higher in co-infection. The intracellular lifestyle of this pathogen makes the diagnosis more complicated and there is also lack of accurate diagnostics. Resistance to antibiotics is reported only in some pathogens of the Chlamydiaceae family, but routine screening may assess the actual situation in all pathogens. Due to the diverse nature of the pathogen, the organism necessitates the One Health partnerships to have complete understanding. The present review focuses on the zoonotic aspects of avian chlamydiosis with its new insights into the pathogenesis, transmission, treatment, prevention, and control strategies. The review also briefs on the basic understandings and complex epidemiology of avian chlamydiosis, highlighting the need for research on emerging one health perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthikeyan Ravichandran
- Division of Public Health and Epidemiology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India.
| | - Subbaiyan Anbazhagan
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Kumaragurubaran Karthik
- Central University Laboratory, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India
| | - Madesh Angappan
- Division of Public Health and Epidemiology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Balusamy Dhayananth
- Division of Public Health and Epidemiology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
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20
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Yuan Y, Zhang X, Gui C. Detection of Chlamydia psittaci in both blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid using metagenomic next-generation sequencing: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e26514. [PMID: 34232184 PMCID: PMC8270604 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000026514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Chlamydia psittaci (C psittaci) is a gram-negative obligate intracellular parasite, with birds as main hosts. The main route of infection in humans is inhalation of aerosols from contaminated animal excreta through the respiratory tract. The main manifestation of C psittaci infection is pneumonia. Patients suffering from severe infection are prone to sepsis and multiple organ failure. We report a case of simultaneous detection of C psittaci in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) technology. PATIENT CONCERNS The 71-year-old male patient was a farmer with a long history of raising poultry and initial symptoms of fever and muscle pain accompanied by limb weakness and paroxysmal cough. DIAGNOSES The patient was diagnosed with sepsis, severe pneumonia, and multiple organ failure. INTERVENTIONS Anti-infective therapy with doxycycline and meropenem was applied. OUTCOMES The patient's body temperature and infection indicators improved and the chest X-ray findings showed the amelioration of lesions after 18 days of treatment. The patient was discharged without treatment on hospital day 19 due to financial constraints and subsequently died after 7 days. LESSONS mNGS is an excellent diagnostic tool when specific pathogens are undetected by traditional assays.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaobo Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Changde City, Changde, Hunan, China
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21
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Wang K, Liu X, Liu H, Li P, Lin Y, Yin D, Yang L, Li J, Li S, Jia L, Bai C, Jiang Y, Li P, Song H. Metagenomic diagnosis of severe psittacosis using multiple sequencing platforms. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:406. [PMID: 34078288 PMCID: PMC8173916 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07725-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia psittaci is an avian pathogen that can cause lethal human infections. Diagnosis of C. psittaci pneumonia is often delayed due to nonspecific clinical presentations and limited laboratory diagnostic techniques. Results The MinION platform established the diagnosis in the shortest time, while BGISEQ-500 generated additional in-depth sequence data that included the rapid characterization of antibiotic susceptibility. Cytopathy appeared only in cell cultures of BALF. BALF yielded a higher bacterial load than sputum or blood, and may be the most suitable clinical specimen for the genomic diagnosis of severe pneumonia. Conclusions This study indicated that the benefits of metagenomic sequencing include rapid etiologic diagnosis of unknown infections and the provision of additional relevant information regarding antibiotic susceptibility. The continued optimization and standardization of sampling and metagenomic analysis promise to enhance the clinical utility of genomic diagnosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07725-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiying Wang
- Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, 20 Dongda Street, Fengtai District, 100071, Beijing, China.,Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 Dongda Street, Fengtai District, 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Xiong Liu
- Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 Dongda Street, Fengtai District, 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Huiying Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Peihan Li
- Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, 20 Dongda Street, Fengtai District, 100071, Beijing, China.,Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 Dongda Street, Fengtai District, 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfeng Lin
- Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, 20 Dongda Street, Fengtai District, 100071, Beijing, China.,Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 Dongda Street, Fengtai District, 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Dongdong Yin
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pathobiology and Disease Control College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Lang Yang
- Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 Dongda Street, Fengtai District, 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Jinhui Li
- Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 Dongda Street, Fengtai District, 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Shenlong Li
- Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 Dongda Street, Fengtai District, 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Leili Jia
- Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 Dongda Street, Fengtai District, 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Changqing Bai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yongqiang Jiang
- Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, 20 Dongda Street, Fengtai District, 100071, Beijing, China.
| | - Peng Li
- Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 Dongda Street, Fengtai District, 100071, Beijing, China.
| | - Hongbin Song
- Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 Dongda Street, Fengtai District, 100071, Beijing, China.
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Chen WT, Teng CA, Shih CH, Huang WH, Jiang YF, Chang HW, Jeng CR, Lai YH, Guo JC, Wang PJ, Cheng CH, Chang YC. Investigation of Lethal Concurrent Outbreak of Chlamydiosis and Pigeon Circovirus in a Zoo. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061654. [PMID: 34199449 PMCID: PMC8227979 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The present study aimed to investigate a lethal outbreak of chlamydiosis and pigeon circovirus (PiCV) infection in a zoo. A retrospective follow-up indicates that the lethal outbreak might be an independent episode. The high prevalence of PiCV positivity in the aviaries suggests that PiCV infection might play a key role in augmenting the lethality of chlamydiosis in birds. Persistently monitoring both pathogens and identifying potential PiCV carriers or transmitters might also help prevent lethal disease outbreaks. Abstract During the spring, an outbreak of sudden death involving 58 birds occurred in a zoo. Histopathological examinations revealed variable numbers of intracytoplasmic basophilic microorganisms in the macrophages, hepatocytes, and renal epithelium of most birds, along with occasional botryoid intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies within histiocytes in the bursa of Fabricius. Based on the results of histopathological examinations, immunohistochemical staining, transmission electron microscopy, and polymerase chain reactions, genotype B Chlamydia psittaci infection concurrent with pigeon circovirus (PiCV) was diagnosed. A retrospective survey, including two years before the outbreak and the outbreak year, of C. psittaci and PiCV infections of dead birds in the aviaries, revealed that the outbreak was an independent episode. The findings of this study indicate that concurrent infection with C. psittaci and PiCV might lead to lethal outbreaks of chlamydiosis, particularly Streptopelia orientalis. In addition, persistently monitoring both pathogens and identifying potential PiCV carriers or transmitters might also help prevent lethal disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Tao Chen
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (W.-T.C.); (C.-A.T.); (C.-H.S.); (W.-H.H.); (Y.-F.J.); (H.-W.C.); (C.-R.J.)
| | - Chin-Ann Teng
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (W.-T.C.); (C.-A.T.); (C.-H.S.); (W.-H.H.); (Y.-F.J.); (H.-W.C.); (C.-R.J.)
| | - Cheng-Hsin Shih
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (W.-T.C.); (C.-A.T.); (C.-H.S.); (W.-H.H.); (Y.-F.J.); (H.-W.C.); (C.-R.J.)
| | - Wei-Hsiang Huang
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (W.-T.C.); (C.-A.T.); (C.-H.S.); (W.-H.H.); (Y.-F.J.); (H.-W.C.); (C.-R.J.)
| | - Yi-Fan Jiang
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (W.-T.C.); (C.-A.T.); (C.-H.S.); (W.-H.H.); (Y.-F.J.); (H.-W.C.); (C.-R.J.)
| | - Hui-Wen Chang
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (W.-T.C.); (C.-A.T.); (C.-H.S.); (W.-H.H.); (Y.-F.J.); (H.-W.C.); (C.-R.J.)
| | - Chian-Ren Jeng
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (W.-T.C.); (C.-A.T.); (C.-H.S.); (W.-H.H.); (Y.-F.J.); (H.-W.C.); (C.-R.J.)
| | - Yen-Hsueh Lai
- Taipei Zoo, Taipei 116016, Taiwan; (Y.-H.L.); (J.-C.G.); (P.-J.W.); (C.-H.C.)
| | - Jun-Cheng Guo
- Taipei Zoo, Taipei 116016, Taiwan; (Y.-H.L.); (J.-C.G.); (P.-J.W.); (C.-H.C.)
| | - Pao-Jung Wang
- Taipei Zoo, Taipei 116016, Taiwan; (Y.-H.L.); (J.-C.G.); (P.-J.W.); (C.-H.C.)
| | - Chiu-Hung Cheng
- Taipei Zoo, Taipei 116016, Taiwan; (Y.-H.L.); (J.-C.G.); (P.-J.W.); (C.-H.C.)
| | - Yen-Chen Chang
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (W.-T.C.); (C.-A.T.); (C.-H.S.); (W.-H.H.); (Y.-F.J.); (H.-W.C.); (C.-R.J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-33663868
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23
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Liu L, Chen X, Tang T, Chen L, Huang Q, Li Z, Bai Q, Chen L. Analysis of microRNA expression profiles in human bronchial epithelial cells infected by Chlamydia psittaci. Microb Pathog 2021; 154:104837. [PMID: 33689813 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia psittaci is a pathogen of birds that can cause zoonotic disease in mammals including pneumonia in humans. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNA fragments with a length of about 22 nt, which play an important role in regulating gene expression after transcription. Chlamydia infection can cause changes in host cell miRNA expression, but the potential biological function of miRNAs in C. psittaci infection and pathogenesis is not well understood. METHODS Small RNA sequencing (sRNA-Seq) technology was used to characterise miRNA expression in human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells after C. psittaci infection, and differentially expressed miRNAs were identified. Candidate target genes for these miRNAs were then functionally annotated by Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. The sRNA-Seq results were partially validated by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and miRNA-target networks were constructed using visualization software. RESULTS We identified 151 differentially expressed miRNAs (46 known miRNAs and 105 novel miRNAs) in C. psittaci-infected HBE cells, of which 140 were upregulated and 11 were downregulated. Of these, 17 known miRNAs were significantly upregulated and two were downregulated using P < 0.05 and |log2FoldChange|>1.5 as threshold criteria. GO enrichment results showed that the predicted targets of these differentially expressed miRNAs were mainly involved in transcriptional regulation and ATP binding. KEGG pathway analysis suggested that the candidate target genes were involved in several important signaling pathways such as MAPK, ErbB, cGMP-PKG, cAMP, mTOR, GNRH, oxytocin, PI3K-Akt and AMPK, which are primarily related to biological processes such as transcription and signal transduction. The qRT-PCR results for miR-2116-3p, miR-3195, miR-663a, miR-10401-5p, miR-124-3p, miR-184, miR-744-5p and hsa-miR-514b-5p were consistent with the sRNA-Seq data. CONCLUSIONS A large amount of miRNA expression profile data relating to C. psittaci infection was obtained, which provides a useful experimental and theoretical basis for further understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of C. psittaci infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Liu
- Department of public health laboratory sciences, College of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang, China; Key Laboratory of Hengyang for Health Hazard Factors Inspection and Quarantine, Hengyang, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of public health laboratory sciences, College of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang, China; Key Laboratory of Hengyang for Health Hazard Factors Inspection and Quarantine, Hengyang, China
| | - Ting Tang
- Department of public health laboratory sciences, College of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang, China; Key Laboratory of Hengyang for Health Hazard Factors Inspection and Quarantine, Hengyang, China; Department of Infection Control, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of public health laboratory sciences, College of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang, China; Key Laboratory of Hengyang for Health Hazard Factors Inspection and Quarantine, Hengyang, China
| | - Qiaoling Huang
- Department of public health laboratory sciences, College of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang, China; Key Laboratory of Hengyang for Health Hazard Factors Inspection and Quarantine, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Qinqin Bai
- Department of public health laboratory sciences, College of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Lili Chen
- Department of public health laboratory sciences, College of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang, China; Key Laboratory of Hengyang for Health Hazard Factors Inspection and Quarantine, Hengyang, China.
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Chen Q, Li Y, Yan X, Sun Z, Wang C, Liu S, Xiao J, Lu C, Wu Y. Chlamydia psittaci Plasmid-Encoded CPSIT_P7 Elicits Inflammatory Response in Human Monocytes via TLR4/Mal/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:578009. [PMID: 33343522 PMCID: PMC7744487 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.578009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The chlamydial plasmid, an essential virulence factor, encodes plasmid proteins that play important roles in chlamydial infection and the corresponding immune response. However, the virulence factors and the molecular mechanisms of Chlamydia psittaci are not well understood. In the present study, we investigated the roles and mechanisms of the plasmid-encoded protein CPSIT_P7 of C. psittaci in regulating the inflammatory response in THP-1 cells (human monocytic leukemia cell line). Based on cytokine arrays, CPSIT_P7 induces the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in THP-1 cells. Moreover, the expression levels of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 stimulated by CPSIT_P7 declined after silencing of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene using small interfering RNA and transfection of a dominant negative plasmid encoding TLR4 (pZERO-hTLR4). We further demonstrated that transfection with the dominant negative plasmid encoding MyD88 (pDeNy-hMyD88) and the dominant negative plasmid encoding Mal (pDeNy-hMal) could also abrogate the expression of the corresponding proteins. Western blot and immunofluorescence assay results showed that CPSIT_P7 could activate nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways in THP-1 cells. Altogether, our results indicate that the CPSIT_P7 induces the TLR4/Mal/MyD88/NF-κB signaling axis and therefore contributes to the inflammatory cytokine response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Chen
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Institute of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yumeng Li
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiaoliang Yan
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhenjie Sun
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Chuan Wang
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Shuangquan Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Chunxue Lu
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yimou Wu
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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25
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El-Jakee J, El-Hariri MD, El-Shabrawy MA, Khedr AA, Hedia RH, Khairy EA, Gaber ES, Ragab E. Efficacy of a prepared tissue culture-adapted vaccine against Chlamydia psittaci experimentally in mice. Vet World 2020; 13:2546-2554. [PMID: 33363353 PMCID: PMC7750231 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.2546-2554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Chlamydia psittaci is an intracellular pathogen with a broad range of hosts and endemic in nearly all bird species as well as many mammalian species. Outbreaks contribute to economic losses, especially due to infection of pet birds, poultry, and livestock. Worse, the organism has a zoonotic effect, and transmission to humans results in severe illness. Therefore, proper control measures need to be applied. We conducted a trial for the preparation and evaluation of inactivated vaccine against C. psittaci. Materials and Methods Three C. psittaci strains (accession nos.: KP942827, KP942828, and KP942829) were grown in embryonated chicken eggs and then propagated for purification in Vero cells. The immunization experiment was experimentally performed in mice, which then were challenged with a virulent C. psittaci strain. Results The immunization trial revealed nearly 100% protection after the challenge. The histopathological and immunofluorescence examinations of internal organs revealed that the prepared killed vaccines can effectively reduce chlamydial infection and shedding in animals with the proper level of protection. Conclusion Our vaccine can be used to control economic and financial losses resulting from avian chlamydiosis, especially those in poultry industries. The zoonotic transmission risk highlights the need for proper control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- J El-Jakee
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud D El-Hariri
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Mona A El-Shabrawy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Research Center, El Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Afaf A Khedr
- Central Laboratory for Evaluation of Veterinary Biologics (CLEVB), Abbasia, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Riham H Hedia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Research Center, El Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman A Khairy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Research Center, El Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - E S Gaber
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Research Center, El Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman Ragab
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
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26
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Occurrence of Chlamydiaceae in Raptors and Crows in Switzerland. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9090724. [PMID: 32887370 PMCID: PMC7558692 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9090724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria of the family Chlamydiaceae are globally disseminated and able to infect many bird species. So far, 11 species of Chlamydia have been detected in wild birds, and several studies found chlamydial strains classified as genetically intermediate between Chlamydia (C.) psittaci and C.abortus. Recently, a group of these intermediate strains was shown to form a separate species, i.e., C.buteonis. In the present study, 1128 samples from 341 raptors of 16 bird species and 253 corvids representing six species were examined using a stepwise diagnostic approach. Chlamydiaceae DNA was detected in 23.7% of the corvids and 5.9% of the raptors. In corvids, the most frequently detected Chlamydia species was C.psittaci of outer membrane protein A (ompA) genotype 1V, which is known to have a host preference for corvids. The most frequently detected ompA genotype in raptors was M56. Furthermore, one of the raptors harbored C.psittaci 1V, and two others carried genotype A. C.buteonis was not detected in the bird population investigated, so it remains unknown whether this species occurs in Switzerland. The infection rate of Chlamydiaceae in corvids was high compared to rates reported in other wild bird species, but neither Chlamydiaceae-positive corvids nor raptors showed overt signs of disease. Since the Chlamydiaceae of both, raptors and crows were identified as C.psittaci and all C.psittaci genotypes are considered to be zoonotic, it can be suggested that raptors and crows pose a potential hazard to the health of their handlers.
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27
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Golestani N, Khoshkhoo PH, Hosseini H, Azad GA. Detection and identification of Chlamydia spp. from pigeons in Iran by nested PCR and sequencing. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2020; 12:331-337. [PMID: 32994905 PMCID: PMC7502139 DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v12i4.3937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Chlamydia psittaci, an obligate intracellular, Gram-negative zoonotic pathogen, has eight serovars and nine genotypes isolated from avian species with higher frequency in parrots and pigeons. The aim of this study was to characterize Chlamydia spp. using nested PCR and sequencing. Materials and Methods A total of 270 pharyngeal swab samples collected randomly from asymptomatic pigeons of 30 pigeon aviaries in Tehran province. DNA was extracted with specific kit and amplified by specific primers in the first PCR and outer membrane protein A (ompA) gene in the second PCR. Positive samples were sequenced and phylogenetic tree analyzed based on the ompA gene. Results Records showed that 16 of 30 (53%) pigeon aviaries were positive for Chlamydia spp. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that 15 of 16 (93.7%) positive samples, belonged to C. psittaci genotype B whereas the other sample belonged to C. avium. C. psittaci detected in 50% of pigeon aviaries that is high rate in Tehran province. Conclusion As C. psittaci is a zoonosis and life threaten pathogen for human being, these results indicate the significance of it detection in asymptomatic pigeons. Also, this is the first report of Chlamydia avium presence in Iranian pigeons which its zoonotic potential is still unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Golestani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
| | - Payam Haghighi Khoshkhoo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
| | - Hossein Hosseini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
| | - Gita Akbari Azad
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
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28
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Gu L, Liu W, Ru M, Lin J, Yu G, Ye J, Zhu ZA, Liu Y, Chen J, Lai G, Wen W. The application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in diagnosing Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia: a report of five cases. BMC Pulm Med 2020; 20:65. [PMID: 32178660 PMCID: PMC7077129 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-020-1098-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci. Diagnostic tools, including culture, serologic test and PCR-based methods, are available but prone to false negative results. Case presentation This report included five cases of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia. Symptoms and signs common to all 5 cases included fever, coughing, generalized muscle ache, and most notably, inflammatory infiltration of the lungs upon chest CT and X-ray. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) revealed the presence of Chlamydia psittaci in biopsy lung tissue in 3 cases and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in the remaining 2 cases. Three patients responded to doxycycline plus moxifloxacin; two patients responded to moxifloxacin alone. Conclusions mNGS could be used to diagnose Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Gu
- Graduate College of Fujian Medical University, Minhou, Fuzhou, 350108, China.,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Dongfang Hospital of Xiamen University, Fuzhou General Hospital of Fujian Medical University, The 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Gulou, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Dongfang Hospital of Xiamen University, Fuzhou General Hospital of Fujian Medical University, The 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Gulou, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Meng Ru
- Pharmacy Department, The 985th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Yingze, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Graduate College of Fujian Medical University, Minhou, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Guoqing Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Dongfang Hospital of Xiamen University, Fuzhou General Hospital of Fujian Medical University, The 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Gulou, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Jia Ye
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Dongfang Hospital of Xiamen University, Fuzhou General Hospital of Fujian Medical University, The 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Gulou, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Zheng-An Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Dongfang Hospital of Xiamen University, Fuzhou General Hospital of Fujian Medical University, The 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Gulou, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Yuebin Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Dongfang Hospital of Xiamen University, Fuzhou General Hospital of Fujian Medical University, The 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Gulou, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Dongfang Hospital of Xiamen University, Fuzhou General Hospital of Fujian Medical University, The 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Gulou, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Guoxiang Lai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Dongfang Hospital of Xiamen University, Fuzhou General Hospital of Fujian Medical University, The 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Gulou, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Wen Wen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Dongfang Hospital of Xiamen University, Fuzhou General Hospital of Fujian Medical University, The 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Gulou, Fuzhou, 350025, China.
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29
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Jones B, Taylor K, Lucas RM, Merritt T, Chicken C, Heller J, Carrick J, Givney R, Durrheim DN. Challenges in using serological methods to explore historical transmission risk of Chlamydia psittaci in a workforce with high exposure to equine chlamydiosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 43. [PMID: 31838983 DOI: 10.33321/cdi.2019.43.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction This report describes the challenges encountered in using serological methods to study the historical transmission risk of C. psittaci from horses to humans. Methods In 2017, serology and risk factor questionnaire data from a group of individuals, whose occupations involved close contact with horses, were collected to assess the seroprevalence of antibodies to C. psittaci and identify risk factors associated with previous exposure. Results 147 participants were enrolled in the study, provided blood samples, and completed a questionnaire. On ELISA testing, antibodies to the Chlamydia genus were detected in samples from 17 participants but further specific species-specific MIF testing did not detect C. psittaci-specific antibodies in any of these samples. Conclusion No serological evidence of past C. psittaci transmission from horses to humans was found in this study cohort. There are major challenges in using serological methods to determine the prevalence of C. psittaci exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Jones
- Health Protection, Hunter New England Health, Wallsend, NSW; National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT
| | - Kathryn Taylor
- Health Protection, Hunter New England Health, Wallsend, NSW
| | - Robyn M Lucas
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT
| | - Tony Merritt
- Health Protection, Hunter New England Health, Wallsend, NSW
| | | | - Jane Heller
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW
| | | | | | - David N Durrheim
- Health Protection, Hunter New England Health, Wallsend, NSW; School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, NSW
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Mamma M, Spandidos DA. Customs officers in relation to viral infections, tuberculosis, psittacosis and environmental health risk. Exp Ther Med 2018; 17:1149-1153. [PMID: 30679987 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.7077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Customs Service is a financial authority responsible for controlling the flow of importation and exportation goods in each country and for collecting the relevant taxes. Customs officers are considered as 'high-demand' and 'high-responsibility' governmental officials, which constitute members of multidisciplinary teams at the local, as well as international level and collaborate with different authorities, including medical officers. Despite limited data in the medical literature, customs officers are considered as a 'high-risk' occupational group for infections and environmental health risk. During the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and influenza A/H1N1 pandemic outbreaks in 2003 and 2009, respectively, customs officers had a fundamental front-line input in the establishment of the recommended at that time border measures. In Belgium in 1994, a psittacosis outbreak occurred in customs officers following their exposure to illegally imported parakeets. During the recent increased immigration proceedings, customs officers have been involved in detaining unauthorized populations for various infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, varicella and measles. Occupational risk for customs officers also includes noise-induced hearing loss, exposure to diesel engine emission and stored tobacco and occupational stress due to their increased time-schedule and decision-making duties. In this review, we discuss customs officers' occupational risk towards environmental and infectious factors, including viral infections, tuberculosis and psittacosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Mamma
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
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Chereau F, Rehn M, Pini A, Kühlmann-Berenzon S, Ydring E, Ringberg H, Runehagen A, Ockborn G, Dotevall L, Wallensten A. Wild and domestic bird faeces likely source of psittacosis transmission-A case-control study in Sweden, 2014-2016. Zoonoses Public Health 2018; 65:790-797. [PMID: 29984469 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Psittacosis is a zoonotic disease transmitted by birds. In Sweden, where psittacosis is notifiable, an average of eight cases per year were reported between 2002 and 2012. In 2013, an unusual increase in cases in southern Sweden was associated with exposure to wild birds. To further explore specific risk factors connected to wild birds and identify other risk factors for sporadic psittacosis, we conducted a case-control study including all domestically acquired psittacosis cases reported between December 2014 and April 2016 in Sweden. Cases were age-, sex- and geo-matched to controls randomly selected from a population register. Cases and controls completed a questionnaire investigating detailed exposures to wild and domestic birds. We compared cases to controls, calculating adjusted matched odds ratios (amOR) using conditional logistic regression. Thirty-one cases were notified: all cases lived in southern Sweden and 26 were ill during winter season. Two risk factors were independently associated with psittacosis infection: cleaning a wild bird feeder (amOR = 18.95; 95% CI: 2.11-170.03) and owning domestic birds (amOR = 5.55, 95% CI: 1.16-26.61). Our results suggest that exposure to bird faeces, for example when cleaning a wild bird feeder, was the main route of transmission. Following this study, the Public Health Agency of Sweden published recommendations on good practices when cleaning surfaces contaminated with bird faeces and recommended use of bird feeders with a design limiting faeces accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Chereau
- The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden.,European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Moa Rehn
- The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden.,European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alessandro Pini
- The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden.,European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Elsie Ydring
- The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Håkan Ringberg
- Regional Office of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Skåne County, Sweden
| | - Arne Runehagen
- Communicable Diseases Control Unit, Kronoberg County Council, Växjo, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Ockborn
- Regional Office of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Västra Götaland County, Sweden
| | - Leif Dotevall
- Regional Office of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Västra Götaland County, Sweden
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Burt SA, Röring RE, Heijne M. Chlamydia psittaci and C. avium in feral pigeon (Columba livia domestica) droppings in two cities in the Netherlands. Vet Q 2018; 38:63-66. [PMID: 29806552 PMCID: PMC6831002 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2018.1482028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) live and breed in many city centres and contact with their droppings can be a hazard for human health if the birds carry Chlamydia psittaci. Objective: The aim of this study was to establish whether pigeon droppings in two Dutch cities (Utrecht and Haarlem) contain C. psittaci and/or C. avium, which could be a potential hazard for transmission to humans. Methods: In May 2017 seven feral pigeon ‘hot spots’ with between 5 and 40+ pigeons present were identified in two cities by visual observations over two days. During the following ten days fresh droppings were collected at these hot spots and the samples were pooled per three droppings to achieve 40–41 samples per city. Samples were analysed for Chlamydia DNA with a broad range 23S Chlamydiaceae Real-Time PCR and positive samples were tested with a specific C. psittaci and C. avium Real-Time PCR. Positive C. psittaci samples were genotyped. Results:C. psittaci and C. avium were detected in both cities. For C. psittaci the prevalences in Utrecht and Haarlem were 2.4% and 7.5%, respectively; for C. avium 36.6% and 20.0%, respectively. One sample contained both species. All C. psittaci samples belonged to genotype B. Conclusion:C. psittaci and C. avium are present in feral pigeon droppings in Utrecht and Haarlem. Human contact with droppings from infected pigeons or inhalation of dust from dried droppings represent a potential hazard to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Burt
- a Division of Environmental Epidemiology & Veterinary Public Health , Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - Romy E Röring
- a Division of Environmental Epidemiology & Veterinary Public Health , Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - Marloes Heijne
- b Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology , Wageningen Bioveterinary Research , Lelystad , The Netherlands
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Vande Weygaerde Y, Versteele C, Thijs E, De Spiegeleer A, Boelens J, Vanrompay D, Van Braeckel E, Vermaelen K. An unusual presentation of a case of human psittacosis. Respir Med Case Rep 2018; 23:138-142. [PMID: 29719801 PMCID: PMC5926501 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia psittaci is a gram-negative, obligate intracellular organism. Birds are the main reservoir, but also non-avian domestic animals and humans can be infected. In humans it mostly causes respiratory infections due to occupational exposure with varying severity. Sensitive and specific diagnostic tests are needed to define psittacosis in humans as these tests also allow rapid tracing of the animal source. However, diagnosis in humans is often based on time-consuming culture techniques and antibody detection assays as in many countries, the existing molecular diagnostic tests for psittacosis are not reimbursed by the public health insurance. Case presentation An 82-year old female was referred to the hospital with a non-productive cough since four weeks and since one week fever up to 39 °C, myalgia, generalized skin rash, acral edema and generalized weakness under treatment with moxifloxacin. Blood analysis showed signs of inflammation with mild eosinophilia. Chest CT showed multiple peripheral ground glass opacities with consolidation in both lungs. Pulmonary function testing only showed a mild decrease in diffusion capacity. Viral and bacterial serology were negative. As the patient kept a pet parakeet for over ten years, a nested PCR for C. psittaci was performed on a nasopharyngeal swab of the patient and on feces of the parakeet. Both returned positive for the same genotype. Genotyping was performed by a genotype-specific real-time PCR. The patient fully recovered after a ten-day course of azithromycin. Conclusion Due to non-specific signs during psittacosis, early detection of the infection and differentiation from hypersensitivity pneumonitis can be challenging. Culture and antibody titers for C. psittaci have a lower sensitivity than PCR-testing due to several factors. We present a case of human psittacosis (presenting as pneumonia) with diagnosis based on clinical findings confirmed by means of nested PCR. This case suggests the added value of PCR in suspect cases despite negative serology. Our current paper underlines the need for a broader implementation of PCR for early diagnosis of human psittacosis and thus early initiation of correct antibiotic treatment with reduction of morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Vande Weygaerde
- Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Corresponding author.
| | - Charlot Versteele
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elke Thijs
- Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anton De Spiegeleer
- Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jerina Boelens
- Dept. of Laboratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Daisy Vanrompay
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eva Van Braeckel
- Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karim Vermaelen
- Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
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Borel N, Polkinghorne A, Pospischil A. A Review on Chlamydial Diseases in Animals: Still a Challenge for Pathologists? Vet Pathol 2018; 55:374-390. [PMID: 29310550 DOI: 10.1177/0300985817751218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydiae have a worldwide distribution causing a wide range of diseases in human hosts, livestock, and companion animals as well as in wildlife and exotic species. Moreover, they can persist in their hosts as asymptomatic infections for extended periods of time. The introduction of molecular techniques has revolutionized the Chlamydia field by expanding the host range of known chlamydial species but also by discovering new species and even new families of bacteria in the broader order Chlamydiales. The wide range of hosts, diseases, and tissues affected by chlamydiae complicate the diagnosis such that standard diagnostic approaches for these bacteria are rare. Bacteria of the Chlamydiales order are small and their inclusions are difficult to detect by standard microscopy. With the exception of avian and ovine chlamydiosis, macroscopic and/or histologic changes might not be pathognomic or indicative for a chlamydial infection or even not present at all. Moreover, detection of chlamydial DNA in specimens in the absence of other methods or related pathological lesions questions the significance of such findings. The pathogenic potential of the majority of recently identified Chlamydia-related bacteria remains largely unknown and awaits investigation through experimental or natural infection models including histomorphological characterization of associated lesions. This review aims to summarize the historical background and the most important developments in the field of animal chlamydial research in the past 5 years with a special focus on pathology. It will summarize the current nomenclature, present critical thoughts about diagnostics, and give an update on chlamydial infections in domesticated animals such as livestock, companion animals and birds, as well as free-ranging and captive wild animals such as reptiles, fish, and marsupials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Borel
- 1 Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- 2 Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Andreas Pospischil
- 1 Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Abstract
Chlamydiae are bacterial pathogens that grow in vacuolar inclusions. Dendritic cells (DCs) disintegrate these compartments, thereby eliminating the microbes, through auto/xenophagy, which also promotes chlamydial antigen presentation via MHC I. Here, we show that TNF-α controls this pathway by driving cytosolic phospholipase (cPLA)2-mediated arachidonic acid (AA) production. AA then impairs mitochondrial function, which disturbs the development and integrity of these energy-dependent parasitic inclusions, while a simultaneous metabolic switch towards aerobic glycolysis promotes DC survival. Tubulin deacetylase/autophagy regulator HDAC6 associates with disintegrated inclusions, thereby further disrupting their subcellular localisation and stability. Bacterial remnants are decorated with defective mitochondria, mito-aggresomal structures, and components of the ubiquitin/autophagy machinery before they are degraded via mito-xenophagy. The mechanism depends on cytoprotective HSP25/27, the E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin and HDAC6 and promotes chlamydial antigen generation for presentation on MHC I. We propose that this novel mito-xenophagic pathway linking innate and adaptive immunity is critical for effective DC-mediated anti-bacterial resistance.
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