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Leino LI, Vesterinen EJ, Sánchez-Virosta P, Puigbò P, Eeva T, Rainio MJ. Pollution-related changes in nest microbiota: Implications for growth and fledging in three passerine birds. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 357:124434. [PMID: 38936789 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Non-ferrous smelters emit toxic metals into the environment, posing a threat to wildlife health. Despite the acknowledged role of microbes in host health, the impact of such emissions on host-associated microbiota, especially in wild birds, remains largely unexplored. This study investigates the associations of metal pollution, fitness, and nest microbiota (serving as a proxy for early-life microbial environment) which may influence the nestling health and development. Our study focuses on three passerine birds, the great tit (Parus major), blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus), and pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca), within control and metal-polluted sites around a Finnish copper-nickel smelter. The polluted sites had been contaminated with arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn). We performed bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing and metal analyses on 90 nests and monitored nestling body mass, fledging success, and various biotic and abiotic factors. Our findings revealed species-specific responses to metal exposure in terms of both fitness and nest microbiota. P. major and C. caeruleus showed sensitivity to pollution, with decreased nestling growth and fledging in the polluted zone. This was accompanied by a shift in the bacterial community composition, which was characterized by an increase in some pathogenic bacteria (in P. major and C. caeruleus nests) and by a decrease in plant-associated bacteria (within C. caeruleus nests). Conversely, F. hypoleuca and their nest microbiota showed limited responses to pollution, indicating greater tolerance to pollution-induced environmental changes. Although pollution did not correlate with nest alpha diversity or the most abundant bacterial taxa across all species, certain potential pathogens within the nests were enriched in polluted environments and negatively correlated with nestling fitness parameters. Our results suggest that metal pollution may alter the nest bacterial composition in some bird species, either directly or indirectly through environmental changes, promoting pathogenic bacteria and potentially impacting bird survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyydia I Leino
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Henrikinkatu 2, 20014, Turku, Finland.
| | - Eero J Vesterinen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Henrikinkatu 2, 20014, Turku, Finland.
| | - Pablo Sánchez-Virosta
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Pere Puigbò
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Henrikinkatu 2, 20014, Turku, Finland; Eurecat, Technology Centre of Catalonia, Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Rovira I Virgili University, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Tapio Eeva
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Henrikinkatu 2, 20014, Turku, Finland.
| | - Miia J Rainio
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Henrikinkatu 2, 20014, Turku, Finland.
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Hegazy AME, Morsy AM, Salem HM, Al-Zaban MI, Alkahtani AM, Alshammari NM, El-Saadony MT, Altarjami LR, Bahshwan SMA, Al-Qurashi MM, El-Tarabily KA, Tolba HMN. The therapeutic efficacy of neem (Azadirecta indica) leaf extract against coinfection with Chlamydophila psittaci and low pathogenic avian influenza virus H9N2 in broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2024; 103:104089. [PMID: 39142030 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.104089] [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: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Avian chlamydiosis is a serious avian infection that carries a significant zoonotic danger to the poultry industry. The respiratory co-infections caused by the low pathogenic avian influenza virus H9N2 (LPAIV H9N2) also cause significant financial losses in the poultry industry. The purpose of this study was to examine the pathogenicity of Chlamydophila psittaci, and LPAIV H9N2 individually and in combination in broiler chickens, as well as to determine whether or not aqueous neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract is effective against infections caused by these pathogens. Therefore, 120 broiler cobb chicks were equally divided into 4 groups (30 birds each) with triplicates with 10 birds. Broilers in group 1 (G1) were infected with only C. psittaci, broilers in group 2 (G2) were infected with only LPAIV H9N2, broilers in group 3 (G3) were infected with C. psittaci and LPAIV H9N2, and broilers in group 4 (G4) remained not challenged and non-treated with any therapeutic or preventive treatment (negative control). At 21 d postinfection (dpi), birds in G1, G2, and G3 were divided into 3 subgroups of 10 birds each: subgroup (A) remained infected and untreated (positive control), subgroup (B) infected and received oxytetracycline for 5 consecutive d, and subgroup (C) infected and received 8% aqueous neem leaf extract for 5 consecutive d. The multiplication of C. psittaci in birds in G1, in various tissues was evaluated using Giemsa staining and the data showed that multiplication was much higher in the lung, spleen, and liver from 6 h to 21 dpi, but low in the heart from 8 to 21 dpi. During simultaneous co-infection in G3, the birds developed significant clinical symptoms and postmortem lesions (PM). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect viral shedding from oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs between 2 dpi and 8 dpi, with cycle threshold (CT) values ranging from 22 to 24. In contrast, bacterial shedding began 6 h after infection and continued until 21 dpi, with CT values ranging from 23 to 26. Administration of an aqueous neem leaf extract at an 8% concentration (Group C) resulted in a numerical rise in average body weight across all treatment groups in the third and fourth week, as well as a reduction in LPAIV H9N2 and C. psittaci replication in the respiratory and gut of treated birds compared to those treated with oxytetracycline (Group B). Overall, respiratory co-infections pose a considerable risk to the poultry business, which is a big threat. To control C. psittaci and LPAIV H9N2 in broiler chickens, oral supplementation of 8% aqueous neem leaf extract is recommended. This treatment improves the birds' performance, as evidenced by an increase in their average body weight. In addition, the application of 8% aqueous neem leaf extract lowers C. psittaci replication within tissues and diminishes LPAIV H9N2 shedding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M E Hegazy
- Department of Avian and Rabbit Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Amira M Morsy
- Reference Laboratory for Quality Control on Poultry Production, Department of Poultry Diseases, Animal Health Research Institute, Arish Branch, Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Egypt
| | - Heba M Salem
- Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Mayasar I Al-Zaban
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M Alkahtani
- Department of Microbiology and Clinical Parasitology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naheda M Alshammari
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed T El-Saadony
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Lamaia R Altarjami
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Arts, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, 21991, Saudi Arabia
| | - Safia M A Bahshwan
- Biological Sciences Department, College of Science and Arts, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, 21911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mada M Al-Qurashi
- Biological Sciences Department, College of Science and Arts, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, 21911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled A El-Tarabily
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, 15551, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Hala M N Tolba
- Department of Avian and Rabbit Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
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Riccio MB, García JP, Chiapparrone ML, Cantón J, Cacciato C, Origlia JA, Cadario ME, Diab SS, Uzal FA. Outbreak of Chlamydia psittaci Infection in a Commercial Psittacine Breeding Aviary in Argentina. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1959. [PMID: 38998071 PMCID: PMC11240451 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131959] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlamydiosis, caused by Chlamydia psittaci is a bacterial infection found in at least 465 species of birds worldwide. It is highly contagious among birds and can spread to humans. In birds, the disease can manifest itself in acute, subacute, and chronic forms with signs including anorexia, diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, or, occasionally, mucopurulent or serous oculonasal discharge. This article describes an outbreak of chlamydiosis that occurred in a commercial psittacine breeding aviary in 2021 in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. In total, 16 juvenile blue-fronted parrots, more than 60 blue-fronted parrot chicks, and 2 adult macaws died during the outbreak. In all cases, clinical signs were weight loss, diarrhea, yellowish green excrement, and respiratory distress. The necropsy of four juvenile blue-fronted parrots, two blue-fronted parrot chicks, and two adult macaws revealed cachexia, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, splenic petechial hemorrhages, ascites, pulmonary edema, and hydropericardium. Histologically, multifocal lymphoplasmacytic and heterophilic airsaculitis, multifocal lymphoplasmacytic and necrotizing hepatitis with intracytoplasmic elementary bodies, multifocal necro-heterophilic hepatitis, multifocal lymphoplasmacytic nephritis, and diffuse heterophilic pneumonia were found. A presumptive diagnosis was established based on gross and microscopic lesions, and it was confirmed using immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reactions. The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the ompA gene revealed genotype A and B of Chlamydia psittaci.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Belén Riccio
- Servicio de Diagnóstico Veterinario FCV Tandil, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil B7000GHG, Argentina;
| | - Jorge Pablo García
- Servicio de Diagnóstico Veterinario FCV Tandil, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil B7000GHG, Argentina;
| | - María Laura Chiapparrone
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Clínica y Experimental, Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN) (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil B7000GHG, Argentina; (M.L.C.); (J.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Juliana Cantón
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Clínica y Experimental, Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN) (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil B7000GHG, Argentina; (M.L.C.); (J.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Claudio Cacciato
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Clínica y Experimental, Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN) (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil B7000GHG, Argentina; (M.L.C.); (J.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Javier Anibal Origlia
- Cátedra de Patología de Aves y Pilíferos, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata B1900BVB, Argentina;
| | - María Estela Cadario
- INEI-ANLIS «Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán», Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires B1282AFF, Argentina;
| | - Santiago Sain Diab
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA;
| | - Francisco Alejandro Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, San Bernardino, CA 92408, USA;
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Palillo MB, Carrasco SE, Mishkin N, Palillo JA, Lynch DB, Lawton S, Aydin M, Mourino A, Lipman NS, Ricart Arbona RJ. Assessment of Antimicrobial Therapy in Eradicating Chlamydia muridarum in Research Mice: Immune Status and its Impact on Outcomes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.28.600682. [PMID: 38979332 PMCID: PMC11230361 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.28.600682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Chlamydia muridarum (Cm) is a moderately prevalent, gram-negative, intracellular bacterium that affects laboratory mice, causing subclinical to severe disease, depending on the host's immune status. The effectiveness of various antibiotic regimens aimed at eradicating Cm in both immunodeficient and immunocompetent laboratory mice was evaluated. NSG mice were cohoused with Cm-shedding BALB/cJ mice for 14 days to simulate natural exposure. Four groups of 8 infected NSG mice were treated for 7 days with either 0.08% sulfamethoxazole and 0.016% trimethoprim (TMS) in water, 0.0625% doxycycline in feed, 0.124%/0.025% TMS in feed, or 0.12% amoxicillin in feed. A control group was provided standard water and feed. The impact of treatment on gastrointestinal microbiota (GM) was performed through shotgun sequencing on the last day of treatment. TMS and Amoxicillin had negligible effects on GM, while doxycycline had the largest effect. All antibiotic treated NSG mice exhibited clinical disease, including dehydration, hunched posture, >20% weight loss, and dyspnea, leading to euthanasia 21-40 days post-treatment (32.6 ± 4.2 days; mean ± SD). Untreated controls were euthanized 14-33 days post-exposure (23.75 ± 5.9 days). All mice were fecal PCR positive for Cm at euthanasia. Histological evaluation revealed multifocal histiocytic and neutrophilic bronchointerstitial pneumonia and/or bronchiolitis featuring prominent intralesional chlamydial inclusion bodies in all mice. Subsequently, groups of 8 C57BL/6J, BALB/cJ, NOD.SCID, and NSG mice infected with Cm were treated with 0.124%/0.025% TMS in feed for 7 (BALB/cJ and C57BL/6J) or 21 days (NSG and NOD.SCID). All immunocompetent and NOD.SCID mice were negative for Cm by PCR 14 days post-treatment, remained clinically normal and had no evidence of Cm infection at necropsy, all NSG mice remained Cm positive and were euthanized. While these findings highlight the difficulties in eradicating Cm from highly immunodeficient mice, eradication of Cm from immunocompetent or moderately immunocompromised mice with antibiotics is feasible.
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Schmiedová L, Černá K, Li T, Těšický M, Kreisinger J, Vinkler M. Bacterial communities along parrot digestive and respiratory tracts: the effects of sample type, species and time. Int Microbiol 2024; 27:127-142. [PMID: 37222909 PMCID: PMC10830831 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00372-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Digestive and respiratory tracts are inhabited by rich bacterial communities that can vary between their different segments. In comparison with other bird taxa with developed caeca, parrots that lack caeca have relatively lower variability in intestinal morphology. Here, based on 16S rRNA metabarcoding, we describe variation in microbiota across different parts of parrot digestive and respiratory tracts both at interspecies and intraspecies levels. In domesticated budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), we describe the bacterial variation across eight selected sections of respiratory and digestive tracts, and three non-destructively collected sample types (faeces, and cloacal and oral swabs). Our results show important microbiota divergence between the upper and lower digestive tract, but similarities between respiratory tract and crop, and also between different intestinal segments. Faecal samples appear to provide a better proxy for intestinal microbiota composition than the cloacal swabs. Oral swabs had a similar bacterial composition as the crop and trachea. For a subset of tissues, we confirmed the same pattern also in six different parrot species. Finally, using the faeces and oral swabs in budgerigars, we revealed high oral, but low faecal microbiota stability during a 3-week period mimicking pre-experiment acclimation. Our findings provide a basis essential for microbiota-related experimental planning and result generalisation in non-poultry birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Schmiedová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Kateřina Černá
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Těšický
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Kreisinger
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Vinkler
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Nogarol C, Marchino M, Scala S, Belvedere M, Renna G, Vitale N, Mandola ML. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Chlamydia abortus Infection in Sheep and Goats in North-Western Italy. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:291. [PMID: 38254460 PMCID: PMC10812754 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020291] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus, although poorly recognized as a human pathogen, is a zoonotic microorganism that can cause many different symptoms in humans, including subclinical infection and fatal illnesses in pregnant women. C. abortus is one of the most common causes of ovine and caprine infectious abortion worldwide, known as the causative agent of the enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE) or ovine enzootic abortion (OEA). To estimate C. abortus seroprevalence and the risk factors related to C. abortus in small ruminants, the sera from 3045 animals (both sheep and goat) belonging to 202 herds were tested and a questionnaire investigating flock management was administered. At the herd level, the true seroprevalence was 56.6% (CI95%: 46.9-66.3%), at sheep-farm and goat-farm level, the true seroprevalence was 71.4% (CI95%: 54.6-88.3%) and 44.8% (CI95%: 41.3-57.0%), respectively. The true seroprevalence was significantly higher among the sheep than the goats. The logistic regression model identified four factors associated with Chlamydia seropositivity: flock size (i.e., farms with >50 heads), contact with cattle, introduction of animals, and Coxiella seropositivity. The study evidenced a high seroprevalence of Chlamydia abortus in small ruminant farms in the Piedmont region. Considering its zoonotic potential and the health consequences in humans, communication to farmers on the importance of vaccination, as well as the sensibilization of farm vets, seem to be strategical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Nogarol
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, S.S. Diagnostica Virologica Specialistica, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy; (C.N.)
| | - Monica Marchino
- Servizio Veterinario ASL TO5, S.C. Sanità Animale, 10023 Chieri, Italy;
| | - Sonia Scala
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, S.S. Diagnostica Virologica Specialistica, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy; (C.N.)
| | - Manuela Belvedere
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, S.S. Diagnostica Virologica Specialistica, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy; (C.N.)
| | - Giovanna Renna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, S.S. Diagnostica Virologica Specialistica, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy; (C.N.)
| | - Nicoletta Vitale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, S.S. Osservatorio delle Regioni, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy;
| | - Maria Lucia Mandola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, S.S. Diagnostica Virologica Specialistica, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy; (C.N.)
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Szymańska-Czerwińska M, Zaręba-Marchewka K, Niemczuk K. New insight on chlamydiae. J Vet Res 2023; 67:559-565. [PMID: 38130448 PMCID: PMC10730554 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2023-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This article provides an overview of the current knowledge on chlamydiae, which are intracellular bacteria belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family. Whole-genome sequencing leads to great increases in the available data about Chlamydia spp. Recently, novel chlamydial taxons in various hosts living in different environments have been recognised. New species and taxons with Candidatus status have been recorded mainly in birds and reptiles. Chlamydia gallinacea is an emerging infectious agent in poultry with indirectly confirmed zoonotic potential. Recently, a new group of avian C. abortus strains with worldwide distribution in various wild bird families has been described. The definition of C. abortus species became outdated with the discovery of these strains and has been amended. It now includes two subgroups, mammalian and avian, the latter including all isolates hitherto referred to as atypical C. psittaci or C. psittaci/C. abortus intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Szymańska-Czerwińska
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, Puławy, Poland
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100Puławy, Poland
| | | | - Krzysztof Niemczuk
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, Puławy, Poland
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100Puławy, Poland
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Alsubaiyel AM, Bukhari SI. Computational exploration and design of a multi-epitopes vaccine construct against Chlamydia psittaci. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-17. [PMID: 37897717 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2268173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is an intracellular pathogen and causes variety of deadly infections in humans. Antibiotics are effective against C. psittaci however high percentage of resistant strains have been reported in recent times. As there is no licensed vaccine, we used in-silico techniques to design a multi-epitopes vaccine against C. psittaci. Following a step-wise protocol, the proteome of available 26 strains was retrieved and filtered for subcellular localized proteins. Five proteins were selected (2 extracellular and 3 outer membrane) and were further analyzed for B-cell and T-cell epitopes prediction. Epitopes were further checked for antigenicity, solubility, stability, toxigenicity, allergenicity, and adhesive properties. Filtered epitopes were linked via linkers and the 3D structure of the designed vaccine construct was predicted. Binding of the designed vaccine with immune receptors: MHC-I, MHC-II, and TLR-4 was analyzed, which resulted in docking energy scores of -4.37 kcal/mol, -0.20 kcal/mol and -22.38 kcal/mol, respectively. Further, the docked complexes showed stable dynamics with a maximum value of vaccine-MHC-I complex (7.8 Å), vaccine-MHC-II complex (6.2 Å) and vaccine-TLR4 complex (5.2 Å). As per the results, the designed vaccine construct reported robust immune responses to protect the host against C. psittaci infections. In the study, the C. psittaci proteomes were considered in pan-genome analysis to extract core proteins. The pan-genome analysis was conducted using bacterial pan-genome analysis (BPGA) software. The core proteins were checked further for non-redundant proteins using a CD-Hit server. Surface localized proteins were investigated using PSORTb v 3.0. The surface proteins were BLASTp against Virulence Factor Data Base (VFDB) to predict virulent factors. Antigenicity prediction of the shortlisted proteins was further done using VAXIGEN v 2.0. The epitope mapping was done using the immune epitope database (IEDB). A multi-epitopes vaccine was built and a 3D structure was generated using 3Dprot online server. The docking analysis of the designed vaccine with immune receptors was carried out using PATCHDOCK. Molecular dynamics and post-simulation analyses were carried out using AMBER v20 to decipher the dynamics stability and intermolecular binding energies of the docked complexes.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal M Alsubaiyel
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah I Bukhari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Yang SL, Gao Y, Han ZY, Du X, Liu W, Jin SG, Bi Y, Chen PF, Yue CS, Wu JH, Lai QQ, Tang YJ, Wang XT, Ji YY, Zhao MY, Kang K, Yu KJ. Successful treatment of near-fatal pulmonary embolism and cardiac arrest in an adult patient with fulminant psittacosis-induced severe acute respiratory distress syndrome after veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation rescue: A case report and follow-up. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20562. [PMID: 37842616 PMCID: PMC10568334 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was successfully performed for the rescue of an adult patient with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by fulminant psittacosis, and then a near-fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) and cardiac arrest (CA) of the same patient was cured through catheter-directed thrombolysis. Case presentation A 51-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital on September 10, 2021 due to slurred speech, weakness in lower limbs, dizziness, and nausea. Subsequently, she developed confusion and was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU), where she received anti-shock, antibiotics, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), and veno-venous ECMO due to the diagnosis of severe pneumonia, severe ARDS, and septic shock based on comprehensive physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging findings. The metagenomic next-gengeration sequencing (m-NGS) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) suggested that the pathogen was chlamydia psittaci, so the antibiotics were adjusted to doxycycline combined with azithromycin. After withdrawal from ECMO, ultrasound (US) re-examination of the left lower limb revealed inter-muscular vein thrombosis, following which heparin was replaced by subcutaneous injection of 0.4ml enoxaparin sodium twice daily for anti-coagulation therapy. After withdrawal from IMV, the patient suffered sudden CA and successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and emergency pulmonary angiography (PA) was performed to show bilateral main pulmonary artery embolism. After immediate catheter-directed thrombolysis and placement of an inferior vena cava filter, the patient's condition gradually stabilized. Conclusions Veno-venous ECMO can be successfully performed as an emergency life-saving treatment for patients with severe ARDS induced by fulminant psittacosis, and during ECMO regular examinations should be conducted to detect and manage thrombosis in time, thereby avoiding the occurrence of near-fatal PE and CA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Liu Yang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150028, Heilongjiang Province, China
- Institute of Critical Care Medicine, The Sino Russian Medical Research Center of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Zhi-Yang Han
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xue Du
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Song-Gen Jin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Ying Bi
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Peng-Fei Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Chuang-Shi Yue
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Ji-Han Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Qi-qi Lai
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yu-jia Tang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xin-Tong Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Ji
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Ming-Yan Zhao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Kai Kang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Kai-Jiang Yu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
- Institute of Critical Care Medicine, The Sino Russian Medical Research Center of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
- The Cell Transplantation Key Laboratory of National Health Commission, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
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10
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Ossa-Giraldo AC, Úsuga-Perilla X, Correa JS, Segura JA. Chlamydia psittaci seropositivity in workers exposed to birds and review of the literature: Evidence of circulation in Antioquia. BIOMEDICA : REVISTA DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE SALUD 2023; 43:330-343. [PMID: 37871570 PMCID: PMC10629862 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.6832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Psittacosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci, a bacterium classified as an agent with bioterrorist potential. It has caused multiple outbreaks in exposed poultry workers around the world. Colombia has no epidemiological follow-up of the infection and a big knowledge gap. Objectives To determine the antibodies’ frequency against C. psittaci in workers with occupational exposure to birds and to review the literature on studies conducted in Colombia. Materials and methods We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study with analytical intent on workers in contact with birds and reviewed the related literature in Colombia. IgM and IgG serum antibodies against C. psittaci were detected by microimmunofluorescence. The sociodemographic and exposure characteristics were expressed as frequencies and summary measures. Associated factors were explored by bivariate and multivariate analysis. The scientific and gray literature review was done with a structured search. Results We analyzed 54 workers in contact with birds. Antibody prevalence was 31.5%. Slaughtering and evisceration by non-veterinarians was a risk factor for antibody presence. There are only four previous studies on C. psittaci in Colombia. Conclusions Here, we present the first evidence of C. psittaci circulation among workers exposed to birds in Antioquia and the second report in the country. These findings contribute to the “One Health” public health strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiomara Úsuga-Perilla
- Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Jhon Sebastián Correa
- Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Juan A Segura
- Grupo Biociencias, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Institución Universitaria Colegio Mayor de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
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11
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Jin Y, Li W, Ba X, Li Y, Wang Y, Zhang H, Li Z, Zhou J. Gut microbiota changes in horses with Chlamydia. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:246. [PMID: 37660043 PMCID: PMC10474637 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02986-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zoonotic diseases pose a significant threat to public health. Chlamydia, as an intracellular pathogen, can colonize the intestinal tract of humans and animals, changing the gut microbiota. However, only a few studies have evaluated alterations in the gut microbiota of horses infected with Chlamydia. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate gut microbiota and serum biochemical indicators in horses with Chlamydial infection (IG) and healthy horses (HG). Fecal and blood samples were collected from 16 horses (IG: 10; HG: 6) before morning feeding for the determination of gut microbiota and serum biochemical parameters. RESULTS The results showed that total globulin (GLB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and creatine kinase (CK) levels were significantly increased in IG compared with HG. Notably, the gut microbial diversity increased in IG compared with HG. Furthermore, Moraxellaceae and Akkermanisa abundance decreased in IG, while Streptococcus, Treponema, Prevotella, and Paraprevotella abundances (13 genera of bacterial species) increased. Compared with HG, carbohydrate metabolism increased in IG while amino acid metabolism decreased. In addition, the abundance of 18 genera of bacteria was associated with the level of five serum biochemical indicators. CONCLUSIONS In summary, this study elucidated the influence of Chlamydia infection in horses on the gut microbiota, unraveling consequential alterations in its composition and metabolic profile. Therefore, this study improves the understanding of Chlamydia-induced intestinal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youshun Jin
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Agriculture Ministry Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, China
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Lanzhou University, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Agriculture Ministry Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, China
| | - Xuli Ba
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Agriculture Ministry Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, China
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Lanzhou University, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yunhui Li
- Animal Pathology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, 712100, China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Agriculture Ministry Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, China
| | - Huaiyu Zhang
- Animal Pathology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, 712100, China
| | - Zhaocai Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Agriculture Ministry Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, China
| | - Jizhang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Agriculture Ministry Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, China.
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Lanzhou University, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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12
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Marchese S, Marchese G, Paviglianiti G, Lapi M, Ottoveggio G, Pipitone G, Corsello G. A pediatric case of Chlamydia psittaci caused severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in Italy. Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:107. [PMID: 37649055 PMCID: PMC10468848 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01497-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This case of psittacosis in children, is the first described in literature, in Italy. This respiratory infection can be transmitted to humans from the inhalation of respiratory secretions, feces and plumage aerosol of infected birds (and other animals). Usually it can have an asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic course, and the onset is often flu-like, but in this case the child risked his life for a severe respiratory failure. This report is unique because in children psittacosis is rare, and always misdiagnosed, or could cause a delayed diagnosis because of lack of awareness among the paediatricians and physicians. Furthermore, psittacosis enters a differential diagnosis with SARS-COV2 infection because both diseases may determine dyspnea and atypical pneumonia, up to acute respiratory failure. CASE PRESENTATION This clinical case talks about a three-and-a-half-year-old male child affected by psittacosis (or ornithosis), with severe dyspnea and systemic symptoms who required oro-tracheal intubation for acute respiratory failure. The child had slept in a room at home, with some recently bought parrots affected by psittacosis. Initially the child was treated with empiric antibiotic therapy (i.v.ceftriaxone and teicoplanin), but after having isolated the DNA of the germ "Chlamydia psittaci" in both serological and through bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), he was treated with targeted antibiotic therapy: tetracyclines (doxicillin). CONCLUSIONS Psittacosis is an extremely contagious disease, caused by an intracellular germ, called "Chlamydia psittaci", a Gram-negative bacterium, transmitted to humans in particular by infected birds, responsible for atypical pneumonia, with acute and chronic respiratory symptoms, sometimes with multi-organ failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Even if it is a rare respiratory disease among children, a good doctor must think about psittacosis as cause of respiratory symptoms (and not only flu or SARS-COV2), above all through a correct medical history, in order to provide a targeted antibiotic therapy. An interesting case of psittacosis in a child is being reported here, which has been treated successfully with doxycillin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Marchese
- Emergency and Admission Medicine and Surgery, Childrens'Hospital, ISMEP-Arnas Civico-Benfratelli- Di Cristina, Palermo, Italy.
| | | | | | - Maria Lapi
- Anesthesia and Pediatric Resuscitation with Trauma Center, ISMEP-Arnas Civico-Benfratelli- Di Cristina, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaetano Ottoveggio
- Anesthesia and Pediatric Resuscitation with Trauma Center, ISMEP-Arnas Civico-Benfratelli- Di Cristina, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pipitone
- Systemic and immune-suppressed associated infection Disease Unit, INMI Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corsello
- Unit of General Pediatrics, Childrens'Hospital, ISMEP-Arnas Civico-Benfratelli- Di Cristina, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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13
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Cao J, Xie X, Lei Y, Li S, Song X, Lei Y, An Q, Zhang B. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of a family cluster of psittacosis: A case report. IDCases 2023; 33:e01845. [PMID: 37492645 PMCID: PMC10365937 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2023.e01845] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Psittacosis accounts for 1-2 % of community-acquired pneumonia. In recent years, reports of psittacosis are increasing. Most reported cases of psittacosis are sporadic. Here, we report a familial cluster of five patients infected with Chlamydophila in a northwest Chinese region and share our diagnosis and treatment experience. The epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, laboratory examinations of family cluster psittacosis were collected and analyzed. We closely followed up all the family members and analyzed their clinical outcome. Five cases of family clustered pneumonia were mainly characterized by fever, cough and fatigue. mNGS rapidly identified the infecting agent as Chlamydophila in case 1 followed by RT-PCR analysis. A newly purchased pet parrot, which had diarrhea, was probably the primary source of infection. The main change of inflammation index in five patients was the decrease of lymphocyte counts. Chest CT showed peripheral or subpleural involvement of patchy high-density shadows with bronchial ventilation signs and blurred edges, mostly unilateral lesions. Five cases were completely cured with moxifloxacin and azithromycin. Our findings suggest that a familial cluster of Chlamydophila infection maybe caused by contact with sick pet parrot or human to human transmission in one close family. For this community-acquired pneumonia, epidemiological characteristics and use of mNGS is very important for improving accuracy in the early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Cao
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Air Force No. 986 Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xie
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Air Force No. 986 Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Lei
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Air Force No. 986 Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuangshuang Li
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Air Force No. 986 Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xuan Song
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Air Force No. 986 Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yingfeng Lei
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qunxing An
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Binghua Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Air Force No. 986 Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
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14
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Liu X, Hu H, Liu J, Chen J, Chu J, Cheng H. Physcion, a novel anthraquinone derivative against Chlamydia psittaci infection. Vet Microbiol 2023; 279:109664. [PMID: 36716634 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Physcion, a natural anthraquinone derivative, has been reported to exert remarkable antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus,Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, it is not fully illustrated as anti-Chlamydia substance. In the present study, minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)values for physcion against Chlamydia psittaci(C.psittaci) 6BC, C.psittaci SBL and C.psittaci HJ were 128 μg/mL,256 μg/mL and 128 μg/mL while minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were 256 μg/mL,512 μg/mL and 256 μg/mL,respectively. Moreover, Chlamydial adhesion to Hela 229 cells was blocked in a dose-dependent manner and RB-to-EB differentiation was inhibited by physcion from 28 to 48 hpi.Post treatment,upregulation of LC3-II was in a dose-dependent manner, indicating physcion activated autophagy and bacterial clearance.To validate clinical efficacy,49 SPF chickens aged 21days were divided into 5 groups and infected intra-laryngeally with 0.2 mL of 1 × 107 IFU/mL C.psittaci 6 BCE.Three days later, birds received orally with serial doses of physcion (4 mg/kg to 9 mg/kg), or 3 mg/kg of doxycycline for 6 days.Chickens with difficulty in breathing were alleviated significantly with increasing concentrations of physicon.Postmortem,lesions of air sacs were reduced significantly in a dose-dependent manner.More importantly,birds with 9 mg/kg of physcion could alleviate lesions of air sacs and lungs, and reduce bacterial loads in spleens, which was comparable to doxycycline treatment. Based on above evidences, physcion is a promising cost-effective natural drug by blocking Chlamydial adhesions to host cells, RB-to-EB differentiation and activating bacterial autophagy and it will be a good alternative to doxycycline combating virulent C.psittaci infection, contributing to eradication of Chlamydial transmission from animals to human beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Huilong Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaqi Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Chu
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - He Cheng
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
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15
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Cheng A, Wan D, Ghatak A, Wang C, Feng D, Fondell JD, Ebright RH, Fan H. Identification and Structural Modeling of the RNA Polymerase Omega Subunits in Chlamydiae and Other Obligate Intracellular Bacteria. mBio 2023; 14:e0349922. [PMID: 36719197 PMCID: PMC9973325 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03499-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene transcription in bacteria is carried out by the multisubunit RNA polymerase (RNAP), which is composed of a catalytic core enzyme and a promoter-recognizing σ factor. The core enzyme comprises two α subunits, one β subunit, one β' subunit, and one ω subunit. The ω subunit plays critical roles in the assembly of the core enzyme and other cellular functions, including the regulation of bacterial growth, the stress response, and biofilm formation. However, the identity of an ω subunit for the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia has not previously been determined. Here, we report the identification of the hypothetical protein CTL0286 as the probable chlamydial ω subunit based on sequence, synteny, and AlphaFold and AlphaFold-Multimer three-dimensional-structure predictions. Our findings indicate that CTL0286 functions as the missing ω subunit of chlamydial RNAP. Our extended analysis also indicates that all obligate intracellular bacteria have ω orthologs. IMPORTANCE Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacteria that replicate only inside eukaryotic cells. Previously, it has not been possible to identify a candidate gene encoding the chlamydial RNA polymerase ω subunit, and it has been hypothesized that the chlamydial RNA polymerase ω subunit was lost in the evolutionary process through which Chlamydiae reduced their genome size and proteome sizes to adapt to an obligate intracellular lifestyle. Here, we report the identification of the chlamydial RNA polymerase ω subunit, based on conserved sequence, conserved synteny, AlphaFold-predicted conserved three-dimensional structure, and AlfaFold-Multimer-predicted conserved interactions. Our identification of the previously elusive chlamydial RNA polymerase ω subunit sets the stage for investigation of its roles in regulation of gene expression during chlamydial growth, development, and stress responses, and sets the stage for preparation and study of the intact chlamydial RNA polymerase and its interactions with inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Danny Wan
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Graduate Program in Physiology and Integrative Biology, Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Arkaprabha Ghatak
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Chengyuan Wang
- Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Deyu Feng
- Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Joseph D. Fondell
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Richard H. Ebright
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Huizhou Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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16
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Stein RA, Thompson LM. Epigenetic changes induced by pathogenic Chlamydia spp. Pathog Dis 2023; 81:ftad034. [PMID: 38031337 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftad034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis, C. pneumoniae, and C. psittaci, the three Chlamydia species known to cause human disease, have been collectively linked to several pathologies, including conjunctivitis, trachoma, respiratory disease, acute and chronic urogenital infections and their complications, and psittacosis. In vitro, animal, and human studies also established additional correlations, such as between C. pneumoniae and atherosclerosis and between C. trachomatis and ovarian cancer. As part of their survival and pathogenesis strategies as obligate intracellular bacteria, Chlamydia spp. modulate all three major types of epigenetic changes, which include deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and microRNA-mediated gene silencing. Some of these epigenetic changes may be implicated in key aspects of pathogenesis, such as the ability of the Chlamydia spp. to induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, interfere with DNA damage repair, suppress cholesterol efflux from infected macrophages, act as a co-factor in human papillomavirus (HPV)-mediated cervical cancer, prevent apoptosis, and preserve the integrity of mitochondrial networks in infected host cells. A better understanding of the individual and collective contribution of epigenetic changes to pathogenesis will enhance our knowledge about the biology of Chlamydia spp. and facilitate the development of novel therapies and biomarkers. Pathogenic Chlamydia spp. contribute to epigenetically-mediated gene expression changes in host cells by multiple mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Stein
- NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
| | - Lily M Thompson
- NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
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17
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Scharbaai-Vázquez R, J. López Font F, A. Zayas Rodríguez F. Persistence in Chlamydia. Infect Dis (Lond) 2022. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.109299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia spp. are important causes of acute and persistent/chronic infections. All Chlamydia spp. display a unique biphasic developmental cycle alternating between an infectious elementary body (EB) and a replicative form, the reticulate body (RB), followed by the multiplication of RBs by binary fission and progressive differentiation back into EBs. During its intracellular life, Chlamydia employs multiple mechanisms to ensure its persistence inside the host. These include evasion of diverse innate immune responses, modulation of host cell structure and endocytosis, inhibition of apoptosis, activation of pro-signaling pathways, and conversion to enlarged, non-replicative but viable “aberrant bodies” (ABs). Early research described several systems for Chlamydial persistence with a significant number of variables that make a direct comparison of results difficult. Now, emerging tools for genetic manipulations in Chlamydia and advances in global microarray, transcriptomics, and proteomics have opened new and exciting opportunities to understand the persistent state of Chlamydia and link the immune and molecular events of persistence with the pathogenesis of recurrent and chronic Chlamydial infections. This chapter reviews our current understanding and advances in the molecular biology of Chlamydia persistence.
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18
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Wang J, Zhu Y, Mo Q, Yang Y. Case Report: A Chlamydia psittaci pulmonary infection presenting with migratory infiltrates. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1028989. [PMID: 36600937 PMCID: PMC9806249 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1028989] [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: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Community-acquired pneumonia is a public health problem in all countries in the world, with a broad range of causative agents and Chlamydia psittaci infection tends to be overlooked. Pulmonary migratory infiltrates are commonly seen in eosinophilic pneumonia, cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, etc. However, the association of Chlamydia psittaci and pulmonary migratory infiltrates has been seldom described in literatures before. We reviewed a 64-year-old man referred to our hospital for treatment against Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia which was diagnosed by metagenomics next generation sequencing (mNGS). During the treatment period, chest imaging showed migratory infiltrates, which has been rarely described before.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jundi Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yurou Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiongya Mo
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanfei Yang
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,*Correspondence: Yanfei Yang ✉
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19
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Muroni G, Pinna L, Serra E, Chisu V, Mandas D, Coccollone A, Liciardi M, Masala G. A Chlamydia psittaci Outbreak in Psittacine Birds in Sardinia, Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14204. [PMID: 36361084 PMCID: PMC9658638 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is an intracellular bacterium belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family. It is the ethiologic agent of psittacosis, an occupational zoonotic disease that mainly concerns people who work in close contact with birds that represent the main infection route for human transmission. In Italy, information about this disease is lacking. This study is the first case of avian chlamydiosis reported from a pet shop in Sardinia, Italy. Chlamydia psittaci detected in psittacine birds by molecular analysis, direct immunofluorescence test together with anatomo-pathological observed lesions, highlighted the importance of focusing the attention over this underestimated zoonosis in a "One Health" prospective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Muroni
- Zoonotic Pathology and OIEReference Laboratory for Echinococcosis, National Reference Center for Echinococcosis (CeNRE), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi n. 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Luigia Pinna
- S.C. Complex Territorial Diagnostic Structure of Cagliari, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 09067 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisa Serra
- Zoonotic Pathology and OIEReference Laboratory for Echinococcosis, National Reference Center for Echinococcosis (CeNRE), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi n. 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Valentina Chisu
- Zoonotic Pathology and OIEReference Laboratory for Echinococcosis, National Reference Center for Echinococcosis (CeNRE), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi n. 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Daniela Mandas
- S.C. Complex Territorial Diagnostic Structure of Cagliari, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 09067 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Annamaria Coccollone
- S.C. Complex Territorial Diagnostic Structure of Cagliari, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 09067 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Manuel Liciardi
- S.C. Complex Territorial Diagnostic Structure of Cagliari, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 09067 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Masala
- Zoonotic Pathology and OIEReference Laboratory for Echinococcosis, National Reference Center for Echinococcosis (CeNRE), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi n. 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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20
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Kowalczyk K, Wójcik-Fatla A. Chlamydia psittaci in Faecal Samples of Feral Pigeons (Columba livia forma urbana) in Urban Areas of Lublin city, Poland. Curr Microbiol 2022; 79:367. [PMID: 36253653 PMCID: PMC9576673 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-022-03072-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pigeons are a typical host and natural reservoir of Chlamydia psittaci, the etiological agent of avian chlamydiosis, considered as a neglected zoonotic diseases. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of C. psittaci in faecal samples of feral pigeons (Columba livia forma urbana) as a potential source of infection related to the presence of synanthropic birds in urban areas. A total of 143 samples of dry and fresh faeces of feral pigeons, were collected in the city of Lublin (Poland), from April to September 2021. Molecular detection of C. psittaci was performed by nested-PCR and real-time PCR, confirmed by sequencing. Among the collected samples, 5 positive results were obtained in nested-PCR (3.5%), while in real-time PCR, the number of positive samples increased to 11 (7.7%). The positive samples showed 100% identity to the C. psittaci strain AMK (CP047319.1). C. psittaci was found in 7 out of 111 (6.3%) faecal samples collected in public places, and in 4 out of 32 (12.5%) samples from the nesting site (4.9% and 2.8% among a total of 143 samples, respectively). The infection was detected in both dry and fresh faeces (9.1% and 4.5%, respectively). The highest number of positive results was obtained in June—5 (3.5%). Feral pigeons occurring in urban areas are a natural reservoir of C. psittaci posing a potential risk of zoonotic infections. However, further studies on exposure to contaminated pigeon faeces in terms of occupational and non-occupational risk of chlamydiosis are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kowalczyk
- Department of Health Biohazards and Parasitology, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Angelina Wójcik-Fatla
- Department of Health Biohazards and Parasitology, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-090, Lublin, Poland.
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21
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Chisu V, Zobba R, Masala G, Tran TL, Ngo Viet QT, Tran DB, Nguyen HB, Tran KT, Alberti A. First Molecular Detection of Zoonotic Chlamydia Species in Vietnamese Goats. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080903. [PMID: 36015020 PMCID: PMC9415483 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Chlamydia comprises obligate intracellular bacteria that infect a wide variety of hosts, with infection leading to a range of diseases in humans and animals; they thus constitute a major public health threat. Among the members of the Chlamydiaceae family, Chlamydia suis, C. abortus, C. pecorum, and C. psittaci represent the most important pathogenic species infecting a large range of hosts and are a well-established threat to livestock. Information regarding the circulation of Chlamydia species in ruminants from Vietnam is lacking. In this study, DNA extracted from 60 blood samples collected from goats in Hue province was used for Chlamydia spp. identification by classic PCR and Sanger sequencing. Chlamydia spp. were detected in eleven samples (18.3%) and C. abortus and C. psittaci were molecularly identified by sequencing. Despite the limited sample size in this study, findings point out the relevance of ruminants as hosts of chlamydial species in Central Vietnam and the importance of monitoring chlamydial strains through the activation of surveillance programs in this country. The need for a deeper evaluation of human and animal health risk analysis in terms of chlamydiosis should be also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Chisu
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Vienna, 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.C.); (A.A.)
| | - Rosanna Zobba
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Masala
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Vienna, 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Thanh Loan Tran
- Department of Immunology and Pathophysiology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue 530000, Vietnam
| | - Quynh Tram Ngo Viet
- Department of Microbiology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue 530000, Vietnam
| | - Dinh Binh Tran
- Department of Microbiology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue 530000, Vietnam
| | - Hoang Bach Nguyen
- Department of Microbiology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue 530000, Vietnam
| | - Khanh Toan Tran
- Department of Testing and Quality Assurance, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue 530000, Vietnam
| | - Alberto Alberti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.C.); (A.A.)
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22
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Li H, Hao B, Wang Y, Yu D, Chen Z, Du D, Xiong J, Li K, Zhang H, Liu X, Liu K, Xiao F, Cheng X, Huang L. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing for the diagnosis of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia. THE CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2022; 16:513-521. [PMID: 35724965 PMCID: PMC9329019 DOI: 10.1111/crj.13519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia and evaluate the diagnostic value of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS). A total of 44 patients diagnosed with Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia using mNGS were retrospectively analysed. The demographic and clinical features, laboratory data, imaging findings and clinical outcomes were collected. Results showed that 65.91% of the patients had a history of exposure to poultry or birds. All patients presented with fever. Apart from systemic and respiratory symptoms, some patients also presented with digestive and neurological symptoms. Respiratory failure was common among patients. The key laboratory tests were normal white blood cell counts, slightly elevated PCT, changes in levels of cardiac enzymes, liver enzymes and hyponatremia. Chest imaging revealed that most of the lesions contained patchy exudation or lobar consolidation of one lobe, especially in the lower lobe. Consolidation of both lungs was seen in critically ill patients. Although quinolones were effective in most patients, tetracyclines should be the first choice of treatment. The overall prognosis was good; however, patients who developed severe pneumonia had poor prognosis. The incidence of chlamydia psittaci pneumonia may be underestimated due to the nonspecific clinical manifestations and lack of confirmatory testing methods. The use of mNGS has increased the number of patients diagnosed with chlamydia psittaci pneumonia. mNGS is an effective diagnostic method for chlamydia psittaci pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Li
- Department of Imaging, Yueyang Central Hospital, Yueyang, Hunan, China
| | - Binwei Hao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.,Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongxue Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yueyang Central Hospital, Yueyang, Hunan, China
| | - Dinghong Yu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yueyang Central Hospital, Yueyang, Hunan, China
| | - Zhonghua Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yueyang Central Hospital, Yueyang, Hunan, China
| | - Duanlin Du
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yueyang Central Hospital, Yueyang, Hunan, China
| | - Jian Xiong
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yueyang Central Hospital, Yueyang, Hunan, China
| | - Kang Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yueyang Central Hospital, Yueyang, Hunan, China
| | - Hengping Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yueyang Central Hospital, Yueyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yueyang Central Hospital, Yueyang, Hunan, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yueyang Central Hospital, Yueyang, Hunan, China
| | - Fanrong Xiao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yueyang Central Hospital, Yueyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaosan Cheng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yueyang Central Hospital, Yueyang, Hunan, China
| | - Lingmei Huang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yueyang Central Hospital, Yueyang, Hunan, China
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23
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Marchino M, Rizzo F, Barzanti P, Sparasci OA, Bottino P, Vicari N, Rigamonti S, Braghin S, Aaziz R, Vorimore F, Ru G, Laroucau K, Mandola ML. Chlamydia Species and Related Risk Factors in Poultry in North-Western Italy: Possible Bird-to-Human Transmission for C. gallinacea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042174. [PMID: 35206361 PMCID: PMC8872282 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydiaceae are obligatory intracellular bacteria causing acute and chronic diseases in animals and humans worldwide, with recently discovered species with a still unclear pathogenic potential (i.e., C. gallinacea). In Italy, Chlamydiaceae infections are underestimated both in animals and humans. To estimate the prevalence of Chlamydiaceae species in poultry and occupationally exposed workers on farm, a cross-sectional study was carried out in north-western Italy. A total of 2063 samples from 83 commercial and 31 backyard poultry farms were analysed using real-time PCRs for Chlamydiaceae screening and species typing. Chlamydiaceae were detected in 23 farms, with a herd prevalence of 20.2% (95%CI: 13.2-28.7), higher in backyard farms (38.7%; 95%CI: 21.8-57.8) compared to commercial ones (13.3%; 95%CI: 6.8-22.5). C. gallinacea was found in 18 chicken farms, both commercial and backyard, and C. psittaci only in 3 backyard farms. Exposure to wild birds and factors related to biosecurity resulted the main risk factors associated with Chlamydia positivity. Out of the 113 sputum samples collected from farmers, 16 tested positive to Chlamydiaceae, with a prevalence of 14.2% (95%CI: 8, 3-22). To the best of our knowledge, for the first time at international level, C. gallinacea was detected in humans with farmer positivity associated with farm infectious status, suggesting a bird-to-human transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Marchino
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (F.R.); (P.B.); (O.A.S.); (G.R.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Francesca Rizzo
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (F.R.); (P.B.); (O.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - Paola Barzanti
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (F.R.); (P.B.); (O.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - Oriana Anna Sparasci
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (F.R.); (P.B.); (O.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - Paolo Bottino
- S.C. Microbiology and Virology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Nadia Vicari
- National Reference Laboratory for Chlamydioses, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardia and Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), 27100 Pavia, Italy; (N.V.); (S.R.)
| | - Sara Rigamonti
- National Reference Laboratory for Chlamydioses, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardia and Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), 27100 Pavia, Italy; (N.V.); (S.R.)
| | - Silvia Braghin
- S.C. Sanità Animale, Dipartimento Di Prevenzione, ASL CN1, Via Carlo Boggio 12, 12100 Cuneo, Italy;
| | - Rachid Aaziz
- Laboratory for Animal Health, Bacterial Zoonosis Unit, ANSES Maisons-Alfort, Paris-Est University, 94706 Paris, France; (R.A.); (F.V.); (K.L.)
| | - Fabien Vorimore
- Laboratory for Animal Health, Bacterial Zoonosis Unit, ANSES Maisons-Alfort, Paris-Est University, 94706 Paris, France; (R.A.); (F.V.); (K.L.)
| | - Giuseppe Ru
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (F.R.); (P.B.); (O.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - Karine Laroucau
- Laboratory for Animal Health, Bacterial Zoonosis Unit, ANSES Maisons-Alfort, Paris-Est University, 94706 Paris, France; (R.A.); (F.V.); (K.L.)
| | - Maria Lucia Mandola
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (F.R.); (P.B.); (O.A.S.); (G.R.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (M.L.M.)
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