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Garcias B, Migura-Garcia L, Giler N, Martín M, Darwich L. Differences in enteric pathogens and intestinal microbiota between diarrheic weaned piglets and healthy penmates. Vet Microbiol 2024; 295:110162. [PMID: 38941767 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2024.110162] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Postweaning diarrhea (PWD) is a multifactorial disease caused by different aetiological agents, like viruses or bacteria and where the role of the microbiota remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess differences between healthy and diarrheic weaned pigs concerning the prevalence of pathogens and changes in the intestinal microbiota. Eighteen farms with PWD were selected and 277 fecal samples were collected (152 diarrheic vs 125 healthy). Presence of Rotavirus A (RVA), B (RVB), C (RVC) and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV), virulence factors of Escherichia coli and Clostridioides difficile were analyzed by PCR. Finally, the microbiota composition was also study by 16 S rRNA sequencing on 148 samples (102 diarrheic vs 46 healthy). RVA (53.95 % vs 36 %, p=0.04) and RVB (49.67 % vs 28.8 %, p<0.001) were more frequent in diarrheic animals. Furthermore, RVA viral load was higher in diseased animals. VT2 toxin was significantly associated with diarrhea, whereas other virulence factors were not. Presence of C. difficile and PEDV was almost negligible. Regarding microbiota changes, Fusobacteriota phylum was more frequent in diarrheic samples and Ruminococcaceae family in healthy penmates. During the first week postweaning, Enterobacteriace and Campylobacteria were enriched in animals presenting diarrhea. Furthermore, Lactobacillus was detected in those individuals with no RVA infection. In conclusion, RVA seems to play a primary role in PWD. Classic E. coli virulence factors were not associated with diarrhea, indicating the need for revising their implication in disease. Moreover, Lactobacillus was found frequently in animals negative for RVA, suggesting some protective effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biel Garcias
- Departament Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Spain.
| | - Lourdes Migura-Garcia
- IRTA-UAB Mixed Research Unit in Animal Health, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Barcelona, Spain; IRTA Animal Health Programme, CReSA, WOAH Collaborating Centre for the Research and Control of Emerging and Re-emerging Swine Diseases in Europe, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Noemí Giler
- IRTA-UAB Mixed Research Unit in Animal Health, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Barcelona, Spain; IRTA Animal Health Programme, CReSA, WOAH Collaborating Centre for the Research and Control of Emerging and Re-emerging Swine Diseases in Europe, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marga Martín
- Departament Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Spain
| | - Laila Darwich
- Departament Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Spain
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Cuperus T, Wit B, Castelijn G, Hengeveld P, Opsteegh M, van der Giessen J, Harmanus C, van Prehn J, Kuijper EJ, Smits WK. Clostridioides difficile in calves, cattle and humans from Dutch dairy farms: Predominance of PCR ribotype 695 (clade 5, sequence type 11) in cattle. One Health 2024; 18:100739. [PMID: 38707933 PMCID: PMC11067380 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100739] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Clostridioides difficile is a leading cause of infectious diarrhea in both humans and livestock. In particular, C. difficile strains belonging to sequence type (ST) 11 are common enteropathogens. The aim of this study was to determine the presence and genetic relatedness of C. difficile types in dairy cattle and calves. Method Dutch dairy farms were visited between February and December 2021. Feces was collected from adult dairy cattle and calves of two age categories (<4 weeks and 4 weeks-4 months). Fecal samples were also requested from dairy farmers, family members and employees. Fecal samples were cultured in an enrichment medium for 10-15 days and subcultured on solid media for capillary PCR ribotyping and whole genome sequencing. Results C. difficile was detected on 31 out of 157 (19.8%) dairy farms. The highest prevalence was found in calves <4 weeks (17.5%). None of the 99 human samples collected were positive. Thirty-seven cultured isolates belonged to 11 different PCR ribotypes (RT) of which RT695 (56.8%) and RT078/126 (16.2%) were most abundant. In the database of the Netherlands National Expertise Centre for C. difficile infections (CDI, >10.000 patient isolates), RT695 was found in only two patients with hospital-onset CDI, diagnosed in 2020 and 2021. Sequence analysis of 21C. difficile RT695 from cattle revealed that all isolates belonged to clade 5, ST11 and contained genes encoding toxin A, toxin B and binary toxin. RT695 strains carried antimicrobial resistance genes typically found in clade 5C. difficile. Groups of genetically related RT695 isolates were found between dairy farms, whereas identical strains were only present in individual farms. Conclusions C. difficile was found in ∼20% of dairy farms with a predominance of the relatively unknown RT695. Isolates of RT695 belonged to the same clade and sequence type as RT078/126, which is recognized as an important zoonotic type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tryntsje Cuperus
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Ben Wit
- Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Greetje Castelijn
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Paul Hengeveld
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke Opsteegh
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Joke van der Giessen
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Céline Harmanus
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Joffrey van Prehn
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, the Netherlands
- National Expertise Centre for Clostridiodes difficile infections at Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, the Netherlands and Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Ed J. Kuijper
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, the Netherlands
- National Expertise Centre for Clostridiodes difficile infections at Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, the Netherlands and Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Wiep Klaas Smits
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, the Netherlands
- National Expertise Centre for Clostridiodes difficile infections at Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, the Netherlands and Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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3
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Grześkowiak Ł, Vahjen W, Zentek J. Influence of high- and low-fermentable dietary fibres in sows' diet on the colostrum potential against Clostridioides difficile toxin-induced effects in IPEC-J2 cells. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2023; 107:1376-1380. [PMID: 37203280 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13834] [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: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Sow colostrum has been reported to protect the IPEC-J2 cells and piglet colon tissues from detrimental effect of Clostridioides difficile toxins. Since dietary fibre can influence the colostrum composition in sows, we hypothesised that it can also differentially affect the colostrum potential against C. difficile toxin-induced effects in IPEC-J2. IPEC-J2 were incubated with colostrum from sows fed either high-fermentable sugar beet pulp (SBP) or low-fermentable lignocellulose (LNC) fibres and in combination with the toxins and analysed by trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and cell viability using propidium iodide in flow cytometry. Toxins drastically decreased the integrity of IPEC-J2. Colostrum from the sows fed either SBP or LNC exerted protective effect against toxins on IPEC-J2 integrity and this effect was numerically superior in the SBP group. Differences in the percentages of TEER between different treatments were noted after 2 h (p = 0.043), 3 h (p = 0.017) and 4 h (p = 0.017) of incubation and a tendency for differences was noted after 5 h of incubation (p = 0.071). Colostrum from either SBP- or LNC-fed sows did not protect the IPEC-J2 from toxin-induced death. Colostrum of the sows fed either high-fermentable or low-fermentable fibres has a potential to protect IPEC-J2 from the loss of integrity, which may be important in protection from C. difficile-infection development in neonatal piglets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Grześkowiak
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wilfried Vahjen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Zentek
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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4
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Spigaglia P, Barbanti F, Faccini S, Vescovi M, Criscuolo EM, Ceruti R, Gaspano C, Rosignoli C. Clostridioides difficile in Pigs and Dairy Cattle in Northern Italy: Prevalence, Characterization and Comparison between Animal and Human Strains. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1738. [PMID: 37512910 PMCID: PMC10383565 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been observed that novel strains of Clostridioides difficile can rapidly emerge and move between animal and human hosts. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of C. difficile in pigs and dairy cattle in northern Italy and to characterize and compare C. difficile animal strains with those from patients from the same geographical area. The C. difficile strains were isolated from animals from farms and slaughterhouses (cross-sectional studies) and from neonatal animals with enteric disorders in routine diagnostic investigations (passive surveillance). Samples positive for C. difficile were found in 87% of the pig farms and in 40% of the cattle farms involved in the cross-sectional studies, with a 20% prevalence among suckling piglets and 6.7% prevalence in neonatal calves, with no significant difference between animals with and without diarrheal symptoms. The prevalence of C. difficile in older animal categories was significantly lower. This result suggests that young age is an important risk factor for C. difficile colonization. In cross-sectional studies at slaughterhouses, in both the heavy pigs and dairy cows examined, only 2% of the intestinal content samples were positive for C. difficile and no contamination was found on the surface of the carcasses. Considering passive surveillance, the prevalence rates of positive samples were 29% in piglets and 1.4% in calves. Overall, 267 strains of animal origin and 97 from humans were collected. In total, 39 ribotypes (RTs) were identified, with RT 078 and RT 018 being predominant among animals and humans, respectively. Several RTs overlapped between animals and patients. In particular, RT 569 was identified as an emergent type in our country. Resistance to erythromycin and moxifloxacin was widely diffused among C. difficile strains, regardless of origin. This study supports C. difficile as a pathogen of one-health importance and highlights the need for a collaborative approach between physicians and veterinarians to control and prevent infections that are able to cross species and geographical barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Spigaglia
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Barbanti
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Silvia Faccini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "B. Ubertini", Sede Territoriale di Mantova, 46100 Mantova, Italy
| | - Mariella Vescovi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "B. Ubertini", Sede Territoriale di Mantova, 46100 Mantova, Italy
| | | | - Rossella Ceruti
- Servizio di Medicina di Laboratorio, ASST Ospedale "Carlo Poma", 46100 Mantova, Italy
| | - Clara Gaspano
- Servizio di Medicina di Laboratorio, ASST Ospedale "Carlo Poma", 46100 Mantova, Italy
| | - Carlo Rosignoli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "B. Ubertini", Sede Territoriale di Mantova, 46100 Mantova, Italy
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Tsekouras N, Meletis E, Kostoulas P, Labronikou G, Athanasakopoulou Z, Christodoulopoulos G, Billinis C, Papatsiros VG. Detection of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Clostridia in the Aetiology of Neonatal Piglet Diarrhoea: Important Factors for Their Prevention. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051092. [PMID: 37240738 DOI: 10.3390/life13051092] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to research the involvement of enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and C. difficile or C. perfringens type C in the aetiology of neonatal piglet diarrhoea in Greece and to identify preventive factors for them. A total of 78 pooled faecal samples were collected randomly from 234 suckling piglets (1-4 days of age) with diarrhoea from 26 pig farms (3 piglets × 3 litters × 26 farms = 234 piglets = 78 faecal pool samples). The collected samples were initially screened for the presence of E. coli and C. difficile or C. perfringens via cultivation on MacConkey and anaerobic blood agar, respectively. Subsequently, the samples were pooled on ELUTE cards. From samples tested, 69.23% of those in the farms were ETEC F4-positive, 30.77% were ETEC F5-positive, 61.54% ETEC were F6-positive, 42.31% were ETEC F4- and E. coli enterotoxin LT-positive, 19.23% were ETEC F5- and LT-positive, 42.31% were ETEC F6- and LT-positive, while LT was found in 57.69% of those in the farms. C. difficile was involved in many cases and identified as an emerging neonatal diarrhoea etiological agent. Specifically, Toxin A of C. difficile was found in 84.62% and Toxin B in 88.46% of those in the farms. Antibiotic administration to sows in combination with probiotics or acidifiers was revealed to reduce the detection of antigens of ETEC and the enterotoxin LT of E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Tsekouras
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Eleftherios Meletis
- Faculty of Public and Integrated Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Polychronis Kostoulas
- Faculty of Public and Integrated Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | | | - Zoi Athanasakopoulou
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Georgios Christodoulopoulos
- Department of Animal Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos Street, Botanikos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Charalambos Billinis
- Faculty of Public and Integrated Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Vasileios G Papatsiros
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
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6
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Uzal FA, Navarro MA, Asin J, Boix O, Ballarà-Rodriguez I, Gibert X. Clostridial diarrheas in piglets: A review. Vet Microbiol 2023; 280:109691. [PMID: 36870204 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109691] [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: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens type C and Clostridioides difficile are the main enteric clostridial pathogens of swine and are both responsible for neonatal diarrhea in this species. The role of Clostridum perfringes type A is under discussion. History, clinical signs, gross lesions and histological findings are the basis for a presumptive diagnosis of C. perfringens type C or C. difficile infection. Confirmation is based upon detection of beta toxin of C. perfringens type C or toxin A/B of C. difficile, respectively, in intestinal contents or feces. Isolation of C. perfringens type C and/or C. difficile is highly suggestive of infection by these microorganisms but it is not enough to confirm a diagnosis as they may be found in the intestine of some healthy individuals. Diagnosis of C. perfringens type A-associated diarrhea is more challenging because the diagnostic criteria have not been well defined and the specific role of alpha toxin (encoded by all strains of this microorganism) and beta 2 toxin (produced by some type A strains) is not clear. The goal of this paper is to describe the main clostridial enteric diseases of piglets, including etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, pathology and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, 105 W Central Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92408, USA.
| | - Mauricio A Navarro
- Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Javier Asin
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, 105 W Central Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92408, USA
| | - Oriol Boix
- HIPRA, Avda. la Selva 135, CP 17170 Amer (Girona), Spain
| | | | - Xavier Gibert
- HIPRA, Avda. la Selva 135, CP 17170 Amer (Girona), Spain
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7
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Grześkowiak Ł, Saliu EM, Wessels AG, Martínez-Vallespín B, Männer K, Cerón JJ, Vahjen W, Zentek J. Clostridioides difficile-mesocolonic oedema in neonatal suckling piglets develops regardless of the fibre composition in sow's diets. Animal 2023; 17:100697. [PMID: 36621110 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100697] [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: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal dietary factors have been reported to influence Clostridioides difficile colonisation in the offspring. Twenty suckling piglets from sows fed diets supplemented with high-fermentable sugar beet pulp (SBP) or low-fermentable lignocellulose (LNC) fibres during gestation and lactation were dissected in the first week after birth. Postmortem analysis included clinical mesocolon and faecal scoring, concentration of C. difficile and respective toxins in colon digesta and faeces, immunoglobulins in serum and inflammatory markers in serum and colon tissues. Sow colostrum was assessed for nutrients, immunoglobulins and biogenic amines. Toxin-neutralising IgG antibodies were measured in colostrum and serum of the sows, and in colon digesta and serum of the piglets. Mesocolonic oedema of different severity was present in most of the piglets from both sows' feeding groups. Concentrations of C. difficile, toxins and calprotectin in colon digesta and faecal contents did not differ between the study piglets. Calprotectin correlated positively with mesocolon score (rho = 413, P = 0.07). Piglets from sows fed LNC vs SBP tended to have higher IgA (P = 0.089), IgG (P = 0.053), total Ig (P = 0.053), albumin (P = 0.075) and total protein content (P = 0.007) in serum. Colon tissues of piglets from the SFB vs LNC had upregulated expression of ZO-1 (P = 0.021), PCNA (P = 0.015) and TGF-β (P = 0.014). Titers of anti-toxin-IgG-antibodies in serum and colostrum and in piglet colon digesta and serum did not differ between sows from both dietary groups, but they all showed strong positive correlations. In conclusion, dietary sugar beet pulp or lignocellulose fed to sows did not influence the concentrations of C. difficile and toxins titers in colon digesta and faeces of neonatal piglets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Grześkowiak
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195 Germany.
| | - Eva-Maria Saliu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195 Germany
| | - Anna Grete Wessels
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195 Germany
| | | | - Klaus Männer
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195 Germany
| | - José Joaquín Cerón
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Wilfried Vahjen
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195 Germany
| | - Jürgen Zentek
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195 Germany
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8
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Monteagudo LV, Benito AA, Lázaro-Gaspar S, Arnal JL, Martin-Jurado D, Menjon R, Quílez J. Occurrence of Rotavirus A Genotypes and Other Enteric Pathogens in Diarrheic Suckling Piglets from Spanish Swine Farms. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030251. [PMID: 35158575 PMCID: PMC8833434 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Neonatal diarrhea is a major cause of economic losses in the swine industry worldwide and has significant impact in Spain, which is one of the biggest pork producers globally. Multiple infectious agents can contribute to this condition, with some viruses such as species A rotavirus (RVA) playing a major role. Studies on their occurrence and genetic diversity are essential for development of RVA vaccines. In this study, fecal samples from diarrheic suckling piglets originating from farms distributed throughout Spain were analyzed for RVA and four other common enteric pathogens using molecular methods. The individual prevalence was 89.4%, 64.4%, 44.9%, 33.7% and 4.4% for Clostridiumperfringens, Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile, species A rotavirus, species C rotavirus and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, respectively. Most specimens (96.9%) were positive for at least one of the target pathogens and concurrent infections were common. The molecular characterization of RVA positive specimens of specific genes used for genotyping revealed the extensive genetic diversity of RVA strains circulating in swine herds in Spain. Comparison with genotypes contained in the commercial vaccine available in Spain showed differences in the identity of the predominant RVA genotypes from diarrheic piglets in the sampled pig farms. These findings contribute to the surveillance of RVA strains circulating in swine herds in Spain and may help optimize target vaccine design. Abstract Species A rotavirus (RVA) is a major viral pathogen causing diarrhea in suckling piglets. Studies on its genetic heterogeneity have implications for vaccine efficacy in the field. In this study, fecal samples (n = 866) from diarrheic piglets younger than 28 days were analyzed over a two-year period (2018–2019). Samples were submitted from 426 farms located in 36 provinces throughout Spain and were tested using real-time PCR (qPCR) and reverse transcription real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) for five enteric pathogens. The individual prevalence was 89.4%, 64.4%, 44.9%, 33.7% and 4.4% for Clostridiumperfringens, Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile, species A rotavirus, species C rotavirus and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, respectively. Most specimens (96.9%) were positive for at least one of the target pathogens, and more than 80% of samples harbored mixed infections. Nucleotide sequencing of 70 specimens positive for RVA revealed the presence of the VP7 genotypes G4, G9, G3, G5, G11 and the VP4 genotypes P7, P23, P6 and P13, with the combinations G4P7 and G9P23 being the most prevalent, and especially in the areas with the highest pig population. The study shows the extensive genetic diversity of RVA strains as well as discrepancies with the genotypes contained in the vaccine available in Spain, and multiple amino acid differences in antigenic epitopes of different G- and P- genotypes with the vaccine strains. Further investigations are needed to determine the efficacy of the vaccine to confer clinical protection against heterologous strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis V. Monteagudo
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Agrifood Institute of Aragón (IA2), University of Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Alfredo A. Benito
- EXOPOL S.L, Pol Rio Gállego D/14, San Mateo del Gállego, 50840 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.A.B.); (S.L.-G.); (J.L.A.); (D.M.-J.)
| | - Sofía Lázaro-Gaspar
- EXOPOL S.L, Pol Rio Gállego D/14, San Mateo del Gállego, 50840 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.A.B.); (S.L.-G.); (J.L.A.); (D.M.-J.)
| | - José L. Arnal
- EXOPOL S.L, Pol Rio Gállego D/14, San Mateo del Gállego, 50840 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.A.B.); (S.L.-G.); (J.L.A.); (D.M.-J.)
| | - Desirée Martin-Jurado
- EXOPOL S.L, Pol Rio Gállego D/14, San Mateo del Gállego, 50840 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.A.B.); (S.L.-G.); (J.L.A.); (D.M.-J.)
| | - Rut Menjon
- MSD Animal Health España, Carbajosa de la Sagrada, 37188 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Joaquín Quílez
- Agrifood Institute of Aragón (IA2), University of Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-976-762150
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9
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Neonatal Piglets Are Protected from Clostridioides difficile Infection by Age-Dependent Increase in Intestinal Microbial Diversity. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0124321. [PMID: 34550001 PMCID: PMC8557904 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01243-21] [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] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
While Clostridioides difficile is recognized as an important human pathogen, it is also a significant cause of gastroenteritis and associated diarrhea in neonatal pigs. Since clinical disease is rarely diagnosed in piglets older than 1 week of age, it is hypothesized that natural resistance is associated with the increased complexity of the intestinal microbiota as the animals age. To test this, piglets were challenged with C. difficile (ribotype 078/toxinotype V) at times ranging from 2 to 14 days of age, and the severity of disease and microbial diversity of the cecal microbiota were assessed. Half of the piglets that were challenged with C. difficile at 2 and 4 days of age developed clinical signs of disease. The incidence of disease decreased rapidly as the piglets aged, to a point where none of the animals challenged after 10 days of age showed clinical signs. The cecal microbial community compositions of the piglets also clustered by age, with those of animals 2 to 4 days old showing closer relationships to one another than to those of older piglets (8 to 14 days). This clustering occurred across litters from 4 different sows, providing further evidence that the resistance to C. difficile disease in piglets greater than 1 week old is directly related to the diversity and complexity of the intestinal microbiota. IMPORTANCE C. difficile is an important bacterial pathogen that is the most common cause of infections associated with health care in the United States. It also causes significant morbidity and mortality in neonatal pigs, and currently there are no preventative treatments available to livestock producers. This study determined the age-related susceptibility of piglets to C. difficile over the first 2 weeks of life, along with documenting the natural age-related changes that occurred in the intestinal microbiota over the same time period in a controlled environment. We observed that the populations of intestinal bacteria within individual animals of the same age, regardless of litter, showed the highest degree of similarity. Identifying bacterial species associated with the acquisition of natural resistance observed in older pigs could lead to the development of new strategies to prevent and or treat disease caused by C. difficile infection.
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10
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Tsai CS, Hung YP, Lee JC, Syue LS, Hsueh PR, Ko WC. Clostridioides difficile infection: an emerging zoonosis? Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2021; 19:1543-1552. [PMID: 34383624 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1967746] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection (CDI) is the most common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and one of the common infections in healthcare facilities. In recent decades, there has been an emerging threat of community-acquired CDI (CA-CDI). Environmental transmission of C. difficile in the community setting has become a major concern, and animals are an important reservoir for C. difficile causing human diseases. AREAS COVERED In this article, the molecular epidemiology of C. difficile in animals and recent evidences of zoonotic transfer to humans are reviewed based on an electronic search in the databases of PubMed and Google Scholar. EXPERT OPINION C. difficile can be found in stool from diarrheal dogs and cats; therefore, household pets could be a potential source. C. difficile will threaten human health because hypervirulent C. difficile ribotype 078 strains have been found in retail chickens, pig farms, and slaughterhouses. Risk factors for fecal C. difficile carriage in animals include young age, dietary changes, and antibiotic abuse in domestic animals. With the advent of whole genome sequencing techniques, there will be more solid evidence indicating zoonotic transfer of C. difficile from animals to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Shiang Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Dou-Liou Branch, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Yunlin, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Pin Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Chieh Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Shan Syue
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ren Hsueh
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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11
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Jurburg SD, Bossers A. Age Matters: Community Assembly in the Pig Fecal Microbiome in the First Month of Life. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:564408. [PMID: 33790871 PMCID: PMC8006452 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.564408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the wealth of research into strategies for microbiome modulation, studies of microbiome management in pig hosts have found mixed results. A refined understanding of the patterns of microbiome assembly during the host’s early life, when management strategies are most commonly applied, is necessary for the development of successful management practices. Here, we study the development of the pig gut microbial community in a monitoring experiment, sampling the microbiome of pigs in a commercial farm intensively during the first month of life. We found that the community’s taxonomic richness increased linearly with host age. Furthermore, rapid changes across communities occurred in stages, and non-linear patterns in relative abundance were commonly observed among dominant taxa across host age, consistent with primary succession. Our results highlight the importance of understanding the patterns of microbiome assembly during host development, and identify successional stages as windows of opportunity for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie D Jurburg
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research iDiv (Halle/Jena/Leipzig), Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Infection Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, Netherlands.,Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alex Bossers
- Department of Infection Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, Netherlands.,Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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12
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Weese JS, Slovis N, Rousseau J. Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile in neonatal foals and mares at a referral hospital. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:1140-1146. [PMID: 33656757 PMCID: PMC7995440 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the epidemiology of Clostridium difficile is important for the development and assessment of infection prevention and control practices, as well as surveillance methods and interpretation of diagnostic testing results. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to longitudinally evaluate C. difficile shedding in neonatal foals and mares admitted to a referral hospital neonatal intensive care unit. ANIMALS Foals admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit, along with their dams. METHODS Rectal swabs were collected from mares and foals at admission, and then approximately every 3 days, when possible. Selective culture for C. difficile was performed and isolates were characterized by toxin gene PCR and ribotyping. RESULTS Clostridium difficile was isolated from 103/409 (25%) samples; 65/208 (31%) from foals and 38/201 (19%) from mares. Cumulatively, C. difficile was isolated from at least 1 sample from 50/113 (44%) foals and 30/97 (31%) mares. No association was found between hospitalization day and isolation of C. difficile (P = .13). Twenty-three different ribotypes were identified, with ribotype 078 predominating. Fifteen foals had 2 positive samples during hospitalization. In only 6/15 (40%) foals was the same strain identified both times (5 ribotype 078 and 1 ribotype 012). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Clostridium difficile is an important pathogen in adult horses and foals, and our findings highlight the complexity surrounding the epidemiology of this opportunistic pathogen. It can be found commonly, transiently, and cluster within a facility in the absence of identifiable disease occurrences or clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Scott Weese
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan Slovis
- McGee Medical Center, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Joyce Rousseau
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Redding L, Huang E, Ryave J, Webb T, Barnhart D, Baker L, Bender J, Kristula M, Kelly D. Clostridioides difficile on dairy farms and potential risk to dairy farm workers. Anaerobe 2021; 69:102353. [PMID: 33639290 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2021.102353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile causes severe colitis in people and is a significant enteric pathogen in many species of animals, including swine, horses, and potentially cattle. C. difficile is shed in feces, and transmission occurs horizontally via the fecal-oral route. Livestock has been suggested as a potential reservoir for C. difficile, and while studies have shown that swine and farm workers can be colonized with identical clones of C. difficile, the zoonotic transmission of C. difficile from livestock to people has not been definitively demonstrated. The goal of this study was to determine whether dairy calves and dairy farm workers harbored genetically similar isolates of C. difficile. First, we validated a glove juice protocol for detecting C. difficile on farm workers' hands. We then visited 23 farms and collected 1) fecal samples from 92 dairy calves, 2) hand rinsates from 38 dairy farm workers, and 3) fecal samples from five of the dairy farm workers who were willing to submit them. All samples underwent anaerobic culture and qPCR to detect C. difficile. C. difficile was detected on 15 of the farms (65.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 42.7%-83.6%) and in 28 calves (30.4%, 95% CI 21.2-40.9%) but in none of the hand rinsates or human fecal samples. Thus, the zoonotic transmission of C. difficile on dairy farms could not be demonstrated, and dairy farmers did not appear to be at increased risk of acquiring C. difficile via the fecal-oral route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel Redding
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Huang
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jacob Ryave
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Terry Webb
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Denise Barnhart
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Linda Baker
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Joseph Bender
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Michaela Kristula
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Donna Kelly
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, USA
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14
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Abstract
Clostridium (Clostridioides) difficile is a gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that is an important cause of disease in people, a variably important cause of disease in some animal species, and an apparently harmless commensal in others. Regardless of whether it is a known pathogen in a particular species, it can also be found in healthy individuals, sometimes at high prevalences and typically with higher rates of carriage in young individuals. As it is investigated in more animal species, it is apparent that this bacterium is widely disseminated in a diverse range of domestic and wild animal species. Although it can be found in most species in which investigations have been performed, there are pronounced intra- and inter-species differences in prevalence and clinical relevance. A wide range of strains can be identified, some that appear to be animal associated and others that are found in humans and animals. A large percentage of strains that cause disease in people can at least sporadically be found in animals. It is a potentially important zoonotic pathogen, but there is limited direct evidence of animal-human transmission. Although C. difficile has been studied extensively over the past few decades, it remains an enigmatic organism in many ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Scott Weese
- Department of Pathobiology and Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Weese)
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15
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Clostridioides (Clostridium) Difficile in Food-Producing Animals, Horses and Household Pets: A Comprehensive Review. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7120667. [PMID: 31835413 PMCID: PMC6955671 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7120667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile is ubiquitous in the environment and is also considered as a bacterium of great importance in diarrhea-associated disease for humans and different animal species. Food animals and household pets are frequently found positive for toxigenic C. difficile without exposing clinical signs of infection. Humans and animals share common C. difficile ribotypes (RTs) suggesting potential zoonotic transmission. However, the role of animals for the development of human infection due to C. difficile remains unclear. One major public health issue is the existence of asymptomatic animals that carry and shed the bacterium to the environment, and infect individuals or populations, directly or through the food chain. C. difficile ribotype 078 is frequently isolated from food animals and household pets as well as from their environment. Nevertheless, direct evidence for the transmission of this particular ribotype from animals to humans has never been established. This review will summarize the current available data on epidemiology, clinical presentations, risk factors and laboratory diagnosis of C. difficile infection in food animals and household pets, outline potential prevention and control strategies, and also describe the current evidence towards a zoonotic potential of C. difficile infection.
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16
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Jurburg SD, Cornelissen JJBWJ, de Boer P, Smits MA, Rebel JMJ. Successional Dynamics in the Gut Microbiome Determine the Success of Clostridium difficile Infection in Adult Pig Models. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:271. [PMID: 31448240 PMCID: PMC6691177 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) are a major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. It is hypothesized that CDI develops due to the antibiotic-induced disruption of the intestinal microbial community structure, which allows C. difficile to flourish. Here, we pre-treated weaned pigs with the antibiotics Clindamycin or Ciprofloxacin for 1 day, and subsequently inoculated them with a human and pig enteropathogenic C. difficile strain 078 spores. Body temperature, clinical signs of disease, and the fecal microbiome were monitored daily for 15 days. Clindamycin had a stronger effect on the pigs than Ciprofloxacin, resulting in drastic shifts in the fecal microbiome, decreases in microbial diversity and significant increases in body temperature, even in the absence of C. difficile. Fecal shedding of C. difficile was detectable for 3 and 9 days in Ciprofloxacin and Clindamycin treated pigs inoculated with C. difficile, respectively, and in both cases decreased cell proliferation rates were detected in colon tissue. The timing of C. difficile shedding coincided with the decrease in a large cluster of Firmicutes following Clindamycin treatment, a pattern which was also independent of C. difficile inoculation. The observed community patterns suggest that successional dynamics following antibiotic treatment facilitate C. difficile establishment. The similarities between the microbiome responses observed in our study and those previously reported in CDI-infected humans further support the utility of adult pigs as models for the study of CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie D Jurburg
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, Netherlands.,iDiv - German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Mari A Smits
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | - Johanna M J Rebel
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, Netherlands.,Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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17
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Oliveira Júnior CA, Silva ROS, Cruz DSG, Pires IH, Guedes RMC, Faria Lobato FC. The non-toxigenic strain of Clostridioides difficile Z31 can prevent infection by C. difficile in experimental model piglets. Anaerobe 2018; 55:24-28. [PMID: 30292822 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
One of the main challenges associated with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in humans and domestic animals is the lack of an effective preventive strategy. One strategy with promising results is the oral administration of non-toxigenic strains of C. difficile (NTCD). Recently, Z31, a NTCD strain isolated from a healthy dog, showed promising results to prevent CDI in hamsters. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the capacity of Z31 to prevent CDI in piglets using an experimental model. Twenty neonatal piglets were randomly distributed in three groups: G1 - 106 spores of Z31 followed by 107 spores of a toxigenic C. difficile strain (n = 7), G2 (positive control) - 107 spores of a toxigenic C. difficile strain (n = 7), and G3 (negative control) - no biological inoculum (n = 6). All animals were kept in individual insulators and observed for 60 h. Data regarding clinical signs, macro and microscopic lesions, toxigenic culture of C. difficile, and detection of A/B toxins in the feces were evaluated. All evaluated parameters were significantly lower in animals that received Z31 compared to the positive control. Thus, oral administration of Z31 was able to prevent CDI in piglets in an experimental model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Augusto Oliveira Júnior
- Veterinary School. Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Antônio Carlos Avenue, 6627, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Otávio Silveira Silva
- Veterinary School. Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Antônio Carlos Avenue, 6627, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - Diogo Soares Gonçalves Cruz
- Veterinary School. Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Antônio Carlos Avenue, 6627, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Isadora Honorato Pires
- Veterinary School. Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Antônio Carlos Avenue, 6627, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Roberto Maurício Carvalho Guedes
- Veterinary School. Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Antônio Carlos Avenue, 6627, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Francisco Carlos Faria Lobato
- Veterinary School. Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Antônio Carlos Avenue, 6627, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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18
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Kongsted H, Pedersen K, Hjulsager CK, Larsen LE, Pedersen KS, Jorsal SE, Bækbo P. Diarrhoea in neonatal piglets: a case control study on microbiological findings. Porcine Health Manag 2018; 4:17. [PMID: 30186621 PMCID: PMC6120089 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-018-0094-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Many factors can influence the occurrence of neonatal diarrhoea in piglets. Currently, well-known pathogens such as enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens type C appear to play a minor role in development of disease. Other infectious pathogens may be involved. In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of selected infectious pathogens in neonatal piglets with clinical and pathological signs of enteric disease. The association between rotavirus A, Enterococcus hirae, Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens type A/C and diarrhoea was investigated in a case control study on piglet level. The possible role of E. coli virulence factors was investigated in a multistep-procedure using herd-pools of E.coli isolates to screen for their presence. Results Rotavirus A was detected more often in cases (25%) than in controls (6%) (P < 0.001). The detection rate of Enterococcus hirae, Clostridium difficile and C. perfringens type A positive for beta2 genes was the same in the two groups of piglets. C. perfringens type C was not detected in the study. Investigations on E. coli virulence factors showed a high prevalence of EAST1 toxin genes (55% of tested case piglets were positive) and AIDA-1 adhesin genes (63% of toxin positive case piglets were positive) in case piglets. Conclusions Detection of rotavirus A was statistically significantly associated with neonatal piglet diarrhoea. An aetiologic role of E. coli carrying virulence factors EAST1 and AIDA-1 needs further investigation as the study points out these two factors as possible causative factors in neonatal diarrhoea. Detection of E.hirae, C.difficile and C. perfringens type A carrying beta 2 genes was not associated with neonatal piglet diarrhoea. However, the study suggested that massive overgrowth by E. hirae could be part of the pathogenesis in some cases of neonatal diarrhoea. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40813-018-0094-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Kongsted
- 1Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark.,SEGES Danish Pig Research Centre, Axeltorv 3, DK-1609 Copenhagen V, Denmark
| | - Karl Pedersen
- 3National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Lars Erik Larsen
- 3National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ken Steen Pedersen
- SEGES Danish Pig Research Centre, Axeltorv 3, DK-1609 Copenhagen V, Denmark
| | - Sven Erik Jorsal
- 3National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Poul Bækbo
- SEGES Danish Pig Research Centre, Axeltorv 3, DK-1609 Copenhagen V, Denmark
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Grześkowiak Ł, Martínez-Vallespín B, Dadi TH, Radloff J, Amasheh S, Heinsen FA, Franke A, Reinert K, Vahjen W, Zentek J, Pieper R. Formula Feeding Predisposes Neonatal Piglets to Clostridium difficile Gut Infection. J Infect Dis 2017; 217:1442-1452. [DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Temesgen H Dadi
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Institute of Computer Science, Kiel, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Kiel, Germany
| | - Judith Radloff
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Kiel, Germany
| | - Salah Amasheh
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Kiel, Germany
| | - Femke-Anouska Heinsen
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, University Hospital Schleswig Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Andre Franke
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, University Hospital Schleswig Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Knut Reinert
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Institute of Computer Science, Kiel, Germany
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20
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Clostridium difficile in beef cattle farms, farmers and their environment: Assessing the spread of the bacterium. Vet Microbiol 2017; 210:183-187. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2017.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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21
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Rodriguez C, Taminiau B, Avesani V, Van Broeck J, Delmée M, Daube G. Multilocus sequence typing analysis and antibiotic resistance of Clostridium difficile strains isolated from retail meat and humans in Belgium. Food Microbiol 2014; 42:166-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2014.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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22
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Spencer J, Leuzzi R, Buckley A, Irvine J, Candlish D, Scarselli M, Douce GR. Vaccination against Clostridium difficile using toxin fragments: Observations and analysis in animal models. Gut Microbes 2014; 5:225-32. [PMID: 24637800 PMCID: PMC4063849 DOI: 10.4161/gmic.27712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile is a major cause of antibiotic associated diarrhea. Recently, we have shown that effective protection can be mediated in hamsters through the inclusion of specific recombinant fragments from toxin A and B in a systemically delivered vaccine. Interestingly while neutralizing antibodies to the binding domains of both toxin A and B are moderately protective, enhanced survival is observed when fragments from the glucosyltransferase region of toxin B replace those from the binding domain of this toxin. In this addendum, we discuss additional information that has been derived from such vaccination studies. This includes observations on efficacy and cross-protection against different ribotypes mediated by these vaccines and the challenges that remain for a vaccine which prevents clinical symptoms but not colonization. The use and value of vaccination both in the prevention of infection and for treatment of disease relapse will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice Spencer
- Institute of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation; College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences; University of Glasgow; Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Anthony Buckley
- Institute of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation; College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences; University of Glasgow; Glasgow, UK
| | - June Irvine
- Institute of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation; College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences; University of Glasgow; Glasgow, UK
| | - Denise Candlish
- Institute of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation; College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences; University of Glasgow; Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Gillian R Douce
- Institute of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation; College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences; University of Glasgow; Glasgow, UK,Correspondence to: Gillian R Douce,
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