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Valdezate S, Carrasco G, Medina MJ, Garrido N, del Pino S, Valiente M, Pallarés MP, Villalon P. Exploring the genetic background of the botulism neurotoxin BoNT/B2 in Spain. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0238023. [PMID: 37750689 PMCID: PMC10581064 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02380-23] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
To determine whether the neurotoxin BoNT/B2 causing botulism in Spain is clonal, the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Clostridium botulinum from food-borne episodes and infant cases of the condition were explored. The botulinum toxin gene (bont) subtype, the variable region of the flagellin gene (flaVR), and a seven-gene multi-locus sequence type were examined by sequencing 37 BoNT-positive cultures obtained over the period 2010 to 2022. Out of 37 botulism events, 16 food-borne episodes and 16 infant cases were associated with bont/b2. Eight bont/b2 alleles were detected [nucleotide distance range 0.0259-0.415%, Hunter and Gaston discrimination index (HGDI) 0.71]. The most common bont/b2 allele corresponded to that of strain Prevot 25 NCASE and its single and double locus variations (87.5%). Four known flaVR types were identified (HGDI 0.79), along with one previously unknown (flaVR-15). Sixteen sequence types (STs) (HGDI 0.89) were recorded including seven new STs (ST164-ST170; 10 new alleles) and five new STs (ST171-ST175; with new allele combinations) were also noted. Correlations among some STs and flaVR types were seen. Overall, the present results show that the combined analysis of bont/b2-flaVR-ST at the nucleotide level could be used to track botulism events in Spain. The neurotoxin BoNT/B2 has largely been responsible for human botulism in Spain. The polymorphism analysis of bont/b2, flaVR typing, and sequence type determinations, revealed a wide variety of clones to be responsible for human botulism, ruling out a common source of acquisition. IMPORTANCE Botulism, a potentially fatal disease, is classically characterized by a symmetrical descending flaccid paralysis, which if left untreated can lead to respiratory failure and death. Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), produced by certain species of Clostridium, is the most potent biological toxin known, and the direct cause of botulism. This study characterizes the acquisition in Spain of two forms of botulism, i.e., food-borne and infant botulism, which are largely caused by the main neurotoxin BoNT/B2. Polymorphism analysis of the bont/b2 gene, typing of the flagellin variable region sequence (flaVR), and multilocus sequence typing, were used to explore the genetic background of Clostridium botulinum group I. To our knowledge, this is the first phylogenetic and typing study of botulism undertaken in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Valdezate
- Reference and Research Laboratory for Taxonomy, National Centre of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Carrasco
- Reference and Research Laboratory for Taxonomy, National Centre of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - María J. Medina
- Reference and Research Laboratory for Taxonomy, National Centre of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Noelia Garrido
- Reference and Research Laboratory for Taxonomy, National Centre of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia del Pino
- Reference and Research Laboratory for Taxonomy, National Centre of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Monica Valiente
- Reference and Research Laboratory for Taxonomy, National Centre of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - María P. Pallarés
- Veterinary Unit, Animal Department, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Villalon
- Reference and Research Laboratory for Taxonomy, National Centre of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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Roja B, Saranya S, Chellapandi P. Discovery of novel virulence mechanisms in Clostridium botulinum type A3 using genome-wide analysis. Gene 2023; 869:147402. [PMID: 36972858 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147402] [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: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Clostridium botulinum type A is a neurotoxin-producing, spore-forming anaerobic bacterium that causes botulism in humans. The evolutionary genomic context of this organism is not yet known to understand its molecular virulence mechanisms in the human intestinal tract. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying virulence and pathogenesis by comparing the genomic contexts across species, serotypes, and subtypes. METHODS A comparative genomic approach was used to analyze evolutionary genomic relationships, intergenomic distances, syntenic blocks, replication origins, and gene abundance with phylogenomic neighbors. RESULTS Type A strains have shown genomic proximity to group I strains with distinct accessory genes and vary even within subtypes. Phylogenomic data showed that type C and D strains were distantly related to a group I and group II strains. Synthetic plots indicated that orthologous genes might have evolved from Clostridial ancestry to subtype A3 strains, whereas syntonic out-paralogs might have emerged between subtypes A3 and A1 through α-events. Gene abundance analysis revealed the key roles of genes involved in biofilm formation, cell-cell communication, human diseases, and drug resistance compared to the pathogenic Clostridia. Moreover, we identified 43 unique genes in the type A3 genome, of which 29 were involved in the pathophysiological processes and other genes contributed to amino acid metabolism. The C. botulinum type A3 genome contains 14 new virulence proteins that can provide the ability to confer antibiotic resistance, virulence exertion and adherence to host cells, the host immune system, and mobility of extrachromosomal genetic elements. CONCLUSION The results of our study provide insight into the understanding of new virulence mechanisms to discover new therapeutics for the treatment of human diseases caused by type A3 strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Roja
- Industrial Systems Biology Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli-620024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Saranya
- Industrial Systems Biology Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli-620024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P Chellapandi
- Industrial Systems Biology Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli-620024, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Panditrao MV, Chung CH, Khouri JM, Barash JR, Motter RN, Dover N, Arnon SS. Dual-Toxin ("Bivalent") Infant Botulism in California, 1976-2020: Epidemiologic, Clinical, and Laboratory Aspects. J Pediatr 2023; 253:8-13. [PMID: 35977619 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.08.016] [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: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the consequences of infant botulism that result from Clostridium botulinum strains that produce 2 botulinum toxin serotypes, termed "bivalent." STUDY DESIGN Epidemiologic investigations used a standard questionnaire. Clostridium botulinum strains were isolated by standard methods. Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) serotypes and the relative amounts of toxins produced were identified using the standard mouse bioassay. BoNT subtypes and genomic locations were identified by DNA nucleotide sequencing. RESULTS Thirty bivalent cases of infant botulism occurred in the 45 years (1976-2020), representing 2.0% of all California infant botulism cases, in the 3 geographic regions of southern California, the southern Central Valley, and mid-northern California. Toxin serotype combinations were Ba (n = 22), Bf (n = 7), and Ab (n = 1). More patients with illness caused by bivalent C botulinum Ba and Bf strains needed endotracheal intubation at hospital admission, 60.0% (18/30), than did patients with illness caused by monovalent BoNT/B strains, 34.3% (152/443). The Cbotulinum Ba and Bf strains produced BoNT/B5 and either BoNT/A4 or /F2. The Ab strain produced BoNT/A2 and /B1. All toxin gene clusters were on plasmids. CONCLUSIONS Infant botulism caused by bivalent Cbotulinum strains occurs sporadically and in diverse locations in California. Affected patients with bivalent Ba and Bf strains lacked distinguishing epidemiological features but appeared to be more severely paralyzed at hospital presentation than patients with illness caused by only BoNT/B. These bivalent strains produced BoNT subtypes A2, A4, B1, B5, and F2, and all toxin gene clusters were on plasmids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuri V Panditrao
- Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Modeling Branch, COVID-19 Response California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
| | - Connie H Chung
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, Infectious Diseases Laboratory Branch, Center for Infectious Diseases, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
| | - Jessica M Khouri
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, Infectious Diseases Laboratory Branch, Center for Infectious Diseases, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA.
| | - Jason R Barash
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, Infectious Diseases Laboratory Branch, Center for Infectious Diseases, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
| | - Ruth N Motter
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, Infectious Diseases Laboratory Branch, Center for Infectious Diseases, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
| | - Nir Dover
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, Infectious Diseases Laboratory Branch, Center for Infectious Diseases, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
| | - Stephen S Arnon
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, Infectious Diseases Laboratory Branch, Center for Infectious Diseases, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
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Bowe BK, Wentz TG, Gregg BM, Tepp WH, Schill KM, Sharma S, Pellett S. Genomic Diversity, Competition, and Toxin Production by Group I and II Clostridium botulinum Strains Used in Food Challenge Studies. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1895. [PMID: 36296172 PMCID: PMC9611418 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10101895] [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: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum are the causative agent of human and animal botulism, a rare but serious and potentially deadly intoxication. Foodborne botulism is caused by the consumption of foods containing BoNTs, which results from contamination of foods with C. botulinum spores and toxin production by the bacteria during growth within the food. Validation of the safety of food products is essential in preventing foodborne botulism, however, limited guidance and standards exist for the selection of strains used in C. botulinum food challenge studies. Sequencing and genomics studies have revealed that C. botulinum is a large, diverse, and polyphyletic species, with physiologic and growth characteristics studied only in a few representatives. Little is known about potential growth competition or effects on toxin production between C. botulinum strains. In this study, we investigated an applied cocktail of ten C. botulinum strains, seven Group I and three Group II. Whole genome SNP alignments revealed that this strain cocktail encompasses the major clades of the Group I and II C. botulinum species. While growth competition appears to exist between several of the strains, the cocktail as a whole resulted in high levels of BoNT production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Kathryn Bowe
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Food Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Travis Gwynn Wentz
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Microbiology Doctoral Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Brieana Marie Gregg
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - William Howard Tepp
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Kristin Marie Schill
- Food Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Shashi Sharma
- Division of Microbiology, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD 20740, USA
| | - Sabine Pellett
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Food Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Dorner MB. Why foodborne botulism cannot be caused by honey. Anaerobe 2022; 77:102631. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2022.102631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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New Modified Recombinant Botulinum Neurotoxin Type F with Enhanced Potency. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13120834. [PMID: 34941672 PMCID: PMC8705745 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120834] [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: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are notorious toxins and powerful agents and can be lethal, causing botulism, but they are also widely used as therapeutics, particularly to treat neuromuscular disorders. As of today, the commercial BoNT treatments available are from native A or B serotypes. Serotype F has shown efficacy in a clinical trial but has scarcely been used, most likely due to its medium duration of effect. Previously, the uniqueness of the light chain of the F7 subtype was identified and reported, showing an extended interaction with its substrates, VAMPs 1, 2 and 3, and a superior catalytic activity compared to other BoNT/F subtypes. In order to more extensively study the properties of this neurotoxin, we engineered a modified F7 chimera, mrBoNT/F7-1, in which all the regions of the neurotoxin were identical to BoNT/F7 except the activation loop, which was the activation loop from BoNT/F1. Use of the activation loop from BoNT/F1 allowed easier post-translational proteolytic activation of the recombinant protein without otherwise affecting its properties. mrBoNT/F7-1 was expressed, purified and then tested in a suite of in vitro and in vivo assays. mrBoNT/F7-1 was active and showed enhanced potency in comparison to both native and recombinant BoNT/F1. Additionally, the safety profile remained comparable to BoNT/F1 despite the increased potency. This new modified recombinant toxin F7 could be further exploited to develop unique therapeutics to address unmet medical needs.
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Extensive Genome Exploration of Clostridium botulinum Group III Field Strains. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112347. [PMID: 34835472 PMCID: PMC8624178 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112347] [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: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In animals, botulism is commonly sustained by botulinum neurotoxin C, D or their mosaic variants, which are produced by anaerobic bacteria included in Clostridium botulinum group III. In this study, a WGS has been applied to a large collection of C. botulinum group III field strains in order to expand the knowledge on these BoNT-producing Clostridia and to evaluate the potentiality of this method for epidemiological investigations. Sixty field strains were submitted to WGS, and the results were analyzed with respect to epidemiological information and compared to published sequences. The strains were isolated from biological or environmental samples collected in animal botulism outbreaks which occurred in Italy from 2007 to 2016. The new sequenced strains belonged to subspecific groups, some of which were already defined, while others were newly characterized, peculiar to Italian strains and contained genomic features not yet observed. This included, in particular, two new flicC types (VI and VII) and new plasmids which widen the known plasmidome of the species. The extensive genome exploration shown in this study improves the C. botulinum and related species classification scheme, enriching it with new strains of rare genotypes and permitting the highest grade of discrimination among strains for forensic and epidemiological applications.
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Smith TJ, Williamson CHD, Hill KK, Johnson SL, Xie G, Anniballi F, Auricchio B, Fernández RA, Caballero PA, Keim P, Sahl JW. The Distinctive Evolution of orfX Clostridium parabotulinum Strains and Their Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A and F Gene Clusters Is Influenced by Environmental Factors and Gene Interactions via Mobile Genetic Elements. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:566908. [PMID: 33716993 PMCID: PMC7952441 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.566908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Of the seven currently known botulinum neurotoxin-producing species of Clostridium, C. parabotulinum, or C. botulinum Group I, is the species associated with the majority of human botulism cases worldwide. Phylogenetic analysis of these bacteria reveals a diverse species with multiple genomic clades. The neurotoxins they produce are also diverse, with over 20 subtypes currently represented. The existence of different bont genes within very similar genomes and of the same bont genes/gene clusters within different bacterial variants/species indicates that they have evolved independently. The neurotoxin genes are associated with one of two toxin gene cluster types containing either hemagglutinin (ha) genes or orfX genes. These genes may be located within the chromosome or extrachromosomal elements such as large plasmids. Although BoNT-producing C parabotulinum bacteria are distributed globally, they are more ubiquitous in certain specific geographic regions. Notably, northern hemisphere strains primarily contain ha gene clusters while southern hemisphere strains have a preponderance of orfX gene clusters. OrfX C. parabotulinum strains constitute a subset of this species that contain highly conserved bont gene clusters having a diverse range of bont genes. While much has been written about strains with ha gene clusters, less attention has been devoted to those with orfX gene clusters. The recent sequencing of 28 orfX C. parabotulinum strains and the availability of an additional 91 strains for analysis provides an opportunity to compare genomic relationships and identify unique toxin gene cluster characteristics and locations within this species subset in depth. The mechanisms behind the independent processes of bacteria evolution and generation of toxin diversity are explored through the examination of bacterial relationships relating to source locations and evidence of horizontal transfer of genetic material among different bacterial variants, particularly concerning bont gene clusters. Analysis of the content and locations of the bont gene clusters offers insights into common mechanisms of genetic transfer, chromosomal integration, and development of diversity among these genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa J Smith
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
| | - Charles H D Williamson
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
| | - Karen K Hill
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States
| | | | - Gary Xie
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States
| | - Fabrizio Anniballi
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, National Reference Centre for Botulism, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruna Auricchio
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, National Reference Centre for Botulism, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Rafael A Fernández
- Área Microbiología, Departamento de Patología, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Patricia A Caballero
- Área Microbiología, Departamento de Patología, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Paul Keim
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
| | - Jason W Sahl
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
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Brunt J, van Vliet AHM, Carter AT, Stringer SC, Amar C, Grant KA, Godbole G, Peck MW. Diversity of the Genomes and Neurotoxins of Strains of Clostridium botulinum Group I and Clostridium sporogenes Associated with Foodborne, Infant and Wound Botulism. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12090586. [PMID: 32932818 PMCID: PMC7551954 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum Group I and Clostridium sporogenes are closely related bacteria responsible for foodborne, infant and wound botulism. A comparative genomic study with 556 highly diverse strains of C. botulinum Group I and C. sporogenes (including 417 newly sequenced strains) has been carried out to characterise the genetic diversity and spread of these bacteria and their neurotoxin genes. Core genome single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis revealed two major lineages; C. botulinum Group I (most strains possessed botulinum neurotoxin gene(s) of types A, B and/or F) and C. sporogenes (some strains possessed a type B botulinum neurotoxin gene). Both lineages contained strains responsible for foodborne, infant and wound botulism. A new C. sporogenes cluster was identified that included five strains with a gene encoding botulinum neurotoxin sub-type B1. There was significant evidence of horizontal transfer of botulinum neurotoxin genes between distantly related bacteria. Population structure/diversity have been characterised, and novel associations discovered between whole genome lineage, botulinum neurotoxin sub-type variant, epidemiological links to foodborne, infant and wound botulism, and geographic origin. The impact of genomic and physiological variability on the botulism risk has been assessed. The genome sequences are a valuable resource for future research (e.g., pathogen biology, evolution of C. botulinum and its neurotoxin genes, improved pathogen detection and discrimination), and support enhanced risk assessments and the prevention of botulism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Brunt
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK
- Gut Health and Food Safety, Quadram Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK; (A.T.C.); (S.C.S.)
- Correspondence: (J.B.); (M.W.P.)
| | - Arnoud H. M. van Vliet
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7AL, UK;
| | - Andrew T. Carter
- Gut Health and Food Safety, Quadram Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK; (A.T.C.); (S.C.S.)
| | - Sandra C. Stringer
- Gut Health and Food Safety, Quadram Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK; (A.T.C.); (S.C.S.)
| | - Corinne Amar
- Gastrointestinal Pathogens Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London NW9 5EQ, UK; (C.A.); (K.A.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Kathie A. Grant
- Gastrointestinal Pathogens Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London NW9 5EQ, UK; (C.A.); (K.A.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Gauri Godbole
- Gastrointestinal Pathogens Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London NW9 5EQ, UK; (C.A.); (K.A.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Michael W. Peck
- Gut Health and Food Safety, Quadram Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK; (A.T.C.); (S.C.S.)
- Correspondence: (J.B.); (M.W.P.)
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Le Gratiet T, Poezevara T, Rouxel S, Houard E, Mazuet C, Chemaly M, Le Maréchal C. Development of An Innovative and Quick Method for the Isolation of Clostridium botulinum Strains Involved in Avian Botulism Outbreaks. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E42. [PMID: 31936866 PMCID: PMC7020472 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Avian botulism is a serious neuroparalytic disease mainly caused by a type C/D botulinum neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum group III, one of the entwined bacterial species from the Clostridiumnovyisensulato genospecies. Its isolation is very challenging due to the absence of selective media and the instability of the phage carrying the gene encoding for the neurotoxin. The present study describes the development of an original method for isolating C. botulinum group III strains. Briefly, this method consists of streaking the InstaGene matrix extraction pellet on Egg Yolk Agar plates and then collecting the colonies with lipase and lecithinase activities. Using this approach, it was possible to isolate 21 C. novyi sensu lato strains from 22 enrichment broths of avian livers, including 14 toxic strains. This method was successfully used to re-isolate type C, D, C/D, and D/C strains from liver samples spiked with five spores per gram. This method is cheap, user-friendly, and reliable. It can be used to quickly isolate toxic strains involved in avian botulism with a 64% success rate and C. novyi sensu lato with a 95% rate. This opens up new perspectives for C. botulinum genomic research, which will shed light on the epidemiology of avian botulism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Le Gratiet
- Unit of Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pork Products, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), BP 53, 22440 Ploufragan, France; (T.L.G.)
- UFR of Life Sciences and Environment, University of Rennes 1, 35 000 Rennes, France
| | - Typhaine Poezevara
- Unit of Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pork Products, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), BP 53, 22440 Ploufragan, France; (T.L.G.)
| | - Sandra Rouxel
- Unit of Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pork Products, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), BP 53, 22440 Ploufragan, France; (T.L.G.)
| | - Emmanuelle Houard
- Unit of Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pork Products, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), BP 53, 22440 Ploufragan, France; (T.L.G.)
| | - Christelle Mazuet
- National Reference Center for Anaerobic Bacteria and Botulism, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris, France
| | - Marianne Chemaly
- Unit of Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pork Products, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), BP 53, 22440 Ploufragan, France; (T.L.G.)
| | - Caroline Le Maréchal
- Unit of Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pork Products, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), BP 53, 22440 Ploufragan, France; (T.L.G.)
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Davies JR, Liu SM, Acharya KR. Variations in the Botulinum Neurotoxin Binding Domain and the Potential for Novel Therapeutics. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10100421. [PMID: 30347838 PMCID: PMC6215321 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10100421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are categorised into immunologically distinct serotypes BoNT/A to /G). Each serotype can also be further divided into subtypes based on differences in amino acid sequence. BoNTs are ~150 kDa proteins comprised of three major functional domains: an N-terminal zinc metalloprotease light chain (LC), a translocation domain (HN), and a binding domain (HC). The HC is responsible for targeting the BoNT to the neuronal cell membrane, and each serotype has evolved to bind via different mechanisms to different target receptors. Most structural characterisations to date have focussed on the first identified subtype within each serotype (e.g., BoNT/A1). Subtype differences within BoNT serotypes can affect intoxication, displaying different botulism symptoms in vivo, and less emphasis has been placed on investigating these variants. This review outlines the receptors for each BoNT serotype and describes the basis for the highly specific targeting of neuronal cell membranes. Understanding receptor binding is of vital importance, not only for the generation of novel therapeutics but also for understanding how best to protect from intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Davies
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Sai Man Liu
- Ipsen Bioinnovation Limited, Abingdon OX14 4RY, UK.
| | - K Ravi Acharya
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
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12
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Sikorra S, Skiba M, Dorner MB, Weisemann J, Weil M, Valdezate S, Davletov B, Rummel A, Dorner BG, Binz T. Botulinum Neurotoxin F Subtypes Cleaving the VAMP-2 Q 58⁻K 59 Peptide Bond Exhibit Unique Catalytic Properties and Substrate Specificities. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10080311. [PMID: 30071628 PMCID: PMC6116196 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10080311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the recent past, about 40 botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) subtypes belonging to serotypes A, B, E, and F pathogenic to humans were identified among hundreds of independent isolates. BoNTs are the etiological factors of botulism and represent potential bioweapons; however, they are also recognized pharmaceuticals for the efficient counteraction of hyperactive nerve terminals in a variety of human diseases. The detailed biochemical characterization of subtypes as the basis for development of suitable countermeasures and possible novel therapeutic applications is lagging behind the increase in new subtypes. Here, we report the primary structure of a ninth subtype of BoNT/F. Its amino-acid sequence diverges by at least 8.4% at the holotoxin and 13.4% at the enzymatic domain level from all other known BoNT/F subtypes. We found that BoNT/F9 shares the scissile Q58/K59 bond in its substrate vesicle associated membrane protein 2 with the prototype BoNT/F1. Comparative biochemical analyses of four BoNT/F enzymatic domains showed that the catalytic efficiencies decrease in the order F1 > F7 > F9 > F6, and vary by up to a factor of eight. KM values increase in the order F1 > F9 > F6 ≈ F7, whereas kcat decreases in the order F7 > F1 > F9 > F6. Comparative substrate scanning mutagenesis studies revealed a unique pattern of crucial substrate residues for each subtype. Based upon structural coordinates of F1 bound to an inhibitor polypeptide, the mutational analyses suggest different substrate interactions in the substrate binding channel of each subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Sikorra
- Institute of Cell Biochemistry, OE 4310, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Martin Skiba
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Martin B Dorner
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jasmin Weisemann
- Institute of Toxicology, OE 5340, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Mirjam Weil
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sylvia Valdezate
- Reference and Research Laboratory for Taxonomy, Spanish National Centre of Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Bazbek Davletov
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
| | - Andreas Rummel
- Institute of Toxicology, OE 5340, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Brigitte G Dorner
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Thomas Binz
- Institute of Cell Biochemistry, OE 4310, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
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13
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Majou D, Christieans S. Mechanisms of the bactericidal effects of nitrate and nitrite in cured meats. Meat Sci 2018; 145:273-284. [PMID: 30005374 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2018.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
For cured meat products, nitrite is recognized for its antimicrobial effects against pathogenic bacteria, even though the specific inhibitory mechanisms are not well known. Nitrite contributes to oxidative stress by being the precursor of peroxynitrite (ONOO-), which is the major strong oxidant. Thus, bacterial stress (highly pH-very low partial pressure of oxygen-dependent) is enhanced by the nitrate-nitrite-peroxynitrite system which is also highly pH- and low partial pressure of oxygen-dependent. Nitrite is a hurdle technology which effectiveness depends on several other hurdle technologies including sodium chloride (accelerating the autoxidation of oxymyoglobin and promote peroxynitrite formation), ascorbate (increasing ONOO- synthesis), and Aw. In this environment, certain species are more resistant than others to acidic, oxidative, and nitrative stresses. The most resistant are gram-negative aerobic/facultative anaerobic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella), and the most fragile are gram-positive anaerobic bacteria (Clostridium botulinum). This position review highlights the major chemical mechanisms involved, the active molecules and their actions on bacterial metabolisms in the meat ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Majou
- Association pour la Coordination Technique pour l'Industrie Agro-Alimentaire (ACTIA), 16, rue Claude Bernard, 75005 Paris 05, France
| | - Souad Christieans
- Association pour le Développement de l'Industrie de la Viande (ADIV), 10, rue Jacqueline Auriol, 63039 Clermont-Ferrand, France..
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14
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Tehran DA, Pirazzini M. Novel Botulinum Neurotoxins: Exploring Underneath the Iceberg Tip. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10050190. [PMID: 29748471 PMCID: PMC5983246 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10050190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), the etiological agents of botulism, are the deadliest toxins known to humans. Yet, thanks to their biological and toxicological features, BoNTs have become sophisticated tools to study neuronal physiology and valuable therapeutics for an increasing number of human disorders. BoNTs are produced by multiple bacteria of the genus Clostridium and, on the basis of their different immunological properties, were classified as seven distinct types of toxin. BoNT classification remained stagnant for the last 50 years until, via bioinformatics and high-throughput sequencing techniques, dozens of BoNT variants, novel serotypes as well as BoNT-like toxins within non-clostridial species have been discovered. Here, we discuss how the now “booming field” of botulinum neurotoxin may shed light on their evolutionary origin and open exciting avenues for future therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Azarnia Tehran
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Marco Pirazzini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy.
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15
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Chellapandi P, Prisilla A. Clostridium botulinum type A-virulome-gut interactions: A systems biology insight. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humic.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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16
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Nawrocki EM, Bradshaw M, Johnson EA. Botulinum neurotoxin-encoding plasmids can be conjugatively transferred to diverse clostridial strains. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3100. [PMID: 29449580 PMCID: PMC5814558 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21342-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Most Group I Clostridium botulinum strains harbor botulinum neurotoxin (bont) genes on their chromosome, while some carry these genes (including bont/a, bont/b, and bont/f) on large plasmids. Prior work in our laboratory demonstrated that Group I BoNT plasmids were mobilized to C. botulinum recipient strains containing the Tn916 transposon. Here, we show that Tn916 is nonessential for plasmid transfer. Relying on an auxotrophic donor phenotype and a plasmid-borne selectable marker, we observed the transfer of pCLJ, a 270 kb plasmid harboring two bont genes, from its host strain to various clostridia. Transfer frequency was greatest to other Group I C. botulinum strains, but the plasmid was also transferred into traditionally nontoxigenic species, namely C. sporogenes and C. butyricum. Expression and toxicity of BoNT/A4 was confirmed in transconjugants by immunoblot and mouse bioassay. These data indicate that conjugation within the genus Clostridium can occur across physiological Groups of C. botulinum, supporting horizontal gene transfer via bont-bearing plasmids. The transfer of plasmids possessing bont genes to resistant Clostridium spp. such as C. sporogenes could impact biological safety for animals and humans. These plasmids may play an environmental role in initiating death in vertebrates, leading to decomposition and nutrient recycling of animal biomass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Nawrocki
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Marite Bradshaw
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Eric A Johnson
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
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17
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Pirazzini M, Azarnia Tehran D, Zanetti G, Rossetto O, Montecucco C. Hsp90 and Thioredoxin-Thioredoxin Reductase enable the catalytic activity of Clostridial neurotoxins inside nerve terminals. Toxicon 2017; 147:32-37. [PMID: 29111118 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum (BoNTs) and tetanus (TeNT) neurotoxins are the most toxic substances known and form the growing family of Clostridial neurotoxins (CNT), the etiologic agents of botulism and tetanus. CNT are composed of a metalloprotease light chain (L), linked via a disulfide bond to a heavy chain (H). H mediates the binding to nerve terminals and the membrane translocation of L into the cytosol, where its substrates, the three SNARE proteins, are localized. L translocation is accompanied by unfolding and, once delivered on the cytosolic side of the endosome membrane, it has to be reduced and reacquire the native fold to be active. The Thioredoxin-Thioredoxin Reductase system (Trx-TrxR) specifically reduces the interchain disulfide bond while the cytosolic chaperone protein Hsp90 mediates L refolding. Both steps are essential for CNT activity and their inhibition efficiently blocks the neurotoxicity in cultured neurons and mice. Trx and its reductase physically interact with Hsp90 and are loosely bound to the cytosolic side of synaptic vesicles, the organelle exploited by CNT to enter nerve terminals and wherefrom L is translocated into the cytosol. Therefore, Trx, TrxR and Hsp90 orchestrate a chaperone-redox molecular machinery that enables the catalytic activity of the L inside nerve terminals. Given the fundamental role of L reduction and refolding, this machinery represents a rational target for the development of mechanism-based antitoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pirazzini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | - Domenico Azarnia Tehran
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Zanetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Ornella Rossetto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Cesare Montecucco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy; Istituto CNR di Neuroscienze, Università di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy
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18
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Peck MW, Smith TJ, Anniballi F, Austin JW, Bano L, Bradshaw M, Cuervo P, Cheng LW, Derman Y, Dorner BG, Fisher A, Hill KK, Kalb SR, Korkeala H, Lindström M, Lista F, Lúquez C, Mazuet C, Pirazzini M, Popoff MR, Rossetto O, Rummel A, Sesardic D, Singh BR, Stringer SC. Historical Perspectives and Guidelines for Botulinum Neurotoxin Subtype Nomenclature. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9010038. [PMID: 28106761 PMCID: PMC5308270 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins are diverse proteins. They are currently represented by at least seven serotypes and more than 40 subtypes. New clostridial strains that produce novel neurotoxin variants are being identified with increasing frequency, which presents challenges when organizing the nomenclature surrounding these neurotoxins. Worldwide, researchers are faced with the possibility that toxins having identical sequences may be given different designations or novel toxins having unique sequences may be given the same designations on publication. In order to minimize these problems, an ad hoc committee consisting of over 20 researchers in the field of botulinum neurotoxin research was convened to discuss the clarification of the issues involved in botulinum neurotoxin nomenclature. This publication presents a historical overview of the issues and provides guidelines for botulinum neurotoxin subtype nomenclature in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Theresa J Smith
- Molecular and Translational Sciences Division, United States Army Medical Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA.
| | - Fabrizio Anniballi
- National Reference Centre for Botulism, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome 299-00161, Italy.
| | - John W Austin
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Luca Bano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Treviso 31020, Italy.
| | - Marite Bradshaw
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Paula Cuervo
- Área de Microbiología, Departamento de Patología, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza 450001, Argentina.
| | - Luisa W Cheng
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
| | - Yagmur Derman
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
| | | | - Audrey Fisher
- Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
| | - Karen K Hill
- Los Alamos National Laboratories, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
| | - Suzanne R Kalb
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
| | - Hannu Korkeala
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
| | - Miia Lindström
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
| | - Florigio Lista
- Army Medical and Veterinary Research Center, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Carolina Lúquez
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| | - Christelle Mazuet
- Institut Pasteur, Bactéries anaérobies et Toxines, Paris 75015, France.
| | - Marco Pirazzini
- Biomedical Sciences Department, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy.
| | - Michel R Popoff
- Institut Pasteur, Bactéries anaérobies et Toxines, Paris 75015, France.
| | - Ornella Rossetto
- Biomedical Sciences Department, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy.
| | - Andreas Rummel
- Institut für Toxikologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover 30623, Germany.
| | - Dorothea Sesardic
- National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, a Centre of Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, Hertfordshire EN6 3QG, UK.
| | - Bal Ram Singh
- Botulinum Research Center, Institute of Advanced Sciences, Dartmouth, MA 02747, USA.
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19
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Connan C, Popoff MR. Uptake of Clostridial Neurotoxins into Cells and Dissemination. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2017; 406:39-78. [PMID: 28879524 DOI: 10.1007/82_2017_50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Clostridial neurotoxins, botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) and tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT), are potent toxins, which are responsible for severe neurological diseases in man and animals. BoNTs induce a flaccid paralysis (botulism) by inhibiting acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junctions, whereas TeNT causes a spastic paralysis (tetanus) by blocking the neurotransmitter release (glycine, GABA) in inhibitory interneurons within the central nervous system. Clostridial neurotoxins recognize specific receptor(s) on the target neuronal cells and enter via a receptor-mediated endocytosis. They transit through an acidic compartment which allows the translocation of the catalytic chain into the cytosol, a prerequisite step for the intracellular activity of the neurotoxins. TeNT migrates to the central nervous system by using a motor neuron as transport cell. TeNT enters a neutral pH compartment and undergoes a retrograde axonal transport to the spinal cord or brain, where the whole undissociated toxin is delivered and interacts with target neurons. Botulism most often results from ingestion of food contaminated with BoNT. Thus, BoNT passes through the intestinal epithelial barrier mainly via a transcytotic mechanism and then diffuses or is transported to the neuromuscular junctions by the lymph or blood circulation. Indeed, clostridial neurotoxins are specific neurotoxins which transit through a transport cell to gain access to the target neuron, and use distinct trafficking pathways in both cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Connan
- Unité Des Bactéries Anaérobies et Toxines, Institut Pasteur, 25 Rue Du Dr Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Michel R Popoff
- Unité Des Bactéries Anaérobies et Toxines, Institut Pasteur, 25 Rue Du Dr Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France.
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20
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Anniballi F, Fillo S, Giordani F, Auricchio B, Tehran DA, di Stefano E, Mandarino G, De Medici D, Lista F. Multiple-locus variable number of tandem repeat analysis as a tool for molecular epidemiology of botulism: The Italian experience. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 46:28-32. [PMID: 27771520 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum is the bacterial agent of botulism, a rare but severe neuro-paralytic disease. Because of its high impact, in Italy botulism is monitored by an ad hoc surveillance system. The National Reference Centre for Botulism, as part of this system, collects and analyzes all demographic, epidemiologic, microbiological, and molecular data recovered during cases and/or outbreaks occurred in Italy. A panel of 312 C. botulinum strains belonging to group I were submitted to MLVA sub-typing. Strains, isolated from clinical specimens, food and environmental samples collected during the surveillance activities, were representative of all forms of botulism from all Italian regions. Through clustering analysis isolates were grouped into 12 main clusters. No regional or temporal clustering was detected, demonstrating the high heterogeneity of strains circulating in Italy. This study confirmed that MLVA is capable of sub-typing C. botulinum strains. Moreover, MLVA is effective at tracing and tracking the source of contamination and is helpful for the surveillance system in terms of planning and upgrading of procedures, activities and data collection forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Anniballi
- National Reference Centre for Botulism, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety. Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Silvia Fillo
- Histology and Molecular Biology Unit, Section Two, Army Medical and Veterinary Research Centre, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Giordani
- Histology and Molecular Biology Unit, Section Two, Army Medical and Veterinary Research Centre, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Bruna Auricchio
- National Reference Centre for Botulism, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety. Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Azarnia Tehran
- Histology and Molecular Biology Unit, Section Two, Army Medical and Veterinary Research Centre, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica di Stefano
- Histology and Molecular Biology Unit, Section Two, Army Medical and Veterinary Research Centre, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Mandarino
- PENTA - The Joint Laboratory on Models and Methodology to Predict and Manage Large Scale Threats to Public Health - International Affair Unit. Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Dario De Medici
- National Reference Centre for Botulism, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety. Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Florigio Lista
- Histology and Molecular Biology Unit, Section Two, Army Medical and Veterinary Research Centre, 00184 Rome, Italy
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21
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Abstract
C. botulinum Groups I and II form botulinum neurotoxin and cause foodborne botulism. Increased knowledge of C. botulinum Group I and II genomes and neurotoxin diversity. Impact on food safety via improved surveillance and tracing/tracking during outbreaks. New insights into C. botulinum biology, food chain transmission, evolution.
The deadly botulinum neurotoxin formed by Clostridium botulinum is the causative agent of foodborne botulism. The increasing availability of C. botulinum genome sequences is starting to allow the genomic diversity of C. botulinum Groups I and II and their neurotoxins to be characterised. This information will impact on microbiological food safety through improved surveillance and tracing/tracking during outbreaks, and a better characterisation of C. botulinum Groups I and II, including the risk presented, and new insights into their biology, food chain transmission, and evolution.
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22
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Mazuet C, Legeay C, Sautereau J, Ma L, Bouchier C, Bouvet P, Popoff MR. Diversity of Group I and II Clostridium botulinum Strains from France Including Recently Identified Subtypes. Genome Biol Evol 2016; 8:1643-60. [PMID: 27189984 PMCID: PMC4943176 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evw101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In France, human botulism is mainly food-borne intoxication, whereas infant botulism is rare. A total of 99 group I and II Clostridium botulinum strains including 59 type A (12 historical isolates [1947-1961], 43 from France [1986-2013], 3 from other countries, and 1 collection strain), 31 type B (3 historical, 23 recent isolates, 4 from other countries, and 1 collection strain), and 9 type E (5 historical, 3 isolates, and 1 collection strain) were investigated by botulinum locus gene sequencing and multilocus sequence typing analysis. Historical C. botulinum A strains mainly belonged to subtype A1 and sequence type (ST) 1, whereas recent strains exhibited a wide genetic diversity: subtype A1 in orfX or ha locus, A1(B), A1(F), A2, A2b2, A5(B2') A5(B3'), as well as the recently identified A7 and A8 subtypes, and were distributed into 25 STs. Clostridium botulinum A1(B) was the most frequent subtype from food-borne botulism and food. Group I C. botulinum type B in France were mainly subtype B2 (14 out of 20 historical and recent strains) and were divided into 19 STs. Food-borne botulism resulting from ham consumption during the recent period was due to group II C. botulinum B4. Type E botulism is rare in France, 5 historical and 1 recent strains were subtype E3. A subtype E12 was recently identified from an unusual ham contamination. Clostridium botulinum strains from human botulism in France showed a wide genetic diversity and seems to result not from a single evolutionary lineage but from multiple and independent genetic rearrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine Legeay
- Bactéries Anaérobies et Toxines, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Jean Sautereau
- Bactéries Anaérobies et Toxines, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Ma
- Plateforme Genomique-Pôle Biomics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - Philippe Bouvet
- Bactéries Anaérobies et Toxines, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Michel R Popoff
- Bactéries Anaérobies et Toxines, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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23
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Woudstra C, Le Maréchal C, Souillard R, Bayon-Auboyer MH, Mermoud I, Desoutter D, Fach P. New Insights into the Genetic Diversity of Clostridium botulinum Group III through Extensive Genome Exploration. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:757. [PMID: 27242769 PMCID: PMC4871853 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal botulism is caused by group III Clostridium botulinum strains producing type C and D toxins, or their chimeric forms C/D and D/C. Animal botulism is considered an emerging disease in Europe, notably in poultry production. Before our study, 14 genomes from different countries were available in the public database, but none were from France. In order to investigate the genetic relationship of French strains with different geographical areas and find new potential typing targets, 17 strains of C. botulinum group III were sequenced (16 from France and one from New Caledonia). Fourteen were type C/D strains isolated from chickens, ducks, guinea fowl and turkeys and three were type D/C strains isolated from cattle. The New Caledonian strain was a type D/C strain. Whole genome sequence analysis showed the French strains to be closely related to European strains from C. botulinum group III lineages Ia and Ib. The investigation of CRISPR sequences as genetic targets for differentiating strains in group III proved to be irrelevant for type C/D due to a deficient CRISPR/Cas mechanism, but not for type D/C. Conversely, the extrachromosomal elements of type C/D strains could be used to generate a genetic ID card. The highest level of discrimination was achieved with SNP core phylogeny, which allowed differentiation up to strain level and provide the most relevant information for genetic epidemiology studies and discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Woudstra
- Laboratory for Food Safety, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety - Université Paris-Est Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Caroline Le Maréchal
- Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pig Products Unit, Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, UEB, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & SafetyPloufragan, France; l'UBL Université Bretagne LoireRennes, France
| | - Rozenn Souillard
- l'UBL Université Bretagne LoireRennes, France; Avian and Rabbit Epidemiology and Welfare Unit, Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, UEB, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & SafetyPloufragan, France
| | | | - Isabelle Mermoud
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Laboratoires Officiels Vétérinaires, Agroalimentaires et Phytosanitaires, La Direction des Affaires Vétérinaires Païta, New Caledonia
| | - Denise Desoutter
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Laboratoires Officiels Vétérinaires, Agroalimentaires et Phytosanitaires, La Direction des Affaires Vétérinaires Païta, New Caledonia
| | - Patrick Fach
- Laboratory for Food Safety, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety - Université Paris-Est Maisons-Alfort, France
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Rummel A. Two Feet on the Membrane: Uptake of Clostridial Neurotoxins. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2016; 406:1-37. [PMID: 27921176 DOI: 10.1007/82_2016_48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The extraordinary potency of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) and tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) is mediated by their high neurospecificity, targeting peripheral cholinergic motoneurons leading to flaccid and spastic paralysis, respectively, and successive respiratory failure. Complex polysialo gangliosides accumulate BoNT and TeNT on the plasma membrane. The ganglioside binding in BoNT/A, B, E, F, G, and TeNT occurs via a conserved ganglioside-binding pocket within the most carboxyl-terminal 25 kDa domain HCC, whereas BoNT/C, DC, and D display here two different ganglioside binding sites. This enrichment step facilitates subsequent binding of BoNT/A, B, DC, D, E, F, and G to the intraluminal domains of the synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2 (SV2) isoforms A-C and synaptotagmin-I/-II, respectively. Whereas an induced α-helical 20-mer Syt peptide binds via side chain interactions to the tip of the HCC domain of BoNT/B, DC and G, the preexisting, quadrilateral β-sheet helix of SV2C-LD4 binds the clinically most relevant serotype BoNT/A mainly through backbone-backbone interactions at the interface of HCC and HCN. In addition, the conserved, complex N559-glycan branch of SV2C establishes extensive interactions with BoNT/A resulting in delayed dissociation providing BoNT/A more time for endocytosis into synaptic vesicles. An analogous interaction occurs between SV2A/B and BoNT/E. Altogether, the nature of BoNT-SV2 recognition clearly differs from BoNT-Syt. Subsequently, the synaptic vesicle is recycled and the bound neurotoxin is endocytosed. Acidification of the vesicle lumen triggers membrane insertion of the translocation domain, pore formation, and finally translocation of the enzymatically active light chain into the neuronal cytosol to halt release of neurotransmitters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Rummel
- Institut Für Toxikologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, 30623, Hannover, Germany.
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