1
|
Orłowska B, Majchrzak M, Didkowska A, Anusz K, Krajewska-Wędzina M, Zabost A, Brzezińska S, Kozińska M, Augustynowicz-Kopeć E, Urbańska K, Welz M, Parniewski P. Mycobacterial Interspersed Repeat Unit-Variable Number Tandem Repeat Typing of Mycobacterium avium Strains Isolated from the Lymph Nodes of Free-Living Carnivorous Animals in Poland. Pathogens 2023; 12:1184. [PMID: 37764992 PMCID: PMC10536629 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091184] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous organisms, of which some, especially those of the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), may be opportunistic animal and human pathogens. Infection with NTM can interfere with tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and induce zoonoses, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Diseases caused by NTM have become more readily recognized; however, they are likely still underestimated. In this study, we identified and genotyped Mycobacterium avium strains that were isolated during TB monitoring among free-living carnivorous animals from southeastern Poland. In 2011-2020, lymph node samples from 192 such animals were tested for mycobacteria. A total of 41 isolates of M. avium strains were detected with the use of IS901, IS900, IS1245, and mycobacterial interspersed repeat unit-variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) identification. Thirty-three were identified as M. avium subsp. avium. These strains were derived from 1 beech marten (Martes foina), 1 common buzzard (Buteo buteo), 2 European badgers (Meles meles), 3 wolves (Canis lupus), and 26 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). One strain isolated from a wolf was identified as M. avium subsp. hominissuis. The results show the widespread occurrence of MAC bacilli in the studied environment and additionally comprise new data on the molecular characteristics of M. avium subspecies carried by free-living southeastern Polish carnivores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blanka Orłowska
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (A.D.); (K.A.)
| | - Marta Majchrzak
- Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Didkowska
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (A.D.); (K.A.)
| | - Krzysztof Anusz
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (A.D.); (K.A.)
| | - Monika Krajewska-Wędzina
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100 Puławy, Poland;
| | - Anna Zabost
- Department of Microbiology, National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, National Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Institute, Płocka 26, 01-138 Warsaw, Poland; (A.Z.); (S.B.); (M.K.); (E.A.-K.)
| | - Sywia Brzezińska
- Department of Microbiology, National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, National Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Institute, Płocka 26, 01-138 Warsaw, Poland; (A.Z.); (S.B.); (M.K.); (E.A.-K.)
| | - Monika Kozińska
- Department of Microbiology, National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, National Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Institute, Płocka 26, 01-138 Warsaw, Poland; (A.Z.); (S.B.); (M.K.); (E.A.-K.)
| | - Ewa Augustynowicz-Kopeć
- Department of Microbiology, National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, National Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Institute, Płocka 26, 01-138 Warsaw, Poland; (A.Z.); (S.B.); (M.K.); (E.A.-K.)
| | - Kaja Urbańska
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Division of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Mirosław Welz
- Provincial Veterinary Inspectorate, Piotra Ścigiennego 6a, 38-400 Krosno, Poland;
| | - Paweł Parniewski
- Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Najafpour R, Zolfaghari MR, Mosavari N, Nazari R, Tadayon K. More insights about genomic population structure of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) from multiple hosts in west and central provinces of Iran using a boosted genotyping approach. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 100:101912. [PMID: 37487314 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101912] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the population genetic of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) in Iran, Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Units (MIRUs) and Multi Locus Short Sequence Repeat (MLSSR) system were employed. Numerous genotypes by MIRU (N = 11) and MLSSR (N = 9) methods bearing discriminatory indices of 0.90 and 0.79 respectively, were obtained. Browsing the INRA-Nouzilly list (http://mac-inmv.tours.inra.fr/) detected 3 of the found patterns as new types. Some loci either MIRU-VNTR or SSR proved more polymorphic and therefore are recommended to be applied in priority for strain typing in the Iranian environment. While identical MIRU-VNTR or MLSSR patterns were detected among different conspecifics and geographical locations, dissimilar types were also observed at the same farms an indication of coexistence of Map strains within one herd. We suggest extension of the genotyping work described here to include more endogenous isolates in order to better analysis of transmission and virulence in epidemiology and control of paratuberculosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Najafpour
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Science, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zolfaghari
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Science, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran.
| | - Nader Mosavari
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Bovine Tuberculosis Laboratory, Tuberculin and Mallein Research & Production Department, Karaj, Iran
| | - Razieh Nazari
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Science, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran
| | - Keyvan Tadayon
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Veterinary, Aerobic Bacteria Vaccines Department, Karaj, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Byrne A, Bissonnette N, Ollier S, Tahlan K. Investigating in vivo Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis microevolution and mixed strain infections. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0171623. [PMID: 37584606 PMCID: PMC10581078 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01716-23] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) causes Johne's Disease (JD) in ruminants, which is responsible for significant economic loss to the global dairy industry. Mixed strain infection (MSI) refers to the concurrent infection of a susceptible host with genetically distinct strains of a pathogen, whereas within-host changes in an infecting strain leading to genetically distinguishable progeny is called microevolution. The two processes can influence host-pathogen dynamics, disease progression and outcomes, but not much is known about their prevalence and impact on JD. Therefore, we obtained up to 10 MAP isolates each from 14 high-shedding animals and subjected them to whole-genome sequencing. Twelve of the 14 animals examined showed evidence for the presence of MSIs and microevolution, while the genotypes of MAP isolates from the remaining two animals could be attributed solely to microevolution. All MAP isolates that were otherwise isogenic had differences in short sequence repeats (SSRs), of which SSR1 and SSR2 were the most diverse and homoplastic. Variations in SSR1 and SSR2, which are located in ORF1 and ORF2, respectively, affect the genetic reading frame, leading to protein products with altered sequences and computed structures. The ORF1 gene product is predicted to be a MAP surface protein with possible roles in host immune modulation, but nothing could be inferred regarding the function of ORF2. Both genes are conserved in Mycobacterium avium complex members, but SSR1-based modulation of ORF1 reading frames seems to only occur in MAP, which could have potential implications on the infectivity of this pathogen. IMPORTANCE Johne's disease (JD) is a major problem in dairy animals, and concerns have been raised regarding the association of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) with Crohn's disease in humans. MAP is an extremely slow-growing bacterium with low genome evolutionary rates. Certain short sequence repeats (SSR1 and SSR2) in the MAP chromosome are highly variable and evolve at a faster rate than the rest of the chromosome. In the current study, multiple MAP isolates with genetic variations such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and more noticeably, diverse SSRs, could simultaneously infect animals. Variations in SSR1 and SSR2 affect the products of the respective genes containing them. Since multiple MAP isolates can infect the same animal and the possibility that the pathogen undergoes further changes within the host due to unstable SSRs, this could provide a compensative mechanism for an otherwise slow-evolving pathogen to increase phenotypic diversity for overcoming host responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Byrne
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Nathalie Bissonnette
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Séverine Ollier
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kapil Tahlan
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Byrne A, Ollier S, Tahlan K, Biet F, Bissonnette N. Genomic epidemiology of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis isolates from Canadian dairy herds provides evidence for multiple infection events. Front Genet 2023; 14:1043598. [PMID: 36816022 PMCID: PMC9934062 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1043598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the pathogen responsible for paratuberculosis or Johne's Disease (JD) in ruminants, which is responsible for substantial economic losses worldwide. MAP transmission primarily occurs through the fecal-oral route, and the introduction of an MAP infected animal into a herd is an important transmission route. In the current study, we characterized MAP isolates from 67 cows identified in 20 herds from the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, Canada. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed and an average genome coverage (relative to K-10) of ∼14.9 fold was achieved. The total number of SNPs present in each isolate varied from 51 to 132 and differed significantly between herds. Isolates with the highest genetic variability were generally present in herds from Quebec. The isolates were broadly separated into two main clades and this distinction was not influenced by the province from which they originated. Analysis of 8 MIRU-VNTR loci and 11 SSR loci was performed on the 67 isolates from the 20 dairy herds and publicly available references, notably major genetic lineages and six isolates from the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. All 67 field isolates were phylogenetically classified as Type II (C-type) and according to MIRU-VNTR, the predominant type was INMV 2 (76.1%) among four distinct patterns. Multilocus SSR typing identified 49 distinct INMV SSR patterns. The discriminatory index of the multilocus SSR typing was 0.9846, which was much higher than MIRU-VNTR typing (0.3740). Although multilocus SSR analysis provides good discriminatory power, the resolution was not informative enough to determine inter-herd transmission. In select cases, SNP-based analysis was the only approach able to document disease transmission between herds, further validated by animal movement data. The presence of SNPs in several virulence genes, notably for PE, PPE, mce and mmpL, is expected to explain differential antigenic or pathogenetic host responses. SNP-based studies will provide insight into how MAP genetic variation may impact host-pathogen interactions. Our study highlights the informative power of WGS which is now recommended for epidemiological studies and to document mixed genotypes infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Byrne
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - Séverine Ollier
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Kapil Tahlan
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - Franck Biet
- INRAE, ISP, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Nathalie Bissonnette
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada,*Correspondence: Nathalie Bissonnette,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Genetic Features of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Strains Circulating in the West of France Deciphered by Whole-Genome Sequencing. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0339222. [PMID: 36445077 PMCID: PMC9769990 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03392-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Paratuberculosis is a chronic infection of the intestine, mainly the ileum, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in cattle and other ruminants. This enzootic disease is present worldwide and has a negative impact on the dairy cattle industry. For this subspecies, the current genotyping tools do not provide the needed resolution to investigate the genetic diversity of closely related strains. These limitations can be overcome by the application of whole-genome sequencing (WGS), particularly for clonal populations such as M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis. The purpose of the present study was to undertake a WGS analysis with a panel of 200 animal field M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis strains selected based on a previous large-scale longitudinal study of Prim'Holstein and Normande dairy breeds naturally infected with M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis in the West of France. The pangenome analysis revealed that M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis has a closed pangenome. The phylogeny, based on alignment of 2,786 nonhomoplasic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), showed that the strain population is structured into three clades independently of the cattle breed or geographic distribution. The increased resolution of phylogeny obtained by WGS confirmed the homoplasic nature of the markers variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) and short sequence repeat (SSR) used for M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis genotyping. These phylogenetic data also revealed independent introductions of the different genotypes in two main waves since at least 2003. WGS applied to this sampling demonstrated the presence of mixed infections in herds and at the individual animal level. Collectively, the phylogeny results inferred with French isolates compared to M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis isolates from around the world suggest introductions of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis genotypes through the animal trade. Relationships between genetic traits and epidemiological data can now be investigated to better understand transmission dynamics of the disease. IMPORTANCE Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis causes Johne's disease in ruminants, which is present worldwide and has significant negative impacts on the dairy cattle industry and animal welfare. Prevention and control of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection are hampered by knowledge gaps in strain virulence, genotype distribution, and transmission dynamics. This work has revealed new insights into M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis strains currently circulating in western France and how they are related to strains circulating globally. We applied whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to obtain comprehensive information on genome evolution and discrimination of closely related strains. This approach revealed the history of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection in France, refined the pangenomic characteristics of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis, and demonstrated the existence of mixed infection in animals. Finally, this study identified predominant genotypes, which allow a better understanding of disease transmission dynamics. This information will facilitate tracking of this pathogen on farms and across agricultural regions, thus informing transmission pathways and disease control points.
Collapse
|
6
|
MIRU-VNTR Typing of Atypical Mycobacteria Isolated from the Lymph Nodes of Slaughtered Pigs from Poland. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050495. [PMID: 35631016 PMCID: PMC9144788 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
No regulations currently require the excision of lymph nodes from pig carcasses or the thermal processing of pork before consumption. Therefore, the presence of anatomopathological lesions with signs of coagulation necrosis in lymph nodes from pigs during post-mortem inspection is concerning, as is the increasing incidence of mycobacteriosis in humans. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to verify whether mycobacteria can be isolated from tuberculous-like lesions in mandibular lymph nodes in slaughtered pigs, and whether further molecular analysis based on MIRU-VNRT, used to identify mycobacteria from the Mycobacterium avium complex, can indicate zoonotic potential. Forty of the fifty isolates from the lymph nodes with signs of coagulation necrosis were classified as Mycobacterium avium complex. MIRU-VNTR analysis allowed for the isolation of six strains, one of which was classified as M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Our findings confirm the presence of atypical mycobacteria in the lymph nodes of slaughtered pigs. While the isolated strains (other than MAP) do not pose a significant or direct health risk to consumers, further research and monitoring are necessary. Atypical mycobacteria can cause a wide range of diseases in children and compromised adults, and often show resistance to many classes of antibiotics, including those used to treat tuberculosis.
Collapse
|
7
|
Conde C, Price-Carter M, Cochard T, Branger M, Stevenson K, Whittington R, Bannantine JP, Biet F. Whole-Genome Analysis of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis IS 900 Insertions Reveals Strain Type- Specific Modalities. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:660002. [PMID: 34040595 PMCID: PMC8141618 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.660002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) is the etiological agent of Johne’s disease in ruminants. The IS900 insertion sequence (IS) has been used widely as an epidemiological marker and target for PCR diagnosis. Updated DNA sequencing technologies have led to a rapid increase in available Map genomes, which makes it possible to analyze the distribution of IS900 in this slow-growing bacterium. The objective of this study is to characterize the distribution of the IS900 element and how it affects genomic evolution and gene function of Map. A secondary goal is to develop automated in silico restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis using IS900. Complete genomes from the major phylogenetic lineages known as C-type and S-type (including subtypes I and III), were chosen to represent the genetic diversity of Map. IS900 elements were located in these genomes using BLAST software and the relevant fragments extracted. An in silico RFLP analysis using the BstEII restriction site was performed to obtain exact sizes of the DNA fragments carrying a copy of IS900 and the resulting RFLP profiles were analyzed and compared by digital visualization of the separated restriction fragments. The program developed for this study allowed automated localization of IS900 sequences to identify their position within each genome along with the exact number of copies per genome. The number of IS900 copies ranged from 16 in the C-type isolate to 22 in the S-type subtype I isolate. A loci-by-loci sequence alignment of all IS900 copies within the three genomes revealed new sequence polymorphisms that define three sequevars distinguishing the subtypes. Nine IS900 insertion site locations were conserved across all genomes studied while smaller subsets were unique to a particular lineage. Preferential insertion motif sequences were identified for IS900 along with genes bordering all IS900 insertions. Rarely did IS900 insert within coding sequences as only three genes were disrupted in this way. This study makes it possible to automate IS900 distribution in Map genomes to enrich knowledge on the distribution dynamics of this IS for epidemiological purposes, for understanding Map evolution and for studying the biological implications of IS900 insertions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Conde
- INRAE, ISP, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Richard Whittington
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Franck Biet
- INRAE, ISP, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Marianelli C, Ape D, Rossi Mori F. Isolation, Molecular Typing, and Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing of Mycobacterium avium Subspecies hominissuis From a Dog With Generalized Mycobacteriosis. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:569966. [PMID: 33330691 PMCID: PMC7672039 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.569966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex infections are becoming an increasing concern in veterinary medicine because they affect livestock, wildlife, and companion animals. Here we describe the isolation, molecular typing, and antibiotic susceptibility testing of the causative agent of a rare case of generalized mycobacteriosis in a crossbred dog. Mycobacterial colonies were isolated from a popliteal lymph node aspirate sample and molecular typed by SNPs typing of the genes gyrB and rpsA, the 3′ region of the hsp65 gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and MIRU-VNTR analysis. Colonies were also tested in vitro against the macrolide clarithromycin and other drugs, using a resazurin microdilution assay, in order to provide the most appropriate treatment for the dog. Results from SNPs typing of gyrB and ITS, as well as from MIRU-VNTR analysis suggested the isolation of a single strain of M. avium subsp. hominissuis (Mah). On the other hand, SNP typing of rpsA revealed DNA polymorphisms that led colonies to cluster into two groups. The presence of two distinct strains of Mah has been assumed. All colonies, regardless of the nucleotide sequence of rpsA, were found to be sensitive to all of the drugs tested except for ethambutol. Although the therapy administered was adequate, the dog's overall clinical status worsened progressively and the animal died 8 months later. In conclusion, we report on the isolation of Mah from a dog with generalized mycobacteriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Marianelli
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Ape
- Belli Lisi Studio Veterinario, Monterotondo, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Marcordes S, Lueders I, Grund L, Sliwa A, Maurer FP, Hillemann D, Möbius P, Barth SA. Clinical outcome and diagnostic methods of atypical mycobacteriosis due to Mycobacterium avium ssp. hominissuis in a group of captive lowland tapirs (Tapirus terrestris). Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:1305-1313. [PMID: 32780937 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Tapirs seem particularly susceptible to mycobacterial infections, especially to tuberculosis caused by M. tuberculosis or M. bovis. In this case series, we report an infection with the non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species M. avium ssp. hominissuis (MAH) in a group of four (2.2) captive lowland tapirs (Tapirus terrestris). Two female tapirs showed mild respiratory signs such as coughing and mucous sputum production for several years, one juvenile male tapir had to be euthanized due to severe dyspnoea, and the adult male only showed mild respiratory signs in 2010. Post-mortem histopathology of the euthanized animal revealed a chronic bronchopneumonia, and MAH was detected via culture. Subsequently, the three remaining tapirs were tested further: serologically, the tapirs had high antibody titres against M. avium, but they showed no reaction in the comparative skin test (TST). At several time points, the animals were tested for the presence of mycobacteria in different sample matrices including sputum samples, pooled faecal samples as well as swabs from the tapir enclosure to identify potential environmental niches of the pathogen. Moreover, animals were directly sampled using nasal swabs, endoscopic broncho-alveolar (BAL) and gastric lavages. MAH was detected by culture in the sputum samples, in the BAL of the breeding pair, as well as in the swimming pool water and walls, and in swabs taken from the tapir's sleeping beds. We conclude that the TST is not a useful diagnostic tool to detect MAC infections in tapirs, whereas antibody ELISA and culture from BAL appear more sensitive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Imke Lueders
- GEOlifes-Animal Fertility and Reproductive Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Grund
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zoo Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | | | - Florian P Maurer
- National and WHO Supranational Reference Center for Mycobacteria, Borstel, Germany.,Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Doris Hillemann
- National and WHO Supranational Reference Center for Mycobacteria, Borstel, Germany
| | - Petra Möbius
- Friedrich-Loeffler Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefanie A Barth
- Friedrich-Loeffler Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, National Reference Laboratory for Bovine Tuberculosis, Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bannantine JP, Conde C, Bayles DO, Branger M, Biet F. Genetic Diversity Among Mycobacterium avium Subspecies Revealed by Analysis of Complete Genome Sequences. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1701. [PMID: 32849358 PMCID: PMC7426613 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium avium comprises four subspecies that contain both human and veterinary pathogens. At the inception of this study, twenty-eight M. avium genomes had been annotated as RefSeq genomes, facilitating direct comparisons. These genomes represent strains from around the world and provided a unique opportunity to examine genome dynamics in this species. Each genome was confirmed to be classified correctly based on SNP genotyping, nucleotide identity and presence/absence of repetitive elements or other typing methods. The Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) genome size and organization was remarkably consistent, averaging 4.8 Mb with a variance of only 29.6 kb among the 13 strains. Comparing recombination events along with the larger genome size and variance observed among Mycobacterium avium subspecies avium (Maa) and Mycobacterium avium subspecies hominissuis (Mah) strains (collectively termed non-Map) suggests horizontal gene transfer occurs in non-Map, but not in Map strains. Overall, M. avium subspecies could be divided into two major sub-divisions, with the Map type II (bovine strains) clustering tightly on one end of a phylogenetic spectrum and Mah strains clustering more loosely together on the other end. The most evolutionarily distinct Map strain was an ovine strain, designated Telford, which had >1,000 SNPs and showed large rearrangements compared to the bovine type II strains. The Telford strain clustered with Maa strains as an intermediate between Map type II and Mah. SNP analysis and genome organization analyses repeatedly demonstrated the conserved nature of Map versus the mosaic nature of non-Map M. avium strains. Finally, core and pangenomes were developed for Map and non-Map strains. A total of 80% Map genes belonged to the Map core genome, while only 40% of non-Map genes belonged to the non-Map core genome. These genomes provide a more complete and detailed comparison of these subspecies strains as well as a blueprint for how genetic diversity originated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John P Bannantine
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Cyril Conde
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, Nouzilly, France
| | - Darrell O Bayles
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, United States
| | | | - Franck Biet
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, Nouzilly, France
| |
Collapse
|