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Zhao R, Wang J, Wang D, Wang Y, Hu G, Li S. Isolation, Identification, and Characterisation of a Novel ST2378 Aeromonas hydrophila Strain from Naturally Diseased Frogs, Rana dybowskii. Pathogens 2024; 13:552. [PMID: 39057779 PMCID: PMC11279971 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13070552] [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: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2023, Rana dybowskii exhibiting characteristic skin ulcers were found on a farm in northeastern China. Subsequently, two dominant bacteria, Aeromonas hydrophila Rd001 and Acinetobacter johnsonii Rd002, were isolated from naturally infected R. dybowskii. Experimental infection confirmed that Rd001 was the primary pathogen responsible for the disease in R. dybowskii, with a mean lethal dose (LD50) of 6.25 × 102 CFU/g. The virulence genotype of Rd001 was identified as ser+/aha+/lip+/nuc+/hlyA+/aer+/alt+/ast+/act+. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated that Rd001 was sensitive to enrofloxacin, flumequine, and neomycin. MLST analysis showed that Rd001 belonged to a new sequence type of A. hydrophila, named ST2378. This study offered the first comprehensive investigation into the pathogenicity, virulence genotypes, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic traits of A. hydrophila isolated from R. dybowskii, providing a theoretical foundation for preventing and controlling A. hydrophila infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Guo Hu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Diseases and Immune Technology of Heilongjiang Province, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin 150070, China; (R.Z.); (J.W.); (D.W.); (Y.W.)
| | - Shaowu Li
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Diseases and Immune Technology of Heilongjiang Province, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin 150070, China; (R.Z.); (J.W.); (D.W.); (Y.W.)
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Bartie KL, Desbois AP. Aeromonas dhakensis: A Zoonotic Bacterium of Increasing Importance in Aquaculture. Pathogens 2024; 13:465. [PMID: 38921763 PMCID: PMC11207067 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Aeromonas dhakensis is increasingly recognised to be an important pathogen responsible for disease losses in warm-water aquaculture and, similar to several other Aeromonas species, it can infect humans. Knowledge of A. dhakensis is accumulating, but this species remains relatively under-investigated compared to its close relative, Aeromonas hydrophila. The significance of A. dhakensis may have been overlooked in disease events of aquatic animals due to issues with reliable identification. Critical to appreciating the importance of this pathogen is the application of dependable molecular tools that enable accurate identification and discrimination from A. hydrophila and other motile aeromonads. This review aims to synthesise the key literature on A. dhakensis, particularly with relevance to aquaculture, including knowledge of the bacterium derived from disease case studies in aquatic hosts. Identification methods and strain phylogeny are discussed, with accurate detection important for prompt diagnosis and for distinguishing strains with heightened virulence. Increasing evidence suggests that A. dhakensis may be more virulent than A. hydrophila and correct identification is required to determine the zoonotic risks posed, which includes concerns for antibiotic-resistant strains. This review provides an impetus to improve species identification in the future and screen strain collections of presumptive Aeromonas spp. retrospectively to reveal the true prevalence and impact of A. dhakensis in aquaculture, the environment, and healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry L. Bartie
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK;
| | - Andrew P. Desbois
- Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
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Vega-Heredia S, Giffard-Mena I, Reverter M. Bacterial and viral co-infections in aquaculture under climate warming: co-evolutionary implications, diagnosis, and treatment. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2024; 158:1-20. [PMID: 38602294 DOI: 10.3354/dao03778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Climate change and the associated environmental temperature fluctuations are contributing to increases in the frequency and severity of disease outbreaks in both wild and farmed aquatic species. This has a significant impact on biodiversity and also puts global food production systems, such as aquaculture, at risk. Most infections are the result of complex interactions between multiple pathogens, and understanding these interactions and their co-evolutionary mechanisms is crucial for developing effective diagnosis and control strategies. In this review, we discuss current knowledge on bacteria-bacteria, virus-virus, and bacterial and viral co-infections in aquaculture as well as their co-evolution in the context of global warming. We also propose a framework and different novel methods (e.g. advanced molecular tools such as digital PCR and next-generation sequencing) to (1) precisely identify overlooked co-infections, (2) gain an understanding of the co-infection dynamics and mechanisms by knowing species interactions, and (3) facilitate the development multi-pathogen preventive measures such as polyvalent vaccines. As aquaculture disease outbreaks are forecasted to increase both due to the intensification of practices to meet the protein demand of the increasing global population and as a result of global warming, understanding and treating co-infections in aquatic species has important implications for global food security and the economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarahí Vega-Heredia
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Facultad de Ciencias Marinas, Ensenada, México, Egresada del Programa de Ecología Molecular y Biotecnología, carretera transpeninsular Ensenada-Tijuana No. 3917, C.P. 22860, México
| | - Ivone Giffard-Mena
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Facultad de Ciencias Marinas, Ensenada, México
| | - Miriam Reverter
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Devon PL4 8AA, UK
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Salgueiro V, Manageiro V, Rosado T, Bandarra NM, Botelho MJ, Dias E, Caniça M. Snapshot of resistome, virulome and mobilome in aquaculture. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:166351. [PMID: 37604365 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Aquaculture environments can be hotspots for resistance genes through the surrounding environment. Our objective was to study the resistome, virulome and mobilome of Gram-negative bacteria isolated in seabream and bivalve molluscs, using a WGS approach. Sixty-six Gram-negative strains (Aeromonadaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Hafniaceae, Morganellaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Shewanellaceae, Vibrionaceae, and Yersiniaceae families) were selected for genomic characterization. The species and MLST were determined, and antibiotic/disinfectants/heavy metals resistance genes, virulence determinants, MGE, and pathogenicity to humans were investigated. Our study revealed new sequence-types (e.g. Aeromonas spp. ST879, ST880, ST881, ST882, ST883, ST887, ST888; Shewanella spp. ST40, ST57, ST58, ST60, ST61, ST62; Vibrio spp. ST206, ST205). >140 different genes were identified in the resistome of seabream and bivalve molluscs, encompassing genes associated with β-lactams, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, quinolones, sulfonamides, trimethoprim, phenicols, macrolides and fosfomycin resistance. Disinfectant resistance genes qacE-type, sitABCD-type and formA-type were found. Heavy metals resistance genes mdt, acr and sil stood out as the most frequent. Most resistance genes were associated with antibiotics/disinfectants/heavy metals commonly used in aquaculture settings. We also identified 25 different genes related with increased virulence, namely associated with adherence, colonization, toxins production, red blood cell lysis, iron metabolism, escape from the immune system of the host. Furthermore, 74.2 % of the strains analysed were considered pathogenic to humans. We investigated the genetic environment of several antibiotic resistance genes, including blaTEM-1B, blaFOX-18, aph(3″)-Ib, dfrA-type, aadA1, catA1-type, tet(A)/(E), qnrB19 and sul1/2. Our analysis also focused on identifying MGE in proximity to these genes (e.g. IntI1, plasmids and TnAs), which could potentially facilitate the spread of resistance among bacteria across different environments. This study provides a comprehensive examination of the diversity of resistance genes that can be transferred to both humans and the environment, with the recognition that aquaculture and the broader environment play crucial roles as intermediaries within this complex transmission network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Salgueiro
- National Reference Laboratory of Antibiotic Resistances and Healthcare Associated Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal; Centre for the Studies of Animal Science, Institute of Agrarian and Agri-Food Sciences and Technologies, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; AL4AnimalS, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Portugal
| | - Vera Manageiro
- National Reference Laboratory of Antibiotic Resistances and Healthcare Associated Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal; Centre for the Studies of Animal Science, Institute of Agrarian and Agri-Food Sciences and Technologies, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; AL4AnimalS, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Portugal
| | - Tânia Rosado
- Laboratory of Biology and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Narcisa M Bandarra
- Division of Aquaculture, Upgrading and Bioprospecting, Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, IPMA, Lisbon, Portugal; CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Maria João Botelho
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto, Matosinhos, Portugal; Division of Oceanography and Marine Environment, Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elsa Dias
- Laboratory of Biology and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Manuela Caniça
- National Reference Laboratory of Antibiotic Resistances and Healthcare Associated Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal; Centre for the Studies of Animal Science, Institute of Agrarian and Agri-Food Sciences and Technologies, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; AL4AnimalS, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Portugal; CIISA, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Bai L, Zhang H, Zhou Y, Liang H, Chen S, Pang X, Michael GM, Zhang L, Chen L. Development of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay for rapid detection of Aeromonas hydrophila. Anal Biochem 2023; 670:115151. [PMID: 37028781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Aquaculture plays an increasingly important if not critical role in the current and future world food supply. Aeromonas hydrophila, a heterotrophic, Gram-negative, bacterium found in fresh or brackish water in warm climates poses a serious threat to the aquaculture industry in many areas, causing significant economic losses. Rapid, portable detection methods of A. hydrophila are needed for its effective control and mitigation. We have developed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique to detect PCR (polymerase chain reaction) products that can replace agarose gel electrophoresis, or otherwise provide an alternative to costlier and more complicated real-time, fluorescence-based detection. The SPR method provides sensitivity comparable to gel electrophoresis, while reducing labor, cross-contamination, and test time, and employs simpler instrumentation with lower cost than real-time PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyi Bai
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250000, PR China
| | - Hao Zhang
- College of Information Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, 300072, PR China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250000, PR China
| | - Hongkun Liang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250000, PR China
| | - Shujun Chen
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250000, PR China
| | - Xuehui Pang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250000, PR China
| | - G Mauk Michael
- Department of Engineering Technology, Division of Engineering Management and Technology, College of Engineering, Drexel University, One Drexel Plaza, 3001 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Lulu Zhang
- College of Information Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
| | - Lei Chen
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250000, PR China.
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Zhai W, Wang Q, Zhu X, Jia X, Chen L. Pathogenic infection and microbial composition of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) challenged by Aeromonas veronii and Proteus mirabilis. AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Abdul Kari Z, Wee W, Mohamad Sukri SA, Che Harun H, Hanif Reduan MF, Irwan Khoo M, Van Doan H, Wen Goh K, Seong Wei L. Role of phytobiotics in relieving the impacts of Aeromonas hydrophila infection on aquatic animals: A mini-review. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1023784. [PMID: 36277060 PMCID: PMC9582345 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1023784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Aeromonas hydrophila is a ubiquitous bacterium with various hosts that causes mass mortality in farm-raised fish species and significant economic losses. The current antibiotic treatment is ineffective in controlling this bacterium infection in aquaculture species. Therefore, an evaluation of potential phytobiotics is needed to find an alternative antimicrobial agent to reduce the over-reliance on antibiotics in aquaculture and safeguard public and environmental health. Furthermore, the rise in antibiotic resistance cases among pathogenic bacteria indicates an urgent need for new fish and shellfish health management solutions. In this context, phytobiotics applications in aquaculture can be defined as any medicinal plant-based antimicrobial agent used in fish and shellfish health management. This review will focus on the impacts of Motile Aeromonas Septicemia (MAS) due to A. hydrophila in aquaculture, the potential of phytobiotics in enhancing the tolerance of aquaculture species against MAS and the combination of phytobiotics with other antimicrobial and therapeutic agents against MAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zulhisyam Abdul Kari
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agro-Based Industry, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Wendy Wee
- Center of Fundamental and Continuing Education, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Suniza Anis Mohamad Sukri
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agro-Based Industry, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Hasnita Che Harun
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agro-Based Industry, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Farhan Hanif Reduan
- Department of Paraclinical Study, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Martina Irwan Khoo
- Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Hien Van Doan
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand,Science and Technology Research Institute, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand,Hien Van Doan
| | - Khang Wen Goh
- Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology, INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia,Khang Wen Goh
| | - Lee Seong Wei
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agro-Based Industry, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli, Kelantan, Malaysia,*Correspondence: Lee Seong Wei
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Mangar P, Barman P, Kumar A, Saha A, Saha D. Detection of Virulence-Associated Genes and in vitro Gene Transfer From Aeromonas sp. Isolated From Aquatic Environments of Sub-himalayan West Bengal. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:887174. [PMID: 35754535 PMCID: PMC9230572 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.887174] [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: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aeromonas is omnipresent in aquatic environments and cause disease within a wide host range. A total of thirty-four isolates from water samples of small fish farms were identified as Aeromonas based on biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequence. A total of six virulent factors were analyzed which indicated 100% of isolates as beta-haemolytic and proteolytic, whereas 44.1, 38.2, and 70.6% of isolates produced DNAse, siderophore, and amylase, respectively. Studies on the occurrence of four genetic determinants of virulence factors revealed that aer/haem (haemolytic toxin) and flaA (polar flagella) genes were present in 44.1% of strains whereas ascV (type 3 secretion system) and aspA (serine protease) genes were detected in 21.5 and 8.82% of strains, respectively. Fish (Anabas testudineus) challenge studies showed that the isolate GP3 (Aeromonas veronii) bearing five virulent factors with the combination of aer/haem+/ascV+/fla+ genes induced severe lesions leading to 100% of mortality. In contrast, RB7 possessing four virulence factors and three genes (aer/haem+/ascV+/aspA+) could not produce severe lesions and any mortality indicating the absence of correlation between the virulence factors, its genes, and the pathogenicity in fishes. GP3 was cytotoxic to human liver cell line (WRL-68) in trypan blue dye exclusion assay. The 431 bp aer/haem gene of GP3 was transferable to E. coli Dh5α with a conjugational efficiency of 0.394 × 10–4 transconjugants per recipient cell. The transfer was confirmed by PCR and by the presence of 23-kb plasmids in both donor and transconjugants. Therefore, the occurrence of mobile genetic elements bearing virulence-associated genes in Aeromonas indicates the need for periodic monitoring of the aquatic habitat to prevent disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Mangar
- Department of Botany, University of North Bengal, Siliguri, India
| | - Partha Barman
- Department of Biotechnology, University of North Bengal, Siliguri, India
| | - Anoop Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, University of North Bengal, Siliguri, India
| | - Aniruddha Saha
- Department of Botany, University of North Bengal, Siliguri, India
| | - Dipanwita Saha
- Department of Biotechnology, University of North Bengal, Siliguri, India
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Pessoa RBG, de Oliveira WF, Correia MTDS, Fontes A, Coelho LCBB. Aeromonas and Human Health Disorders: Clinical Approaches. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:868890. [PMID: 35711774 PMCID: PMC9195132 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.868890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Aeromonas comprises more than 30 Gram-negative bacterial species and naturally inhabitants from aquatic environments. These microorganisms, commonly regarded as pathogens of fish and several other animals, have been gaining prominence on medical trial due to its ability to colonize and infect human beings. Besides water, Aeromonas are widely spreaded on most varied sources like soil, vegetables, and food; Although its opportunistic nature, they are able to cause infections on immunocompromised or immunocompetent patients. Aeromonas species regarded as potential human pathogens are usually A. hydrophila, A. caviae, and A. veronii biovar sobria. The main clinical manifestations are gastrointestinal tract disorders, wound, and soft tissue infections, as well as septicemia. Regarding to antibiotic responses, the bacteria present a diversified susceptibility profile and show inherence resistance to ampicillin. Aeromonas, as an ascending genus in microbiology, has been carefully studied aiming comprehension and development of methods for detection and medical intervention of infectious processes, not fully elucidated in medicine. This review focuses on current clinical knowledge related to human health disorders caused by Aeromonas to contribute on development of efficient approaches able to recognize and impair the pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Weslley Felix de Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Adriana Fontes
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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Grilo ML, Amaro G, Chambel L, Marques CS, Marques TA, Gil F, Sousa-Santos C, Robalo JI, Oliveira M. Aeromonas spp. Prevalence, Virulence, and Antimicrobial Resistance in an Ex Situ Program for Threatened Freshwater Fish—A Pilot Study with Protective Measures. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12040436. [PMID: 35203144 PMCID: PMC8868083 DOI: 10.3390/ani12040436] [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: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Knowledge regarding best practices to prevent bacterial disease and antimicrobial resistance acquisition in aquatic ex situ programs is limited. This pilot study aimed to investigate the role of protective measures in the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and virulence signatures of Aeromonas spp. in Portuguese nase (Iberochondrostoma lusitanicum) kept in an ex situ program. Fish were randomly divided into two tanks (i.e., with and without protective measures). Bacterial sampling was performed weekly for 5 weeks, and Aeromonas spp. prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence signatures were compared. We observed an increase in antimicrobial resistance among collected isolates over the experiment duration, with a trend of Aeromonas spp. prevalence and virulence decreasing when using protective measures. This pilot study sheds light on Aeromonas spp. prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence dynamics in aquatic ex situ programs, while constituting a first approach in the determination of the potential use of protective measures in such settings. Abstract Ex situ breeding programs are important conservation tools for endangered freshwater fish. However, developing husbandry techniques that decrease the likelihood of disease, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence determinants acquisition during this process is challenging. In this pilot study, we conducted a captivity experiment with Portuguese nase (Iberochondrostoma lusitanicum), a critically endangered leuciscid species, to investigate the influence of simple protective measures (i.e., material disinfection protocols and animal handling with gloves) on the dynamics of a potential pathogenic genus, Aeromonas, as well as its virulence profiles and antimicrobial resistance signatures. Our findings show that antimicrobial resistance in Aeromonas spp. collected from I. lusitanicum significantly increased during the extent of the assay (5 weeks), with all isolates collected at the end of the study classified as multidrug-resistant. Additionally, humans handling fishes without protective measures were colonized by Aeromonas spp. The use of protective measures suggested a decreasing trend in Aeromonas spp. prevalence in I. lusitanicum, while bacterial isolates displayed significantly lower virulence index values when virulence phenotypical expression was tested at 22 °C. Despite this study representing an initial trial, which needs support from further research, protective measures tested are considered a simple tool to be applied in ex situ breeding programs for aquatic animals worldwide. Furthermore, current results raise concern regarding antimicrobial resistance amplification and zoonotic transmission of Aeromonas spp. in aquatic ex situ programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel L. Grilo
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal;
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ISPA—Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas, Sociais e da Vida, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.S.-S.); (J.I.R.)
- Correspondence: (M.L.G.); (M.O.)
| | - Guadalupe Amaro
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Lélia Chambel
- BioISI—Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Carolina S. Marques
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Centro de Estatística e Aplicações, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.S.M.); (T.A.M.)
| | - Tiago A. Marques
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Centro de Estatística e Aplicações, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.S.M.); (T.A.M.)
- Centre for Research into Ecological & Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9LZ, UK
| | - Fátima Gil
- Aquário Vasco da Gama, 1495-718 Cruz Quebrada-Dafundo, Portugal;
| | - Carla Sousa-Santos
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ISPA—Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas, Sociais e da Vida, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.S.-S.); (J.I.R.)
| | - Joana I. Robalo
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ISPA—Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas, Sociais e da Vida, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.S.-S.); (J.I.R.)
| | - Manuela Oliveira
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Correspondence: (M.L.G.); (M.O.)
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Grilo ML, Isidoro S, Chambel L, Marques CS, Marques TA, Sousa-Santos C, Robalo JI, Oliveira M. Molecular Epidemiology, Virulence Traits and Antimicrobial Resistance Signatures of Aeromonas spp. in the Critically Endangered Iberochondrostoma lusitanicum Follow Geographical and Seasonal Patterns. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:759. [PMID: 34206643 PMCID: PMC8300795 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that freshwater fish populations are experiencing severe declines worldwide, our knowledge on the interaction between endangered populations and pathogenic agents remains scarce. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and structure of Aeromonas communities isolated from the critically endangered Iberochondrostoma lusitanicum, a model species for threatened Iberian leuciscids, as well as health parameters in this species. Additionally, we evaluated the virulence profiles, antimicrobial resistance signatures and genomic relationships of the Aeromonas isolates. Lesion prevalence, extension and body condition were deeply affected by location and seasonality, with poorer performances in the dry season. Aeromonas composition shifted among seasons and was also different across river streams. The pathogenic potential of the isolates significantly increased during the dry season. Additionally, isolates displaying clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance phenotypes (carbapenem and fluroquinolone resistance) were detected. As it inhabits intermittent rivers, often reduced to disconnected pools during the summer, the dry season is a critical period for I. lusitanicum, with lower general health status and a higher potential of infection by Aeromonas spp. Habitat quality seems a determining factor on the sustainable development of this fish species. Also, these individuals act as reservoirs of important antimicrobial resistant bacteria with potential implications for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel L. Grilo
- CIISA—Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal;
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ISPA—Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas, Sociais e da Vida, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.S.-S.); (J.I.R.)
| | - Sara Isidoro
- CIISA—Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Lélia Chambel
- BioISI—Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Carolina S. Marques
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Centro de Estatística e Aplicações, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.S.M.); (T.A.M.)
| | - Tiago A. Marques
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Centro de Estatística e Aplicações, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.S.M.); (T.A.M.)
- Centre for Research into Ecological & Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9LZ, UK
| | - Carla Sousa-Santos
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ISPA—Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas, Sociais e da Vida, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.S.-S.); (J.I.R.)
| | - Joana I. Robalo
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ISPA—Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas, Sociais e da Vida, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.S.-S.); (J.I.R.)
| | - Manuela Oliveira
- CIISA—Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal;
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