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Kang W, Wang M, Yi X, Wang J, Zhang X, Wu Z, Wang Y, Sun H, Gottschalk M, Zheng H, Xu J. Investigation of genomic and pathogenicity characteristics of Streptococcus suis ST1 human strains from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (GX) between 2005 and 2020 in China. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2339946. [PMID: 38578304 PMCID: PMC11034456 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2339946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Streptococcus suis is a significant and emerging zoonotic pathogen. ST1 and ST7 strains are the primary agents responsible for S. suis human infections in China, including the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (GX). To enhance our understanding of S. suis ST1 population characteristics, we conducted an investigation into the phylogenetic structure, genomic features, and virulence levels of 73 S. suis ST1 human strains from GX between 2005 and 2020. The ST1 GX strains were categorized into three lineages in phylogenetic analysis. Sub-lineage 3-1a exhibited a closer phylogenetic relationship with the ST7 epidemic strain SC84. The strains from lineage 3 predominantly harboured 89K-like pathogenicity islands (PAIs) which were categorized into four clades based on sequence alignment. The acquirement of 89K-like PAIs increased the antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity of corresponding transconjugants. We observed significant diversity in virulence levels among the 37 representative ST1 GX strains, that were classified as follows: epidemic (E)/highly virulent (HV) (32.4%, 12/37), virulent plus (V+) (29.7%, 11/37), virulent (V) (18.9%, 7/37), and lowly virulent (LV) (18.9%, 7/37) strains based on survival curves and mortality rates at different time points in C57BL/6 mice following infection. The E/HV strains were characterized by the overproduction of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α in serum and promptly established infection at the early phase of infection. Our research offers novel insights into the population structure, evolution, genomic features, and pathogenicity of ST1 strains. Our data also indicates the importance of establishing a scheme for characterizing and subtyping the virulence levels of S. suis strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Kang
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingliu Wang
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xueli Yi
- Key Laboratory of Research on Clinical Molecular Diagnosis for High Incidence Diseases in Western Guangxi, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Youjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianping Wang
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiyan Zhang
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zongfu Wu
- WOAH Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Wang
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Sun
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Marcelo Gottschalk
- Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Han Zheng
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, MOE Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and Prevention, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jianguo Xu
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Natonal key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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2
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Yuan L, Wu S, Tian K, Wang S, Wu H, Qiao J. Nisin-relevant antimicrobial peptides: synthesis strategies and applications. Food Funct 2024; 15:9662-9677. [PMID: 39246095 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo05619h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Small pentacyclic peptides, represented by nisin, have been successfully utilized as preservatives in the food industry and have evolved into a paradigm for understanding the genetic structure, expression, and control of genes created by lantibiotics. Due to the ever-increasing antibiotic resistance, nisin-relevant antimicrobial peptides have received much attention, which calls for a summarization of their synthesis, modification and applications. In this review, we first provided a timeline of select highlights in nisin biosynthesis and engineering. Then, we outlined the current developments in nisin synthesis. We also provided an overview of the engineering, screening, and production of nisin-relevant antimicrobial peptides based on enzyme alteration, substrate modification, and sequence mining. Furthermore, an updated summary of applications of nisin-relevant antimicrobial peptides has been developed for food applications. Finally, this study offers insights into emerging technologies, limitations and the future development of nisin-relevant antimicrobial peptides for pathogen inhibition, food preservatives, and improved health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yuan
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Shengbo Wu
- Zhejiang Research Institute of Tianjin University (Shaoxing), Shaoxing, 312300, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Kairen Tian
- Zhejiang Research Institute of Tianjin University (Shaoxing), Shaoxing, 312300, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Shengli Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Zhejiang Research Institute of Tianjin University (Shaoxing), Shaoxing, 312300, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jianjun Qiao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Zhejiang Research Institute of Tianjin University (Shaoxing), Shaoxing, 312300, China.
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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3
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Li K, Lacouture S, Lewandowski E, Thibault E, Gantelet H, Gottschalk M, Fittipaldi N. Molecular characterization of Streptococcus suis isolates recovered from diseased pigs in Europe. Vet Res 2024; 55:117. [PMID: 39334446 PMCID: PMC11429987 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-024-01366-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis is a major swine pathogen and zoonotic agent, causing important economic losses to the porcine industry. Here, we used genomics approaches to characterize 251 S. suis isolates recovered from diseased pigs across Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom. We identified 13 serotypes, being serotypes 9 and 2 the most prevalent, and 34 sequence types (STs), including 16 novel STs, although ST16 and ST1 dominated the strain population. Phylogenetic analysis revealed complex genetic relationships, notable geographic clustering, and potential differential capacity for capsular switching among serotype 9 isolates. We found antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in 85.3% of the isolates, with high frequencies of genes conferring resistance to tetracyclines and macrolides. Specifically, 49.4% of the isolates harbored the tetO gene, and 64.9% possessed the ermB gene. Additionally, we observed a diverse array of virulence-associated genes (VAGs), including the classical VAGs mrp, epf, and sly, with variable presence across different genotypes. The high genetic diversity among European S. suis isolates highlights the importance of targeted antimicrobial use and flexible vaccine strategies. Rapid strain characterization is crucial for optimizing swine health management, enabling tailored interventions like the development of autovaccines to mitigate S. suis infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Li
- Groupe de recherche sur les maladies infectieuses en production animale, and Centre de recherche en infectiologie porcine et avicole, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Sonia Lacouture
- Groupe de recherche sur les maladies infectieuses en production animale, and Centre de recherche en infectiologie porcine et avicole, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Marcelo Gottschalk
- Groupe de recherche sur les maladies infectieuses en production animale, and Centre de recherche en infectiologie porcine et avicole, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Nahuel Fittipaldi
- Groupe de recherche sur les maladies infectieuses en production animale, and Centre de recherche en infectiologie porcine et avicole, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.
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4
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Ma J, Wu H, Ma Z, Wu Z. Bacterial and host factors involved in zoonotic Streptococcal meningitis. Microbes Infect 2024:105335. [PMID: 38582147 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105335] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Zoonotic streptococci cause several invasive diseases with high mortality rates, especially meningitis. Numerous studies elucidated the meningitis pathogenesis of zoonotic streptococci, some specific to certain bacterial species. In contrast, others are shared among different bacterial species, involving colonization and invasion of mucosal barriers, survival in the bloodstream, breaching the blood-brain and/or blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier to access the central nervous system, and triggering inflammation of the meninges. This review focuses on the recent advancements in comprehending the molecular and cellular events of five major zoonotic streptococci responsible for causing meningitis in humans or animals, including Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus, Streptococcus suis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, and Streptococcus iniae. The underlying mechanism was summarized into four themes, including 1) bacterial survival in blood, 2) brain microvascular endothelial cell adhesion and invasion, 3) penetration of the blood-brain barrier, and 4) activation of the immune system and inflammatory reaction within the brain. This review may contribute to developing therapeutics to prevent or mitigate injury of streptococcal meningitis and improve risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiale Ma
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210014, China; Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210014, China; WOAH Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Huizhen Wu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210014, China; Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210014, China; WOAH Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Zhe Ma
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210014, China; Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210014, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China.
| | - Zongfu Wu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210014, China; Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210014, China; WOAH Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing 210014, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research on the Technology of Pig-breeding and Pig-disease Prevention, Guangzhou 511400, China.
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5
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Qi K, Yi X, Wang M, Wang J, Sun H, Liang P, Xu J, Zheng H. Streptococcus parasuis, an Emerging Zoonotic Pathogen, Possesses the Capacity to Induce Cerebral Inflammatory Responses. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040600. [PMID: 37111486 PMCID: PMC10141694 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040600] [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: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, three Streptococcus parasuis strains, BS26, BS27, and NN1, have been isolated from the blood cultures of patients with peritonitis, pneumonia, and arthritis, indicating that S. parasuis is an emerging threat to susceptible people. There is thus an urgent need to further evaluate the pathogenesis of S. parasuis clinical strains in order to design efficient anti-inflammatory strategies. Our previous study demonstrated the capacity of S. parasuis clinical strains to enter the central nervous system (CNS) of infected mice. However, the characteristics and inflammatory mechanism of CNS infections caused by S. parasuis are still non-available. In the present study, we investigated the proportion and time of two clinical S. parasuis strains NN1 and BS26 infected mice that developed neurological symptoms. The characteristics of histopathological changes and the cerebral immune response in mice with neurological symptoms were analyzed. Furthermore, we evaluated the roles of microglia and astrocytes in the S. parasuis clinical strain-induced cerebral inflammation. Our data indicated that S. parasuis clinical strains possess a high potential to induce cerebral inflammation in susceptible people at the early phase of infection. Our study contributes to increasing the understanding of the pathogenicity of S. parasuis and the inflammatory mechanisms of the brain against infection caused by S. parasuis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xueli Yi
- Center for Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Research, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise 533000, China
| | - Mingliu Wang
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Jianping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Hui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Pujun Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
- Nanxishan Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin 541002, China
| | - Jianguo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Han Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
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6
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Wang J, Liang P, Sun H, Wu Z, Gottschalk M, Qi K, Zheng H. Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveal genes involved in the pathogenicity increase of Streptococcus suis epidemic strains. Virulence 2022; 13:1455-1470. [PMID: 36031944 PMCID: PMC9423846 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2116160] [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] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis epidemic strains were responsible for two outbreaks in China and possessed increased pathogenicity which was featured prominently by inducing an excessive inflammatory response at the early phase of infection. To discover the critical genes responsible for the pathogenicity increase of S. suis epidemic strains, the genome-wide transcriptional profiles of epidemic strain SC84 were investigated at the early phase of interaction with BV2 cells. The overall low expression levels of 89K pathogenicity island (PAI) and 129 known virulence genes in the SC84 interaction groups indicated that its pathogenicity increase should be attributed to novel mechanisms. Using highly pathogenic strain P1/7 and intermediately pathogenic strain 89–1591 as controls, 11 pathogenicity increase crucial genes (PICGs) and 38 pathogenicity increase-related genes (PIRGs) were identified in the SC84 incubation groups. The PICGs encoded proteins related to the methionine biosynthesis/uptake pathway and played critical roles in the pathogenicity increase of epidemic strains. A high proportion of PIRGs encoded surface proteins related to host cell adherence and immune escape, which may be conducive to the pathogenicity increase of epidemic strains by rapidly initiating infection. The fact that none of PICGs and PIRGs belonged to epidemic strain-specific gene indicated that the pathogenicity increase of epidemic strain may be determined by the expression level of genes, rather than the presence of them. Our results deepened the understanding on the mechanism of the pathogenicity increase of S. suis epidemic strains and provided novel approaches to control the life-threatening infections of S. suis epidemic strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Pujun Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Zongfu Wu
- Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marcelo Gottschalk
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanxishan Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Kexin Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Han Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
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7
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Dou BB, Yang X, Yang FM, Yan K, Peng W, Tang J, Peng MZ, He QY, Chen HC, Yuan FY, Bei WC. The VraSR two-component signal transduction system contributes to the damage of blood-brain barrier during Streptococcus suis meningitis. Microb Pathog 2022; 172:105766. [PMID: 36087689 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105766] [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: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is an important zoonotic pathogen that can cause high morbidity and mortality in both humans and swine. As the most important life-threatening infection of the central nervous system (CNS), meningitis is an important syndrome of S. suis infection. The vancomycin resistance associated sensor/regulator (VraSR) is a critical two-component signal transduction system that affects the ability of S. suis to resist the host innate immune system and promotes its ability to adhere to brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). Prior work also found mice infected with ΔvraSR had no obvious neurological symptoms, unlike mice infected with wild-type SC19. Whether and how VraSR participates in the development of S. suis meningitis remains unknown. Here, we found ΔvraSR-infected mice did not show obvious meningitis, compared with wild-type SC19-infected mice. Moreover, the proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in serum and brains of ΔvraSR-infected mice, including IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1 and IFN-γ, were significantly lower than wild-type infected group. Besides, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability also confirmed that the mutant had lower ability to disrupt BBB. Furthermore, in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that SC19 could increase BBB permeability by downregulating tight junction (TJ) proteins such as ZO-1, β-Catenin, Occludin, and Clauidn-5, compared with mutant ΔvraSR. These findings provide new insight into the influence of S. suis VraSR on BBB disruption during the pathogenic process of streptococcal meningitis, thereby offering potential targets for future preventative and therapeutic strategies against this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei-Bei Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Xia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Feng-Ming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Kang Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Wei Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Jia Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Ming-Zheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Qi-Yun He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Huan-Chun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; Guangxi Yangxiang Co., Ltd., Guangxi, 530015, China
| | - Fang-Yan Yuan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, 430064, China
| | - Wei-Cheng Bei
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; Guangxi Yangxiang Co., Ltd., Guangxi, 530015, China.
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8
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Liu Z, Xu Q, Liang P, Peng Z, Yao H, Zheng H, Wu Z. The characteristics of population structure and antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus suis serotype 8, a non-negligible pathotype. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e2495-e2505. [PMID: 35560732 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus suis, the leading causative agent of swine streptococcosis, is considered as a severe zoonotic and foodborne pathogen for humans. Characteristics of population structure and pathogenicity of S. suis vary significantly by serotypes. As one of the main pathogenic serotypes causing clinical disease in pigs, very little is known about the pathogenicity, population structure, and antimicrobial resistance of S. suis serotype 8 (SS8). In this study, the genome of 26 SS8 strains isolated from healthy and diseased pigs was sequenced. Together with 38 sequences from NCBI, we found that SS8 population was clustered into 12 sequence types (ST) and 4 minimum core genome (MCG) groups, linked to the geographical distribution. Noteworthily, 10 strains belonged to MCG group 1 which was defined to possess the capacity to cause global outbreaks in our previous study. We found that 75% (9/12) of representative SS8 strains were virulent in mice and zebrafish, including all ST1241 strains. No virulence indicators were identified from 67 putative virulence-associated genes mainly identified among pathogenic serotype 2 strains. Instead, we found that the genotype of some of these genes was correlated to their evolution. All 26 isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant strains by antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The high carrying rate of tetO and ermB, mainly disseminated by integrative mobilizable elements, contributed to the prevalent resistance phenotypes to macrolides, lincosamides and tetracyclines. These findings indicated that the pathogenic potential of SS8 cannot be ignored and provided valuable information for SS8 surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoying Liu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuhua Xu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing, China
| | - Pujun Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Zeren Peng
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing, China
| | - Huochun Yao
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing, China
| | - Han Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Zongfu Wu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing, China
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9
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Giannakara M, Koumandou VL. Evolution of two-component quorum sensing systems. Access Microbiol 2022; 4:000303. [PMID: 35252749 PMCID: PMC8895600 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication system that enables bacteria to coordinate their gene expression depending on their population density, via the detection of small molecules called autoinducers. In this way bacteria can act collectively to initiate processes like bioluminescence, virulence and biofilm formation. Autoinducers are detected by receptors, some of which are part of two-component signal transduction systems (TCS), which comprise of a (usually membrane-bound) sensor histidine kinase (HK) and a cognate response regulator (RR). Different QS systems are used by different bacterial taxa, and their relative evolutionary relationships have not been extensively studied. To address this, we used the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database to identify all the QS HKs and RRs that are part of TCSs and examined their conservation across microbial taxa. We compared the combinations of the highly conserved domains in the different families of receptors and response regulators using the Simple Modular Architecture Research Tool (SMART) and KEGG databases, and we also carried out phylogenetic analyses for each family, and all families together. The distribution of the different QS systems across taxa, indicates flexibility in HK–RR pairing and highlights the need for further study of the most abundant systems. For both the QS receptors and the response regulators, our results indicate close evolutionary relationships between certain families, highlighting a common evolutionary history which can inform future applications, such as the design of novel inhibitors for pathogenic QS systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Giannakara
- Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Lila Koumandou
- Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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10
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Li Q, Fei X, Zhang Y, Guo G, Shi H, Zhang W. The biological role of MutT in the pathogenesis of the zoonotic pathogen Streptococcus suis serotype 2. Virulence 2021; 12:1538-1549. [PMID: 34077309 PMCID: PMC8183525 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1936770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is an important rising pathogen that causes serious diseases in humans and pigs. Although some putative virulence factors of S. suis have been identified, its pathogenic mechanisms are largely unclear. Here, we identified a putative virulence-associated factor MutT, which is unique to S. suis serotype 2 (SS2) virulent strains. To investigate the biological roles of MutT in the SS2 virulent strain ZY05719, the mutT knockout mutant (ΔmutT) was generated and used to explore the phenotypic and virulent variations between the parental and ΔmutT strains. We found that the mutT mutation significantly inhibited cell growth ability, shortened the chain length, and displayed a high susceptibility to H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Moreover, this study revealed that MutT induced the adhesion and invasion of SS2 to host cells. Deletion of mutT increased microbial clearance in host tissues of the infected mice. Sequence alignment results suggested that mutT was encoded in a strain-specific manner, in which the detection was strongly linked to bacterial pathogenicity. In both zebrafish and mice infection models, the virulence of ΔmutT was largely reduced compared with that of ZY05719. Overall, this study provides compelling evidence that MutT is indispensable for the virulence of SS2 and highlights the biological role of MutT in bacteria pathogenesis during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xia Fei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yuhang Zhang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Genglin Guo
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huoying Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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11
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Neutrophils in Streptococcus suis Infection: From Host Defense to Pathology. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112392. [PMID: 34835517 PMCID: PMC8624082 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112392] [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: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis is a swine pathogen and zoonotic agent responsible for economic losses to the porcine industry. Infected animals may develop meningitis, arthritis, endocarditis, sepsis and/or sudden death. The pathogenesis of the infection implies that bacteria breach mucosal host barriers and reach the bloodstream, where they escape immune-surveillance mechanisms and spread throughout the organism. The clinical manifestations are mainly the consequence of an exacerbated inflammation, defined by an exaggerated production of cytokines and recruitment of immune cells. Among them, neutrophils arrive first in contact with the pathogens to combat the infection. Neutrophils initiate and maintain inflammation, by producing cytokines and deploying their arsenal of antimicrobial mechanisms. Furthermore, neutrophilic leukocytosis characterizes S. suis infection, and lesions of infected subjects contain a large number of neutrophils. Therefore, this cell type may play a role in host defense and/or in the exacerbated inflammation. Nevertheless, a limited number of studies addressed the role or functions of neutrophils in the context of S. suis infection. In this review, we will explore the literature about S. suis and neutrophils, from their interaction at a cellular level, to the roles and behaviors of neutrophils in the infected host in vivo.
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12
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Roodsant TJ, Van Der Putten BCL, Tamminga SM, Schultsz C, Van Der Ark KCH. Identification of Streptococcus suis putative zoonotic virulence factors: A systematic review and genomic meta-analysis. Virulence 2021; 12:2787-2797. [PMID: 34666617 PMCID: PMC8632099 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1985760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis is an emerging zoonotic pathogen. Over 100 putative virulence factors have been described, but it is unclear to what extent these virulence factors could contribute to zoonotic potential of S. suis. We identified all S. suis virulence factors studied in experimental models of human origin in a systematic review and assessed their contribution to zoonotic potential in a subsequent genomic meta-analysis. PubMed and Scopus were searched for English-language articles that studied S. suis virulence published until 31 March 2021. Articles that analyzed a virulence factor by knockout mutation, purified protein, and/or recombinant protein in a model of human origin, were included. Data on virulence factor, strain characteristics, used human models and experimental outcomes were extracted. All publicly available S. suis genomes with available metadata on host, disease status and country of origin, were included in a genomic meta-analysis. We calculated the ratio of the prevalence of each virulence factor in human and pig isolates. We included 130 articles and 1703 S. suis genomes in the analysis. We identified 53 putative virulence factors that were encoded by genes which are part of the S. suis core genome and 26 factors that were at least twice as prevalent in human isolates as in pig isolates. Hhly3 and NisK/R were particularly enriched in human isolates, after stratification by genetic lineage and country of isolation. This systematic review and genomic meta-analysis have identified virulence factors that are likely to contribute to the zoonotic potential of S. suis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Roodsant
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Global Health-Amsterdam, Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Boas C L Van Der Putten
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Global Health-Amsterdam, Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sara M Tamminga
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Constance Schultsz
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Global Health-Amsterdam, Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kees C H Van Der Ark
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Global Health-Amsterdam, Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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13
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Apigenin and Ampicillin as Combined Strategy to Treat Severe Streptococcus suis Infection. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26071980. [PMID: 33915741 PMCID: PMC8037323 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26071980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As an important zoonotic pathogen, Streptococcus suis (S. suis) can cause a variety of diseases both in human and animals, especially Streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (STSLS), which commonly appears in severe S. suis infection. STSLS is often accompanied by excessive production of inflammatory cytokines, which is the main cause of host death. Therefore, it is urgent to find a new strategy to relieve the damage caused by STSLS. In this study, we found, for the first time, that apigenin, as a flavonoid compound, could combine with ampicillin to treat severe S. suis infection. Studies found that apigenin did not affect the growth of S. suis and the secretion of suilysin (SLY), but it could significantly inhibit the hemolytic activity of SLY by directly binding to SLY and destroying its secondary structure. In cell assays, apigenin was found to have no significant toxic effects on effective concentrations, and have a good protective effect on S. suis-infected cells. More importantly, compared with the survival rate of S. suis-infected mice treated with only ampicillin, the survival rate of apigenin combined with an ampicillin-treated group significantly increased to 80%. In conclusion, all results indicate that apigenin in combination with conventional antibiotics can be a potential strategy for treating severe S. suis infection.
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14
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Huang W, Chen Y, Li Q, Jiang H, Lv Q, Zheng Y, Han X, Kong D, Liu P, Jiang Y. LytR plays a role in normal septum formation and contributes to full virulence in Streptococcus suis. Vet Microbiol 2021; 254:109003. [PMID: 33561639 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a major zoonotic pathogen and is also responsible for variety of diseases in swine. LytR-CpsA-Psr (LCP) family proteins affect the biofilm formation and virulence of some Gram-positive bacteria, but we know nothing about their roles in S. suis. In this study, we constructed the LytR mutant and its revertant strains by natural transformation and verified them by PCR and western blot. We explored the effects of LytR on the cell morphology of S. suis. Transmission electron microscopic analysis showed that the mutant strain displayed aberrant septum placement with no obvious differences in capsular thickness. Crystal violet staining and laser-scanning confocal microscopy both revealed that LytR contributes to the biofilm formation of S. suis. The LytR mutant strain had reduced survival in whole human blood and was more sensitive to killing by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Furthermore, in a mouse infection model, the LytR mutant strain also exhibited significantly attenuated virulence and was more easily cleared in the blood. These results indicate that the LytR protein is involved in septum placement, biofilm formation and required for full virulence of S. suis during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Ying Chen
- School of Light Industry, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Qian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Hua Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Qingyu Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Yuling Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Xuelian Han
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Decong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China.
| | - Peng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China.
| | - Yongqiang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China.
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15
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Zhao Y, Li G, Yao XY, Lu SG, Wang J, Shen XD, Li M. The Impact of SsPI-1 Deletion on Streptococcus suis Virulence. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8040287. [PMID: 31817637 PMCID: PMC6963714 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8040287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Streptococcus suis is an important zoonotic pathogen that infects pigs and can occasionally cause life-threatening systemic infections in humans. Two large-scale outbreaks of streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome in China suggest that the pathogenicity of S. suis has been changing in recent years. Genetic analysis revealed the presence of a chromosomal pathogenicity island (PAI) designated SsPI-1 in Chinese epidemic S. suis strains. The purpose of this study is to define the role of SsPI-1 in the virulence of S. suis. (2) Methods: A SsPI-1 deletion mutant was compared to the wild-type strain regarding the ability to attach to epithelial cells, to cause host disease and mortality, and to stimulate host immune response in experimental infection of piglets. (3) Results: Deletion of SsPI-1 significantly reduces adherence of S. suis to epithelial cells and abolishes the lethality of the wild-type strain in piglets. The SsPI-1 mutant causes no significant pathological lesions and exhibits an impaired ability to induce proinflammatory cytokine production. (4) Conclusions: Deletion of the SsPI-1 PAI attenuates the virulence of this pathogen. We conclude that SsPI-1 is a critical contributor to the evolution of virulence in epidemic S. suis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China; (Y.Z.); (G.L.); (S.-G.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China; (Y.Z.); (G.L.); (S.-G.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Xin-Yue Yao
- Jinling Hospital Research Institute of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing University, School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, China;
| | - Shu-Guang Lu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China; (Y.Z.); (G.L.); (S.-G.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China; (Y.Z.); (G.L.); (S.-G.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Xiao-Dong Shen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Correspondence: (M.L.); (X.-D.S.); Tel.: +86-23-68772241 (M.L.)
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China; (Y.Z.); (G.L.); (S.-G.L.); (J.W.)
- Correspondence: (M.L.); (X.-D.S.); Tel.: +86-23-68772241 (M.L.)
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16
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Genomic Epidemiology of Streptococcus suis Sequence Type 7 Sporadic Infections in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8040187. [PMID: 31614790 PMCID: PMC6963630 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8040187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis is an important zoonotic pathogen. Serotype 2 and sequence type (ST) 1 are the most frequently reported strains in both infected humans and pigs. ST7 is only endemic to China, and it was responsible for outbreaks in 1998 and 2005 in China. In the present study, 38 sporadic ST7 S. suis strains, which mostly caused sepsis, were collected from patients in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (GX) between 2007 and 2018. Of 38 sporadic ST7 strains, serotype 14 was the most frequent (27 strains, 71.1%), followed by serotype 2 (11 strains, 28.9%). The phylogenetic structure of the ST7 population, including epidemic and sporadic ST7 strains, was constructed using mutational single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). High diversity within the ST7 population was revealed and divided into five lineages. Only one sporadic ST7 strain, GX14, from a Streptococcal toxic-shock-like syndrome (STSLS) patient was clustered into the same lineage as the epidemic strains. GX14 and the epidemic strains diverged in 1974. The sporadic ST7 strains of GX were mainly clustered into lineage 5, which emerged in 1980. Comparing to genome of epidemic strain, the major differences in genome of sporadic ST7 strains of GX was the absence of 89 kb pathogenicity island (PAI) specific to epidemic strain and insertion of 128 kb ICE_phage tandem MGE or ICE portion of the MGE. These mobile elements play a significant role in the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in sporadic ST7 strains. Our results enhanced the understanding of the evolution of the ST7 strains and their ability to cause life-threatening infections in humans.
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17
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Identification of an Autorepressing Two-Component Signaling System That Modulates Virulence in Streptococcus suis Serotype 2. Infect Immun 2019; 87:IAI.00377-19. [PMID: 31285250 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00377-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis is one of the most important pathogens affecting the swine industry and is also an emerging zoonotic agent for humans. Two-component signaling systems (TCSs) play important roles in the adaptation of pathogenic bacteria to host environments. In this study, we identified a novel TCS, named TCS09HKRR, which facilitated Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2) resistance to clearance by the host immune system and contributed to bacterial pathogenicity. Furthermore, RNA-sequencing analyses identified 79 genes that were differentially expressed between the wild-type (WT) and ΔTCS09HKRR strains, among which half of the 39 downregulated genes belonged to the capsular biosynthesis clusters. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the capsule of the ΔTCS09HKRR strain was thinner than that of the WT strain. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) showed that the regulator of TCS09HKRR (TCS09RR) could not bind the promoter regions of cps and neu clusters, which suggested that TCS09HKRR regulates capsule biosynthesis by indirect pathways. Unexpectedly, the TCS09HKRR operon was upregulated when TCS09HKRR was deleted. A specific region, ATGACATTTGTCAC, which extends from positions -193 to -206 upstream of the TCS09HKRR operon, was further identified as the TCS09RR-binding site using EMSA. These results suggested the involvement of a negative feedback loop in this regulation. In addition, TCS09RR was significantly upregulated by more than 18-fold when coincubated with RAW264.7 macrophages. Our data suggested that autorepression renders TCS09HKRR more sensitive to host stimuli, which optimizes the regulatory network of capsular biosynthesis in SS2.
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18
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Vasilchenko AS, Rogozhin EA. Sub-inhibitory Effects of Antimicrobial Peptides. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1160. [PMID: 31178852 PMCID: PMC6543913 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobials, and particularly antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), have been thoroughly studied due to their therapeutic potential. The research on their exact mode of action on bacterial cells, especially at under sublethal concentrations, has resulted in a better understanding of the unpredictable nature of bacterial behavior under stress conditions. In this review, we were aiming to gather the wide yet still under-investigated knowledge about various AMPs and their subinhibition effects on cellular and molecular levels. We describe how AMP action is non-linear and unpredictable, also showing that exposure to AMP can lead to antimicrobial resistance via triggering various regulatory systems. Being one of the most known types of antimicrobials, bacteriocins have dual action and can also be utilized by microorganisms as signaling molecules at naturally achievable sub-inhibitory concentrations. The unpredictable nature of AMP action and the pathogenic response triggered by them remains an area of knowledge that requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey S. Vasilchenko
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, Tyumen, Russia
| | - Eugene A. Rogozhin
- Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, Moscow, Russia
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19
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Dai J, Lai L, Tang H, Wang W, Wang S, Lu C, Yao H, Fan H, Wu Z. Streptococcus suis synthesizes deoxyadenosine and adenosine by 5'-nucleotidase to dampen host immune responses. Virulence 2019; 9:1509-1520. [PMID: 30221577 PMCID: PMC6177238 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2018.1520544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis is a major porcine bacterial pathogen and emerging zoonotic agent. S. suis 5ʹ-nucleotidase is able to convert adenosine monophosphate to adenosine, resulting in inhibiting neutrophil functions in vitro and it is an important virulence factor. Here, we show that S. suis 5ʹ-nucleotidase not only enables producing 2ʹ-deoxyadenosine from 2ʹ-deoxyadenosine monophosphate by the enzymatic assay and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis in vitro, but also synthesizes both 2ʹ-deoxyadenosine and adenosine in mouse blood in vivo by RP-HPLC and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analyses. Cellular cytotoxicity assay and Western blot analysis indicated that the production of 2ʹ-deoxyadenosine by 5ʹ-nucleotidase triggered the death of mouse macrophages RAW 264.7 in a caspase-3-dependent way. The in vivo infection experiment showed that 2ʹ-deoxyadenosine synthesized by 5ʹ-nucleotidase caused monocytopenia in mouse blood. The in vivo transcriptome analysis in mouse blood showed the inhibitory effect of 5ʹ-nucleotidase on neutrophil functions and immune responses probably mediated through the generation of adenosine. Taken together, these findings indicate that S. suis synthesizes 2ʹ-deoxyadenosine and adenosine by 5ʹ-nucleotidase to dampen host immune responses, which represents a new mechanism of S. suis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Dai
- a College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China.,b Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture , Nanjing , China.,c OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis , Nanjing , China
| | - Liying Lai
- a College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China.,b Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture , Nanjing , China.,c OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis , Nanjing , China
| | - Huanyu Tang
- a College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China.,b Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture , Nanjing , China.,c OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis , Nanjing , China
| | - Weixue Wang
- a College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China.,b Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture , Nanjing , China.,c OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis , Nanjing , China
| | - Shuoyue Wang
- a College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China.,b Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture , Nanjing , China.,c OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis , Nanjing , China
| | - Chengping Lu
- a College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China.,b Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture , Nanjing , China.,c OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis , Nanjing , China
| | - Huochun Yao
- a College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China.,b Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture , Nanjing , China.,c OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis , Nanjing , China
| | - Hongjie Fan
- a College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China.,b Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture , Nanjing , China.,d Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses , Yangzhou , China
| | - Zongfu Wu
- a College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China.,b Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture , Nanjing , China.,c OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis , Nanjing , China
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20
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Xia X, Qin W, Zhu H, Wang X, Jiang J, Hu J. How Streptococcus suis serotype 2 attempts to avoid attack by host immune defenses. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2019; 52:516-525. [PMID: 30954397 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Streptococcus suis (S. suis) type 2 (SS2) is an important zoonotic pathogen that causes swine streptococcosis, a widespread infectious disease that occurs in pig production areas worldwide and causes serious economic losses in the pork industry. Hosts recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to activate both innate and acquired immune responses. However, S. suis has evolved multiple mechanisms to escape host defenses. Pathogenic proteins, such as enolase, double-component regulatory systems, factor H-combining proteins and other pathogenic and virulence factors, contribute to immune escape by evading host phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), complement-mediated immune destruction, etc. SS2 can prevent neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation to avoid being trapped by porcine neutrophils and disintegrate host immunoglobulins via IgA1 hydrolases and IgM proteases. Currently, the pathogenesis of arthritis and meningitis caused by SS2 infection remains unclear, and further studies are necessary to elucidate it. Understanding immune evasion mechanisms after SS2 infection is important for developing high-efficiency vaccines and targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Xia
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China; Postdoctoral Research Base, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China; Postdoctoral Research Station, Henan Agriculture University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wanhai Qin
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Huili Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xin Wang
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Jinqing Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China.
| | - Jianhe Hu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China; Postdoctoral Research Base, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China.
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21
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Zhu H, Wang Y, Ni Y, Zhou J, Han L, Yu Z, Mao A, Wang D, Fan H, He K. The Redox-Sensing Regulator Rex Contributes to the Virulence and Oxidative Stress Response of Streptococcus suis Serotype 2. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:317. [PMID: 30280091 PMCID: PMC6154617 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2) is an important zoonotic pathogen responsible for septicemia and meningitis. The redox-sensing regulator Rex has been reported to play critical roles in the metabolism regulation, oxidative stress response, and virulence of various pathogens. In this study, we identified and characterized a Rex ortholog in the SS2 virulent strain SS2-1 that is involved in bacterial pathogenicity and stress environment susceptibility. Our data show that the Rex-knockout mutant strain Δrex exhibited impaired growth in medium with hydrogen peroxide or a low pH compared with the wildtype strain SS2-1 and the complementary strain CΔrex. In addition, Δrex showed a decreased level of survival in whole blood and in RAW264.7 macrophages. Further analyses revealed that Rex deficiency significantly attenuated bacterial virulence in an animal model. A comparative proteome analysis found that the expression levels of several proteins involved in virulence and oxidative stress were significantly different in Δrex compared with SS2-1. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that recombinant Rex specifically bound to the promoters of target genes in a manner that was modulated by NADH and NAD+. Taken together, our data suggest that Rex plays critical roles in the virulence and oxidative stress response of SS2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haodan Zhu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanxiu Ni
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Junming Zhou
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixiao Han
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengyu Yu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Aihua Mao
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hongjie Fan
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kongwang He
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Nanjing, China
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22
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Chang P, Li W, Shi G, Li H, Yang X, Xia Z, Ren Y, Li Z, Chen H, Bei W. The VraSR regulatory system contributes to virulence in Streptococcus suis via resistance to innate immune defenses. Virulence 2018; 9:771-782. [PMID: 29471718 PMCID: PMC5955479 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2018.1428519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis is a highly invasive pathogen that can cause sepsis and meningitis in pigs and humans. However, we have limited understanding of the mechanisms S. suis uses to evade innate immunity. To investigate the involvement of the two-component signal transduction system of S. suis in host immune defense, we examined the expression of 15 response regulators of S. suis following stimulation with polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). We found that several response regulators were significantly up-regulated including vraR. Thus, we constructed an isogenic deletion mutant of vraSR genes in S. suis and demonstrated VraSR promotes both bacterial survival in human blood and resistance to human PMN-mediated killing. The VraSR mutant was more susceptible to phagocytosis by human PMNs and had greater sensitivity to oxidant and lysozyme than wild-type S. suis. Furthermore, in vitro findings and in vivo evidence from a mouse infection model together strongly demonstrate that ΔvraSR had greatly attenuated virulence compared with wild-type S. suis. Collectively, our data reveal that VraSR is a critical regulatory system that contributes to the survival of S. suis and its ability to defend against host innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peixi Chang
- a State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , China.,b Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center of Sustainable Pig Production , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , China
| | - Weitian Li
- a State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , China
| | - Guolin Shi
- a State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , China.,b Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center of Sustainable Pig Production , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , China
| | - Huan Li
- a State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , China.,b Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center of Sustainable Pig Production , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , China
| | - Xiaoqing Yang
- c Huazhong Agricultural University hospital , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , China
| | - Zechen Xia
- d College of Food Science and Technology , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , China
| | - Yuan Ren
- a State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , China
| | - Zhiwei Li
- d College of Food Science and Technology , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , China
| | - Huanchun Chen
- a State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , China.,b Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center of Sustainable Pig Production , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , China
| | - Weicheng Bei
- a State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , China.,b Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center of Sustainable Pig Production , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , China
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23
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Zhang Y, Zong B, Wang X, Zhu Y, Hu L, Li P, Zhang A, Chen H, Liu M, Tan C. Fisetin Lowers Streptococcus suis serotype 2 Pathogenicity in Mice by Inhibiting the Hemolytic Activity of Suilysin. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1723. [PMID: 30105012 PMCID: PMC6077255 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis serotype 2 is a serious zoonotic pathogen and has attracted worldwide attention since the first human case was reported in Denmark in 1968. Some virulence factors have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of the infection caused by Streptococcus suis serotype 2, and then novel strategies to identify some anti-virulence compounds which can effectively inhibit the pathogenic bacterial infection have recently been reported. Suilysin is an essential virulence factor for Streptococcus suis serotype 2 since it creates pores in the target cells membranes, which aids bacterial colonization. The important role of suilysin in the virulence of Streptococcus suis serotype 2 renders it an ideal target for designing novel anti-virulence therapeutics. We find that fisetin, as a natural flavonoid, is a potent antagonist against suilysin-mediated hemolysis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of fisetin on the hemolytic activity of suilysin from Streptococcus suis serotype 2. Fisetin is found to significantly inhibit the hemolytic activity of suilysin. Within the range of effective concentrations, fisetin does not influence the growth of Streptococcus suis serotype 2 and the expression of suilysin protein. In vitro, fisetin effectively inhibits the death of macrophages (J774A.1 and RAW264.7) infected with Streptococcus suis serotype 2 by weakening intracellular bacterial multiplication. Animal model experiment shows that fisetin effectively improves the survival rate of animals infected with Streptococcus suis serotype 2. Our findings suggest that fisetin could be used as an antitoxin against suilysin and be developed into a promising therapeutic candidate for treating Streptococcus suis serotype 2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Zhang
- Hubei Biopesticide Engineering Research Centre, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bingbing Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongwei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Linlin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Pei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Anding Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture of the People's Republic of China, Wuhan, China.,International Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, Wuhan, China
| | - Huanchun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture of the People's Republic of China, Wuhan, China.,International Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, Wuhan, China
| | - Manli Liu
- Hubei Biopesticide Engineering Research Centre, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture of the People's Republic of China, Wuhan, China.,International Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, Wuhan, China
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24
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Zheng C, Li L, Ge H, Meng H, Li Y, Bei W, Zhou X. Role of two-component regulatory systems in the virulence of Streptococcus suis. Microbiol Res 2018; 214:123-128. [PMID: 30031474 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Streptococcus suis is an important zoonotic pathogen that causes severe infections and great economic losses worldwide. Understanding how this pathogen senses and responds to environmental signals during the infectious process can offer insight into its pathogenesis and may be helpful in the development of drug targets. Two-component regulatory systems (TCSs) play an essential role in this environmental response. In S. suis, at least 15 groups of TCSs have been predicted. Among them, several have been demonstrated to be involved in virulence and/or stress response. In this review, we discuss the progress in the study of TCSs in S. suis, focusing on the role of these systems in the virulence of this bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengkun Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis/Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety/Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China; State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology/The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Lingzhi Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis/Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety/Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Haojie Ge
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis/Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety/Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Hongmei Meng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis/Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety/Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Yang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis/Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety/Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Weicheng Bei
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology/The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Xiaohui Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis/Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety/Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China; Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
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25
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The Two-Component Signaling System VraSR ss Is Critical for Multidrug Resistance and Full Virulence in Streptococcus suis Serotype 2. Infect Immun 2018; 86:IAI.00096-18. [PMID: 29685990 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00096-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis has received increasing attention for its involvement in severe human infections worldwide as well as in multidrug resistance. Two-component signaling systems (TCSSs) play important roles in bacterial adaptation to various environmental stimuli. In this study, we identified a novel TCSS located in S. suis serotype 2 (SS2), designated VraSRSS, which is involved in bacterial pathogenicity and susceptibility to antimicrobials. Our data demonstrated that the yvqFSS gene, located upstream of vraSRSS , shared the same promoter with the TCSS genes, which was directly regulated by VraSRSS, as shown in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Notably, YvqFSS and VraSRSS constitute a novel multidrug resistance module of SS2 that participates in resistance to certain groups of antimicrobials. Further analyses showed that VraSRSS inactivation significantly attenuated bacterial virulence in animal models, which, coupled with the significant activation of VraSRSS expression observed in host blood, strongly suggested that VraSRSS is an important regulator of SS2 pathogenicity. Indeed, RNA-sequencing analyses identified 106 genes that were differentially expressed between the wild-type and ΔvraSRSS strains, including genes involved in capsular polysaccharide (CPS) biosynthesis. Subsequent studies confirmed that VraSRSS indirectly regulated the transcription of CPS gene clusters and, thus, controlled the CPS thickness shown by transmission electron microscopy. Decreased CPS biosynthesis caused by vraSRSS deletion subsequently increased bacterial adhesion to epithelial cells and attenuated antiphagocytosis against macrophages, which partially clarified the pathogenic mechanism mediated by VraSRSS Taken together, our data suggest that the novel TCSS, VraSRSS, plays critical roles for multidrug resistance and full virulence in SS2.
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26
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Contribution of YthA, a PspC Family Transcriptional Regulator of Lactococcus lactis F44 Acid Tolerance and Nisin Yield: a Transcriptomic Approach. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018. [PMID: 29305506 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02483-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
To overcome the adverse impacts of environmental stresses during growth, different adaptive regulation mechanisms can be activated in Lactococcus lactis In this study, the transcription levels of eight transcriptional regulators of L. lactis subsp. lactis F44 under acid stress were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Eight gene-overexpressing strains were then constructed to examine their influences on acid-resistant capability. Overexpressing ythA, a PspC family transcriptional regulator, increased the survival rate by 3.2-fold compared to the control at the lethal pH 3.0 acid shock. Moreover, the nisin yield was increased by 45.50%. The ythA-overexpressing strain FythA appeared to have higher intracellular pH stability and nisin-resistant ability. Subsequently, transcriptome analysis revealed that the vast majority of genes associated with amino acid biosynthesis, including arginine, serine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine, were predominantly upregulated in FythA. Arginine biosynthesis (argG and argH), arginine deiminase pathway, and polar amino acid transport (ysfE and ysfF) were proposed to be the main regulation mechanisms of YthA. Furthermore, the transcription of genes associated with pyrimidine and exopolysaccharide biosynthesis were upregulated. The transcriptional levels of nisIPRKFEG genes were substantially higher in FythA, which directly contributed to the yield and resistance of nisin. Three potential DNA-binding sequences were predicted by computer analysis using the upstream regions of genes with prominent changes. This study showed that YthA could increase acid resistance and nisin yield and revealed a putative regulation mechanism of YthA.IMPORTANCE Nisin, produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, is widely used as a safe food preservative. Acid stress becomes the primary restrictive factor of cell growth and nisin yield. In this research, we found that the transcriptional regulator YthA was conducive to enhancing the acid resistance of L. lactis F44. Overexpressing ythA could significantly improve the survival rate and nisin yield. The stability of intracellular pH and nisin resistance were also increased. Transcriptome analysis showed that nisin immunity and the biosynthesis of some amino acids, pyrimidine, and exopolysaccharides were enhanced in the engineered strain. This study elucidates the regulation mechanism of YthA and provides a novel strategy for constructing robust industrial L. lactis strains.
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27
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Contribution of YthA, a PspC Family Transcriptional Regulator of Lactococcus lactis F44 Acid Tolerance and Nisin Yield: a Transcriptomic Approach. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:AEM.02483-17. [PMID: 29305506 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02483-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To overcome the adverse impacts of environmental stresses during growth, different adaptive regulation mechanisms can be activated in Lactococcus lactis In this study, the transcription levels of eight transcriptional regulators of L. lactis subsp. lactis F44 under acid stress were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Eight gene-overexpressing strains were then constructed to examine their influences on acid-resistant capability. Overexpressing ythA, a PspC family transcriptional regulator, increased the survival rate by 3.2-fold compared to the control at the lethal pH 3.0 acid shock. Moreover, the nisin yield was increased by 45.50%. The ythA-overexpressing strain FythA appeared to have higher intracellular pH stability and nisin-resistant ability. Subsequently, transcriptome analysis revealed that the vast majority of genes associated with amino acid biosynthesis, including arginine, serine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine, were predominantly upregulated in FythA. Arginine biosynthesis (argG and argH), arginine deiminase pathway, and polar amino acid transport (ysfE and ysfF) were proposed to be the main regulation mechanisms of YthA. Furthermore, the transcription of genes associated with pyrimidine and exopolysaccharide biosynthesis were upregulated. The transcriptional levels of nisIPRKFEG genes were substantially higher in FythA, which directly contributed to the yield and resistance of nisin. Three potential DNA-binding sequences were predicted by computer analysis using the upstream regions of genes with prominent changes. This study showed that YthA could increase acid resistance and nisin yield and revealed a putative regulation mechanism of YthA.IMPORTANCE Nisin, produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, is widely used as a safe food preservative. Acid stress becomes the primary restrictive factor of cell growth and nisin yield. In this research, we found that the transcriptional regulator YthA was conducive to enhancing the acid resistance of L. lactis F44. Overexpressing ythA could significantly improve the survival rate and nisin yield. The stability of intracellular pH and nisin resistance were also increased. Transcriptome analysis showed that nisin immunity and the biosynthesis of some amino acids, pyrimidine, and exopolysaccharides were enhanced in the engineered strain. This study elucidates the regulation mechanism of YthA and provides a novel strategy for constructing robust industrial L. lactis strains.
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28
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He L, Dai K, Wen X, Ding L, Cao S, Huang X, Wu R, Zhao Q, Huang Y, Yan Q, Ma X, Han X, Wen Y. QseC Mediates Osmotic Stress Resistance and Biofilm Formation in Haemophilus parasuis. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:212. [PMID: 29487590 PMCID: PMC5816903 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Haemophilus parasuis is known as a commensal organism discovered in the upper respiratory tract of swine where the pathogenic bacteria survive in various adverse environmental stress. QseC, a histidine protein kinase of the two-component regulatory systems CheY/QseC, is involved in the environmental adaptation in bacteria. To investigate the role of QseC in coping with the adverse environment stresses and survive in the host, we constructed a qseC mutant of H. parasuis serovar 13 strain (ΔqseC), MY1902. In this study, we found that QseC was involved in stress tolerance of H. parasuis, by the ΔqseC exhibited a decreased resistance to osmotic pressure, oxidative stress, and heat shock. Moreover, the ΔqseC weakened the ability to take up iron and biofilm formation. We also found that the QseC participate in sensing the epinephrine in environment to regulate the density of H. parasuis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lvqin He
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ke Dai
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xintian Wen
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingqiang Ding
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sanjie Cao
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Science-observation Experimental Station of Veterinary Drugs and Veterinary Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaobo Huang
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Wu
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Huang
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qigui Yan
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoping Ma
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinfeng Han
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiping Wen
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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29
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Zhou K, Xie L, Han L, Guo X, Wang Y, Sun J. ICE Sag37, a Novel Integrative and Conjugative Element Carrying Antimicrobial Resistance Genes and Potential Virulence Factors in Streptococcus agalactiae. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1921. [PMID: 29051752 PMCID: PMC5633684 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ICESag37, a novel integrative and conjugative element carrying multidrug resistance and potential virulence factors, was characterized in a clinical isolate of Streptococcus agalactiae. Two clinical strains of S. agalactiae, Sag37 and Sag158, were isolated from blood samples of new-borns with bacteremia. Sag37 was highly resistant to erythromycin and tetracycline, and susceptible to levofloxacin and penicillin, while Sag158 was resistant to tetracycline and levofloxacin, and susceptible to erythromycin. Transfer experiments were performed and selection was carried out with suitable antibiotic concentrations. Through mating experiments, the erythromycin resistance gene was found to be transferable from Sag37 to Sag158. SmaI-PFGE revealed a new SmaI fragment, confirming the transfer of the fragment containing the erythromycin resistance gene. Whole genome sequencing and sequence analysis revealed a mobile element, ICESag37, which was characterized using several molecular methods and in silico analyses. ICESag37 was excised to generate a covalent circular intermediate, which was transferable to S. agalactiae. Inverse PCR was performed to detect the circular form. A serine family integrase mediated its chromosomal integration into rumA, which is a known hotspot for the integration of streptococcal ICEs. The integration site was confirmed using PCR. ICESag37 carried genes for resistance to multiple antibiotics, including erythromycin [erm(B)], tetracycline [tet(O)], and aminoglycosides [aadE, aphA, and ant(6)]. Potential virulence factors, including a two-component signal transduction system (nisK/nisR), were also observed in ICESag37. S1-PFGE analysis ruled out the existence of plasmids. ICESag37 is the first ICESa2603 family-like element identified in S. agalactiae carrying both resistance and potential virulence determinants. It might act as a vehicle for the dissemination of multidrug resistance and pathogenicity among S. agalactiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixin Zhou
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lianyan Xie
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lizhong Han
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaokui Guo
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Institutes of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jingyong Sun
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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30
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Yuan F, Tan C, Liu Z, Yang K, Zhou D, Liu W, Duan Z, Guo R, Chen H, Tian Y, Bei W. The 1910HK/RR two-component system is essential for the virulence of Streptococcus suis serotype 2. Microb Pathog 2017; 104:137-145. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2016.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 12/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Segura M, Calzas C, Grenier D, Gottschalk M. Initial steps of the pathogenesis of the infection caused by Streptococcus suis: fighting against nonspecific defenses. FEBS Lett 2016; 590:3772-3799. [PMID: 27539145 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Interactions between a bacterial pathogen and its potentially susceptible host are initiated with the colonization step. During respiratory/oral infection, the pathogens must compete with the normal microflora, resist defense mechanisms of the local mucosal immunity, and finally reach, adhere, and breach the mucosal epithelial cell barrier in order to induce invasive disease. This is the case during infection by the swine and zoonotic pathogen Streptococcus suis, which is able to counteract mucosal barriers to induce severe meningitis and sepsis in swine and in humans. The initial steps of the pathogenesis of S. suis infection has been a neglected area of research, overshadowed by studies on the systemic and central nervous phases of the disease. In this Review article, we provide for the first time, an exclusive focus on S. suis colonization and the potential mechanisms involved in S. suis establishment at the mucosa, as well as the mechanisms regulating mucosal barrier breakdown. The role of mucosal immunity is also addressed. Finally, we demystify the extensive list of putative adhesins and virulence factors reported to be involved in the initial steps of pathogenesis by S. suis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariela Segura
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada.,Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Centre (CRIPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Cynthia Calzas
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada.,Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Centre (CRIPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.,Laboratory of Streptococcus suis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniel Grenier
- Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Centre (CRIPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.,Groupe de Recherche en Écologie Buccale (GREB), Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marcelo Gottschalk
- Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Centre (CRIPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.,Laboratory of Streptococcus suis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
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Huang J, Liang Y, Guo D, Shang K, Ge L, Kashif J, Wang L. Comparative Genomic Analysis of the ICESa2603 Family ICEs and Spread of erm(B)- and tet(O)-Carrying Transferable 89K-Subtype ICEs in Swine and Bovine Isolates in China. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:55. [PMID: 26870017 PMCID: PMC4735348 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) of the ICESa2603 family have been isolated from several species of Streptococcus spp.; however, the comparative genomic and evolutionary analyses of these particular ICEs are currently only at their initial stages. By investigating 13 ICEs of the ICESa2603 family and two ICESa2603 family-like ICEs derived from diverse hosts and locations, we have determined that ICEs comprised a backbone of 30 identical syntenic core genes and accessory genes that were restricted to the intergenic sites or the 3′-end of the non-conserved domain of core genes to maintain its function. ICESa2603 family integrase IntICESa2603 specifically recognized a 15-bp att sequence (TTATTTAAGAGTAAC) at the 3′-end of rplL, which was highly conserved in genus Streptococcus. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that extensive recombination/insertion and the occurrence of a hybrid/mosaic in the ICESa2603 family were responsible for the significant increase in ICE diversity, thereby broadening its host range. Approximately 42.5 and 38.1% of the tested Streptococcus suis and Streptococcus agalactiae clinical isolates respectively contained ICESa2603 family Type IV secretion system (T4SS) genes, and 80.5 and 62.5% of which also respectively carried intICESa2603, indicating that ICESa2603 family is widely distributed across these bacteria. Sequencing and conjugation transfer of a novel sequence type ST303 clinical S. suis isolate HB1011 demonstrated that the 89K-subtype ICESsuHB1011 retained its transferrable function, thereby conferring tetracycline and macrolide resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhu Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Liang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing, China
| | - Dawei Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing, China
| | - Kexin Shang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Ge
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing, China
| | - Jam Kashif
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology, Sindh Agricultural University Tandojam, Pakistan
| | - Liping Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing, China
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Zhang H, Ravcheev DA, Hu D, Zhang F, Gong X, Hao L, Cao M, Rodionov DA, Wang C, Feng Y. Two novel regulators of N-acetyl-galactosamine utilization pathway and distinct roles in bacterial infections. Microbiologyopen 2015; 4:983-1000. [PMID: 26540018 PMCID: PMC4694137 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens can exploit metabolic pathways to facilitate their successful infection cycles, but little is known about roles of d‐galactosamine (GalN)/N‐acetyl‐d‐galactosamine (GalNAc) catabolism pathway in bacterial pathogenesis. Here, we report the genomic reconstruction of GalN/GalNAc utilization pathway in Streptococci and the diversified aga regulons. We delineated two new paralogous AgaR regulators for the GalN/GalNAc catabolism pathway. The electrophoretic mobility shift assays experiment demonstrated that AgaR2 (AgaR1) binds the predicted palindromes, and the combined in vivo data from reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and RNA‐seq suggested that AgaR2 (not AgaR1) can effectively repress the transcription of the target genes. Removal of agaR2 (not agaR1) from Streptococcus suis 05ZYH33 augments significantly the abilities of both adherence to Hep‐2 cells and anti‐phagocytosis against RAW264.7 macrophage. As anticipated, the dysfunction in AgaR2‐mediated regulation of S. suis impairs its pathogenicity in experimental models of both mice and piglets. Our finding discovered two novel regulators specific for GalN/GalNAc catabolism and assigned them distinct roles into bacterial infections. To the best of our knowledge, it might represent a first paradigm that links the GalN/GalNAc catabolism pathway to bacterial pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Zhang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Dmitry A Ravcheev
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, L-4360, Luxembourg
| | - Dan Hu
- Department of Epidemiology, Research Institute for Medicine of Nanjing Command, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Fengyu Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Research Institute for Medicine of Nanjing Command, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Xiufang Gong
- Department of Epidemiology, Research Institute for Medicine of Nanjing Command, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Lina Hao
- Department of Epidemiology, Research Institute for Medicine of Nanjing Command, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Min Cao
- Department of Epidemiology, Research Institute for Medicine of Nanjing Command, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Dmitry A Rodionov
- A.A. Kharkevich Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 127994, Russia
| | - Changjun Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Research Institute for Medicine of Nanjing Command, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Youjun Feng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
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Isolation and characterization of a native avirulent strain of Streptococcus suis serotype 2: a perspective for vaccine development. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9835. [PMID: 25891917 PMCID: PMC4402706 DOI: 10.1038/srep09835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis, an emerging infectious pathogen, is the cause of two large-scale outbreaks of human streptococcal toxic shock syndrome in China, and has attracted much attention from the scientific community. The genetic basis of its pathogenesis remains enigmatic, and no effective prevention measures have been established. To better understand the virulence differentiation of S. suis and develop a promising vaccine, we isolated and sequenced a native avirulent S. suis strain (05HAS68). Animal experiments revealed that 05HAS68 is an avirulent strain and could protect piglets from the attack of virulent strains. Comparative genomics analyses demonstrated the genetic basis for the lack of virulence in 05HAS68, which is characterized by the absence of some important virulence-associated factors and the intact 89K pathogenicity island. Lack of virulence was also illustrated by reduced survival of 05HAS68 compared to a virulent strain in pig whole blood. Further investigations revealed a large-scale genomic rearrangement in 05HAS68, which was proposed to be mediated by transposase genes and/or prophages. This genomic rearrangement may have caused the genomic diversity of S. suis, and resulted in biological discrepancies between 05HAS68 and highly virulent S. suis strains.
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35
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Zhang D, Du N, Ma S, Hu Q, Lu G, Chen W, Zeng C. In vitro transcriptome analysis of two Chinese isolates of Streptococcus suis serotype 2. GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2014; 12:266-75. [PMID: 25526982 PMCID: PMC4411499 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Revised: 11/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (S. suis 2) isolates 05ZYH33 and 98HAH33 have caused severe human infections in China. Using a strand-specific RNA-seq analysis, we compared the in vitro transcriptomes of these two Chinese isolates with that of a reference strain (P1/7). In the 89K genomic island that is specific to these Chinese isolates, a toxin–antitoxin system showed relatively high levels of transcription among the S. suis. The known virulence factors with high transcriptional activity in these two highly-pathogenic strains are mainly involved in adhesion, biofilm formation, hemolysis and the synthesis and transport of the outer membrane protein. Furthermore, our analysis of novel transcripts identified over 50 protein-coding genes with one of them encoding a toxin protein. We also predicted over 30 small RNAs (sRNAs) in each strain, and most of them are involved in riboswitches. We found that six sRNA candidates that are related to bacterial virulence, including cspA and rli38, are specific to Chinese isolates. These results provide insight into the factors responsible for the difference in virulence among the different S. suis 2 isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dake Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Nan Du
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Sufang Ma
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Qingtao Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Guangwen Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wei Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Changqing Zeng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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36
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Two Spx regulators modulate stress tolerance and virulence in Streptococcus suis serotype 2. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108197. [PMID: 25264876 PMCID: PMC4180751 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis serotype 2 is an important zoonotic pathogen causing severe infections in pigs and humans. The pathogenesis of S. suis 2 infections, however, is still poorly understood. Spx proteins are a group of global regulators involved in stress tolerance and virulence. In this study, we characterized two orthologs of the Spx regulator, SpxA1 and SpxA2 in S. suis 2. Two mutant strains (ΔspxA1 and ΔspxA2) lacking the spx genes were constructed. The ΔspxA1 and ΔspxA2 mutants displayed different phenotypes. ΔspxA1 exhibited impaired growth in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, while ΔspxA2 exhibited impaired growth in the presence of SDS and NaCl. Both mutants were defective in medium lacking newborn bovine serum. Using a murine infection model, we demonstrated that the abilities of the mutant strains to colonize the tissues were significantly reduced compared to that of the wild-type strain. The mutant strains also showed a decreased level of survival in pig blood. Microarray analysis revealed a global regulatory role for SpxA1 and SpxA2. Furthermore, we demonstrated for the first time that Spx is involved in triggering the host inflammatory response. Collectively, our data suggest that SpxA1 and SpxA2 are global regulators that are implicated in stress tolerance and virulence in S. suis 2.
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37
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Feng Y, Zhang H, Wu Z, Wang S, Cao M, Hu D, Wang C. Streptococcus suis infection: an emerging/reemerging challenge of bacterial infectious diseases? Virulence 2014; 5:477-97. [PMID: 24667807 PMCID: PMC4063810 DOI: 10.4161/viru.28595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a family of pathogenic gram-positive bacterial strains that represents a primary health problem in the swine industry worldwide. S. suis is also an emerging zoonotic pathogen that causes severe human infections clinically featuring with varied diseases/syndromes (such as meningitis, septicemia, and arthritis). Over the past few decades, continued efforts have made significant progress toward better understanding this zoonotic infectious entity, contributing in part to the elucidation of the molecular mechanism underlying its high pathogenicity. This review is aimed at presenting an updated overview of this pathogen from the perspective of molecular epidemiology, clinical diagnosis and typing, virulence mechanism, and protective antigens contributing to its zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjun Feng
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases & State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease; First Affiliated Hospital; Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology; Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC); Urbana, IL USA
| | - Zuowei Wu
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine; Iowa State University; Ames, IA USA
| | - Shihua Wang
- College of Life Sciences; Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University; Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
| | - Min Cao
- Department of Epidemiology; Research Institute for Medicine of Nanjing Command; Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Dan Hu
- Department of Epidemiology; Research Institute for Medicine of Nanjing Command; Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Changjun Wang
- Department of Epidemiology; Research Institute for Medicine of Nanjing Command; Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
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