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Pena-Fernández N, Kortabarria N, Hurtado A, Ocejo M, Fort M, Pérez-Cobo I, Collantes-Fernández E, Aduriz G. Biochemical and molecular characterization of Campylobacter fetus isolates from bulls subjected to bovine genital campylobacteriosis diagnosis in Spain. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:131. [PMID: 38566185 PMCID: PMC10985941 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03970-8] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC) is caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) including its biovar intermedius (Cfvi). This sexually transmitted disease induces early reproductive failure causing considerable economic losses in the cattle industry. Using a collection of well-characterized isolates (n = 13), C. fetus field isolates (n = 64) and saprophytic isolates resembling Campylobacter (n = 75) obtained from smegma samples of breeding bulls, this study evaluated the concordance of the most used phenotypic (H2S production in cysteine medium and 1% glycine tolerance) and molecular (PCR) methods for the diagnosis of BGC and assessed possible cross-reactions in the molecular diagnostic methods. RESULTS Characterization at the subspecies level (fetus vs. venerealis) of C. fetus isolated from bull preputial samples using phenotypic and molecular (PCR targeting nahE and ISCfe1) methods showed moderate concordance (κ = 0.462; CI: 0.256-0.669). No cross-reactions were observed with other saprophytic microaerophilic species or with other Campylobacter species that can be present in preputial samples. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of discrepant isolates showed 100% agreement with PCR identification. For the differentiation of Cfv biovars, comparison of the H2S test (at 72 h and 5 days of incubation) and a PCR targeting the L-cysteine transporter genes showed higher concordance when H2S production was assessed after 5 days (72 h; κ = 0.553, 0.329-0.778 CI vs. 5 days; κ = 0.881, 0.631-1 CI), evidencing the efficacy of a longer incubation time. CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed the limitations of biochemical tests to correctly identify C. fetus subspecies and biovars. However, in the case of biovars, when extended incubation times for the H2S test (5 days) were used, phenotypic identification results were significantly improved, although PCR-based methods produced more accurate results. Perfect agreement of WGS with the PCR results and absence of cross-reactions with non-C. fetus saprophytic bacteria from the smegma demonstrated the usefulness of these methods. Nevertheless, the identification of new C. fetus subspecies-specific genes would help to improve BGC diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Pena-Fernández
- SERIDA, Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario, Carretera de Oviedo, S/N, Villaviciosa, 33300, Spain
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, P812, Derio, 48160, Spain
| | - Nekane Kortabarria
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, P812, Derio, 48160, Spain
| | - Ana Hurtado
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, P812, Derio, 48160, Spain
| | - Medelin Ocejo
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, P812, Derio, 48160, Spain
| | - Marcelo Fort
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria S/N, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Iratxe Pérez-Cobo
- Central Veterinary-Animal Health Laboratory (LCV), Ctra. Madrid-Algete Km. 8.00, Algete, 28110, Spain
| | - Esther Collantes-Fernández
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria S/N, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, SALUVET-Innova S.L, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria S/N, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
| | - Gorka Aduriz
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, P812, Derio, 48160, Spain.
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2
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Oyhenart J. Positive cases of bovine genital campylobacteriosis and bovine trichomonosis in the eradication program of La Pampa, Argentina: 2008-2021. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:96. [PMID: 38441747 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-03931-1] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Bovine genital campylobacteriosis, caused by the gram-negative bacteria Campylobacter fetus venerealis, and bovine trichomonosis, caused by the parasite protozoan Tritrichomonas foetus, are venereal diseases that occur with long intercalving periods and abortion. The control of both diseases relies on microbiological testing and culling infected bulls. Vaccination and antibiotic treatment may help in controlling campylobacteriosis but are not recommended for trichomonosis control. Several regions of the world have active control programs for trichomonosis, not campylobacteriosis. In Argentina, the state of La Pampa aims to eradicate trichomonosis and campylobacteriosis by imposing annual diagnostic testing of every bull and slaughtering positive animals. Prior studies indicated a declining trend in the prevalence of campylobacteriosis and trichomonosis in La Pampa. It was also proposed that the prevalence of one disease could be estimated from the prevalence of the other. The purpose of this retrospective analysis of data gathered from 2008 to 2021 was to determine the La Pampa program's efficacy. Descriptive statistics were employed to determine the reason behind the correlation between tricomonosis and campylobacteriosis diagnostic results. The outcomes refute the notion that this program of venereal eradication was a success. Furthermore, an excess of false positives in both diagnoses may have contributed to the correlation between the prevalences of campylobactriosis and trichomonosis. The practice of killing animals without verifying positive results hinders the determination of disease prevalence and results in the death of numerous healthy animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Oyhenart
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, National Scientific and Technical Research Council, National University of La Pampa (UNLPam), Ruta 35 km 334, (6300), Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina.
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3
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Pena-Fernández N, Ocejo M, van der Graaf-van Bloois L, Lavín JL, Kortabarria N, Collantes-Fernández E, Hurtado A, Aduriz G. Comparative pangenomic analysis of Campylobacter fetus isolated from Spanish bulls and other mammalian species. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4347. [PMID: 38388650 PMCID: PMC10884003 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54750-1] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter fetus comprises two closely related mammal-associated subspecies: Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus (Cff) and Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv). The latter causes bovine genital campylobacteriosis, a sexually-transmitted disease endemic in Spain that results in significant economic losses in the cattle industry. Here, 33 C. fetus Spanish isolates were whole-genome sequenced and compared with 62 publicly available C. fetus genomes from other countries. Genome-based taxonomic identification revealed high concordance with in silico PCR, confirming Spanish isolates as Cff (n = 4), Cfv (n = 9) and Cfv biovar intermedius (Cfvi, n = 20). MLST analysis assigned the Spanish isolates to 6 STs, including three novel: ST-76 and ST-77 for Cfv and ST-78 for Cff. Core genome SNP phylogenetic analysis of the 95 genomes identified multiple clusters, revealing associations at subspecies and biovar level between genomes with the same ST and separating the Cfvi genomes from Spain and other countries. A genome-wide association study identified pqqL as a Cfv-specific gene and a potential candidate for more accurate identification methods. Functionality analysis revealed variations in the accessory genome of C. fetus subspecies and biovars that deserve further studies. These results provide valuable information about the regional variants of C. fetus present in Spain and the genetic diversity and predicted functionality of the different subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Pena-Fernández
- SERIDA, Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario, Carretera de Oviedo, s/n, 33300, Villaviciosa, Spain
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER - Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Science and Technology Park 812L, 48160, Derio, Spain
| | - Medelin Ocejo
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER - Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Science and Technology Park 812L, 48160, Derio, Spain
| | - Linda van der Graaf-van Bloois
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jose Luís Lavín
- Department of Applied Mathematics, NEIKER - Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Science and Technology Park 812L, 48160, Derio, Spain
| | - Nekane Kortabarria
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER - Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Science and Technology Park 812L, 48160, Derio, Spain
| | - Esther Collantes-Fernández
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, SALUVET, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Hurtado
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER - Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Science and Technology Park 812L, 48160, Derio, Spain.
| | - Gorka Aduriz
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER - Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Science and Technology Park 812L, 48160, Derio, Spain.
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García JA, Farace PD, Gioffre AK, Romeo F, Verna A, Mendez MA, Morsella C, Aller JF, Signorini M, Paolicchi FA. Bovine campylobacteriosis in heifer: pathogenesis study and insights in the conventional and molecular diagnosis in an experimental bovine model and field cases. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:113-124. [PMID: 37548875 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10193-z] [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: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Campylobacter fetus spp. is a bacterium associated to reproductive losses in cattle worldwide. It is a venereal infectious disease known as bovine campilobacteriosis, with high impact mainly in countries with extensive production systems. Here, we show pathogenesis and diagnostic methods for Campylobacter fetus detection in cervico-vaginal mucus (CVM) samples from heifers experimentally infected and field cases from herds with low reproductive performance by campylobacteriosis infection. Bacterial culture, direct immunofluorescence test and qPCR were used as diagnostic methods to evaluate detection of C. fetus. In the experimental model 30 Aberdeen Angus and crossbred heifers and 4 Aberdeen Angus bulls for natural mating were assigned to 3 groups experimentally challenged with C. fetus subsp. fetus (Cff), C. fetus subsps venerealis (Cfv) and C. fetus subsp venerealis biovar intermedius (Cfvi), respectively, and a negative control group, all followed for 9 months. Also, field samples of CVM and aborted fetuses were recollected from seven beef cattle farms. Bacteriological culture had the higher C. fetus detection rate in CVM being the most appropriate, followed by qPCR (with commercial extraction DNA kit), direct immunofluorescence test and qPCR (with in-house extraction DNA method), in both, experimental model and field cases. From experimental model after natural mating, 62.5% and 25% heifers got pregnant from Cff and Cfvi groups, respectively, while from Cfv no pregnancy was detected. The strain more frequently detected was Cfvi, followed by Cff and Cfv. Colonization of Cff in female genital tract with high number of carriers and presence in aborted fetuses was evidenced, suggesting a high risk to bovine reproductive health. Bacteriemia was not detected after genital infection. Given the low detection rate of either test, we suggest the use of both, PCR based methods and bacterial culture could result in higher detection rate in farms with endemic campylobacteriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A García
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS INTA-CONICET), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, 7620, Argentina.
| | - Pablo D Farace
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IABIMO INTA-CONICET), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea K Gioffre
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IABIMO INTA-CONICET), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Romeo
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS INTA-CONICET), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, 7620, Argentina
| | - Andrea Verna
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS INTA-CONICET), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, 7620, Argentina
| | - María A Mendez
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS INTA-CONICET), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, 7620, Argentina
| | - Claudia Morsella
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS INTA-CONICET), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, 7620, Argentina
| | - Juan F Aller
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS INTA-CONICET), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, 7620, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Signorini
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (INTA - CONICET), Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Fernando A Paolicchi
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS INTA-CONICET), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, 7620, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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5
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Siqueira FM, Breyer GM, De Carli S, Lopes CE, Dias ME, da Silva MERJ, Moni C, Zitelli LC, Borsato M, Gomes R, Lopes FPN, Moraes RC, Cattáneo M, Sosa R, Pessoa GA, de Freitas Costa E. A cross-sectional study on Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis prevalence and associated factors in Brazilian southern cattle farms. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:3291-3297. [PMID: 37688687 PMCID: PMC10689683 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01119-7] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cattle farming is a major livestock activity with economic relevance in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. However, this activity is still considered of intermediate to low technological level, and in this region, there are few epidemiologic reports of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv), the causative agent of bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC). Thus, we designed a cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence and Cfv-associated factors in cattle farms in RS, Brazil. In total, 99 farms were randomly selected to participate in the survey. Preputial mucus samples from selected bulls were collected twice (within a 15-day interval) and subjected to Cfv molecular detection. A farm was considered positive when at least one sample was positive for Cfv. Our findings indicate that the farm-level Cfv prevalence in RS is 67.67%. On average, the chance of a farm using natural service to be Cfv-positive increased approximately twice compared to farms that do not use natural service. We also determined that Cfv routine tests reduce the chance of a farm being positive by 92%. Therefore, both Cfv detection tests and the reduction of natural services decrease the chance of a farm being positive for Cfv. Finally, we conclude that Cfv is widely spread in Southern Brazil cattle farms and it is urgent the implementation of control measures to reduce Cfv prevalence in the target population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franciele Maboni Siqueira
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Merker Breyer
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Silvia De Carli
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Cassiane E Lopes
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Dias
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Rocha Jacques da Silva
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Camila Moni
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Larissa Caló Zitelli
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Rogers Gomes
- Laboratorios Microsules Uruguay S.A, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Francisco Paulo Nunes Lopes
- Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Sustainable Production and Irrigation From Rio Grande Do Sul State, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rosane Collares Moraes
- Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Sustainable Production and Irrigation From Rio Grande Do Sul State, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Ruben Sosa
- Laboratorios Microsules Uruguay S.A, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Gilson Antonio Pessoa
- Embryolab-Animal Embryology Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical (DCGA), Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Eduardo de Freitas Costa
- Department of Epidemiology, Bio-Informatics and Animal Models, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands.
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6
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García JA, Farace P, Gioffré AK, Morsella C, Méndez MA, Acuña J, Aller JF, Signorini M, Paolicchi FA. Bovine campylobacteriosis in bulls: insights in the conventional and molecular diagnosis. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:459-467. [PMID: 36562912 PMCID: PMC9943827 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00892-1] [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: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter fetus is a gram-negative motile bacterium, with two subspecies relevant to cattle health: C. fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) and C. fetus subsp. fetus (Cff). Both subspecies are associated with reproductive losses in cattle. In this study, we evaluated the identification of C. fetus for the diagnosis of bovine campylobacteriosis through bacteriological culture, direct immunofluorescence (DIF) and molecular tests in preputial smegma (PS) samples of three Angus bulls challenged with Cfv, Cfv biovar intermedius (Cfvi) or Cff, respectively, in an experiment imitating the natural infection. Two DNA extraction protocols were tested (in-house thermal extraction and commercial kit). Aspiration and scraping collection for PS were compared by conventional tests. Additionally, bacteremia was also evaluated in blood samples. Bulls were challenged by natural mating with heifers that had been experimentally infected with C. fetus subspecies; which led to infection. The Cfv- and Cfvi-bulls were positive for at least 9 months. Although Cff is not considered a venereal strain, in this study it was transmissible to bull from heifers experimentally infected, as evidenced by its colonization and persistence in the preputial cavity for 5 to 6 months. This finding suggests a potential risk of dissemination within herds. The results obtained by bacteriological culture or direct immunofluorescence (DIF) showed no significant differences, regardless the sampling device used (aspiration with Cassou pipette, metal and plastic scraper). C. fetus qPCR, on the other hand, yielded better results with an in-house DNA extraction method than with a commercial kit (75% vs 66.6%). Furthermore, qPCR diagnosis was more efficient than culture (66.6%) or DIF (56%). Bacteremia in whole blood samples was negative by qPCR and bacteriological culture in all samples. Altogether, this study demonstrated the transmission of Cff from heifers to bull and also showed that PCR-based methods are promising for the diagnosis of Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis from clinical samples of PS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A García
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS, INTA-CONICET), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Pablo Farace
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IABIMO, INTA-CONICET), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea K Gioffré
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IABIMO, INTA-CONICET), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Morsella
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS, INTA-CONICET), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María A Méndez
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS, INTA-CONICET), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Joaquín Acuña
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS, INTA-CONICET), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan F Aller
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS, INTA-CONICET), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Signorini
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (INTA - CONICET), Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Fernando A Paolicchi
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS, INTA-CONICET), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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7
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Abdel-Glil MY, Hotzel H, Tomaso H, Didelot X, Brandt C, Seyboldt C, Linde J, Schwarz S, Neubauer H, El-Adawy H. Genomic epidemiology of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis from Germany. Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:1069062. [PMID: 36744226 PMCID: PMC9893283 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1069062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) causes bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC), a World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH)-listed trade-relevant disease characterized by severe reproductive losses, such as infertility, early embryonic death and abortion in cattle. BGC has significant economic implications that have prompted several countries to adopt stringent eradication and surveillance measures to contain the disease. In Germany, there has been a low incidence of BGC cases over the past 28 years. This study aimed to illustrate the genomic diversity of German Cfv strains isolated from different federal states in Germany. This study analyzed 63 Cfv strains, collected between 1985 and 2015, by whole-genome sequencing and compared them with genome data of 91 international Cfv isolates. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the Cfv population is genetically conserved and has geographic clusters. In Germany, one phylogenetic lineage comprising all strains was identified. This German lineage was part of a subclade that probably emerged in the nineteenth century and diversified over time. The results of this study point to a non-recurrent cross-border introduction of Cfv in Germany. The BGC control interventions in Germany can be considered successful as no outbreaks were reported since 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Y. Abdel-Glil
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut—Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany,Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia, Egypt,*Correspondence: Mostafa Y. Abdel-Glil ✉
| | - Helmut Hotzel
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut—Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Herbert Tomaso
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut—Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Xavier Didelot
- School of Life Sciences and Department of Statistics, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Brandt
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Seyboldt
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut—Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Jörg Linde
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut—Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Schwarz
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research (TZR), Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heinrich Neubauer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut—Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Hosny El-Adawy
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut—Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt,Hosny El-Adawy ✉
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8
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Silva MF, Kienesberger S, Pereira G, Mateus L, Lopes-da-Costa L, Silva E. Molecular diagnosis of bovine genital campylobacteriosis using high-resolution melting analysis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:969825. [PMID: 36160264 PMCID: PMC9501873 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.969825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis (BGC) is a worldwide spread venereal disease of cattle caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv). Although several real-time PCR assays were developed for Cfv identification, most target mobile genetic elements, which may lead to false-positive diagnosis. In this study, a real-time PCR assay coupled with High-Resolution Melting analysis (HRM) was developed for the identification of Campylobacter fetus subspecies and application in BGC diagnosis. Two HRM assays targeting different single nucleotide polymorphisms were validated using 51 C. fetus strains, including 36 Cfv and 15 C. fetus subsp. fetus (Cff). The specificity was assessed in 50 preputial samples previously tested as negative for C. fetus and in 24 strains from other Campylobacter species. The analytical sensitivity was determined with ten-fold dilutions of Cfv genome copies and in preputial samples spiked with Cfv cells. Both HRM assays accurately identified the 51 C. fetus strains, showing 100% concordance with the previous identification. C. fetus subspecies identification by HRM showed concordant results with the glycine test in 98.0% of the isolates. No amplification was obtained in C. fetus negative preputial samples as well as in strains from other Campylobacter species. The assays were able to detect 102 genome copies of Cfv, while for preputial washing samples the limit of detection was 103 CFU/mL. These novel HRM assays represent a highly specific and sensitive tool for the identification of C. fetus subspecies and show potential for direct use in bull preputial samples for BGC diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Filipa Silva
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sabine Kienesberger
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gonçalo Pereira
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luísa Mateus
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luís Lopes-da-Costa
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Silva
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Elisabete Silva,
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9
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Performance of bovine genital campylobacteriosis diagnostic tests in bulls from Uruguay: a Bayesian latent class model approach. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 54:32. [PMID: 34966976 PMCID: PMC8716329 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-03039-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of three diagnostic tests for the detection of Campylobacter fetus venerealis (Cfv) using field samples were estimated using a Bayesian latent class model (BLCM), accounting for the absence of a gold standard. The tests included in this study were direct immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Twelve farms from two different populations were selected and bull prepuce samples were collected. The IFAT was performed according to the OIE Manual. The conventional PCR was performed as multiplex, targeting the gene nahE for C. fetus species identification and insertion element ISCfe1 for Cfv identification. The RT-PCR was performed as uniplex: one targeting the gene nahE for C. fetus and the other targeting the insertion ISCfe1 (ISC2) for Cfv. Results from the BLCM showed a median Se of 11.7% (Bayesian credibility interval (BCI): 1.93-29.79%), 53.7% (BCI: 23.1-95.0%), and 36.1% (BCI: 14.5-71.7%) for IFAT, PCR, and RT-PCR respectively. The Sp were 94.5% (BCI: 90.1-97.9%), 97.0% (BCI: 92.9-99.3%), and 98.4% (BCI: 95.3-99.7%) for IFAT, PCR, and RT-PCR respectively. The correlation between PCR and RT-PCR was positive and low in samples from both sampled population (0.63% vs 8.47%). These results suggest that diagnostic sensitivity of the studied tests is lower using field samples than using pure Cfv strains.
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10
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Pena-Fernández N, Cano-Terriza D, García-Bocanegra I, Horcajo P, Vázquez-Arbaizar P, Cleofé-Resta D, Pérez-Arroyo B, Ortega-Mora LM, Collantes-Fernández E. Prevalence of Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis, Associated Risk Factors and Spatial Distribution in Spanish Beef Cattle Based on Veterinary Laboratory Database Records. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:750183. [PMID: 34957276 PMCID: PMC8692666 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.750183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC) is a sexually transmitted disease that causes early reproductive failure in natural breeding cattle that are managed extensively. The aim of this study was to assess the BGC prevalence in Spain from 2011 to 2019 using data collected cross-sectionally from the diagnostic reports issued by the SALUVET veterinary diagnostic laboratory from a total of 5,182 breeding bulls from 1,950 herds managed under “dehesa” systems (large herds within fenced pastures and all-year breeding season) or mountain systems (smaller herds with seasonal breeding management and grazing in communal mountain pastures). Infection was detected by PCR in 7.7 and 12.2% of the bulls and herds tested, respectively. The “dehesa” herd management system (OR = 2.078, P = < 0.001, 95% CI = 1.55–1.77), bovine trichomonosis status of the herd (OR = 1.606, P = 0.004, 95% CI = 1.15–2.22), and bulls ≥3 years old (OR = 1.392, P = 0.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.92) were identified as risk factors associated with Campylobacter fetus venerealis infection. We also studied the high-risk areas for circulation of the infection in extensive beef cattle herds in Spain, showing four significant clusters in “dehesa” areas in the south-western provinces of the country and a fifth cluster located in a mountain area in northern Spain. The results obtained in the present study indicate that BGC is endemic and widely distributed in Spanish beef herds. Specifically, “dehesa” herds are at greater risk for introduction of Cfv based on relatively high local prevalence of the infection and the use of specific management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Pena-Fernández
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario, Villaviciosa, Spain.,Animal Health and Zoonoses Group (SALUVET), Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Cordoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Cordoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Pilar Horcajo
- Animal Health and Zoonoses Group (SALUVET), Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Vázquez-Arbaizar
- Animal Health and Zoonoses Group (SALUVET)-Innova S.L. Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Darío Cleofé-Resta
- Animal Health and Zoonoses Group (SALUVET), Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bárbara Pérez-Arroyo
- Animal Health and Zoonoses Group (SALUVET), Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- Animal Health and Zoonoses Group (SALUVET), Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Animal Health and Zoonoses Group (SALUVET)-Innova S.L. Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Collantes-Fernández
- Animal Health and Zoonoses Group (SALUVET), Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Animal Health and Zoonoses Group (SALUVET)-Innova S.L. Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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11
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Carli SD, Dias ME, da Silva MERJ, Breyer GM, Siqueira FM. Survey of beef bulls in Brazil to assess their role as source of infectious agents related to cow infertility. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 34:54-60. [PMID: 34617862 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211050636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Poor reproductive performance in beef cattle caused by infectious agents results in major financial losses as a result of reduced pregnancy rates and extended calving intervals. Bulls can be subclinical chronic carriers of bacterial and protozoal agents involved in cow infertility, such as Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis, Ureaplasma diversum, Mycoplasma bovigenitalium, Mycoplasma bovis, and Tritrichomonas foetus. Bulls harbor these microorganisms in their preputial crypts and transmit the agents to cows during natural mating. To obtain an overview of the etiologic agents in the preputial mucus of bulls, we aimed to identify, by PCR assay, C. fetus subsp. venerealis, M. bovis, U. diversum, M. bovigenitalium, and T. foetus in Brazilian bulls from farms with high infertility rates. We collected preputial mucus from 210 bulls on 18 beef cattle farms in Brazil between 2019 and 2020. We found at least one of the infectious agents that we were studying in bulls on 16 of the 18 beef cattle farms tested. We detected at least one infectious agent from 159 of 210 (76%) bulls tested, namely C. fetus subsp. venerealis, M. bovis, U. diversum, M. bovigenitalium, and T. foetus in 87 (55%), 84 (53%), 45 (28%), 28 (18%), and 1 (0.6%) animal, respectively. We found 95 bulls (60%) positive for only 1 etiologic agent (single infection) and 64 bulls (40%) carried multiple agents. Our results demonstrate the occurrence of bacterial and protozoal infectious agents that may be related to infertility in Brazilian beef cattle herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia D Carli
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria E Dias
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria E R J da Silva
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriela M Breyer
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Franciele M Siqueira
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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12
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Evaluation of PCR assays for Campylobacter fetus detection and discrimination between C. fetus subspecies in bovine preputial wash samples. Theriogenology 2021; 172:300-306. [PMID: 34311221 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Campylobacter fetus is a zoonotic pathogen found in cattle, in which it is one of the main causes of infectious infertility. Most diagnostic laboratories use PCR as quick easy tool for C. fetus identification. However, there is no standardized PCR assay for C. fetus detection and subspecies differentiation, hindering the comparison of results. In this study, we evaluated selected PCR assays targeting the 16S rRNA, gyrB, cpn60, cstA, cdtB and nahE genes for C. fetus identification and ISCfe1, sapB2, parA and virB11 for subspecies differentiation. Analytical sensitivity and specificity were assessed for each PCR assay, and the assays were then tested on 289 bull preputial samples that had also been analysed by 16S rRNA barcode metagenomics. In total, 41 C. fetus-positive samples were included. The P12 PCR assay targeting the gyrB gene performed best, detecting the pathogen in 95.1% of positive samples. For the discrimination of C. fetus subspecies, we were able to identify a proportion (85.4%) of the C. fetus-positive samples correctly as C. fetus venerealis with at least one subspecies-specific PCR, but C. fetus fetus was not detected in any of the samples tested. Remarkably, C. fetus subspecies amplification was observed following PCR on some samples (33.1%) considered C. fetus-negative, highlighting the need for rigorous criteria for discriminating between C. fetus subspecies, to improve understanding of the role of the two C. fetus subspecies in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of bovine infectious infertility.
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13
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Farace PD, Irazoqui JM, Morsella CG, García JA, Méndez MA, Paolicchi FA, Amadio AF, Gioffré AK. Phylogenomic analysis for Campylobacter fetus ocurring in Argentina. Vet World 2021; 14:1165-1179. [PMID: 34220118 PMCID: PMC8243670 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.1165-1179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Campylobacter fetus is one of the most important pathogens that severely affects livestock industry worldwide. C. fetus mediated bovine genital campylobacteriosis infection in cattle has been associated with significant economic losses in livestock production in the Pampas region, the most productive area of Argentina. The present study aimed to establish the genomic relationships between C. fetus strains, isolated from the Pampas region, at local and global levels. The study also explored the utility of multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) as a typing technique for C. fetus. Materials and Methods: For pangenome and phylogenetic analysis, whole genome sequences for 34 C. fetus strains, isolated from cattle in Argentina were downloaded from GenBank. A local maximum likelihood (ML) tree was constructed and linked to a Microreact project. In silico analysis based on MLST was used to obtain information regarding sequence type (ST) for each strain. For global phylogenetic analysis, a core genome ML-tree was constructed using genomic dataset for 265 C. fetus strains, isolated from various sources obtained from 20 countries. Results: The local core genome phylogenetic tree analysis described the presence of two major clusters (A and B) and one minor cluster (C). The occurrence of 82% of the strains in these three clusters suggested a clonal population structure for C. fetus. The MLST analysis for the local strains revealed that 31 strains were ST4 type and one strain was ST5 type. In addition, a new variant was identified that was assigned a novel ST, ST70. In the present case, ST4 was homogenously distributed across all the regions and clusters. The global analysis showed that most of the local strains clustered in the phylogenetic groups that comprised exclusively of the strains isolated from Argentina. Interestingly, three strains showed a close genetic relationship with bovine strains obtained from Uruguay and Brazil. The ST5 strain grouped in a distant cluster, with strains obtained from different sources from various geographic locations worldwide. Two local strains clustered in a phylogenetic group comprising intercontinental Campylobacter fetus venerealis strains. Conclusion: The results of the study suggested active movement of animals, probably due to economic trade between different regions of the country as well as with neighboring countries. MLST results were partially concordant with phylogenetic analysis. Thus, this method did not qualify as a reliable subtyping method to assess C. fetus diversity in Argentina. The present study provided a basic platform to conduct future research on C. fetus, both at local and international levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Daniel Farace
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IABIMO INTA-CONICET), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - José Matías Irazoqui
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Estación Experimental Agropecuaria-INTA, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Claudia Graciela Morsella
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología-Grupo de Sanidad Animal. Unidad Integrada INTA-Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Agustín García
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología-Grupo de Sanidad Animal. Unidad Integrada INTA-Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Alejandra Méndez
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología-Grupo de Sanidad Animal. Unidad Integrada INTA-Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Alberto Paolicchi
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología-Grupo de Sanidad Animal. Unidad Integrada INTA-Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ariel Fernando Amadio
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Estación Experimental Agropecuaria-INTA, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Andrea Karina Gioffré
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IABIMO INTA-CONICET), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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14
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Nadin-Davis SA, Chmara J, Carrillo CD, Amoako K, Goji N, Duceppe MO, Devenish J. A comparison of fourteen fully characterized mammalian-associated Campylobacter fetus isolates suggests that loss of defense mechanisms contribute to high genomic plasticity and subspecies evolution. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10586. [PMID: 33628630 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter fetus is currently classified into three main subspecies, but only two of these, C. fetus subspecies fetus and C. fetus subsp. venerealis originate principally from ruminants where they inhabit different niches and cause distinct pathogenicity. Their importance as pathogens in international trade and reporting is also different yet the criteria defining these properties have never been fully substantiated nor understood. The situation is further compromised because the ability to differentiate between these two closely related C. fetus subspecies has traditionally been performed by phenotypic characterisation of isolates, methods which are limited in scope, time-consuming, tedious, and often yield inconsistent results, thereby leading to isolate misidentification. The development of robust genetic markers that could enable rapid discrimination between C. fetus subsp. fetus and subsp. venerealis has also been challenging due to limited differences in the gene complement of their genomes, high levels of sequence repetition, the small number of closed genome sequences available and the lack of standardisation of the discriminatory biochemical tests employed for comparative purposes. To yield a better understanding of the genomic differences that define these C. fetus strains, seven isolates were exhaustively characterised phenotypically and genetically and compared with seven previously well characterised isolates. Analysis of these 14 C. fetus samples clearly illustrated that adaption by C. fetus subsp. venerealis to the bovine reproductive tract correlated with increasing genome length and plasticity due to the acquisition and propagation of several mobile elements including prophages, transposons and plasmids harbouring virulence factors. Significant differences in the repertoire of the CRISPR (clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats)-cas system of all C. fetus strains was also found. We therefore suggest that a deficiency in this adaptive immune system may have permitted the emergence of extensive genome plasticity and led to changes in host tropism through gene disruption and/or changes in gene expression. Notable differences in the sub-species complement of DNA adenine methylase genes may also have an impact. These data will facilitate future studies to better understand the precise genetic differences that underlie the phenotypic and virulence differences between these animal pathogens and may identify additional markers useful for diagnosis and sub-typing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan A Nadin-Davis
- Ottawa Laboratory Fallowfield, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - John Chmara
- Ottawa Laboratory Fallowfield, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Kingsley Amoako
- National Centre for Animal Diseases, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Noriko Goji
- National Centre for Animal Diseases, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Marc-Olivier Duceppe
- Ottawa Laboratory Fallowfield, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - John Devenish
- Ottawa Laboratory Fallowfield, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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15
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Genomic and Phenotypic Characterization of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis Strains. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020340. [PMID: 33572216 PMCID: PMC7916060 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis mechanisms of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv), the etiologic agent of Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis remain elusive. This study evaluated the virulence potential and biovar characteristics of Cfv isolates (n = 13) by PCR screening of putative virulence-factor (VF) genes, Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) analysis, antimicrobial susceptibility to tetracycline, penicillin, enrofloxacin and streptomycin testing and whole-genome sequencing (WGS; n = 5), also comparing the latter with 26 other whole-genome sequences of Cfv strains. The putative VF genes encoding type IV secretion system of Cfv (virB2-virB11/virD4) were absent in 92% of isolates, including isolates from aborted foetuses, evidencing that these VF genes are not essential for Cfv pathogenicity. The parA gene, used as a Cfv diagnostic molecular target, was detected in only 3 of 13 isolates, invalidating its use for diagnosis purposes. Three novel sequence types were identified by MLST. Although no in vitro antimicrobial resistance was detected, WGS identified antimicrobial resistance-related genes, including those encoding the multidrug efflux pumps CmeABC and YkkCD, indicating that their presence is not enough to provide antimicrobial resistance. The SNP and accessory protein families analysis segregated the Cfv and Cfv biovar intermedius (Cfvi) strains into different clusters. In conclusion, this study evidenced virulence potential and biovar characteristics of Cfv and Cfvi, which are of relevance for the control of Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis.
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16
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Abdel-Glil MY, Hotzel H, Tomaso H, Linde J. Phylogenomic Analysis of Campylobacter fetus Reveals a Clonal Structure of Insertion Element IS Cfe1 Positive Genomes. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:585374. [PMID: 33281781 PMCID: PMC7688749 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.585374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Subspecies of the species Campylobacter fetus are associated with specific host niches including mammals and reptiles. Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus is a zoonotic pathogen infecting humans. Infections can vary from an acute intestinal illness to severe systemic infections, with sheep and cattle as major reservoirs. In contrast, Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis causes bovine genital campylobacteriosis, which leads to abortion in cattle and a high economic burden for the farmers. Therefore, high-quality molecular subtyping is indispensable for interventional epidemiology. We used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data of 283 Campylobacter fetus strains from 18 countries and compared several methods for Campylobacter fetus subtyping, including WGS, multilocus sequence typing, PCR assays, and the presence of the insertion element ISCfe1. We identified a highly clonal clade (designated as clade 1) that harbors the insertion sequence ISCfe1. The presence of this insertion sequence is an essential diagnostic tool for the identification of the subspecies Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis, serving as a target for several PCR assays. However, we have found a high sequence variability for the ISCfe1 besides the presence of ISCfe1-paralogues in certain other genomes (n = 7) which may cause incorrect diagnostic results. Clade 1 seems to be the cattle-specific clade of this species. We propose that only this clade might be designated as Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis as it harbors the ISCfe1 marker sequence, which is a major target for molecular methods currently used for Campylobacter fetus subspecies identification. Fostering this proposal, we defined eleven stable nucleotide markers specific for this clade. Additionally, we developed a bioinformatics toolbox for the fast identification of this clade based on WGS data. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that WGS can be used for Campylobacter fetus subtyping overcoming limitations of current PCR and MLST protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Y Abdel-Glil
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Jena, Germany.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Ash Sharqiyah, Egypt
| | - Helmut Hotzel
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Jena, Germany
| | - Herbert Tomaso
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Jena, Germany
| | - Jörg Linde
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Jena, Germany
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17
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De Carli S, Saggin B, Dias ME, Lopes CE, Dalto AGC, Rolim VM, Zucco R, Pastre G, Borges JB, Siqueira FM. Frozen bovine preputial mucus as a suitable sample for the direct molecular diagnosis of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis. J Microbiol Methods 2020; 179:106101. [PMID: 33181206 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2020.106101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Long transportation times remain a challenge to the satisfactory diagnosis of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv). Here we demonstrated that samples of frozen bovine preputial mucus maintained at -20 °C for 10 days can be used as an alternative source for molecular diagnosis of Cfv. This approach will improve the analysis of this bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia De Carli
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Bianca Saggin
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Dias
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Cassiane Elisabete Lopes
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - André Gustavo Cabrera Dalto
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Veronica Machado Rolim
- Veronica: Estação Experimental Agronômica da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, BR290, km146, 92990-000, Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Renato Zucco
- Virbac Saúde Animal, São Paulo, Av. Queiroz Filho, 1560 - Vila Leopoldina, 05317-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Giovani Pastre
- Virbac Saúde Animal, São Paulo, Av. Queiroz Filho, 1560 - Vila Leopoldina, 05317-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - João Baptista Borges
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Franciele Maboni Siqueira
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Silva MF, Duarte A, Pereira G, Mateus L, Lopes-da-Costa L, Silva E. Assessment of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis molecular diagnosis using clinical samples of bulls. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:410. [PMID: 33121492 PMCID: PMC7596931 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02634-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) is the pathogen responsible for Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis (BGC), a venereal disease of cattle associated with impaired reproductive performance. Although several PCR assays were developed to identify this pathogen, most of them are still poorly evaluated in clinical samples. This study evaluated real-time PCR assays for Cfv detection in preputial samples of bulls (n = 308). RESULTS The detection at the subspecies level (Cfv) compared four assays: two targeting ISCfe1 and two targeting parA gene. The detection at the species level (C. fetus) considered an assay targeting the nahE gene and a commercial kit for C. fetus identification. At the subspecies level, assays directed either to different targets (parA and ISCfe1), or to the same target (ISCfe1 or parA), showed a high percentage of disagreeing results. All samples positive at the subspecies level (n = 169) were negative in C. fetus detection assays, which strongly suggests the horizontal gene transfer of ISCfe1 and parA to other bacterial species. This was confirmed by microbiological isolation of three Campylobacter portucalensis strains responsible for false positive results. Sequences with a high level of identity with ISCfe1 and parA gene of Cfv were identified in C. portucalensis genome. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this study reveals that PCR assays solely directed to a subspecies target originate a high rate of false positive results, due to the presence of parA and ISCfe1 homologous sequences in other bacterial species, namely of the genus Campylobacter. Although the specificity of these methods may be higher if applied to bulls from herds with clinical features of BGC or in other geographical regions, current PCR diagnosis should couple subspecies and species targets, and further research must be envisaged to identify Cfv specific molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Filipa Silva
- CIISA - Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Duarte
- CIISA - Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Pereira
- CIISA - Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luísa Mateus
- CIISA - Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luís Lopes-da-Costa
- CIISA - Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Silva
- CIISA - Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal.
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19
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Silveira CDS, Fraga M, Giannitti F, Macías-Rioseco M, Riet-Correa F. Diagnosis of Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis in South America. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:321. [PMID: 30619902 PMCID: PMC6302017 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC) is a venereal infectious disease that affects reproduction. It is caused by the Gram-negative bacillus Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis (Cfv), which may include the biotype intermedius. The bull is a lifelong asymptomatic carrier and transmitter of the disease. In females Cfv may cause infertility and sporadic abortion. The objective of this study is to review and discuss methods for the diagnosis of BGC, its prevalence and economic impact in South America. BGC is a worldwide distributed disease and can cause a pregnancy rate decrease of 15-25%. The farm prevalence of BGC in different regions of South American countries shows a variation between 2.3 and 100%. Discrepancies may depend on the differences on sanitary, management, and reproductive practices between farms and regions, but also on the interpretation of different diagnostic tests. Currently known laboratory tests include bacterial culture, direct immunofluorescence, immunoenzymatic assays, vaginal mucus agglutination test, PCR-based methods, histology and immunohistochemistry, which are applied and interpreted in diagnostic laboratories at different scales. Epidemiologic data of BGC in South America should be interpreted with caution. High prevalence has been reported in some studies, although the low specificity of the diagnostic tests used could lead to an overestimation of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline da Silva Silveira
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Plataforma de Salud Animal, Estación Experimental INIA La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Martin Fraga
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Plataforma de Salud Animal, Estación Experimental INIA La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Federico Giannitti
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Plataforma de Salud Animal, Estación Experimental INIA La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
- Veterinary Population Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Melissa Macías-Rioseco
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Plataforma de Salud Animal, Estación Experimental INIA La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Franklin Riet-Correa
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Plataforma de Salud Animal, Estación Experimental INIA La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
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20
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Rahpaya SS, Tsuchiaka S, Kishimoto M, Oba M, Katayama Y, Nunomura Y, Kokawa S, Kimura T, Kobayashi A, Kirino Y, Okabayashi T, Nonaka N, Mekata H, Aoki H, Shiokawa M, Umetsu M, Morita T, Hasebe A, Otsu K, Asai T, Yamaguchi T, Makino S, Murata Y, Abi AJ, Omatsu T, Mizutani T. Dembo polymerase chain reaction technique for detection of bovine abortion, diarrhea, and respiratory disease complex infectious agents in potential vectors and reservoirs. J Vet Sci 2018; 19:350-357. [PMID: 29284216 PMCID: PMC5974516 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2018.19.3.350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine abortion, diarrhea, and respiratory disease complexes, caused by infectious agents, result in high and significant economic losses for the cattle industry. These pathogens are likely transmitted by various vectors and reservoirs including insects, birds, and rodents. However, experimental data supporting this possibility are scarce. We collected 117 samples and screened them for 44 bovine abortive, diarrheal, and respiratory disease complex pathogens by using Dembo polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which is based on TaqMan real-time PCR. Fifty-seven samples were positive for at least one pathogen, including bovine viral diarrhea virus, bovine enterovirus, Salmonella enterica ser. Dublin, Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium, and Neospora caninum; some samples were positive for multiple pathogens. Bovine viral diarrhea virus and bovine enterovirus were the most frequently detected pathogens, especially in flies, suggesting an important role of flies in the transmission of these viruses. Additionally, we detected the N. caninum genome from a cockroach sample for the first time. Our data suggest that insects (particularly flies), birds, and rodents are potential vectors and reservoirs of abortion, diarrhea, and respiratory infectious agents, and that they may transmit more than one pathogen at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Samim Rahpaya
- Research and Education Center for Prevention of Global Infectious Diseases of Animals, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-0045, Japan
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Paraclinic Department, Kabul University, Kabul 1006, Afghanistan
| | - Shinobu Tsuchiaka
- Research and Education Center for Prevention of Global Infectious Diseases of Animals, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-0045, Japan
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Mai Kishimoto
- Research and Education Center for Prevention of Global Infectious Diseases of Animals, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-0045, Japan
| | - Mami Oba
- Research and Education Center for Prevention of Global Infectious Diseases of Animals, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-0045, Japan
| | - Yukie Katayama
- Research and Education Center for Prevention of Global Infectious Diseases of Animals, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-0045, Japan
| | - Yuka Nunomura
- Research and Education Center for Prevention of Global Infectious Diseases of Animals, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-0045, Japan
| | - Saki Kokawa
- Research and Education Center for Prevention of Global Infectious Diseases of Animals, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-0045, Japan
| | - Takashi Kimura
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan
| | - Yumi Kirino
- Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Tamaki Okabayashi
- Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Nariaki Nonaka
- Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Hirohisa Mekata
- Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Aoki
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo 180-8602, Japan
| | - Mai Shiokawa
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo 180-8602, Japan
| | - Moeko Umetsu
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo 180-8602, Japan
| | - Tatsushi Morita
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo 180-8602, Japan
| | - Ayako Hasebe
- Education and Research Center for Food Animal Health (GeFAH), Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Keiko Otsu
- Education and Research Center for Food Animal Health (GeFAH), Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Asai
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Education and Research Center for Food Animal Health (GeFAH), Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | | | - Shinji Makino
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, TX 77555-1019, USA
| | - Yoshiteru Murata
- Research and Education Center for Prevention of Global Infectious Diseases of Animals, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-0045, Japan
| | - Ahmad Jan Abi
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Paraclinic Department, Kabul University, Kabul 1006, Afghanistan
| | - Tsutomu Omatsu
- Research and Education Center for Prevention of Global Infectious Diseases of Animals, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-0045, Japan
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Mizutani
- Research and Education Center for Prevention of Global Infectious Diseases of Animals, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-0045, Japan
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
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More S, Bøtner A, Butterworth A, Calistri P, Depner K, Edwards S, Garin-Bastuji B, Good M, Gortázar Schmidt C, Michel V, Miranda MA, Nielsen SS, Raj M, Sihvonen L, Spoolder H, Stegeman JA, Thulke HH, Velarde A, Willeberg P, Winckler C, Baldinelli F, Broglia A, Candiani D, Beltrán-Beck B, Kohnle L, Bicout D. Assessment of listing and categorisation of animal diseases within the framework of the Animal Health Law (Regulation (EU) No 2016/429): bovine genital campylobacteriosis. EFSA J 2017; 15:e04990. [PMID: 32625287 PMCID: PMC7010193 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine genital campylobacteriosis has been assessed according to the criteria of the Animal Health Law (AHL), in particular criteria of Article 7 on disease profile and impacts, Article 5 on the eligibility of bovine genital campylobacteriosis to be listed, Article 9 for the categorisation of bovine genital campylobacteriosis according to disease prevention and control rules as in Annex IV and Article 8 on the list of animal species related to bovine genital campylobacteriosis. The assessment has been performed following a methodology composed of information collection and compilation, expert judgement on each criterion at individual and, if no consensus was reached before, also at collective level. The output is composed of the categorical answer, and for the questions where no consensus was reached, the different supporting views are reported. Details on the methodology used for this assessment are explained in a separate opinion. According to the assessment performed, bovine genital campylobacteriosis can be considered eligible to be listed for Union intervention as laid down in Article 5(3) of the AHL. The disease would comply with the criteria as in sections 4 and 5 of Annex IV of the AHL, for the application of the disease prevention and control rules referred to in points (d) and (e) of Article 9(1). The assessment here performed on compliance with the criteria as in section 3 of Annex IV referred to in point (c) of Article 9(1) is inconclusive. The animal species to be listed for bovine genital campylobacteriosis according to Article 8(3) criteria is mainly cattle as susceptible and reservoir.
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22
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Iraola G, Pérez R, Betancor L, Marandino A, Morsella C, Méndez A, Paolicchi F, Piccirillo A, Tomás G, Velilla A, Calleros L. A novel real-time PCR assay for quantitative detection of Campylobacter fetus based on ribosomal sequences. BMC Vet Res 2016; 12:286. [PMID: 27978826 PMCID: PMC5159996 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-016-0913-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Campylobacter fetus is a pathogen of major concern for animal and human health. The species shows a great intraspecific variation, with three subspecies: C. fetus subsp. fetus, C. fetus subsp. venerealis, and C. fetus subsp. testudinum. Campylobacter fetus fetus affects a broad range of hosts and induces abortion in sheep and cows. Campylobacter fetus venerealis is restricted to cattle and causes the endemic disease bovine genital campylobacteriosis, which triggers reproductive problems and is responsible for major economic losses. Campylobacter fetus testudinum has been proposed recently based on genetically divergent strains isolated from reptiles and humans. Both C. fetus fetus and C. fetus testudinum are opportunistic pathogens for immune-compromised humans. Biochemical tests remain as the gold standard for identifying C. fetus but the fastidious growing requirements and the lack of reliability and reproducibility of some biochemical tests motivated the development of molecular diagnostic tools. These methods have been successfully tested on bovine isolates but fail to detect some genetically divergent strains isolated from other hosts. The aim of the present study was to develop a highly specific molecular assay to identify and quantify C. fetus strains. Results We developed a highly sensitive real-time PCR assay that targets a unique region of the 16S rRNA gene. This assay successfully detected all C. fetus strains, including those that were negative for the cstA gene-based assay used as a standard for molecular C. fetus identification. The assay showed high specificity and absence of cross-reactivity with other bacterial species. The analytical testing of the assay was determined using a standard curve. The assay demonstrated a wide dynamic range between 102 and 107 genome copies per reaction, and a good reproducibility with small intra- and inter-assay variability. Conclusions The possibility to characterize samples in a rapid, sensitive and reproducible way makes this assay a good option to establish a new standard in molecular identification and quantification of C. fetus species. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-016-0913-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregorio Iraola
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Iguá 4225, Montevideo, 11400, Uruguay.,Unidad de Bioinformática, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ruben Pérez
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Iguá 4225, Montevideo, 11400, Uruguay
| | - Laura Betancor
- Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ana Marandino
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Iguá 4225, Montevideo, 11400, Uruguay
| | - Claudia Morsella
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Unidad Integrada INTA-Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Alejandra Méndez
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Unidad Integrada INTA-Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Fernando Paolicchi
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Unidad Integrada INTA-Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Alessandra Piccirillo
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina Comparata e Alimentazione, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gonzalo Tomás
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Iguá 4225, Montevideo, 11400, Uruguay
| | - Alejandra Velilla
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Unidad Integrada INTA-Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Lucía Calleros
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Iguá 4225, Montevideo, 11400, Uruguay.
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23
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Calleros L, Betancor L, Iraola G, Méndez A, Morsella C, Paolicchi F, Silveyra S, Velilla A, Pérez R. Assessing the intra-species genetic variability in the clonal pathogen Campylobacter fetus: CRISPRs are highly polymorphic DNA markers. J Microbiol Methods 2016; 132:86-94. [PMID: 27867047 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Campylobacter fetus is a Gram-negative, microaerophilic bacterium that infects animals and humans. The subspecies Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus (Cff) affects a broad range of vertebrate hosts and induces abortion in cows and sheep. Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) is restricted to cattle and causes the endemic disease bovine genital campylobacteriosis, which triggers reproductive problems and is responsible for major economic losses. Campylobacter fetus subsp. testudinum (Cft) has been isolated mostly from apparently healthy reptiles belonging to different species but also from ill snakes and humans. Genotypic differentiation of Cff and Cfv is difficult, and epidemiological information is scarce because there are few methods to study the genetic diversity of the strains. We analyze the efficacy of MLST, ribosomal sequences (23S gene and internal spacer region), and CRISPRs to assess the genetic variability of C. fetus in bovine and human isolates. Sequences retrieved from complete genomes were included in the analysis for comparative purposes. MLST and ribosomal sequences had scarce or null variability, while the CRISPR-cas system structure and the sequence of CRISPR1 locus showed remarkable diversity. None of the sequences here analyzed provided evidence of a genetic differentiation of Cff and Cfv in bovine isolates. Comparison of bovine and human isolates with Cft strains showed a striking divergence. Inter-host differences raise the possibility of determining the original host of human infections using CRISPR sequences. CRISPRs are the most variable sequences analyzed in C. fetus so far, and constitute excellent representatives of a dynamic fraction of the genome. CRISPR typing is a promising tool to characterize isolates and to track the source and transmission route of C. fetus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Calleros
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Laura Betancor
- Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Dr. Alfredo Navarro 3051, 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Gregorio Iraola
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay; Unidad de Bioinformática, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Alejandra Méndez
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Unidad Integrada INTA-Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Ruta 226 km. 76.5, Balcarce 7620, Argentina.
| | - Claudia Morsella
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Unidad Integrada INTA-Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Ruta 226 km. 76.5, Balcarce 7620, Argentina.
| | - Fernando Paolicchi
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Unidad Integrada INTA-Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Ruta 226 km. 76.5, Balcarce 7620, Argentina.
| | - Silvia Silveyra
- División de Laboratorios Veterinarios, Ministerio de Ganadería Agricultura y Pesca, Ruta 8 Brig. Gral. J. A. Lavalleja Km. 17.500, Montevideo, 12000, Uruguay.
| | - Alejandra Velilla
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Unidad Integrada INTA-Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Ruta 226 km. 76.5, Balcarce 7620, Argentina.
| | - Ruben Pérez
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay.
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Whole genome sequence analysis indicates recent diversification of mammal-associated Campylobacter fetus and implicates a genetic factor associated with H2S production. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:713. [PMID: 27599479 PMCID: PMC5013579 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-3058-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Campylobacter fetus (C. fetus) can cause disease in both humans and animals. C. fetus has been divided into three subspecies: C. fetus subsp. fetus (Cff), C. fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) and C. fetus subsp. testudinum (Cft). Subspecies identification of mammal-associated C. fetus strains is crucial in the control of Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis (BGC), a syndrome associated with Cfv. The prescribed methods for subspecies identification of the Cff and Cfv isolates are: tolerance to 1 % glycine and H2S production. Results In this study, we observed the deletion of a putative cysteine transporter in the Cfv strains, which are not able to produce H2S from L-cysteine. Phylogenetic reconstruction of the core genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within Cff and Cfv strains divided these strains into five different clades and showed that the Cfv clade and a Cff clade evolved from a single Cff ancestor. Conclusions Multiple C. fetus clades were observed, which were not consistent with the biochemical differentiation of the strains. This suggests the need for a closer evaluation of the current C. fetus subspecies differentiation, considering that the phenotypic differentiation is still applied in BGC control programs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-3058-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Michi AN, Favetto PH, Kastelic J, Cobo ER. A review of sexually transmitted bovine trichomoniasis and campylobacteriosis affecting cattle reproductive health. Theriogenology 2015; 85:781-791. [PMID: 26679515 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The objective is to discuss sexually transmitted diseases caused by Tritrichomonas foetus (T foetus) and Campylobacter fetus (C fetus) subsp. venerealis, with a focus on prevalence, pathogenesis, and diagnosis in cows and bulls. Diagnosis and control are problematic because these diseases cause severe reproductive losses in cows, but in bulls are clinically asymptomatic, which allows the disease to flourish, especially in the absence of legislated control programs. We review research regarding prophylactic systemic immunization of bulls and cows with antigens of T foetus and C fetus venerealis and their efficacy in preventing or clearing preexisting infections in the genital tract. Current diagnostic methods of C fetus venerealis and T foetus (microbial culture and PCR) should be improved. Review of the latest advances in bovine trichomoniasis and campylobacteriosis should promote knowledge and provide an impetus to pursue further efforts to control bovine sexually transmitted diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey N Michi
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Pedro H Favetto
- Private Veterinarian (Dairy Veterinary Services), Escalon, California, USA
| | - John Kastelic
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Eduardo R Cobo
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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van der Graaf-van Bloois L, Miller WG, Yee E, Rijnsburger M, Wagenaar JA, Duim B. Inconsistency of phenotypic and genomic characteristics of Campylobacter fetus subspecies requires reevaluation of current diagnostics. J Clin Microbiol 2014; 52:4183-8. [PMID: 25232170 PMCID: PMC4313284 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01837-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Classifications of the Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus and venerealis were first described in 1959 and were based on the source of isolation (intestinal versus genital) and the ability of the strains to proliferate in the genital tract of cows. Two phenotypic assays (1% glycine tolerance and H2S production) were described to differentiate the subspecies. Multiple molecular assays have been applied to differentiate the C. fetus subspecies, but none of these tests is consistent with the phenotypic identification methods. In this study, we defined the core genome and accessory genes of C. fetus, which are based on the closed genomes of five C. fetus strains. Phylogenetic analysis of the core genomes of 23 C. fetus strains of the two subspecies showed a division into two clusters. The phylogenetic core genome clusters were not consistent with the phenotypic classifications of the C. fetus subspecies. However, they were consistent with the molecular characteristics of the strains, which were determined by multilocus sequence typing, sap typing, and the presence/absence of insertion sequences and a type I restriction modification system. The similarity of the genome characteristics of three of the phenotypically defined C. fetus subsp. fetus strains to C. fetus subsp. venerealis strains, when considering the core genome and accessory genes, requires a critical evaluation of the clinical relevance of C. fetus subspecies identification by phenotypic assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda van der Graaf-van Bloois
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands WHO Collaborating Centre for Campylobacter and OIE Reference Laboratory for Campylobacteriosis, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - William G Miller
- Produce Safety and Microbiology Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Albany, California, USA
| | - Emma Yee
- Produce Safety and Microbiology Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Albany, California, USA
| | - Martine Rijnsburger
- VU University Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap A Wagenaar
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands WHO Collaborating Centre for Campylobacter and OIE Reference Laboratory for Campylobacteriosis, Utrecht, the Netherlands Central Veterinary Institute of Wageningen UR, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Birgitta Duim
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands WHO Collaborating Centre for Campylobacter and OIE Reference Laboratory for Campylobacteriosis, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Truyers I, Luke T, Wilson D, Sargison N. Diagnosis and management of venereal campylobacteriosis in beef cattle. BMC Vet Res 2014; 10:280. [PMID: 25428802 PMCID: PMC4255422 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-014-0280-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bovine venereal campylobacteriosis is caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis and its glycerine-tolerant variant Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis biovars intermedius. The disease can be economically important when present in cattle herds, causing poor reproductive performance, embryo mortality and abortion. Sensitive and specific diagnostic tests are required in the diagnosis of infection and to inform and monitor disease control. Current tests include bacterial culture and fluorescent antibody testing of preputial sheath washings and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and an agglutination test on vaginal mucus, although the predictive values of these tests can be inadequate in field investigations. Artificial insemination is often considered as a simple control method for bovine venereal campylobacteriosis, but is impractical for many beef suckler herds where breeding takes place at pasture. Commercial vaccines are unavailable in the UK, while the efficacy of autogenous vaccines using a bacterial isolate from infected animals on a specific farm is at best unproven. Hence, for some infected herds, the development of an alternative control strategy based on segregation of potentially infected and uninfected animals in combination with culling or treatment would be desirable. This approach requires meticulous records and herd health management. Case presentation In this paper we highlight difficulties in diagnosing bovine venereal campylobacteriosis and demonstrate the benefits of good record keeping when investigating poor reproductive performance in a beef suckler herd and establishing a herd-specific approach to bio-containment of the infectious cause. Conclusions Bovine venereal campylobacteriosis is an economically important disease that should be considered in investigations of suckler herd subfertility problems. Control of the disease based on segregation of potentially infected and uninfected animals in combination with extensive culling can be achieved without the use of artificial insemination or vaccination, but requires meticulous records and strict adherence to herd biosecurity practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Truyers
- University of Edinburgh, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Farm Animal Practice, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - Tim Luke
- West Gippsland Veterinary Centre, 1 Bona Vista Road, Warragul, Victoria, 3820, Australia.
| | - David Wilson
- University of Edinburgh, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Farm Animal Practice, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - Neil Sargison
- University of Edinburgh, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Farm Animal Practice, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
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Guerra AG, Chaban B, Hill JE, Waldner CL, Hendrick SH. Clinical sensitivity and specificity of a real-time PCR assay forCampylobacter fetussubspvenerealisin preputial samples from bulls. Am J Vet Res 2014; 75:851-60. [DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.75.9.851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Sanhueza JM, Heuer C, Jackson R, Hughes P, Anderson P, Kelly K, Walker G. Pregnancy rates of beef cattle are not affected by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis real-time PCR-positive breeding sires in New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2014; 62:237-43. [PMID: 24580097 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2014.898202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis (C. fetus venerealis) is the causal agent of bovine genital campylobacteriosis, a venereal disease that is asymptomatic in bulls but responsible for reproductive wastage in female cattle. In New Zealand, a commercial real-time PCR assay was introduced in 2007 to identify the DNA of this pathogen in preputial scrapings; however, concerns were raised about the specificity of the test following anecdotal reports of a high number of test-positive bulls with no apparent relationship to reproductive performance. The objective of this study, therefore, was to examine the association between real-time PCR assay results from beef breeding bulls and pregnancy rates in beef herds using these bulls. METHODS Veterinarians from four veterinary practices selected beef cattle herds with relatively high and low pregnancy rates between December 2008 and February 2009. Preputial scrapings were collected from bulls used for mating in those herds. Samples were tested using the real-time PCR assay under consideration. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were used to assess the relationship between pregnancy rates in each mob (15-month-old heifers, 27-month-old heifers and mixed-age cows) and the percentage of real-time PCR-positive bulls in each mob. RESULTS Sixty-four (28.8%) of 222 bulls tested positive, 130 (58.6%) tested negative, and 28 (12.6%) returned an inconclusive result to the real-time PCR assay. The percentage of bulls testing real-time PCR-positive in these mobs was not associated with pregnancy rates (p=0.757) after controlling for mob, average body condition score of cows, cow to bull ratio, length of the mating period, and farm. CONCLUSION Real-time PCR assay results were not associated with pregnancy rates, suggesting that the specificity of the real-time PCR assay was too low to be used to reliably detect C. fetus venerealis. This study adds to a growing body of evidence indicating that C. fetus venerealis strains are either absent from, or present at clinically insignificant levels of endemicity among, beef breeding herds in New Zealand. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The real-time PCR assay that was assessed in this study should not be used for the detection of C. fetus venerealis in bulls or for investigations of low conception rates in cattle in New Zealand. During the course of this survey, sequencing analysis of an apparent C. fetus venerealis isolate from the intestines of a Friesian bull turned out to be Campylobacter hyointestinalis. As a consequence, this real-time PCR assay for C. fetus venerealis is no longer being offered by diagnostic laboratories in New Zealand.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Sanhueza
- a EpiCentre, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University , Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4412 , New Zealand
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