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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Muhamadali H, Weaver D, Subaihi A, AlMasoud N, Trivedi DK, Ellis DI, Linton D, Goodacre R. Chicken, beams, and Campylobacter: rapid differentiation of foodborne bacteria via vibrational spectroscopy and MALDI-mass spectrometry. Analyst 2015; 141:111-22. [PMID: 26523729 DOI: 10.1039/c5an01945a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Campylobacter species are one of the main causes of food poisoning worldwide. Despite the availability of established culturing and molecular techniques, due to the fastidious nature of these microorganisms, simultaneous detection and species differentiation still remains challenging. This study focused on the differentiation of eleven Campylobacter strains from six species, using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopies, together with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), as physicochemical approaches for generating biochemical fingerprints. Cluster analysis of data from each of the three analytical approaches provided clear differentiation of each Campylobacter species, which was generally in agreement with a phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. Notably, although C. fetus subspecies fetus and venerealis are phylogenetically very closely related, using FT-IR and MALDI-TOF-MS data these subspecies were readily differentiated based on differences in the lipid (2920 and 2851 cm(-1)) and fingerprint regions (1500-500 cm(-1)) of the FT-IR spectra, and the 500-2000 m/z region of the MALDI-TOF-MS data. A finding that was further investigated with targeted lipidomics using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Our results demonstrate that such metabolomics approaches combined with molecular biology techniques may provide critical information and knowledge related to the risk factors, virulence, and understanding of the distribution and transmission routes associated with different strains of foodborne Campylobacter spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howbeer Muhamadali
- School of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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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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