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Hegazy AME, Morsy AM, Salem HM, Al-Zaban MI, Alkahtani AM, Alshammari NM, El-Saadony MT, Altarjami LR, Bahshwan SMA, Al-Qurashi MM, El-Tarabily KA, Tolba HMN. The therapeutic efficacy of neem (Azadirecta indica) leaf extract against coinfection with Chlamydophila psittaci and low pathogenic avian influenza virus H9N2 in broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2024; 103:104089. [PMID: 39142030 PMCID: PMC11372578 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.104089] [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: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Avian chlamydiosis is a serious avian infection that carries a significant zoonotic danger to the poultry industry. The respiratory co-infections caused by the low pathogenic avian influenza virus H9N2 (LPAIV H9N2) also cause significant financial losses in the poultry industry. The purpose of this study was to examine the pathogenicity of Chlamydophila psittaci, and LPAIV H9N2 individually and in combination in broiler chickens, as well as to determine whether or not aqueous neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract is effective against infections caused by these pathogens. Therefore, 120 broiler cobb chicks were equally divided into 4 groups (30 birds each) with triplicates with 10 birds. Broilers in group 1 (G1) were infected with only C. psittaci, broilers in group 2 (G2) were infected with only LPAIV H9N2, broilers in group 3 (G3) were infected with C. psittaci and LPAIV H9N2, and broilers in group 4 (G4) remained not challenged and non-treated with any therapeutic or preventive treatment (negative control). At 21 d postinfection (dpi), birds in G1, G2, and G3 were divided into 3 subgroups of 10 birds each: subgroup (A) remained infected and untreated (positive control), subgroup (B) infected and received oxytetracycline for 5 consecutive d, and subgroup (C) infected and received 8% aqueous neem leaf extract for 5 consecutive d. The multiplication of C. psittaci in birds in G1, in various tissues was evaluated using Giemsa staining and the data showed that multiplication was much higher in the lung, spleen, and liver from 6 h to 21 dpi, but low in the heart from 8 to 21 dpi. During simultaneous co-infection in G3, the birds developed significant clinical symptoms and postmortem lesions (PM). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect viral shedding from oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs between 2 dpi and 8 dpi, with cycle threshold (CT) values ranging from 22 to 24. In contrast, bacterial shedding began 6 h after infection and continued until 21 dpi, with CT values ranging from 23 to 26. Administration of an aqueous neem leaf extract at an 8% concentration (Group C) resulted in a numerical rise in average body weight across all treatment groups in the third and fourth week, as well as a reduction in LPAIV H9N2 and C. psittaci replication in the respiratory and gut of treated birds compared to those treated with oxytetracycline (Group B). Overall, respiratory co-infections pose a considerable risk to the poultry business, which is a big threat. To control C. psittaci and LPAIV H9N2 in broiler chickens, oral supplementation of 8% aqueous neem leaf extract is recommended. This treatment improves the birds' performance, as evidenced by an increase in their average body weight. In addition, the application of 8% aqueous neem leaf extract lowers C. psittaci replication within tissues and diminishes LPAIV H9N2 shedding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M E Hegazy
- Department of Avian and Rabbit Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Amira M Morsy
- Reference Laboratory for Quality Control on Poultry Production, Department of Poultry Diseases, Animal Health Research Institute, Arish Branch, Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Egypt
| | - Heba M Salem
- Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Mayasar I Al-Zaban
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M Alkahtani
- Department of Microbiology and Clinical Parasitology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naheda M Alshammari
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed T El-Saadony
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Lamaia R Altarjami
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Arts, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, 21991, Saudi Arabia
| | - Safia M A Bahshwan
- Biological Sciences Department, College of Science and Arts, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, 21911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mada M Al-Qurashi
- Biological Sciences Department, College of Science and Arts, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, 21911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled A El-Tarabily
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, 15551, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Hala M N Tolba
- Department of Avian and Rabbit Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
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Yang S, Zeng J, Yu J, Sun R, Tuo Y, Bai H. Insights into Chlamydia Development and Host Cells Response. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1302. [PMID: 39065071 PMCID: PMC11279054 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia infections commonly afflict both humans and animals, resulting in significant morbidity and imposing a substantial socioeconomic burden worldwide. As an obligate intracellular pathogen, Chlamydia interacts with other cell organelles to obtain necessary nutrients and establishes an intracellular niche for the development of a biphasic intracellular cycle. Eventually, the host cells undergo lysis or extrusion, releasing infectious elementary bodies and facilitating the spread of infection. This review provides insights into Chlamydia development and host cell responses, summarizing the latest research on the biphasic developmental cycle, nutrient acquisition, intracellular metabolism, host cell fates following Chlamydia invasion, prevalent diseases associated with Chlamydia infection, treatment options, and vaccine prevention strategies. A comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms will contribute to a deeper comprehension of the intricate equilibrium between Chlamydia within host cells and the progression of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Hong Bai
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology (The Educational Ministry of China), Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; (S.Y.); (J.Z.); (J.Y.); (R.S.); (Y.T.)
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Lazarkevich I, Engibarov S, Mitova S, Popova S, Vacheva E, Stanchev N, Eneva R, Gocheva Y, Lalovska I, Paunova-Krasteva T, Ilieva Y, Najdenski H. Pathogenic Potential of Opportunistic Gram-Negative Bacteria Isolated from the Cloacal Microbiota of Free-Living Reptile Hosts Originating from Bulgaria. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:566. [PMID: 38792588 PMCID: PMC11122471 DOI: 10.3390/life14050566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Reptiles are known to be asymptomatic carriers of various zoonotic pathogens. A number of Gram-negative opportunistic commensals are causative agents of bacterial infections in immunocompromised or stressed hosts and are disseminated by reptiles, whose epidemiological role should not be neglected. Since most studies have focused on exotic species, in captivity or as pet animals, the role of wild populations as a potential source of pathogens still remains understudied. In the present study, we isolated a variety of Gram-negative bacteria from the cloacal microbiota of free-living lizard and tortoise hosts (Reptilia: Sauria and Testudines) from the Bulgarian herpetofauna. We evaluated their pathogenic potential according to their antibiotic susceptibility patterns, biofilm-forming capacity, and extracellular production of some enzymes considered to play roles as virulence factors. To our knowledge, the phenotypic manifestation of virulence factors/enzymatic activity and biofilm formation in wild reptile microbiota has not yet been widely investigated. All isolates were found to be capable of forming biofilms to some extent and 29.6% of them could be categorized as strong producers. Two strains proved to be excellent producers. The majority of the isolated strains showed extracellular production of at least one exoenzyme. The most pronounced pathogenicity could be attributed to the newly isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain due to its multiresistance, excellent biofilm formation, and expression of exoenzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Lazarkevich
- The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 26 Georgi Bonchev Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (S.E.); (S.M.); (R.E.); (Y.G.); (T.P.-K.); (Y.I.); (H.N.)
| | - Stephan Engibarov
- The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 26 Georgi Bonchev Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (S.E.); (S.M.); (R.E.); (Y.G.); (T.P.-K.); (Y.I.); (H.N.)
| | - Simona Mitova
- The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 26 Georgi Bonchev Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (S.E.); (S.M.); (R.E.); (Y.G.); (T.P.-K.); (Y.I.); (H.N.)
| | - Steliyana Popova
- Faculty of Biology, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, 8 Dragan Tsankov Blvd., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria; (S.P.); (N.S.)
| | - Emiliya Vacheva
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Nikola Stanchev
- Faculty of Biology, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, 8 Dragan Tsankov Blvd., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria; (S.P.); (N.S.)
| | - Rumyana Eneva
- The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 26 Georgi Bonchev Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (S.E.); (S.M.); (R.E.); (Y.G.); (T.P.-K.); (Y.I.); (H.N.)
| | - Yana Gocheva
- The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 26 Georgi Bonchev Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (S.E.); (S.M.); (R.E.); (Y.G.); (T.P.-K.); (Y.I.); (H.N.)
| | - Iva Lalovska
- Tortoise Rescue, Rehabilitation and Breeding Center, Gea Chelonia Foundation, 10 Shipka Street, Banya Village, 8239 Burgas, Bulgaria;
| | - Tsvetelina Paunova-Krasteva
- The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 26 Georgi Bonchev Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (S.E.); (S.M.); (R.E.); (Y.G.); (T.P.-K.); (Y.I.); (H.N.)
| | - Yana Ilieva
- The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 26 Georgi Bonchev Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (S.E.); (S.M.); (R.E.); (Y.G.); (T.P.-K.); (Y.I.); (H.N.)
| | - Hristo Najdenski
- The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 26 Georgi Bonchev Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (S.E.); (S.M.); (R.E.); (Y.G.); (T.P.-K.); (Y.I.); (H.N.)
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Yang J, Chen S, Quan M, Li L, Shang L, Fan Z, Hu S. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Chlamydia Infection in Pigs in Hunan Province, Southern China, 2017-2018. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024; 24:214-218. [PMID: 38422215 PMCID: PMC11035838 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0064] [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] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Chlamydia is a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium that is pathogenic for humans and a large variety of veterinary animal species. However, there is no continuous monitoring of chlamydia infection data in pigs in Hunan province, southern China. Therefore, in order to evaluate the seroprevalence and identify risk factors associated with Chlamydia infection in pigs within this region, a comprehensive study was conducted. Methods: A total of 3848 serum samples were collected from pigs (from farmers and companies) between May 2017 and August 2018. The presence of specific antibodies against Chlamydia was determined through the employment of the indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA). Results: The overall seroprevalence of Chlamydia was determined to be 26.90% (1038/3848, 95% confidence interval: 25.60-28.40). By employing statistical analysis using SPSS software (p < 0.05), factors such as altitude, sampling regions, and rearing systems of pigs were identified as potential risk factors for Chlamydia infection. Conclusion: These findings elucidate a substantial prevalence of Chlamydia in pigs within the mountainous region of Hunan province, southern China, thereby highlighting a potential risk to human health. These results underscore the need for proactive measures and targeted interventions to mitigate the transmission of Chlamydia in porcine populations, safeguarding both animal welfare and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junkun Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, PR China
- Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, PR China
| | - Shilin Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, PR China
- Wanning Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center of Hainan Province, Wanning, PR China
| | - Minxiu Quan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Leqin Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Ling Shang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Zhongxin Fan
- Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center of Hunan Province, Changsha, PR China
| | - Shifeng Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, PR China
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De Meyst A, Alexiou Z, Lernout T, Morré SA, Vanrompay D. Challenges in Chlamydial Serology: Insights from a Belgian and a Dutch Population Cohort. Microorganisms 2024; 12:658. [PMID: 38674603 PMCID: PMC11052210 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Serology routinely serves as a diagnostic tool to confirm Chlamydia infections in humans. Particularly in delayed settings, such as post-outbreak scenarios where the acute phase of infection has subsided, serology is invaluable. Multiple studies, nonetheless, indicate deficiencies in specificity and sensitivity of current chlamydial antibody detection assays. Incorporation of multiple antigens per target is known to improve the accuracy of chlamydial serological assays. We, therefore, used the recomLine test (Mikrogen diagnostics) on serological samples of two cohorts, as it is the only commercially available test allowing detection of antibodies against three human pathogenic Chlamydia species (C. trachomatis, C. pneumoniae and C. psittaci) using multiple antigens per target. The first cohort (n = 156; samples collected between 2008 and 2022 during a C. trachomatis screening initiative) comprised women from the Netherlands (NL) with past exposure to C. trachomatis, while the second cohort (n = 44; samples collected in 2018 in a health examination survey) consisted of Belgian citizens (BE) with occupational or recreational exposure to chickens, representing a risk population for C. psittaci. The test indicated a statistically equivalent C. pneumoniae seroprevalence in both cohorts (39.10% in NL and 34.09% in BE; p = 0.337). As expected C. trachomatis seroprevalence was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the Dutch cohort (48.72%), as compared to the Belgian cohort (4.55%). Lastly, C. psittaci seroprevalence did not significantly differ between the two groups (2.27% in BE and 1.92% in NL; p = 0.633), even though a higher prevalence was expected for the Belgian cohort. This prompts us to question whether the Belgian cohort truly constituted a C. psittaci risk population or whether the recomLine test is susceptible to cross-reaction of species-specific antibodies, thereby increasing C. psittaci prevalence in the Dutch cohort. We advocate for the development of affordable, highly sensitive antibody detection assays that can effectively distinguish between chlamydial species, addressing the increasing demand for enhanced serological testing methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne De Meyst
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Zoïe Alexiou
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands;
- Institute for Public Health Genomics (IPHG), GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Tinne Lernout
- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Servaas A. Morré
- Institute for Public Health Genomics (IPHG), GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Dutch Chlamydia trachomatis Reference Laboratory, Deptartment Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Jacob Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad 211007, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Daisy Vanrompay
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
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Szymańska-Czerwińska M, Zaręba-Marchewka K, Niemczuk K. New insight on chlamydiae. J Vet Res 2023; 67:559-565. [PMID: 38130448 PMCID: PMC10730554 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2023-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This article provides an overview of the current knowledge on chlamydiae, which are intracellular bacteria belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family. Whole-genome sequencing leads to great increases in the available data about Chlamydia spp. Recently, novel chlamydial taxons in various hosts living in different environments have been recognised. New species and taxons with Candidatus status have been recorded mainly in birds and reptiles. Chlamydia gallinacea is an emerging infectious agent in poultry with indirectly confirmed zoonotic potential. Recently, a new group of avian C. abortus strains with worldwide distribution in various wild bird families has been described. The definition of C. abortus species became outdated with the discovery of these strains and has been amended. It now includes two subgroups, mammalian and avian, the latter including all isolates hitherto referred to as atypical C. psittaci or C. psittaci/C. abortus intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Szymańska-Czerwińska
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, Puławy, Poland
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100Puławy, Poland
| | | | - Krzysztof Niemczuk
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, Puławy, Poland
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100Puławy, Poland
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Zaręba-Marchewka K, Bomba A, Scharf S, Niemczuk K, Schnee C, Szymańska-Czerwińska M. Whole Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genomic Analysis of Chlamydia gallinacea Field Strains Isolated from Poultry in Poland. Pathogens 2023; 12:891. [PMID: 37513738 PMCID: PMC10384503 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia gallinacea is an intracellular bacterium belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family. Poultry is considered to be the major reservoir of this agent, which has worldwide distribution and a particularly consistent worldwide occurrence in chicken flocks. The bacterium has been linked to respiratory disease in humans but without definitive confirmation; nevertheless, while it has not been proved to be the cause of human respiratory disease, a recent report from Italy verified its bird-to-human transmission. This aspect being significant for public health, more research is needed to gain insight into the infection biology of C. gallinacea. In this study, the genomes of eleven novel C. gallinacea field strains from different regions of Poland were analyzed comparatively. It was confirmed that C. gallinacea strains are closely related, with at least 99.46% sequence identity. They possess a conservative genome structure involving the plasticity zone with a complete cytotoxin, the type three secretion system, inclusion membrane proteins, polymorphic membrane proteins, hctA and hctB histone-like proteins, and the chlamydial protease-like activating factor exoenzyme, as well as plasmids. Genetic diversity seems to be restricted. However, some genetic loci, such as ompA and multi-locus sequence typing target genes, are diverse enough to enable high-resolution genotyping and epidemiological tracing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Zaręba-Marchewka
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Bomba
- Department of Omics Analyses, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Sabine Scharf
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Naumburger Str. 96 a, D-07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Krzysztof Niemczuk
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Christiane Schnee
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Naumburger Str. 96 a, D-07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Monika Szymańska-Czerwińska
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
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Ebani VV. Bacterial Infections in Sea Turtles. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10050333. [PMID: 37235416 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10050333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea turtles are important for the maintenance of marine and beach ecosystems, but they are seriously endangered due to factors mainly related to human activities and climate change such as pollution, temperature increase, and predation. Infectious and parasitic diseases may contribute to reducing the number of sea turtles. Bacteria are widespread in marine environments and, depending on the species, may act as primary or opportunistic pathogens. Most of them are able to infect other animal species, including humans, in which they can cause mild or severe diseases. Therefore, direct or indirect contact of humans with sea turtles, their products, and environment where they live represent a One Health threat. Chlamydiae, Mycobacteria, and Salmonellae are known zoonotic agents able to cause mild or severe diseases in sea turtles, other animals, and humans. However, other bacteria that are potentially zoonotic, including those that are antimicrobially resistant, are involved in different pathologies of marine turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Radulski Ł, Krajewska-Wędzina M, Lipiec M, Weiner M, Zabost A, Augustynowicz-Kopeć E. Mycobacterial Infections in Invasive Turtle Species in Poland. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040570. [PMID: 37111456 PMCID: PMC10143171 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last 30 years, the number of invasive turtle species living in the wild has significantly increased in Poland. This proliferation carries many threats, which mainly include the displacement of native species of animals from their natural habitats. Turtles can also be reservoirs for pathogens, including bacteria from the Mycobacterium genus. In order to confirm or rule out the presence of acid-fast mycobacteria in the population of invasive turtle species, samples from carapace, plastron, internal organs and mouth cavity swabs from 125 animals were tested. Twenty-eight mycobacterial strains were isolated in culture, which were classified as atypical following multiplex-PCR reactions. The GenoType Mycobacterium Common Mycobacteria (CM) test, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PRA)-hsp65 and DNA sequencing were used to identify the species of isolates. Of the 28 strains, 11 were identified as M. fortuitum, 10 as M. chelonae, 3 as M. avium ssp. avium, 2 as M. nonchromogenicum and 1 each of M. neoaurum and M. scrofulaceum. The results of the research will also strengthen the understanding that these animals can be vectors for pathogens when living in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Radulski
- County Veterinary Inspectorate in Puławy, C.K. Norwida 17, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
| | - Monika Krajewska-Wędzina
- National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preclinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Life Sciences, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marek Lipiec
- National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
| | - Marcin Weiner
- Pope John Paul II State School of Higher Education, Sidorska 95/97, 21-500 Biała Podlaska, Poland
| | - Anna Zabost
- Department of Microbiology, National Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Institute, 01-138 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Augustynowicz-Kopeć
- Department of Microbiology, National Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Institute, 01-138 Warsaw, Poland
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Benamri I, Azzouzi M, Moussa A, Radouani F. An in silico analysis of rpoB mutations to affect Chlamydia trachomatis sensitivity to rifamycin. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2022; 20:146. [DOI: 10.1186/s43141-022-00428-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular gram-negative pathogen, responsible for diverse affections, mainly trachoma and sexually transmitted diseases. Antibiotics are the commonly used drugs to tackle chlamydiae infections. However, when overused or wrongly used this may lead to strains’ resistance to antibiotics, this phenomenon represents a real health problem worldwide. Numerous studies showed the association of Chlamydia trachomatis resistance with mutations in different genes; these mutations could have a deleterious or neutral impacts on the encoded proteins. The aim of this study is to perform an in silico analysis of C. trachomatis rpoB-encoded proteins using numerous bioinformatics tools and to identify the functional and structural-related effects of the mutations and consequently their impact on the bacteria sensitivity to antibiotics.
Results
The analysis revealed that the prediction of the damaging impact related to the mutations in rpoB-encoded proteins showed eight mutations: V136F, Q458K, V466A, A467T, H471N, H471Y, H471L, and I517M with big deleterious effects. Among them, six mutations, V136F, Q458K, V466A, A467T, H471N, and I517M, are located in a highly conserved regions decreasing the protein’s stability. Furthermore, the structures analysis showed that the mutations A467T, H471N, I517M, and V136F models had a high deviation compared to the wild type. Moreover, the prediction of protein-protein network indicated that rpoB wild type interacts strongly with 10 proteins of C. trachomatis, which are playing different roles at different levels.
Conclusion
As conclusion, the present study revealed that the changes observed in the encoded proteins can affect their functions and structures, in addition to their interactions with other proteins which impact the bacteria sensitivity to antibiotics. Consequently, the information revealed through this in silico analysis would be useful for deeper exploration to understand the mechanisms of C. trachomatis resistance and enable managing the infection to avoid its complications. We recommend further investigations and perform deeper experimental analysis with collaboration between bioinformaticians, physicians, biologists, pharmacists, and chemistry and biochemistry scientists.
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Aaziz R, Laroucau K, Gobbo F, Salvatore D, Schnee C, Terregino C, Lupini C, Di Francesco A. Occurrence of Chlamydiae in Corvids in Northeast Italy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12101226. [PMID: 35625072 PMCID: PMC9137748 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The continuous improvement of next-generation sequencing techniques has led to an expansion of the number of Chlamydia species, as well as their host range. Recent studies performed on wild birds have detected Chlamydia strains with characteristics intermediate between Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia abortus. In this study, 12/108 corvids tested positive for Chlamydia by real-time PCR. Molecular characterisation at the species level was possible for eight samples, with one positive for C. psittaci and seven for C. abortus. Considering the well-known zoonotic role of C. psittaci and that a potential zoonotic role of avian C. abortus strains cannot be excluded, people who may have professional or other contact with wild birds should take appropriate preventive measures. Abstract Chlamydiaceae occurrence has been largely evaluated in wildlife, showing that wild birds are efficient reservoirs for avian chlamydiosis. In this study, DNA extracted from cloacal swabs of 108 corvids from Northeast Italy was screened for Chlamydiaceae by 23S real-time (rt)PCR. The positive samples were characterised by specific rtPCRs for Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia abortus, Chlamydia gallinacea, Chlamydia avium, Chlamydia pecorum and Chlamydia suis. Cloacal shedding of Chlamydiaceae was detected in 12 out of 108 (11.1%, 5.9%–18.6% 95% CI) corvids sampled. Molecular characterisation at the species level was possible in 8/12 samples, showing C. psittaci positivity in only one sample from a hooded crow and C. abortus positivity in seven samples, two from Eurasian magpies and five from hooded crows. Genotyping of the C. psittaci-positive sample was undertaken via PCR/high-resolution melting, clustering it in group III_pigeon, corresponding to the B genotype based on former ompA analysis. For C. abortus genotyping, multilocus sequence typing was successfully performed on the two samples with high DNA load from Eurasian magpies, highlighting 100% identity with the recently reported Polish avian C. abortus genotype 1V strain 15-58d44. To confirm the intermediate characteristics between C. psittaci and C. abortus, both samples, as well as two samples from hooded crows, showed the chlamydial plasmid inherent in most C. psittaci and avian C. abortus, but not in ruminant C. abortus strains. The plasmid sequences were highly similar (≥99%) to those of the Polish avian C. abortus genotype 1V strain 15-58d44. To our knowledge, this is the first report of avian C. abortus strains in Italy, specifically genotype 1V, confirming that they are actively circulating in corvids in the Italian region tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachid Aaziz
- Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses, University Paris-Est, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (R.A.); (K.L.)
| | - Karine Laroucau
- Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses, University Paris-Est, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (R.A.); (K.L.)
| | - Federica Gobbo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; (F.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Daniela Salvatore
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (D.S.); (C.L.)
| | - Christiane Schnee
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), D-07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Calogero Terregino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; (F.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Caterina Lupini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (D.S.); (C.L.)
| | - Antonietta Di Francesco
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (D.S.); (C.L.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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Bellinati L, Pesaro S, Marcer F, Danesi P, Natale A, Ceglie L. Detection of a Novel Chlamydia Species in Invasive Turtles. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060784. [PMID: 35327181 PMCID: PMC8944456 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The pond slider (Trachemys scripta) is a turtle species native to Central America. Pond sliders have been commercialized as pets since the 1950s, but often ended up being released or escaping into an environment to which they are allochthonous. Trachemys scripta is presently classified as an invasive alien species in Europe and other countries. The introduction of pond sliders in foreign ecosystems has had a deep environmental and ecological impact. Moreover, freed or escaped captive turtles could be carriers of pathogens, such as Chlamydiaceae. In this study, we report the identification of a Chlamydia spp. in two pond sliders found dead after the hibernation period. Further molecular characterization revealed that this Chlamydia is identical to a strain reported in Poland in 2017, found in both captive and free-living freshwater turtles, and has a close phylogenetic relationship to Chlamydia pneumoniae, a species infectious to humans, and to chlamydial strains found in other reptiles. This first finding evidences the presence of this novel Chlamydia in Italian turtles, but further studies will be necessary to evaluate the prevalence in the local turtles’ population and the strain pathogenicity. Abstract Trachemys scripta is a turtle species native to Central America. Since the 1950s, pond sliders have been imported worldwide as companion animals, but have often ended up in foreign ecosystems with great ecological consequences. Moreover, both autochthonous and invasive species of turtles can be carriers of pathogens, including Chlamydiaceae. In the present study, pulmonary tissues collected from four Trachemys scripta were tested with a 23S-targeting real-time PCR (rPCR) specific for the Chlamydiaceae family. The turtles were hosted in a rescue center for wild exotic animals located in northeastern Italy, and were found dead after the hibernation period. Two out of four individuals resulted positive in rPCR for the presence of Chlamydiaceae. Further characterization of this positivity was performed by phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA and outer membrane protein A genes. The phylogenetic tree showed that these chlamydial strains are identical to a novel Chlamydia reported in 2017 in Polish freshwater turtles, and closely related to Chlamydia pneumoniae and to other chlamydial strains found in reptiles. This first finding evidences the presence of this Chlamydia strain in Italian turtles, but further studies will be necessary to confirm the presence and the strain pathogenicity and to evaluate its prevalence in the local turtles’ population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bellinati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (P.D.); (A.N.); (L.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Stefano Pesaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agro-Alimentari, Ambientali e Animali Sezione di Patologia Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Udine, Via Sondrio, 33100 Udine, Italy;
| | - Federica Marcer
- Dipartimento di Medicina Animale, Produzioni e Salute, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Danesi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (P.D.); (A.N.); (L.C.)
| | - Alda Natale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (P.D.); (A.N.); (L.C.)
| | - Letizia Ceglie
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (P.D.); (A.N.); (L.C.)
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Pace A, Vicari N, Rigamonti S, Magnino S, Borrelli L, Dipineto L, Fioretti A, Hochscheid S, Tavares L, Duarte A. Detection of Chlamydial DNA from Mediterranean Loggerhead Sea Turtles in Southern Italy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060715. [PMID: 35327112 PMCID: PMC8944518 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacteria that include pathogens of human and veterinary importance. Several reptiles were reported to host chlamydial agents, but pathogenicity in these animals still needs clarification. Given that only one report of chlamydiosis was described in sea turtles, and that chlamydiae might also be detected in hosts without clinical signs, the current study examined asymptomatic Mediterranean loggerhead sea turtles for the presence of chlamydial DNA. Twenty loggerhead sea turtles, rehabilitated at the Marine Turtle Research Centre (Portici, Italy), were examined collecting ocular-conjunctival, oropharyngeal and nasal swabs. Samples were processed through quantitative and conventional PCR analyses to identify Chlamydiales and Chlamydiaceae, with particular attention to C. pecorum, C. pneumoniae, C. psittaci, and C. trachomatis. Although it was not possible to determine the species of chlamydiae involved, the detection of chlamydial DNA from the collected samples suggests that these microorganisms might act as opportunistic pathogens, and underlines the role of sea turtles as potential carriers. This study highlights the presence of chlamydial agents in sea turtles, and encourages further research to fully characterize these microorganisms, in order to improve the management of the health and conservation of these endangered species, and prevent potential zoonotic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Pace
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80055 Portici, Italy;
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.B.); (L.D.); (A.F.)
- Correspondence: or
| | - Nadia Vicari
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Chlamydioses, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, Sede Territoriale di Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (N.V.); (S.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Sara Rigamonti
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Chlamydioses, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, Sede Territoriale di Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (N.V.); (S.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Simone Magnino
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Chlamydioses, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, Sede Territoriale di Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (N.V.); (S.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Luca Borrelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.B.); (L.D.); (A.F.)
| | - Ludovico Dipineto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.B.); (L.D.); (A.F.)
| | - Alessandro Fioretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.B.); (L.D.); (A.F.)
| | - Sandra Hochscheid
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80055 Portici, Italy;
| | - Luís Tavares
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal; (L.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Ana Duarte
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal; (L.T.); (A.D.)
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Marchino M, Rizzo F, Barzanti P, Sparasci OA, Bottino P, Vicari N, Rigamonti S, Braghin S, Aaziz R, Vorimore F, Ru G, Laroucau K, Mandola ML. Chlamydia Species and Related Risk Factors in Poultry in North-Western Italy: Possible Bird-to-Human Transmission for C. gallinacea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042174. [PMID: 35206361 PMCID: PMC8872282 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydiaceae are obligatory intracellular bacteria causing acute and chronic diseases in animals and humans worldwide, with recently discovered species with a still unclear pathogenic potential (i.e., C. gallinacea). In Italy, Chlamydiaceae infections are underestimated both in animals and humans. To estimate the prevalence of Chlamydiaceae species in poultry and occupationally exposed workers on farm, a cross-sectional study was carried out in north-western Italy. A total of 2063 samples from 83 commercial and 31 backyard poultry farms were analysed using real-time PCRs for Chlamydiaceae screening and species typing. Chlamydiaceae were detected in 23 farms, with a herd prevalence of 20.2% (95%CI: 13.2-28.7), higher in backyard farms (38.7%; 95%CI: 21.8-57.8) compared to commercial ones (13.3%; 95%CI: 6.8-22.5). C. gallinacea was found in 18 chicken farms, both commercial and backyard, and C. psittaci only in 3 backyard farms. Exposure to wild birds and factors related to biosecurity resulted the main risk factors associated with Chlamydia positivity. Out of the 113 sputum samples collected from farmers, 16 tested positive to Chlamydiaceae, with a prevalence of 14.2% (95%CI: 8, 3-22). To the best of our knowledge, for the first time at international level, C. gallinacea was detected in humans with farmer positivity associated with farm infectious status, suggesting a bird-to-human transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Marchino
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (F.R.); (P.B.); (O.A.S.); (G.R.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Francesca Rizzo
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (F.R.); (P.B.); (O.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - Paola Barzanti
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (F.R.); (P.B.); (O.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - Oriana Anna Sparasci
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (F.R.); (P.B.); (O.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - Paolo Bottino
- S.C. Microbiology and Virology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Nadia Vicari
- National Reference Laboratory for Chlamydioses, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardia and Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), 27100 Pavia, Italy; (N.V.); (S.R.)
| | - Sara Rigamonti
- National Reference Laboratory for Chlamydioses, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardia and Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), 27100 Pavia, Italy; (N.V.); (S.R.)
| | - Silvia Braghin
- S.C. Sanità Animale, Dipartimento Di Prevenzione, ASL CN1, Via Carlo Boggio 12, 12100 Cuneo, Italy;
| | - Rachid Aaziz
- Laboratory for Animal Health, Bacterial Zoonosis Unit, ANSES Maisons-Alfort, Paris-Est University, 94706 Paris, France; (R.A.); (F.V.); (K.L.)
| | - Fabien Vorimore
- Laboratory for Animal Health, Bacterial Zoonosis Unit, ANSES Maisons-Alfort, Paris-Est University, 94706 Paris, France; (R.A.); (F.V.); (K.L.)
| | - Giuseppe Ru
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (F.R.); (P.B.); (O.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - Karine Laroucau
- Laboratory for Animal Health, Bacterial Zoonosis Unit, ANSES Maisons-Alfort, Paris-Est University, 94706 Paris, France; (R.A.); (F.V.); (K.L.)
| | - Maria Lucia Mandola
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (F.R.); (P.B.); (O.A.S.); (G.R.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (M.L.M.)
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15
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Barati S, Bakhtiari NM, Shokoohizadeh L, Ghorbanpoor M, Momtaz H. Genotyping of Chlamydia abortus using multiple loci variable number of tandem repeats analysis technique. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:54. [PMID: 35073930 PMCID: PMC8785486 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03142-6] [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: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The correlation between various factors (geographical region, clinical incidence, and host type) and the genomic heterogeneity has been shown in several bacterial strains including Chlamydia abortus. Methods The aim of this study was to survey the predominant types of C. abortus strains isolated from ruminants in Iran by the multiple loci variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) method. C. abortus infection was evaluated in a total of 117 aborted fetuses by real-time PCR. The isolation was done via the inoculation of the positive samples in chicken embryo and the L929 cell line. Genotyping was carried out by MLVA typing technique. Results Forty samples (34.2%) were detected with C. abortus infection; however, chlamydial infection in ruminants of Charmahal/Bakhtiari (3 bovines and 35 sheep) was higher than that of Khuzestan (2 sheep). All MLVA types (MT1-MT8) were detected in the collected samples from Charmahal/Bakhtiari but only 2 types (MT1 and MT3) were reported in samples from Khuzestan. The main MT type was MT1 (32% of aborted fetuses). Although in this study only 9 cow samples were investigated, they possessed similar clusters to those obtained from sheep (MT1 and MT6). Variation of type in sheep samples (MT1 to MT8) was more than that of bovine samples (MT1, and MT6). Conclusion By this research revealed that C.abortus was responsible for a significant percentage of ruminant abortion in two studied regions. The main MT type was MT1 (32% of aborted fetuses) and also 7 different genotypes were involved in infections. So it is concluded that diversity in C.abortus genotyping is high in two regions.
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16
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Oren A, Garrity GM. CANDIDATUS LIST No. 3. Lists of names of prokaryotic Candidatus taxa. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2022; 72. [PMID: 35100104 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 125.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aharon Oren
- The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, 9190401 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - George M Garrity
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Biomedical Physical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-4320, USA
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Zaręba-Marchewka K, Szymańska-Czerwińska M, Livingstone M, Longbottom D, Niemczuk K. Whole Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genome Analyses of Chlamydia abortus Strains of Avian Origin Suggests That Chlamydia abortus Species Should Be Expanded to Include Avian and Mammalian Subgroups. Pathogens 2021; 10:1405. [PMID: 34832561 PMCID: PMC8623937 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of Chlamydia species belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family have been reported in birds. Until recently, C. psittaci was considered to be the most common avian species, although found in both birds and mammals, while C. abortus has only been found in mammals. Recently, a new group of avian C. abortus strains with worldwide distribution in various wild bird families has been described. In this study, whole genome sequencing (WGS) of three of these strains (15-70d24, 15-49d3 and 15-58d44, representing genotypes G1, G2 and 1V, respectively) that were isolated from wild birds were analysed. Genome assemblies based on both short-read Illumina and long-read Nanopore data indicate that these avian C. abortus strains show features characteristic of both C. abortus and C. psittaci species, although phylogenetic analyses demonstrate a closer relationship with classical C. abortus strains. Currently, species classification established by the ICSP Subcommittee on the taxonomy of Chlamydiae, determines that these avian C. abortus strains 15-70d24, 15-49d3 and 15-58d44 should be classified as C. abortus. However, the authors of this study conclude that the current taxonomic definition of C. abortus is outdated and should be amended to include two subgroups, mammalian and avian, the latter of which would include all isolates so far referred to as atypical C. psittaci or C. psittaci/C. abortus intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Zaręba-Marchewka
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland; (M.S.-C.); (K.N.)
| | - Monika Szymańska-Czerwińska
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland; (M.S.-C.); (K.N.)
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Morag Livingstone
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (D.L.)
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (D.L.)
| | - Krzysztof Niemczuk
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland; (M.S.-C.); (K.N.)
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
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A Review of Chlamydial Infections in Wild Birds. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080948. [PMID: 34451412 PMCID: PMC8398480 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The Chlamydia are a globally distributed genus of bacteria that can infect and cause disease in a range of hosts. Birds are the primary host for multiple chlamydial species. The most well-known of these is Chlamydia psittaci, a zoonotic bacterium that has been identified in a range of wild and domesticated birds. Wild birds are often proposed as a reservoir of Chlamydia psittaci and potentially other chlamydial species. The aim of this review is to present the current knowledge of chlamydial infections in wild avian populations. We focus on C. psittaci but also consider other Chlamydiaceae and Chlamydia-related bacteria that have been identified in wild birds. We summarise the diversity, host range, and clinical signs of infection in wild birds and consider the potential implications of these infections for zoonotic transmission and avian conservation. Chlamydial bacteria have been found in more than 70 species of wild birds, with the greatest chlamydial diversity identified in Europe. The Corvidae and Accipitridae families are emerging as significant chlamydial hosts, in addition to established wild hosts such as the Columbidae. Clarifying the effects of these bacteria on avian host fitness and the zoonotic potential of emerging Chlamydiales will help us to understand the implications of these infections for avian and human health.
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Hedley J, Whitehead ML, Munns C, Pellett S, Abou-Zahr T, Calvo Carrasco D, Wissink-Argilaga N. Antibiotic stewardship for reptiles. J Small Anim Pract 2021; 62:829-839. [PMID: 34263937 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
This review discusses the general principles underlying responsible antibiotic usage in reptiles. Very little evidence underlies antibiotic usage in reptiles, and there are no published guidelines for responsible antibiotic usage. A literature search was performed to review the evidence for bacterial involvement in the pathology of selected common diseases of reptiles, allowing the development of recommendations for responsible antibiotic treatment of those diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Hedley
- Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital, Royal Veterinary College, 4 Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, UK
| | - M L Whitehead
- Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital, Banbury Road, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5SY, UK
| | - C Munns
- Montgomery Veterinary Clinic, Station Road, Smeeth, Ashford, Kent, TN25 6SX, UK
| | - S Pellett
- Animates Veterinary Clinic, 2 The Green, Thurlby, Bourne, PE10 0EB, UK
| | - T Abou-Zahr
- Valley Exotics, part of Vet Partners Practices LTD T/A Valley Vets, Unit 2C Gwaelod-Y-Garth Industrial Estate, Cardiff, CF15 9AA, UK
| | - D Calvo Carrasco
- Southfields Veterinary Specialists, No 1 Bramston Way, Southfields, Laindon, Essex, SS15 6TP, UK
| | - N Wissink-Argilaga
- Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital, Banbury Road, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5SY, UK
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Rush ER, Dale E, Aguirre AA. Illegal Wildlife Trade and Emerging Infectious Diseases: Pervasive Impacts to Species, Ecosystems and Human Health. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1821. [PMID: 34207364 PMCID: PMC8233965 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging infectious disease (EID) events can be traced to anthropogenic factors, including the movement of wildlife through legal and illegal trade. This paper focuses on the link between illegal wildlife trade (IWT) and infectious disease pathogens. A literature review through Web of Science and relevant conference proceedings from 1990 to 2020 resulted in documenting 82 papers and 240 identified pathogen cases. Over 60% of the findings referred to pathogens with known zoonotic potential and five cases directly referenced zoonotic spillover events. The diversity of pathogens by taxa included 44 different pathogens in birds, 47 in mammals, 16 in reptiles, two in amphibians, two in fish, and one in invertebrates. This is the highest diversity of pathogen types in reported literature related to IWT. However, it is likely not a fully representative sample due to needed augmentation of surveillance and monitoring of IWT and more frequent pathogen testing on recovered shipments. The emergence of infectious disease through human globalization has resulted in several pandemics in the last decade including SARS, MERS, avian influenza H1N1,and Ebola. We detailed the growing body of literature on this topic since 2008 and highlight the need to detect, document, and prevent spillovers from high-risk human activities, such as IWT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - A. Alonso Aguirre
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA; (E.R.R.); (E.D.)
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21
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Draft Genome Sequences of Avian Chlamydia abortus Genotype G2 Strain 15-49d3, Isolated from Mallard, and Genotype 1V Strain 15-58d44, Isolated from Magpie in Poland. Microbiol Resour Announc 2021; 10:10/14/e01203-20. [PMID: 33833029 PMCID: PMC8032471 DOI: 10.1128/mra.01203-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we report the draft genome sequences of avian Chlamydia abortus genotype G2 strain 15-49d3, isolated from mallard, and genotype 1V strain 15-58d44, isolated from magpie in Poland. The total genome assembly lengths are 1,140,139 bp and 1,158,207 bp, respectively. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of avian Chlamydia abortus genotype G2 strain 15-49d3, isolated from mallard, and genotype 1V strain 15-58d44, isolated from magpie in Poland. The total genome assembly lengths are 1,140,139 bp and 1,158,207 bp, respectively.
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22
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Vorimore F, Hölzer M, Liebler-Tenorio EM, Barf LM, Delannoy S, Vittecoq M, Wedlarski R, Lécu A, Scharf S, Blanchard Y, Fach P, Hsia RC, Bavoil PM, Rosselló-Móra R, Laroucau K, Sachse K. Evidence for the existence of a new genus Chlamydiifrater gen. nov. inside the family Chlamydiaceae with two new species isolated from flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus): Chlamydiifrater phoenicopteri sp. nov. and Chlamydiifrater volucris sp. nov. Syst Appl Microbiol 2021; 44:126200. [PMID: 34298369 DOI: 10.1016/j.syapm.2021.126200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The family Chlamydiaceae currently comprises a single genus Chlamydia, with 11 validly published species and seven more taxa. It includes the human pathogens Chlamydia (C.) trachomatis, C. pneumoniae and C. psittaci, a zoonotic agent causing avian chlamydiosis and human psittacosis, as well as other proven or potential pathogens in ruminants, birds, snakes, reptiles and turtles. During routine testing of 15 apparently healthy captive flamingos in a zoo in 2011, an atypical strain of Chlamydiaceae was detected by real-time PCR of cloacal swab samples. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed high similarity to the uncultured Chlamydiales bacterium clone 122, which previously had been found in gulls. As more samples were collected during annual campaigns of the flamingo ringing program in southern France from 2012 to 2015, Chlamydiaceae-specific DNA was detected by PCR in 30.9% of wild birds. From these samples, three strains were successfully grown in cell culture. Ultrastructural analysis, comparison of 16S and 23S rRNA gene sequences, whole-genome analysis based on de novo hybrid-assembled sequences of the new strains as well as subsequent calculation of taxonomic parameters revealed that the relatedness of the flamingo isolates to established members of the family Chlamydiaceae was sufficiently distant to indicate that the three strains belong to two distinct species within a new genus. Based on these data, we propose the introduction of Chlamydiifrater gen. nov., as a new genus, and Chlamydiifrater phoenicopteri sp. nov. and Chlamydiifrater volucris sp. nov., as two new species of the genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Vorimore
- University Paris-Est, Anses, Animal Health Laboratory, Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - M Hölzer
- Robert Koch Institute, MF1 Bioinformatics, Berlin, Germany
| | - E M Liebler-Tenorio
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Germany
| | - L-M Barf
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Jena, Germany
| | - S Delannoy
- University Paris-Est, Anses, Food Research Laboratory, IdentyPath Platform, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - M Vittecoq
- Tour du Valat, Centre de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes, Le Sambuc, Arles, France
| | - R Wedlarski
- Bioparc - Zoo de Doué la fontaine, 103 rue de Cholet, 49700 Doué la Fontaine, France
| | - A Lécu
- Parc Zoologique de Paris, avenue de Daumesnil, 75012 Paris, France
| | - S Scharf
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Germany
| | - Y Blanchard
- Unit of Viral Genetics and Biosafety, ANSES, Laboratory of Ploufragan, Ploufragan, France
| | - P Fach
- University Paris-Est, Anses, Food Research Laboratory, IdentyPath Platform, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - R C Hsia
- University of Maryland, Electron Microscopy Core Imaging Facility, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - P M Bavoil
- University of Maryland, Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - R Rosselló-Móra
- Marine Microbiology Group, Department of Animal and Microbial Biodiversity, Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies, 07190 Esporles, Spain
| | - K Laroucau
- University Paris-Est, Anses, Animal Health Laboratory, Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - K Sachse
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Jena, Germany
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23
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Longbottom D, Livingstone M, Ribeca P, Beeckman DSA, van der Ende A, Pannekoek Y, Vanrompay D. Whole genome de novo sequencing and comparative genomic analyses suggests that Chlamydia psittaci strain 84/2334 should be reclassified as Chlamydia abortus species. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:159. [PMID: 33676404 PMCID: PMC7937271 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07477-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia abortus and Chlamydia psittaci are important pathogens of livestock and avian species, respectively. While C. abortus is recognized as descended from C. psittaci species, there is emerging evidence of strains that are intermediary between the two species, suggesting they are recent evolutionary ancestors of C. abortus. Such strains include C. psittaci strain 84/2334 that was isolated from a parrot. Our aim was to classify this strain by sequencing its genome and explore its evolutionary relationship to both C. abortus and C. psittaci. RESULTS In this study, methods based on multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) of seven housekeeping genes and on typing of five species discriminant proteins showed that strain 84/2334 clustered with C. abortus species. Furthermore, whole genome de novo sequencing of the strain revealed greater similarity to C. abortus in terms of GC content, while 16S rRNA and whole genome phylogenetic analysis, as well as network and recombination analysis showed that the strain clusters more closely with C. abortus strains. The analysis also suggested a closer evolutionary relationship between this strain and the major C. abortus clade, than to two other intermediary avian C. abortus strains or C. psittaci strains. Molecular analyses of genes (polymorphic membrane protein and transmembrane head protein genes) and loci (plasticity zone), found in key virulence-associated regions that exhibit greatest diversity within and between chlamydial species, reveal greater diversity than present in sequenced C. abortus genomes as well as similar features to both C. abortus and C. psittaci species. The strain also possesses an extrachromosomal plasmid, as found in most C. psittaci species but absent from all sequenced classical C. abortus strains. CONCLUSION Overall, the results show that C. psittaci strain 84/2334 clusters very closely with C. abortus strains, and are consistent with the strain being a recent C. abortus ancestral species. This suggests that the strain should be reclassified as C. abortus. Furthermore, the identification of a C. abortus strain bearing an extra-chromosomal plasmid has implications for plasmid-based transformation studies to investigate gene function as well as providing a potential route for the development of a next generation vaccine to protect livestock from C. abortus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK.
| | - Morag Livingstone
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Paolo Ribeca
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UK
| | - Delphine Sylvie Anne Beeckman
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.,Current address: BASF Belgium Coordination Center CommV - Innovation Center Gent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Arie van der Ende
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne Pannekoek
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daisy Vanrompay
- Department of Animal Science and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
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Borel N, Greub G. International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes (ICSP) Subcommittee on the taxonomy of Chlamydiae, minutes of the closed meeting, 10 September 2020, via Zoom. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2021; 71. [PMID: 33332256 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.004620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Bugnon 48, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the current knowledge of chlamydiae. These intracellular microorganisms belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family are widely distributed throughout the world. Constant development of culture-independent approaches for characterisation of microbial genomes enables new discoveries in the field of Chlamydia. The number of new taxa is continuously increasing as well as the range of hosts. New species and genotypes are constantly being discovered, particularly new avian and reptilian agents, which are discussed in this article. Interestingly, wild animals are the main hosts for new Chlamydia species including different species of bird, turtle and snake. The availability of next-generation sequencing opens up a new prospect for research and leads to deeper knowledge of these interesting microorganisms about which much is still to discover.
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Chronic wasting associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae in three ex situ breeding facilities for tropical frogs. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2020; 113:2139-2154. [PMID: 33150542 PMCID: PMC7716926 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-020-01483-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A number of different Chlamydia spp. have been detected in the class Amphibia with C. pneumoniae being the predominant species involved. Chlamydiae have been linked to mass mortality events, thereby representing significant pathogens that deserve attention with respect to worldwide amphibian decline. We here present six cases of chlamydiosis and asymptomatic chlamydial infections in different frog species from three ex situ amphibian conservation facilities. Clinical signs predominantly characterised by regurgitation, chronic wasting, lethargy and suspended breeding were associated with C. pneumoniae infection. Despite various treatment regimens, it was not possible to clear infections. However, intra vitam diagnostics succeeded from skin, faeces and urine for the first time.
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