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Ricard RM, Wobeser B. Molecular detection of Chlamydia abortus in endometrial biopsies of mares from western Canada. J Vet Diagn Invest 2024:10406387241267864. [PMID: 39152698 DOI: 10.1177/10406387241267864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus is a reported cause of infertility and endometritis in sheep, cattle, and pigs; however, the association between uterine disease and C. abortus is poorly understood in horses. Recently, a high prevalence of C. abortus in equine aborted chorioallantoises was reported in horses in western Canada. Based on this high prevalence, investigation into the effects of C. abortus on infertility and endometritis in western Canadian mares is prudent. We examined 98 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded endometrial biopsies from western Canada submitted between 2014 and 2022 using a Chlamydia-specific 16S rRNA PCR test; 40 samples tested positive for Chlamydia on PCR, and 28 were sequenced as C. abortus. The C. abortus-positive cases were primarily associated with a history of failure to conceive, early embryonic loss, or abortion. Our findings suggest that C. abortus may be a cause of conception failure and abortion in horses in western Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Madison Ricard
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Bruce Wobeser
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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2
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Häcker G. Chlamydia in pigs: intriguing bacteria associated with sub-clinical carriage and clinical disease, and with zoonotic potential. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1301892. [PMID: 39206090 PMCID: PMC11349706 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1301892] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlamydiae are bacteria that are intriguing and important at the same time. The genus Chlamydia encompasses many species of obligate intracellular organisms: they can multiply only inside the cells of their host organism. Many, perhaps most animals have their own specifically adapted chlamydial species. In humans, the clinically most relevant species is Chlamydia trachomatis, which has particular importance as an agent of sexually transmitted disease. Pigs are the natural host of Chlamydia suis but may also carry Chlamydia abortus and Chlamydia pecorum. C. abortus and possibly C. suis have anthropozoonotic potential, which makes them interesting to human medicine, but all three species bring a substantial burden of disease to pigs. The recent availability of genomic sequence comparisons suggests adaptation of chlamydial species to their respective hosts. In cell biological terms, many aspects of all the species seem similar but non-identical: the bacteria mostly replicate within epithelial cells; they are taken up by the host cell in an endosome that they customize to generate a cytosolic vacuole; they have to evade cellular defences and have to organize nutrient transport to the vacuole; finally, they have to organize their release to be able to infect the next cell or the next host. What appears to be very difficult and challenging to achieve, is in fact a greatly successful style of parasitism. I will here attempt to cover some of the aspects of the infection biology of Chlamydia, from cell biology to immune defence, epidemiology and possibilities of prevention. I will discuss the pig as a host species and the species known to infect pigs but will in particular draw on the more detailed knowledge that we have on species that infect especially humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Häcker
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Qu T, Wang P, Zhao X, Liang L, Ge Y, Chen Y. Metagenomics reveals differences in the composition of bacterial antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic resistance genes in pasteurized yogurt and probiotic bacteria yogurt from China. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:3451-3467. [PMID: 38246555 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance has become a global public health concern, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) in food are a research focus. In China, probiotics and pasteurized yogurts are the 2 main types of commercially available yogurt, but the distribution and differences of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and gene types in these products are not well known. This study used a shotgun metagenomic approach to analyze 22 different types of yogurt collected from 9 main yogurt-producing areas in China; each type of yogurt included 8 different batches of samples. The abundance and diversity of bacteria identified in probiotic yogurt were significantly higher than those in pasteurized yogurt, with Acetobacter, Raoultella, and Burkholderia identified as unique and highly abundant genera in probiotic yogurt. Similarly, the abundance of Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. was higher than that in pasteurized yogurt. A total of 1,149 ARG subtypes belonging to 16 ARG types were identified, with the highest abundance of rifampicin, multidrug efflux pumps, and quinolone resistance genes detected. Network analysis revealed significant nonrandom co-occurrence relationships between different types and subtypes of ARG in yogurt samples. A total of 44 ARG subtypes in pasteurized yogurt were potentially hosted by 36 bacterial genera, and in probiotic yogurt, 63 ARG were expected to be hosted by 86 bacterial species from 37 genera. These findings indicate potential safety issues in fermented dairy products and emphasize the need for a more hygienic environment when processing probiotic yogurt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianming Qu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhao
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Lijiao Liang
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing 100176, China; College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yiqiang Ge
- China Rural Technology Development Center, Beijing 100045, China; College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing 100176, China.
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Hagenbuch F, Loehrer S, Marti H, Kasimov V, Jelocnik M, Borel N. Investigation of Chlamydia pecorum in livestock from Switzerland reveals a high degree of diversity in bovine strains. Vet Microbiol 2024; 292:110057. [PMID: 38502978 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2024.110057] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Chlamydia pecorum is a widespread veterinary chlamydial species causing endemic infections in livestock, such as ruminants and pigs, globally. However, there is limited contemporary knowledge on infecting strain diversity in various hosts. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of C. pecorum strains infecting Swiss livestock through C. pecorum genotyping and phylogenetic analyses in comparison to the global population, while also assessing chlamydial strains for plasmid carriage. A total of 263 C. pecorum positive samples from clinically healthy ruminant and pig herds (Bovines = 216, sheep = 25, pigs = 14) as well as placentae from eight C. pecorum positive ruminant abortion cases from other Swiss herds were investigated. The ompA and Multi-Locus sequence typing revealed novel C. pecorum genotypes, and bovine strains exhibited considerable genetic diversity, contrasting with lower diversity in sheep and pig strains. C. pecorum plasmid was detected in 100.0% of sheep (41/41) and pig (255/255) samples, and in 69.4% of bovine samples (150/216). In contrast, no plasmid was detected in the eight C. pecorum-positive ruminant abortion cases either representing plasmid-less strains or possibly escaping PCR detection due to autolysis of the placenta. This study supports the genetic diversity of C. pecorum strains, particularly in bovines, and identifies novel sequence types in Swiss livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Hagenbuch
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Loehrer
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Hanna Marti
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Vasilli Kasimov
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia; Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, 4556, Australia
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia; Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, 4556, Australia
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland.
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Loehrer S, Hagenbuch F, Marti H, Pesch T, Hässig M, Borel N. Longitudinal study of Chlamydia pecorum in a healthy Swiss cattle population. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292509. [PMID: 38079424 PMCID: PMC10712897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pecorum is a globally endemic livestock pathogen but prevalence data from Switzerland has so far been limited. The present longitudinal study aimed to get an insight into the C. pecorum prevalence in Swiss cattle and investigated infection dynamics. The study population consisted of a bovine herd (n = 308) located on a farm in the north-eastern part of Switzerland. The herd comprised dairy cows, beef cattle and calves all sampled up to five times over a one-year period. At each sampling timepoint, rectal and conjunctival swabs were collected resulting in 782 samples per sampled area (total n = 1564). Chlamydiaceae screening was performed initially, followed by C. pecorum-specific real-time qPCR on all samples. For C. pecorum-positive samples, bacterial loads were determined. In this study, C. pecorum was the only chlamydial species found. Animal prevalences were determined to be 5.2-11.4%, 38.1-61.5% and 55-100% in dairy cows, beef cattle and calves, respectively. In all categories, the number of C. pecorum-positive samples was higher in conjunctival (n = 151) compared to rectal samples (n = 65), however, the average rectal load was higher. At a younger age, the chlamydial prevalence and the mean bacterial loads were significantly higher. Of all sampled bovines, only 9.4% (29/308) were high shedders (number of copies per μl >1,000). Calves, which tested positive multiple times, either failed to eliminate the pathogen between sampling timepoints or were reinfected, whereas dairy cows were mostly only positive at one timepoint. In conclusion, C. pecorum was found in healthy Swiss cattle. Our observations suggested that infection takes place at an early age and immunity might develop over time. Although the gastrointestinal tract is supposed to be the main infection site, C. pecorum was not present in rectal samples from dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Loehrer
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Hagenbuch
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hanna Marti
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Pesch
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Hässig
- Department for Farm Animals, Section for Herd Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Feodorova VA, Zaitsev SS, Lyapina AM, Kichemazova NV, Saltykov YV, Khizhnyakova MA, Evstifeev VV, Larionova OS. Whole genome sequencing characteristics of Chlamydia psittaci caprine AMK-16 strain, a promising killed whole cell veterinary vaccine candidate against chlamydia infection. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293612. [PMID: 37903115 PMCID: PMC10615304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is a primary zoonotic pathogen with a broad host range causing severe respiratory and reproductive system infection in animals and humans. To reduce the global burden of C. psittaci-associated diseases on animal welfare and health and to control the pathogen spread in husbandry, effective vaccines based on promising vaccine candidate(s) are required. Recently, the caprine C. psittaci AMK-16 strain (AMK-16) demonstrated a high level of protection (up to 80-100%) in outbred mice and pregnant rabbits immunized with these formaldehyde-inactivated bacteria against experimental chlamydial wild-type infection. This study investigated the molecular characteristics of AMK-16 by whole-genome sequencing followed by molecular typing, phylogenetic analysis and detection of main immunodominant protein(s) eliciting the immune response in mouse model. Similarly to other C. psittaci, AMK-16 harbored an extrachromosomal plasmid. The whole-genome phylogenetic analysis proved that AMK-16 strain belonging to ST28 clustered with only C. psittaci but not with Chlamydia abortus strains. However, AMK-16 possessed the insert which resulted from the recombination event as the additional single chromosome region of a 23,100 bp size with higher homology to C. abortus (98.38-99.94%) rather than to C. psittaci (92.06-92.55%). At least six of 16 CDSs were absent in AMK-16 plasticity zone and 41 CDSs in other loci compared with the reference C. psittaci 6BC strain. Two SNPs identified in the AMK-16 ompA sequence resulted in MOMP polymorphism followed by the formation of a novel genotype/subtype including three other C. psittaci strains else. AMK-16 MOMP provided marked specific cellular and humoral immune response in 100% of mice immunized with the inactivated AMK-16 bacteria. Both DnaK and GrpE encoded by the recombination region genes were less immunoreactive, inducing only a negligible T-cell murine immune response, while homologous antibodies could be detected in 50% and 30% of immunized mice, respectively. Thus, AMK-16 could be a promising vaccine candidate for the development of a killed whole cell vaccine against chlamydiosis in livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina A. Feodorova
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Department for Microbiology and Biotechnology, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Sergey S. Zaitsev
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Anna M. Lyapina
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Natalya V. Kichemazova
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Yury V. Saltykov
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Mariya A. Khizhnyakova
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Vitaliy V. Evstifeev
- Laboratory of Viral and Chlamydial Infections, Federal Center for Toxicological, Radiation and Biological Safety, Kazan, Russia
- Department of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology, Kazan State Academy of Veterinary Medicine by N.E. Bauman, Kazan City, Russia
| | - Olga S. Larionova
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Department for Microbiology and Biotechnology, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
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Wang J, Chen Y, Li M, Xia S, Zhao K, Fan H, Ni J, Sun W, Jia X, Lai S. The effects of differential feeding on ileum development, digestive ability and health status of newborn calves. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1255122. [PMID: 37745216 PMCID: PMC10514501 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1255122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre-weaning is the most important period for the growth and development of calves. Intestinal morphology, microbial community and immunity are initially constructed at this stage, and even have a lifelong impact on calves. Early feeding patterns have a significant impact on gastrointestinal development and microbial communities. This study mainly analyzed the effects of three feeding methods on the gastrointestinal development of calves, and provided a theoretical basis for further improving the feeding mode of calves. it is very important to develop a suitable feeding mode. In this study, we selected nine newborn healthy Holstein bull calves were randomly selected and divided into three groups (n = 3), which were fed with starter + hay + milk (SH group), starter + milk (SF group), total mixed ration + milk (TMR group). After 80 days of feeding Feeding to 80 days of age after, the ileum contents and blood samples were collected, and the differences were compared and analyzed by metagenomic analysis and serum metabolomics analysis. Results show that compared with the other two groups, the intestinal epithelium of the SH group was more complete and the goblet cells developed better. The feeding method of SH group was more conducive to the development of calves, with higher daily gain and no pathological inflammatory reaction. The intestinal microbial community was more conducive to digestion and absorption, and the immunity was stronger. These findings are helpful for us to explore better calf feeding patterns. In the next step, we will set up more biological replicates to study the deep-seated reasons for the differences in the development of pre-weaning calves. At the same time, the new discoveries of neuro microbiology broaden our horizons and are the focus of our future attention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Songjia Lai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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Marzok M, Hereba AM, Kandeel M, Selim A. Serosurvey and associated risk factors for Chlamydia abortus infection in cattle from Egypt. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 96:101972. [PMID: 36989678 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.101972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus is an important gram-negative pathogen poses serious public health problem in human and reproductive disorders in animals. There are very few data on the prevalence of C. abortus in cattle and none on the associated risk factors for infection in cattle in earlier literature. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to evaluate the risk factors and seropositivity of C. abortus infection in cattle. In northern Egypt, 400 cattle from five governorates were examined using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in a cross-sectional study. The results revealed that the overall prevalence for C. abortus in cattle was 20.75 % and the highest level was observed in Gharbia 26.67 % while the lowest rate was found in Menofia governorate 15.38 %. The age, herd size, application of disinfection and history of abortion or stillbirth had significant association with prevalence of C. abortus infection by univariate analysis. In addition, Cattle above the age of 4 years, a median herd size of 10-50, the absence of disinfectant application, a history of stillbirth, and a history of abortion were all found as risk factors for C. abortus infection using multivariable logistic regression. These findings could be used to establish effective management strategies to prevent and control C. abortus infection in cattle and lower the risk of C. abortus infection in cattle in Egypt.
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Wu XJ, Gao J, Zhang Q, Li CX, Zheng WB, Liu Q, Zhu XQ, Lei YP, Gao WW. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Chlamydia Infection in Cattle in Shanxi Province, North China. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020252. [PMID: 36670792 PMCID: PMC9854887 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The information on Chlamydia infection in cattle is limited in Shanxi Province, north China. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence and risk factors of Chlamydia and Chlamydia abortus infection in cattle in Shanxi Province. In November 2020, a large-scale investigation of Chlamydia seroprevalence was conducted on 981 cattle serum samples collected from 40 cattle farms in 11 cities of Shanxi Province. The seroprevalence of Chlamydia and C. abortus was examined by indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The seroprevalence of Chlamydia and C. abortus was 52.29% (513/981) and 2.96% (29/981), respectively, in cattle in Shanxi Province. Location was identified as a risk factor for Chlamydia and C. abortus infection (p < 0.05). Under different management patterns, the seroprevalence of Chlamydia and C. abortus in large-scale animal farming companies was higher than that in household animal farms and animal farming cooperatives, and only the seroprevalence of Chlamydia was significantly different in different management patterns (p < 0.01). The results showed that there was higher seroprevalence of Chlamydia in cattle in Shanxi Province, while C. abortus was not the dominant species. This study provided baseline information on Chlamydia infection in cattle in Shanxi Province, which constitutes valuable data for monitoring livestock health and preventing potential zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jing Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Jin Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Chen-Xu Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Wen-Bin Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Qing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Yu-Ping Lei
- Veterinary Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Taiyuan 030008, China
- Correspondence: (Y.-P.L.); (W.-W.G.)
| | - Wen-Wei Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
- Correspondence: (Y.-P.L.); (W.-W.G.)
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Orjuela AG, Reyes Castañeda LJ, Tobón JC, Parra Arango JL, Guzmán-Barragán B. Seroprevalence of antibodies to Chlamydia abortus and risk factors in cattle from Villavicencio, Colombia. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09481. [PMID: 35637665 PMCID: PMC9142854 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus is a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium, responsible for abortions and reproductive problems. The disease has a high zoonotic potential and causes great economic losses in ruminant farmers. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 514 cattle from 24 farms of Villavicencio, Colombia. The blood samples were collected from each individual animal and analyzed by Indirect Elisa for immunoglobulin G (IgG) in blood serum (Idexx Chlamydiosis total Ab test). A serum was considered positive when the optical density (OD) of the sample was ≥30% of that of the positive control serum. Data on potential risk factors associated with the disease were collected through a questionnaire in each farm and analyzed. The individual and herd prevalence was estimated. A risk factors analysis was performed through univariate and multivariable using the software SPSS version 20. The animal level seroprevalence was found to be 47.1% and the herd 91.6%. The prevalence in cattle aged 0-1, 1-3 and >4 years was 23.8%; 31.4% and 51.4% respectively. The risk factors associated with the prevalence of disease were female sex (OR = 2.102 CI: 1.066-4.144), age older than 4 years (OR = 2.707 CI: 1.667-4.394), presence of canines on the farm (OR = 2.556 CI: 1.560-4.189) and retention of placenta (OR = 2.678 CI: 1.670-4.295). A high prevalence was identified, suggesting natural infection where the pathogen could be transmitted to humans at the animal-human interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Góngora Orjuela
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de los Llanos, Villavicencio, Colombia
| | | | - Julio César Tobón
- Industria Colombiana de Productos Veterinarios (Vecol), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jorge L. Parra Arango
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de los Llanos, Villavicencio, Colombia
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Wang Q, Tian T, Yao NQ, Chen ZY, Yang Y, Sun YH, Shi JF, Li JM, Shi K, Du R. A Meta-Analysis of Bovine Chlamydia Prevalence in Cattle in China from 1989 to 2020. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:76-92. [PMID: 35175138 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia bovis is a widespread infection disease caused by the mixed infection of Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia pecorum, Chlamydia abortus, and Chlamydia suis in cattle. Although many studies have investigated Chlamydia infection in cattle, there is no nationwide study on the prevalence of Chlamydia infection in cattle of China. We constructed the first meta-analysis to assess the infection rate and infection risk factors of Chlamydia in cattle in China, and we searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, Chinese Web of Knowledge, Wanfang, and VIP Chinese journal database for studies reporting Chlamydia infection in cattle from April 29, 2020. We collected a total of 563 publications from 1989 to 2019, and finally, 78 studies were eligible, which included 152,364 cattle from 27 provinces across the country. We estimated the pooled prevalence of Chlamydia in cattle was 14.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.2 to 16.4). The prevalence of bovine Chlamydia in China collected before 2000 (14.8%, 95% CI: 5.6 to 27.3) showed the highest prevalence rate. The highest prevalence was found in Central China (22.6%, 95% CI: 12.8 to 34.2). The prevalence of Chlamydia spp. between abortion cattle (39.1%, 95% CI: 24.6 to 54.6) and healthy cattle (8.3%, 95% CI: 3.1 to 15.2) showed significant variation (p < 0.05). In detection methods subgroup, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (30.5%, 95% CI: 21.5 to 40.3) showed the highest prevalence. In the age subgroup, the prevalence rate of age >1 year (16.6%, 95% CI: 12.6 to 20.9) was higher compared with age ≤1 year (9.8%, 95% CI: 6.7 to 13.3). Yaks (17.8%, 95% CI: 13.3 to 22.8) showed the highest Chlamydia prevalence among the varieties of bovine. We also estimated the potential risk factors such as feeding model, sample classification, sampling seasons, bovine gender, parity, and quality level of included studies. Our findings suggested that Chlamydia was prevalent in cattle in China. So we should pay attention to bovine Chlamydia and take necessary measures to prevent it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Tian Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Nai-Quan Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Zi-Yang Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Han Sun
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Jun-Feng Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Ming Li
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Kun Shi
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Rui Du
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China.,College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China.,Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center for Efficient Breeding and Product Development of Sika Deer, Changchun, P.R. China.,Key Lab of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
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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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Wheelhouse N, Hearn J, Livingstone M, Flockhart A, Dagleish M, Longbottom D. Identification of Parachlamydiaceae DNA in nasal and rectal passages of healthy dairy cattle. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 132:2642-2648. [PMID: 34932865 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15422] [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: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The order Chlamydiales comprises a broad range of bacterial pathogens and endosymbionts, which infect a wide variety of host species. Within this order, members of the family Parachlamydiaceae, which includes Parachlamydia and Neochlamydia species, have been particularly associated with infections in both humans and cattle, including having a potential pathogenic role in cases of bovine abortion. While the route of transmission has yet to be defined, it has been hypothesised that asymptomatic carriage and contamination of the immediate environment may be a route of inter-animal transmission. We investigated the asymptomatic carriage of Chlamydia-related organisms in healthy cattle. METHODS & RESULTS DNA was isolated from nasal and rectal swabs obtained from 38 healthy dairy heifers. A Chlamydiales sp. 16S rRNA qPCR was performed on each sample. A total of 18/38 nasal samples and all 38/38 rectal samples were identified as positive for Chlamydiales sp. Each positive sample was sequenced confirming the presence of DNA belonging to the Parachlamydiaceae. CONCLUSIONS The presence of Parachlamydiaceae DNA in nasal and rectal swab samples of healthy cattle provides evidence for the asymptomatic carriage of parachlamydial organisms within cattle. SIGNIFICANCE & IMPACT OF THE STUDY The study provides evidence of potential routes of environmental contamination that could provide a route for inter-animal and animal transmission of Parachlamydiaceae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Wheelhouse
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jack Hearn
- Vector Biology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Allen Flockhart
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
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14
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Didkowska A, Klich D, Hapanowicz A, Orłowska B, Gałązka M, Rzewuska M, Olech W, Anusz K. Pathogens with potential impact on reproduction in captive and free-ranging European bison (Bison bonasus) in Poland - a serological survey. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:345. [PMID: 34736464 PMCID: PMC8567710 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03057-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The European bison is an endangered species, and as such it is extremely important to monitor herds for pathogens which can lead to reproductive failure. The aim of the present study was to determine the current prevalence of antibodies to pathogens known to potentially influence reproduction in European bison. Serum samples from 183 bison, originating from different parts of Poland, were tested using commercial ELISA tests for antibodies to Chlamydia spp., Coxiella burnetti, Leptospira interrogans, Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii; the findings were compared between captive and main free-ranging herds, and with regard to the influence of demographic factors such as age and sex. The prevalence of seropositivity was also checked with regard to location and the animal species sharing it. RESULTS Chlamydia spp. antibodies were present in 48 out of 130 (36.9%) tested samples. Coxiella burnetii was found in one sample out of 178 (0.58%). N. caninum in 36 out of 172 (20.9%) and T. gondii in 23 out of 172 (13.4%). No sample was positive for leptospirosis. Neither sex nor age appeared to have a significant effect on the occurrence of antibodies to the identified species. The prevalence of Chlamydia spp. in the samples varied significantly according to location; however, similar frequency ranges were observed between free ranging and captive herds. In contrast, antibodies to N. caninum were more common in free-ranging herds than captive herds, with the highest frequency observed in the Bieszczady Mountains. CONCLUSIONS Chlamydia spp., N. caninum and T. gondii might have a similar impact on the reproductive potential of European bison as they have on cattle. The high occurrence of antibodies to N. caninum in bison from the Bieszczady Mountains may be associated with the relatively high density of the wolf population in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Didkowska
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Daniel Klich
- Department of Animal Genetics and Conservation, Institute of Animal Sciences, University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Hapanowicz
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Blanka Orłowska
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Gałązka
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Rzewuska
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wanda Olech
- Department of Animal Genetics and Conservation, Institute of Animal Sciences, University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Anusz
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
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Sahu R, Vishnuraj MR, Srinivas C, Dadimi B, Megha GK, Pollumahanti N, Malik SS, Vaithiyanathan S, Rawool DB, Barbuddhe SB. Development and comparative evaluation of droplet digital PCR and quantitative PCR for the detection and quantification of Chlamydia psittaci. J Microbiol Methods 2021; 190:106318. [PMID: 34592374 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2021.106318] [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: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is a zoonotic pathogen mainly transmitted by psittacine birds and poultry. The low shedding rate of the pathogen in the apparently healthy birds and human clinical cases may result in false-negative results. In the present study, a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay was developed and compared with optimized quantitative PCR (qPCR) for the detection of C. psittaci from the clinical samples. The ddPCR assay was found to be comparatively more sensitive than the qPCR, wherein the limit of detection (LOD) of ddPCR was upto 2.4 copies of the DNA template, whereas, the qPCR could detect upto 38 copies of the DNA template in the reaction mixture. Overall, the developed ddPCR assay was found to be robust, specific, and could reliably quantify up to 17.8 copies of the DNA template. Finally, the applicability of the developed ddPCR assay was tested by screening the field samples (n = 124), comprising lung tissues from dead poultry and feral birds; pooled faecal samples from the free-living birds, commercial and backyard poultry farms; pharyngeal and cloacal swabs collected from the duck farms. Of these, a total of seven samples were found to be positive by the ddPCR, whereas, three samples could be detected as positive using the qPCR. The developed ddPCR could serve as a reliable screening tool, particularly in those clinical samples wherein the shedding of C. psittaci is substantially very low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhakrishna Sahu
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Meat, Chengicherla, Hyderabad 500092, India; Department of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243122, India
| | - M R Vishnuraj
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Meat, Chengicherla, Hyderabad 500092, India
| | - Ch Srinivas
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Meat, Chengicherla, Hyderabad 500092, India
| | - Bhargavi Dadimi
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243122, India
| | - G K Megha
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243122, India
| | | | - Satyaveer S Malik
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243122, India
| | - S Vaithiyanathan
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Meat, Chengicherla, Hyderabad 500092, India
| | - Deepak B Rawool
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Meat, Chengicherla, Hyderabad 500092, India
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16
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Ravichandran K, Anbazhagan S, Karthik K, Angappan M, Dhayananth B. A comprehensive review on avian chlamydiosis: a neglected zoonotic disease. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:414. [PMID: 34312716 PMCID: PMC8313243 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02859-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Avian chlamydiosis is one of the important neglected diseases with critical zoonotic potential. Chlamydia psittaci, the causative agent, affects most categories of birds, livestock, companion animals, and humans. It has many obscured characters and epidemiological dimensions, which makes it unique among other bacterial agents. Recent reports on transmission from equine to humans alarmed the public health authorities, and it necessitates the importance of routine screening of this infectious disease. High prevalence of spill-over infection in equines was associated with reproductive losses. Newer avian chlamydial species are being reported in the recent years. It is a potential biological warfare agent and the disease is an occupational hazard mainly to custom officers handling exotic birds. Prevalence of the disease in wild birds, pet birds, and poultry causes economic losses to the poultry industry and the pet bird trade. Interestingly, there are speculations on the ‘legal’ and ‘illegal’ bird trade that may be the global source of some of the most virulent strains of this pathogen. The mortality rate generally ranges from 5 to 40% in untreated cases, but it can sometimes be higher in co-infection. The intracellular lifestyle of this pathogen makes the diagnosis more complicated and there is also lack of accurate diagnostics. Resistance to antibiotics is reported only in some pathogens of the Chlamydiaceae family, but routine screening may assess the actual situation in all pathogens. Due to the diverse nature of the pathogen, the organism necessitates the One Health partnerships to have complete understanding. The present review focuses on the zoonotic aspects of avian chlamydiosis with its new insights into the pathogenesis, transmission, treatment, prevention, and control strategies. The review also briefs on the basic understandings and complex epidemiology of avian chlamydiosis, highlighting the need for research on emerging one health perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthikeyan Ravichandran
- Division of Public Health and Epidemiology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India.
| | - Subbaiyan Anbazhagan
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Kumaragurubaran Karthik
- Central University Laboratory, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India
| | - Madesh Angappan
- Division of Public Health and Epidemiology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Balusamy Dhayananth
- Division of Public Health and Epidemiology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
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Schmidt T, Ferrara F, Pobloth AM, Jeuthe S. Large Farm Animals Used for Research Purposes: A Survey on Purchase, Housing and Hygiene Management. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082158. [PMID: 34438616 PMCID: PMC8388472 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The use of farm animals, especially in biomedical research, has increased in recent years. As clear recommendations for the purchase, housing and health monitoring of these animals (sheep, goat, cattle and pigs) are still missing, many institutes have developed their own strategies and protocols to face the challenges associated with the use of farm animals. This may influence the comparability of research results and increase data variances, thus increasing animal use that contradicts the obligation to apply the 3Rs principle required in Directive 2010/63 EU and our national animal welfare law. Therefore, this survey aimed to define the current state of the art in research institutes working with farm animals in order to develop recommendations for the purchase, housing and hygiene management of farm animals used for research purposes; to refine the work with farm animals; and to reduce variability and, therefore, the number of animals required. Abstract Background: Farm animals (FAs) are frequently used in biomedical research. Recommendations for the purchase, housing and health monitoring of these animals (sheep, goats, cattle and pigs) are still missing, and many institutes have developed their own strategies and protocols to face the challenges associated with the use of farm animals. This may influence the comparability of research results and increase data variances, thus increasing animal use that contradicts the obligation to apply the 3Rs principle of reduction, refinement and replacement required in Directive 2010/63 EU and the German animal protection law. Methods: A survey was conducted to define the current state of the art in research institutes working with pigs, and large and small ruminants. Results: The results of the survey clearly show that there are no uniform procedures regarding the purchase, housing and hygiene management of farm animals contrary to small laboratory animals. The facilities make purpose-bound decisions according to their own needs and individual work instructions and implement their own useful protocols to improve and maintain the health of the animals. Conclusion: This survey was the first step to filling the gaps and identifying the status quo and practical applied measures regarding the purchase and hygiene monitoring of FAs in order to improve animal welfare and scientific validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Schmidt
- Institute for Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Fabienne Ferrara
- Consulting and Training in Laboratory Animal Science, 10589 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Anne-Marie Pobloth
- Julius Wolff Institute, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Sarah Jeuthe
- Max-Delbrück Centrum Berlin, 13125 Berlin, Germany;
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Heijne M, van der Goot J, Buys H, Dinkla A, Roest HJ, van Keulen L, Koets A. Pathogenicity of Chlamydia gallinacea in chickens after oral inoculation. Vet Microbiol 2021; 259:109166. [PMID: 34217040 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia gallinacea is a recently discovered and widespread obligate intracellular bacterium in chickens. In chickens, infections appear to be asymptomatic, but can result in reduced weight gain in broilers. Molecular typing revealed C. gallinacea is genetically diverse which might lead to differences in pathogenic potential between strains. However, studies about the pathogenesis of different C. gallinacea strains are still limited. In this study, the pathogenesis of C. gallinacea strain NL_G47 was investigated in three consecutive animal experiments. The first experiment served as a pilot in which a maximum culturable dose was administered orally to 13 chickens. Excretion of chlamydial DNA in cloacal swabs was measured during 11 days post infection, but no clinical signs were observed. The second and third experiment were a repetition of the first experiment, but now chickens were sacrificed at consecutive time points to investigate tissue dissemination of C. gallinacea. Again excretion of chlamydial DNA in cloacal swabs was detected and no clinical signs were observed in line with the results of the first experiment. PCR and immunohistochemistry of tissue samples revealed C. gallinacea infected the epithelium of the jejunum, ileum and caecum. Furthermore, C. gallinacea could be detected in macrophages in the lamina propria and in follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) of the B cell follicles in the caecal tonsil. Results of serology showed a systemic antibody response from day seven or eight and onward in all three experiments. The experiments with strain NL_G47 confirmed observations from field studies that C. gallinacea infection does not result in acute clinical disease and mainly resides in the epithelium of the gut. Whether the presence of C. gallinacea results in chronic persistent infections with long term and less obvious health effects in line with observations on other infections caused by Chlamydiae, needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes Heijne
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands.
| | - Jeanet van der Goot
- Department of Diagnostics and Crisis Organisation, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Herma Buys
- Department of Diagnostics and Crisis Organisation, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Dinkla
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Hendrik Jan Roest
- Directorate Animal Supply Chain and Animal Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Lucien van Keulen
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Ad Koets
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands; Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Component Causes of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis-Non-Moraxella Organisms in the Epidemiology of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2021; 37:295-308. [PMID: 34049660 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) is a multifactorial disease complex caused by opportunistic pathogens, classically those members of the genus Moraxella. However, IBK in some situations is associated with other potentially pathogenic agents, which include Mycoplasma bovoculi, Mycoplasma bovis, Ureaplasma diversum, bovine herpesviruses, and Chlamydia sp. Ocular infections that may resemble IBK are also caused by Listeria monocytogenes. These agents and their association with IBK are reviewed in this article.
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Rohner L, Marti H, Torgerson P, Hoffmann K, Jelocnik M, Borel N. Prevalence and molecular characterization of C. pecorum detected in Swiss fattening pigs. Vet Microbiol 2021; 256:109062. [PMID: 33848714 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia (C.) pecorum, an obligate intracellular bacterial species commonly found in ruminants, can also occur in pigs. However, its significance as a potential porcine pathogen, or commensal, is still unclear. In a previous study (Hoffmann et al. 2015), mixed infections of C. suis and C. pecorum were detected in 14 Swiss fattening pig farms. Using these samples, we aimed to investigate the infection dynamics of C. suis and C. pecorum mixed infections in these farms. In addition, we analyzed the genetic diversity of Swiss porcine C. pecorum strains in relation to globally circulating strains. In total, 1284 conjunctival and rectal swabs from 391 pigs, collected at the beginning and end of the fattening period, were tested during the course of this study. We determined the bacterial loads of C. suis and C. pecorum using species-specific real-time PCR (qPCR) and compared these results to already existing DNA-microarray and Chlamydiaceae qPCR data. Overall, C. suis and Chlamydiaceae copy numbers decreased in the course of the fattening period, whereas C. pecorum copy numbers increased. No association was found between clinical signs (conjunctivitis, lameness and diarrhea) and the bacterial loads. Preventive antibiotic treatment at the beginning of the fattening period significantly lowered the chlamydial load and outdoor access was associated with higher loads. Proximity to the nearest ruminants correlated with increased C. pecorum loads, indicating that C. pecorum could be transmitted from ruminants to pigs. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and major outer membrane protein (ompA) genotyping revealed two novel sequence types (STs) (301, 302) and seven unique ompA genotypes (1-7) that appear to form a specific clade separate from other European C. pecorum strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Rohner
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse-Faculty University Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland; Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Hanna Marti
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse-Faculty University Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland; Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland.
| | - Paul Torgerson
- Section of Veterinary Epidemiology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Karolin Hoffmann
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse-Faculty University Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland; Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, 4556, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse-Faculty University Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland; Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
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Favaroni A, Trinks A, Weber M, Hegemann JH, Schnee C. Pmp Repertoires Influence the Different Infectious Potential of Avian and Mammalian Chlamydia psittaci Strains. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:656209. [PMID: 33854490 PMCID: PMC8039305 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.656209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is the etiological agent of chlamydiosis in birds and can be transmitted to humans, causing severe systemic disease. C. psittaci infects a broad range of hosts; strains are isolated not only from birds but also from mammals, where they seem to have a reduced infectious and zoonotic potential. Comparative analysis of chlamydial genomes revealed the coding sequences of polymorphic membrane proteins (Pmps) to be highly variable regions. Pmps are characterized as adhesins in C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae and are immunoreactive proteins in several Chlamydia species. Thus, Pmps are considered to be associated with tissue tropism and pathogenicity. C. psittaci harbors 21 Pmps. We hypothesize that the different infectious potential and host tropism of avian and mammalian C. psittaci strains is dependent on differences in their Pmp repertoires. In this study, we experimentally confirmed the different virulence of avian and mammalian strains, by testing the survival rate of infected embryonated eggs and chlamydiae dissemination in the embryos. Further, we investigated the possible involvement of Pmps in host tropism. Analysis of pmp sequences from 10 C. psittaci strains confirmed a high degree of variation, but no correlation with host tropism was identified. However, comparison of Pmp expression profiles from different strains showed that Pmps of the G group are the most variably expressed, also among avian and mammalian strains. To investigate their functions, selected Pmps were recombinantly produced from one avian and one mammalian representative strain and their adhesion abilities and relevance for the infection of C. psittaci strains in avian and mammalian cells were tested. For the first time, we identified Pmp22D, Pmp8G, and OmcB as relevant adhesins, essential during infection of C. psittaci strains in general. Moreover, we propose Pmp17G as a possible key player for host adaptation, as it could only bind to and influence the infection in avian cells, but it had no relevant impact towards infection in mammalian cells. These data support the hypothesis that distinct Pmp repertoires in combination with specific host factors may contribute to host tropism of C. psittaci strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Favaroni
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander Trinks
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Weber
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Jena, Germany
| | - Johannes H Hegemann
- Institute of Functional Microbial Genomics, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Christiane Schnee
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Jena, Germany
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22
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Struthers JD, Lim A, Ferguson S, Lee JK, Chako C, Okwumabua O, Cuneo M, Valle AMD, Brower A. Meningoencephalitis, Vasculitis, and Abortions Caused by Chlamydia pecorum in a Herd of Cattle. Vet Pathol 2021; 58:549-557. [PMID: 33590807 DOI: 10.1177/0300985820985288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A cow dairy (n = 2000) in close proximity to a sheep flock had third-trimester abortions and fatalities in cows and calves over a 14-month period. Eighteen of 33 aborted fetuses (55%) had multifocal random suppurative or mononuclear meningoencephalitis with vasculitis. Seventeen of these affected fetuses had intracytoplasmic bacteria in endothelial cells, and 1 fetus with pericarditis had similar bacteria within mesothelial cells or macrophages. Immunohistochemistry for Chlamydia spp. or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Chlamydia pecorum or both, performed on brain or pooled tissue, were positive in all 14 tested fetuses that had meningoencephalitis and in 4/4 calves and in 3/4 tested cows that had meningoencephalitis and thrombotic vasculitis. In 1 calf and 11/11 fetuses, C. pecorum PCR amplicon sequences were 100% homologous to published C. pecorum sequences. Enzootic chlamydiosis due to C. pecorum was the identified cause of the late term abortions and the vasculitis and meningoencephalitis in fetuses, calves, and cows. C. pecorum, an uncommon bovine abortogenic agent, is a differential diagnosis in late-term aborted fetuses with meningoencephalitis, vasculitis, and polyserositis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ailam Lim
- Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Madison, WI, USA
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23
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Benaissa MH, Mimoune N, Youngs CR, Kaidi R, Faye B. First report of Chlamydophila abortus infection in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) population in eastern Algeria. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 73:101557. [PMID: 33065404 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydiosis is caused by an obligate intracellular gram-negative bacterium of the genus Chlamydophila which is a zoonotic pathogen. The objectives of the study were to identify the seroprevalence of antibodies against Chlamydophila abortus in dromedary camel herds from four districts in eastern Algeria, as well as to estimate the association between seroprevalence and certain factors present at the animal and herd levels. Blood samples were collected from a random sample of animals within each of 82 camel herds. Serum samples were subjected to a C. abortus ELISA test, and association between the presence of antibodies and potential risk factors was estimated. Animal and herd seroprevalence were 2.5 % and 15.8 %, respectively, indicating substantial exposure of camels to C. abortus in the four districts studied. Age, breed, and sex did not influence seroprevalence in tested animals. Based on the univariate analysis, contact with sheep and goats, contact with other camel herds, and histories of abortion were major risk factors for infection. By using multivariate analysis, contact of camels with sheep and goats and with others camel herds, through shared grazing or watering points, were important factors for transmission of chlamydiosis with an odds ratio of 3.3 and 9.4, respectively. At the herd level the introduction of purchased animals was the major risk factor. This baseline information will be highly useful for launching C. abortus control programs in the region and potentially elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Hocine Benaissa
- Scientific and Technical Research Centre for Arid Areas (CRSTRA), Biophysical Station, PB 30240, Nezla, Touggourt, Algeria.
| | - Nora Mimoune
- National High School of Veterinary Medicine, Bab-Ezzouar, Algiers, Algeria; Institute of Veterinary Sciences, LBRA, University of Blida 1, PB 270, Soumaa, Blida, Algeria
| | - Curtis R Youngs
- Animal Science Department, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 USA
| | - Rachid Kaidi
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, LBRA, University of Blida 1, PB 270, Soumaa, Blida, Algeria
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24
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Pagliarani S, Johnston SD, Beagley KW, Dief H, Palmieri C. The occurrence and pathology of chlamydiosis in the male reproductive tract of non-human mammals: A review. Theriogenology 2020; 154:152-160. [PMID: 32622195 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Organisms belonging to the Family Chlamydiaceae are responsible for a broad range of diseases in humans, livestock, companion animals and non-domestic species. Infection of the reproductive organs can cause a range of syndromes of which sub- and infertility are the most frequently observed clinical manifestations. While the gross and histological lesions associated with the isolation of Chlamydiaceae from the non-human female reproductive tract are well documented, little attention has been given to the pathological effects of this infection in the male genital system. As such, the occurrence and importance of Chlamydia-associated disease in male non-human mammalian species is less well documented. In order to improve our understanding of the significance of chlamydiosis in domestic, laboratory and wild animals, this review provides an up-to-date summary of Chlamydia-associated male reproductive pathology, whether that infection occurs naturally or experimentally. Although most lesions in males are described as incidental and of minor significance, results of recent studies suggest that infection with Chlamydiaceae can adversely impact male fertility and/or be instrumental in disease transmission. Although in humans, bulls and mice Chlamydia infection has been associated with morphological and functional abnormalities of the spermatozoa, this review will focus on the gross and histological findings linked to the colonisation of the genital system by this pathogen. Advances in our understanding of male reproductive chlamydiosis are necessary for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, as well as epidemiological and conservation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pagliarani
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia; School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia.
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia
| | - Kenneth W Beagley
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, 4001, Australia
| | - Hamdy Dief
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia
| | - Chiara Palmieri
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia
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25
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Sun LX, Liang QL, Hu XH, Li Z, Yang JF, Zou FC, Zhu XQ. First Report of Chlamydia Seroprevalence and Risk Factors in Domestic Black-Boned Sheep and Goats in China. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:363. [PMID: 32766288 PMCID: PMC7380085 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gram-negative bacteria of the genus Chlamydia cause a wide range of diseases in humans and animals. The seroprevalence of Chlamydia in domestic black-boned sheep and goats in China is unknown. In this survey, a total of 481 serum samples were collected randomly from domestic black-boned sheep and goats from three counties in Yunnan province, southwest China, from July to August 2017. The sera were examined by an indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA). Antibodies to Chlamydia were detected in 100/481 [20.79%, 95% confidence interval (CI), 17.16–24.42] serum samples (IHA titer ≥1:64). The Chlamydia seroprevalence ranged from 12.21% (95% CI, 7.81–16.61) to 30.89% (95% CI, 22.72–39.06) across different regions in Yunnan province, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The seroprevalence in male domestic black-boned sheep and goats (28.64%; 95% CI, 22.36–34.92) was significantly higher than that in the females (15.25%; 95% CI, 11.05–19.45) (P < 0.01). However, there was no statistically significant difference in Chlamydia seroprevalence in domestic black-boned sheep and goats between ages and species (P > 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Chlamydia seroprevalence in domestic black-boned sheep and goats in Yunnan Province, southwest China. These data provide baseline information for future implementation of measures to control Chlamydia infection in these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Xiu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qin-Li Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhao Li
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jian-Fa Yang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Feng-Cai Zou
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
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26
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Vaccination of koalas during antibiotic treatment for Chlamydia-induced cystitis induces an improved antibody response to Chlamydia pecorum. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10152. [PMID: 32576914 PMCID: PMC7311432 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67208-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia infection and disease are endemic in free-ranging koalas. Antibiotics remain the front line treatment for Chlamydia in koalas, despite their rates of treatment failure and adverse gut dysbiosis outcomes. A Chlamydia vaccine for koalas has shown promise for replacing antibiotic treatment in mild ocular Chlamydia disease. In more severe disease presentations that require antibiotic intervention, the effect of vaccinating during antibiotic use is not currently known. This study investigated whether a productive immune response could be induced by vaccinating koalas during antibiotic treatment for Chlamydia-induced cystitis. Plasma IgG antibody levels against the C. pecorum major outer membrane protein (MOMP) dropped during antibiotic treatment in both vaccinated and unvaccinated koalas. Post-treatment, IgG levels recovered. The IgG antibodies from naturally-infected, vaccinated koalas recognised a greater proportion of the MOMP protein compared to their naturally-infected, unvaccinated counterparts. Furthermore, peripheral blood mononuclear cell gene expression revealed an up-regulation in genes related to neutrophil degranulation in vaccinated koalas during the first month post-vaccination. These findings show that vaccination of koalas while they are being treated with antibiotics for cystitis can result in the generation of a productive immune response, in the form of increased and expanded IgG production and host response through neutrophil degranulation.
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27
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Jelocnik M. Chlamydiae from Down Under: The Curious Cases of Chlamydial Infections in Australia. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7120602. [PMID: 31766703 PMCID: PMC6955670 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7120602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In Australia, the most researched and perhaps the most successful chlamydial species are the human pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis, animal pathogens Chlamydia pecorum and Chlamydia psittaci. C. trachomatis remains the leading cause of sexually transmitted infections in Australians and trachoma in Australian Indigenous populations. C. pecorum is globally recognised as the infamous koala and widespread livestock pathogen, whilst the avian C. psittaci is emerging as a horse pathogen posing zoonotic risks to humans. Certainly not innocuous, the human infections with Chlamydia pneumoniae seem to be less prevalent that other human chlamydial pathogens (namely C. trachomatis). Interestingly, the complete host range for C. pecorum and C. psittaci remains unknown, and infections by other chlamydial organisms in Australian domesticated and wildlife animals are understudied. Considering that chlamydial organisms can be encountered by either host at the human/animal interface, I review the most recent findings of chlamydial organisms infecting Australians, domesticated animals and native wildlife. Furthermore, I also provide commentary from leading Australian Chlamydia experts on challenges and future directions in the Chlamydia research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Jelocnik
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs 4557, Australia
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28
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Anstey SI, Quigley BL, Polkinghorne A, Jelocnik M. Chlamydial infection and on-farm risk factors in dairy cattle herds in South East Queensland. Aust Vet J 2019; 97:505-508. [PMID: 31588995 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydial infections in dairy cattle are common and have been sporadically associated with reduced performance and severe disease manifestations. While chlamydial infections are well described in sheep, very little is known about the epidemiology of these infections in dairy cattle in Australia. In this study, we screened for chlamydial infections and assessed on-farm risks in dairy cattle herds from Southeast Queensland (SE Qld) region of Australia. In total, 228 paired vaginal and rectal swabs were collected from 114 visually healthy dairy cows from four farms in SE Qld. Risk factors were rated by observational study and included: hygiene and cleanliness of cows, walkway and parlour, incidence of perinatal mortality, external replacements, mode of breeding, calving pen management, heat reduction strategies, and feed ration usage. Testing for chlamydial pathogens (Chlamydia pecorum, Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia abortus) was done using species-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. Detected rates of chlamydial infection were evaluated against the on-farm risk factors. C. pecorum infection was widespread in all four farms, with 56.1% (64/114) of individual animals shedding this organism from vaginal and rectal, or both sites. C. abortus and C. psittaci were not detected in any animals. No association was found to exist with risk factors and C. pecorum infection rates in our study, however the number of Chlamydia positive animals was statistically different between the herds. This study suggests that subclinical chlamydial infections may impact on dairy herd health at the production level rather than affecting individual animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- S I Anstey
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4557, Australia
| | - B L Quigley
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4557, Australia
| | - A Polkinghorne
- Department of Microbiology, Nepean Hospital, NSW Health Pathology, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Jelocnik
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4557, Australia
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29
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30
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Fabijan J, Caraguel C, Jelocnik M, Polkinghorne A, Boardman WSJ, Nishimoto E, Johnsson G, Molsher R, Woolford L, Timms P, Simmons G, Hemmatzadeh F, Trott DJ, Speight N. Chlamydia pecorum prevalence in South Australian koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations: Identification and modelling of a population free from infection. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6261. [PMID: 31000763 PMCID: PMC6472425 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42702-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pecorum is an established and prevalent infection that produces severe clinical disease in many koala populations, contributing to dramatic population declines. In wild South Australian koala populations, C. pecorum occurrence and distribution is unknown. Here, C. pecorum-specific real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was applied to ocular and urogenital swabs from targeted surveys of wild koalas from the mainland Mount Lofty Ranges (MLR) (n = 75) and Kangaroo Island (KI) (n = 170) populations. Historical data from 13,081 KI koalas (1997–2018) provided additional evidence for assessing the absence of C. pecorum infection. In the MLR population, 46.7% (CI: 35.1–58.6%) of koalas were C. pecorum positive by qPCR but only 4% had grade 3 clinical disease. MLR koala fertility was significantly reduced by C. pecorum infection; all reproductively active females (n = 16) were C. pecorum negative, whereas 85.2% of inactive females (n = 23) were positive (P < 0.001). KI koalas were C. pecorum negative and the population was demonstrated to be free of C. pecorum infection with 95% confidence. C. pecorum is a real threat for the sustainability of the koala and KI is possibly the last isolated, large C. pecorum-free population remaining in Australia. These koalas could provide a safeguard against this serious disease threat to an iconic Australian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Fabijan
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, 5371, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Charles Caraguel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, 5371, South Australia, Australia
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, 4558, Queensland, Australia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, 4558, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wayne S J Boardman
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, 5371, South Australia, Australia
| | - Elisa Nishimoto
- Kangaroo Island Veterinary Clinic, Kingscote, 5223, South Australia, Australia
| | - Greg Johnsson
- Kangaroo Island Veterinary Clinic, Kingscote, 5223, South Australia, Australia
| | - Robyn Molsher
- Department for Environment and Water, Adelaide, 5000, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lucy Woolford
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, 5371, South Australia, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, 4558, Queensland, Australia
| | - Greg Simmons
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Queensland, Australia
| | - Farhid Hemmatzadeh
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, 5371, South Australia, Australia
| | - Darren J Trott
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, 5371, South Australia, Australia
| | - Natasha Speight
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, 5371, South Australia, Australia
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31
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Bommana S, Polkinghorne A. Mini Review: Antimicrobial Control of Chlamydial Infections in Animals: Current Practices and Issues. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:113. [PMID: 30778341 PMCID: PMC6369208 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia are a genus of successful obligate intracellular pathogens spread across humans, wildlife, and domesticated animals. The most common species reported in livestock in this genus are Chlamydia abortus, Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia suis, and Chlamydia pecorum. Chlamydial infections trigger a series of inflammatory disease-related sequelae including arthritis, conjunctivitis, pneumonia, and abortion. Other bacteria in the phylum Chlamydiae have also been reported in livestock and wildlife but their impact on animal health is less clear. Control of chlamydial infections relies on the use of macrolides, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines. Tetracycline resistance (TETR) reported for porcine C. suis strains in association with the use of tetracycline feed is a potentially significant concern given experimental evidence highlighting that the genetic elements inferring TETR may be horizontally transferred to other chlamydial species. As documented in human Chlamydia trachomatis infections, relapse of infections, bacterial shedding post-antibiotic treatment, and disease progression despite chlamydial clearance in animals have also been reported. The identification of novel chlamydiae as well as new animal hosts for previously described chlamydial pathogens should place a renewed emphasis on basic in vivo studies to demonstrate the efficacy of existing and new antimicrobial treatment regimes. Building on recent reviews of antimicrobials limited to C. trachomatis and C. suis, this review will explore the use of antimicrobials, the evidence and factors that influence the treatment failure of chlamydial infections in animals and the future directions in the control of these important veterinary pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankhya Bommana
- The Animal Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- The Animal Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
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Phillips S, Quigley BL, Timms P. Seventy Years of Chlamydia Vaccine Research - Limitations of the Past and Directions for the Future. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:70. [PMID: 30766521 PMCID: PMC6365973 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia is a major bacterial pathogen that infects humans, as well as a wide range of animals, including marsupials, birds, cats, pigs, cattle, and sheep. Antibiotics are the only treatment currently available, however, with high rates of re-infection, there is mounting pressure to develop Chlamydia vaccines. In this review, we analyzed how Chlamydia vaccine trials have developed over the past 70 years and identified where future trials need to be focused. There has been a strong bias toward studies targeting C. muridarum and C. trachomatis within mice and a lack of studies matching chlamydial species to their end target host. Even though a large number of specific antigenic targets have been studied, the results from whole-cell vaccine targets show slightly more promising results overall. There has also been a strong bias toward systemic vaccine delivery systems, despite the finding that mucosal delivery systems have shown more promising outcomes. However, the only successful vaccines with matched chlamydial species/infecting host are based on systemic vaccine delivery methods. We highlight the extensive work done with mouse model trials and indicate that whole cell antigenic targets are capable of inducing an effective response, protecting from disease and reducing shedding rates. However, replication of these results using antigen preparations more conducive to commercial vaccine production has proven difficult. To date, the Major Outer Membrane Protein (MOMP) has emerged as the most suitable substitute for whole cell targets and its delivery as a combined systemic and mucosal vaccine is most effective. Finally, although mouse model trials are useful, differences between hosts and infecting chlamydial strains are preventing vaccine formulations from mouse models to be translated into larger animals or intended hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Phillips
- Genecology Research Centre, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
| | - Bonnie L Quigley
- Genecology Research Centre, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Genecology Research Centre, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
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33
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Eckert T, Goericke-Pesch S, Heydel C, Bergmann M, Kauffold J, Failing K, Wehrend A. Interaction of different Chlamydiae species with bovine spermatozoa. BMC Microbiol 2019; 19:23. [PMID: 30683062 PMCID: PMC6347757 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-019-1392-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Interaction of spermatozoa and Chlamydiae spp. might contribute to reduced fertility in cattle. To proof this hypothesis, bovine semen was incubated with viable or heat inactivated Chlamydia (C.) abortus or psittaci (Multiplicity of infection = 1) and sperm motility was monitored with a computer-assisted sperm analyzer over 24 h. Additionally, the interaction with the spermatozoa was further investigated by means of light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results Only viable Chlamydiae of both species decreased sperm motility and this only after about 9 h. Taking binding rates into account, the loss of sperm motility after about 9 h could likely be a consequence of Chlamydiae attachment to the spermatozoa. About two thirds of the Chlamydiae elementary bodies were bound to the front third of the sperm, the acrosomal region. No inclusions of Chlamydiae in spermatozoa were observed in TEM after 2 h co-incubation. Conclusions As initial motility was not affected following co-incubation of viable Chlamydiae and bovine sperm, it seems likely that sperm could serve as a carrier/vehicle for Chlamydiae facilitating cervical passage of Chlamydiae spp. in cattle. Additionally, our results suggest that spermatozoa carrying Chlamydiae may have no initial disadvantage in reaching the oviduct, but are immotile at the time of ovulation what might have an impact on fertilization capacities of the individual sperm. Consequently, high concentrations of the investigated Chlamydiae in the seminal plasma or female genital tract might play a role in reduced fertility in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Eckert
- Klinikum Veterinärmedizin, Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 106, 35392, Giessen, Germany.,Institute for Veterinary-Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 100, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sandra Goericke-Pesch
- Klinikum Veterinärmedizin, Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 106, 35392, Giessen, Germany. .,Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Section for Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlægevej 68, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark. .,Reproductive Unit of the Clinics - Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Carsten Heydel
- Institute for Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 85-89, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Martin Bergmann
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 98, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kauffold
- Ambulatorische und Geburtshilfliche Tierklinik, Veterinärmedizinische Fakultät, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 29, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Klaus Failing
- Unit for Biomathematics and Data Processing, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Str., 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Axel Wehrend
- Klinikum Veterinärmedizin, Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 106, 35392, Giessen, Germany
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Phillips S, Robbins A, Loader J, Hanger J, Booth R, Jelocnik M, Polkinghorne A, Timms P. Chlamydia pecorum gastrointestinal tract infection associations with urogenital tract infections in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206471. [PMID: 30383822 PMCID: PMC6211709 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia infects multiple sites within hosts, including the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). In certain hosts, gastrointestinal infection is linked to treatment avoidance and self-infection at disease susceptible sites. GIT C. pecorum has been detected in livestock and koalas, however GIT prevalence rates within the koala are yet to be established. Methods Paired conjunctival, urogenital and rectal samples from 33 koalas were screened for C. pecorum and C. pecorum plasmid using 16S rRNA and CDS5-specific quantitative PCR assays, respectively. Amplicon sequencing of 359 bp ompA fragment was used to identify site-specific genotypes. Results The overall C. pecorum prevalence collectively (healthy and clinically diseased koalas) was 51.5%, 57.6% and 42.4% in urogenital, conjunctival and gastrointestinal sites, respectively. Concurrent urogenital and rectal Chlamydia was identified in 14 koalas, with no cases of GIT only Chlamydia shedding. The ompA genotype G dominated the GIT positive samples, and genotypes A and E’ were dominant in urogenital tract (UGT) positive samples. Increases in C. pecorum plasmid per C. pecorum load (detected by PCR) showed clustering in the clinically diseased koala group (as assessed by scatter plot analysis). There was also a low correlation between plasmid positivity and C. pecorum infected animals at any site, with a prevalence of 47% UGT, 36% rectum and 40% faecal pellet. Conclusions GIT C. pecorum PCR positivity suggests that koala GIT C. pecorum infections are common and occur regularly in animals with concurrent genital tract infections. GIT dominant genotypes were identified and do not appear to be related to plasmid positivity. Preliminary results indicated a possible association between C. pecorum plasmid load and clinical UGT disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Phillips
- Genecology Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Amy Robbins
- Genecology Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Endeavour Veterinary Ecology Pty Ltd, Toorbul, Australia
| | - Joanne Loader
- Endeavour Veterinary Ecology Pty Ltd, Toorbul, Australia
| | | | | | - Martina Jelocnik
- Animal Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Animal Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Genecology Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Characterization of the In Vitro Chlamydia pecorum Response to Gamma Interferon. Infect Immun 2018; 86:IAI.00714-17. [PMID: 29358337 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00714-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pecorum is an important intracellular bacterium that causes a range of diseases in animals, including a native Australian marsupial, the koala. In humans and animals, a gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-mediated immune response is important for the control of intracellular bacteria. The present study tested the hypotheses that C. pecorum can escape IFN-γ-mediated depletion of host cell tryptophan pools. In doing so, we demonstrated that, unlike Chlamydia trachomatis, C. pecorum is completely resistant to IFN-γ in human epithelial cells. While the growth of C. pecorum was inhibited in tryptophan-deficient medium, it could be restored by the addition of kynurenine, anthranilic acid, and indole, metabolites that could be exploited by the gene products of the C. pecorum tryptophan biosynthesis operon. We also found that expression of trp genes was detectable only when C. pecorum was grown in tryptophan-free medium, with gene repression occurring in response to the addition of kynurenine, anthranilic acid, and indole. When grown in bovine kidney epithelial cells, bovine IFN-γ also failed to restrict the growth of C. pecorum, while C. trachomatis was inhibited, suggesting that C. pecorum could use the same mechanisms to evade the immune response in vivo in its natural host. Highlighting the different mechanisms triggered by IFN-γ, however, both species failed to grow in murine McCoy cells treated with murine IFN-γ. This work confirms previous hypotheses about the potential survival of C. pecorum after IFN-γ-mediated host cell tryptophan depletion and raises questions about the immune pathways used by the natural hosts of C. pecorum to control the widespread pathogen.
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A novel synthetic peptide microarray assay detects Chlamydia species-specific antibodies in animal and human sera. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4701. [PMID: 29549361 PMCID: PMC5856796 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23118-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Serological analysis of Chlamydia (C.) spp. infections is still mainly based on micro-immunofluorescence and ELISA. To overcome the limitations of conventional serology, we have designed a novel microarray carrying 52 synthetic peptides representing B-cell epitopes from immunodominant proteins of all 11 chlamydial species. The new assay has been validated using monospecific mouse hyperimmune sera. Subsequently, serum samples from cattle, sheep and humans with a known history of chlamydial infection were examined. For instance, the specific humoral response of sheep to treatment with a C. abortus vaccine has been visualized against a background of C. pecorum carriership. In samples from humans, dual infection with C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae could be demonstrated. The experiments revealed that the peptide microarray assay was capable of simultaneously identifying specific antibodies to each Chlamydia spp. The actual assay represents an open platform test that can be complemented through future advances in Chlamydia proteome research. The concept of the highly parallel multi-antigen microarray proven in this study has the potential to enhance our understanding of antibody responses by defining not only a single quantitative response, but also the pattern of this response. The added value of using peptide antigens will consist in unprecedented serodiagnostic specificity.
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Rypuła K, Kumala A, Płoneczka-Janeczko K, Lis P, Karuga-Kuźniewska E, Dudek K, Całkosiński I, Kuźnik P, Chorbiński P. Occurrence of reproductive disorders in pig herds with and without Chlamydia suis infection - statistical analysis of breeding parameters. Anim Sci J 2018. [PMID: 29536596 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydiae are frequently encountered Gram-negative intracellular eubacteria that can cause clear manifestations or clinically asymptomatic disorders. C. suis and other chlamydia are primarily isolated in cases of reproductive disorders. This study was performed to estimate the impact of Chlamydia suis infection on reproduction in sows by analyzing reproduction rates and breeding parameters. The test was conducted on first generation (F1) pigs from Polish Landrace (PL) × Polish Large White (PLW). Sixty-four herds were investigated and 500 vaginal swabs were collected. Isolation of DNA was carried out directly from the swabs. All samples were analyzed for Chlamydia suis by real-time PCR with a locked nucleic acid (LNA)-containing probe. To analyze the impact of chlamydia infection on reproductive parameters, evaluation questionnaires were used. Reproductive problems were found in 77.3% of the farms tested. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that in the farms with 10 up to 120 sows, there were higher reproductive problems with chlamydia infection than in smaller and bigger pig farms. The most common problems were estrus repetition, which was reported by 57.81% of the surveyed farms, and the birth of dead piglets, which was reported by 31.25% of the investigated pig farms. Abortions, which were reported by 28.12% of the surveyed farms, were the least common reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Rypuła
- Division of Infectious Diseases of Animals and Veterinary Administration, Department of Epizootiology with Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Kumala
- Laboratory of Neurotoxicology and Environmental Diagnosis, Faculty of Health Science, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Płoneczka-Janeczko
- Division of Infectious Diseases of Animals and Veterinary Administration, Department of Epizootiology with Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Paweł Lis
- Division of Infectious Diseases of Animals and Veterinary Administration, Department of Epizootiology with Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ewa Karuga-Kuźniewska
- Division of Infectious Diseases of Animals and Veterinary Administration, Department of Epizootiology with Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Dudek
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ireneusz Całkosiński
- Laboratory of Neurotoxicology and Environmental Diagnosis, Faculty of Health Science, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Patrycja Kuźnik
- Division of Infectious Diseases of Animals and Veterinary Administration, Department of Epizootiology with Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Paweł Chorbiński
- Division of Infectious Diseases of Animals and Veterinary Administration, Department of Epizootiology with Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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Ndengu M, Matope G, Tivapasi M, Scacchia M, Bonfini B, Pfukenyi DM, de Garine-Wichatitsky M. Sero-prevalence of chlamydiosis in cattle and selected wildlife species at a wildlife/livestock interface area of Zimbabwe. Trop Anim Health Prod 2018; 50:1107-1117. [PMID: 29464541 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-018-1536-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Chlamydia abortus infection in cattle and some selected wildlife species at selected interface areas at the periphery of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area in Zimbabwe. Three study sites were selected based on the type of livestock-wildlife interface, porous livestock-wildlife interface (unrestricted), non-porous livestock-wildlife interface (restricted by fencing), and livestock-wildlife non-interface (totally absent or control). Sera were collected from cattle aged ≥ 2 years representing both female and intact male. Sera were also collected from selected wild ungulates from Mabalauta (porous interface) and Chipinda Pools (non-interface) areas of the Gonarezhou National Park. Sera were tested for antibodies to Chlamydia abortus using a CFT. A X 2 test was used to assess differences between categories and p < 0.05 was considered as significant. In cattle, the overall seroprevalence was 32.7% (327/1011; 95% CI 29.5-35.3). A significantly lower seroprevalence was recorded for the porous interface (24.2%) compared to the non-porous (42.5%) (p < 0.0001) and the non-interface (36.2%) (p = 0.001). Overall, the wet season recorded a significantly (p = 0.015) higher seroprevalence than the dry season. In wildlife, antibodies were detected in buffaloes (47.7%) and impalas (43.8%) but not in kudus. Buffaloes from Chipinda Pools (53.4%) had a significantly (p = 0.036) higher seroprevalence than those from Mabalauta (26.1%). The results established the presence of chlamydiosis in cattle and selected wildlife and that independent infections may be maintained in buffalo populations. Further studies are required to clarify chlamydiae circulating between cattle and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masimba Ndengu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe. .,Research Platform Production and Conservation in Partnership, P.O. Box 1378, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - Gift Matope
- Research Platform Production and Conservation in Partnership, P.O. Box 1378, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of Paraclinical Veterinary Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Musavengana Tivapasi
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Research Platform Production and Conservation in Partnership, P.O. Box 1378, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Massimo Scacchia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Del Molise "G.Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Barbara Bonfini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Del Molise "G.Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Davis Mubika Pfukenyi
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Research Platform Production and Conservation in Partnership, P.O. Box 1378, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Michel de Garine-Wichatitsky
- Research Platform Production and Conservation in Partnership, P.O. Box 1378, Harare, Zimbabwe.,UR AGIRs, Cirad, Campus International de Baillarguet, 34398, Montpellier, France
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Softic A, Asmare K, Granquist EG, Godfroid J, Fejzic N, Skjerve E. The serostatus of Brucella spp., Chlamydia abortus, Coxiella burnetii and Neospora caninum in cattle in three cantons in Bosnia and Herzegovina. BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:40. [PMID: 29394895 PMCID: PMC5797338 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1361-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dairy production in Bosnia and Herzegovina exhibits limited productivity, which may partly, be explained by extensive reproductive problems of non-infectious and infectious origin. Brucella spp., Chlamydia abortus, Coxiella burnetii and Neospora caninum are common infectious causes of decreased reproductive outcomes in cattle worldwide. Little is, however, known about the disease status of herds with reduced reproductive performances. A cross-sectional study was designed to document the status of these pathogens in dairy cattle in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A total of 1970 serum samples were collected from cattle in farms located in three cantons (regions). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assays were used to screen for seropositivity against four selected pathogens. Results The overall seroprevalence was estimated at both the herd level and at individual level for each pathogen. At the individual animal level, the prevalence for C. abortus, C. burnetii, N. caninum and Brucella spp. was 52.1% (95% CI: 41.2–62.7), 8.8% (95% CI: 5.3–14.2), 9.2% (95% CI: 6.0–12.3 and 0.2% (95% CI: 0.1–0.5), respectively. The corresponding estimates for herd level were 87.9% (95% CI: 82.6–91.8), 19.6% (95% CI: 14.6–25.8), 35.2% (95% CI: 28.8–42.1), and 1.5% (95% CI: 0.5–4.6). A substantial overlap was observed in the presence of N. caninum, C. abortus and C. burnetii at individual and herd level. Conclusion Our study demonstrated a high level of antibodies to Chlamydia abortus. Considering the association of this agent with reproductive disorders in cattle, future studies should be directed to the epidemiological traits of this infection. Additionally, the relatively high levels of exposure to C. burnetii and N. caninum found in this study highlights the need for targeted control of infectious causes of reproductive disorders in dairy cattle of the studied areas. Given the low seroprevalence, Brucella spp. does not seem to represent a problem in the reproductive health of cattle in the studied areas. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12917-018-1361-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adis Softic
- Department for economics and animal health, University of Sarajevo, Veterinary Faculty in Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. .,Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 8146, 0033, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Kassahun Asmare
- Hawassa University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Erik Georg Granquist
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 8146, 0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jacques Godfroid
- University in Tromsø, Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics, Postboks 6050 Langnes, 9010, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Nihad Fejzic
- Department for economics and animal health, University of Sarajevo, Veterinary Faculty in Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Eystein Skjerve
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 8146, 0033, Oslo, Norway
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Bommana S, Walker E, Desclozeaux M, Jelocnik M, Timms P, Polkinghorne A, Carver S. Molecular and serological dynamics of Chlamydia pecorum infection in a longitudinal study of prime lamb production. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4296. [PMID: 29379689 PMCID: PMC5787346 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia pecorum is a globally significant livestock pathogen causing pathology and production losses. The on-farm infection and serological dynamics and the relevance of existing diagnostic tools for diagnosing C. pecorum in livestock remains poorly characterized. In this study, we characterized the antigen and antibody dynamics of this pathogen in a longitudinal study of prime lamb production, utilizing the infection focused C. pecorum-specific 16S rRNA qPCR assay and serology based chlamydial Complement fixation Test (CFT). METHODS The study consisted of 76 Border Leicester mixed sex lambs (39 females and 37 males) that were sampled bimonthly from 2-10 months of age in a commercial farm operating in Central NSW, Australia. Blood/plasma was analysed for CFT antibodies, and swabs from conjunctival, rectal and vaginal sites were analysed for C. pecorum shedding using qPCR. We assessed the temporal and overall dynamics of C. pecorum in lambs, including detailed description and comparison of qPCR and CFT, the timing of first detection by either diagnostic method, the lag between infection and antibody response; and the distribution of qPCR load and CFT antibody titre over time. RESULTS Over the study period, C. pecorum was highly prevalent (71.0% by qPCR, 92.1% by CFT, 96.0% by both), with 21.1% (16/76) lambs shedding ≥1, 000 qPCR copies/µl (denoted as high shedders). C. pecorum shedding (as evidence of infection) were first observed at two months of age (14.4%) with a significant peak of infection occurring at six months of age (34.2%), whereas seroconversions peaked at eight months of age (81.5%). 52.6% of C. pecorum qPCR and CFT positive lambs became qPCR negative by 10 months of age, indicating clearance of chlamydial infection. Although CFT is utilised for on-farm detection of active infection, we confirm that it lagged behind qPCR detection (average lag 1.7 ± 2.1 months) and that the proportion of qPCR positives simultaneously identified by CFT was low with 2/11 (18.1%), 0/13, 17/25 (68.0%), 5/7 (71.4%) and 1/10 (10.0%) concurrent seroconversions occurring at two, four, six, eight and 10 months of age, respectively. DISCUSSION This work reveals rapid rates of C. pecorum infection and widespread exposure during lamb production. The comparison of molecular and serological diagnostic agreement longitudinally, supports the use of qPCR as an important ancillary tool for the detection of active infections in conjunction with chlamydial CFT for routine veterinary diagnostics. Development of rapid Point-of-Care (POC) tools for diagnosing active infection would be valuable for producers and veterinarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankhya Bommana
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | | | - Marion Desclozeaux
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Jelocnik M, Jenkins C, O'Rourke B, Barnwell J, Polkinghorne A. Molecular evidence to suggest pigeon-type Chlamydia psittaci in association with an equine foal loss. Transbound Emerg Dis 2018; 65:911-915. [PMID: 29352509 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is an important avian pathogen with spillover from infected wild and domesticated birds also posing a risk to human health. We recently reported a case of C. psittaci equine placentitis associated with further spillover to humans. Molecular typing of this case revealed it belonged to the 6BC clade of C. psittaci, a globally distributed highly virulent set of strains, typically linked to infection spillover from parrots. Equine chlamydiosis associated with C. psittaci infection has previously been reported elsewhere in countries where parrots are not endemic, however, raising questions over the identity of infecting C. psittaci strains and the potential infection reservoirs. In this study, we describe the detection and molecular characterization of C. psittaci in a case of equine abortion in southern Queensland. Equine placenta and fresh liver and lung tissue from the necropsied foetus were positive by C. psittaci-specific qPCR. Chlamydia psittaci-specific multilocus sequence typing and ompA genotyping were used to further characterize the detected equine strains and an additional strain obtained from a dove from a different geographic region presenting with psittacosis. Molecular typing of this case revealed that the infecting equine strains were closely related to the C0sittaci detected in dove, all belonging to an evolutionary lineage of C. psittaci strains typically associated with infections of pigeons globally. This finding suggests a broader diversity of C. psittaci strains may be detected in horses and in association with reproductive loss, highlighting the need for an expansion of surveillance studies globally to understand the epidemiology of equine chlamydiosis and the associated zoonotic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Jelocnik
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, NSW, Australia
| | - C Jenkins
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, NSW, Australia
| | - B O'Rourke
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, NSW, Australia
| | - J Barnwell
- Equine Veterinary Services, Hodgson Vale, QLD, Australia
| | - A Polkinghorne
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, NSW, Australia
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Rojas MDC, Fort M, Bettermann S, Entrocassi C, Costamagna SR, Sachse K, Rodríguez Fermepin M. [Detection of Chlamydia abortus in bovine reproductive losses in the province of La Pampa, Argentina]. Rev Argent Microbiol 2018; 50:269-274. [PMID: 29352599 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Revised: 08/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive losses linked to an infectious etiology in bovine cattle are a major economic concern worldwide. In Argentina, more than 50% of abortion cases have unknown causes. Species belonging to Chlamydiaceae family are frequent etiologic agents of abortion around the world; however, there is yet no information on their prevalence in Argentina. The objective of this work was to identify Chlamydia spp., and particularly C. abortus in reproductive losses from bovine cattle in La Pampa, Argentina. Real time PCR targeting Chlamydiaceae-specific DNA fragments was performed on 251 samples obtained from bovine abortions and stillborns, and ArrayTube was used for species identification on positive samples. Chlamydiaceae DNA was detected in 12 samples of aborted fetuses (4.78%), 83.33% (10/12) accounting for abortions and 16.66% (2/12) for stillborns. C. abortus was detected by ArrayTube in 5 cases (1.99% of all samples, and 41.67% of Chlamydiaceae positive samples). This study shows the first detection of Chlamydiaceae and C. abortus DNA on reproductive losses of bovine cattle in Argentina, and the described prevalence value (4.78%) should be taken as baseline value due to the type of samples analyzed. Detection of genetic material from Chlamydiaceae not matching any of the studied species could be due to intraspecies variants or local species not yet described. Further research on Chlamydia infections in bovine cattle in Argentina is imperative to describe their range, to analyze their economic and zoonotic implications and to make recommendations about prevention and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Del C Rojas
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Anguil, Anguil, La Pampa, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Fort
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Anguil, Anguil, La Pampa, Argentina
| | - Simone Bettermann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Alemania
| | - Carolina Entrocassi
- Cátedra de Microbiología Clínica, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sixto R Costamagna
- Cátedra de Parasitología Clínica, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Konrad Sachse
- Department RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Jena, Alemania
| | - Marcelo Rodríguez Fermepin
- Cátedra de Microbiología Clínica, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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43
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Heijne M, van der Goot JA, Fijten H, van der Giessen JW, Kuijt E, Maassen CBM, van Roon A, Wit B, Koets AP, Roest HIJ. A cross sectional study on Dutch layer farms to investigate the prevalence and potential risk factors for different Chlamydia species. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190774. [PMID: 29324884 PMCID: PMC5764275 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In poultry several Chlamydia species have been detected, but Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia gallinacea appear to be most prevalent and important. Chlamydia psittaci is a well-known zoonosis and is considered to be a pathogen of poultry. Chlamydia gallinacea has been described more recently. Its avian pathogenicity and zoonotic potential have to be further elucidated. Within the Netherlands no data were available on the presence of Chlamydia on poultry farms. As part of a surveillance programme for zoonotic pathogens in farm animals, we investigated pooled faecal samples from 151 randomly selected layer farms. On a voluntary base, 69 farmers, family members or farm workers from these 151 farms submitted a throat swab. All samples were tested with a generic 23S Chlamydiaceae PCR followed by a species specific PCR for C. avium, C. gallinacea and C. psittaci. C. avium and psittaci DNA was not detected at any of the farms. At 71 farms the positive result could be confirmed as C. gallinacea. Variables significantly associated with the presence of C. gallinacea in a final multivariable model were ‘age of hens,’ ‘use of bedding material’ and ‘the presence of horses.’ The presence of C. gallinacea was associated with neither clinical signs, varying from respiratory symptoms, nasal and ocular discharges to diarrhoea, nor with a higher mortality rate the day before the visit. All throat swabs from farmers, family members or farm workers tested negative for Chlamydia DNA, giving no further indication for possible bird-to-human (or human-to-bird) transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes Heijne
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Jeanet A van der Goot
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Helmi Fijten
- Department of Infection Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Joke W van der Giessen
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands.,Center for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Eric Kuijt
- Department of Infection Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Catharina B M Maassen
- Center for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Annika van Roon
- Center for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Ben Wit
- Consumer and Safety Division, Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ad P Koets
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands.,Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hendrik I J Roest
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
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Borel N, Polkinghorne A, Pospischil A. A Review on Chlamydial Diseases in Animals: Still a Challenge for Pathologists? Vet Pathol 2018; 55:374-390. [PMID: 29310550 DOI: 10.1177/0300985817751218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydiae have a worldwide distribution causing a wide range of diseases in human hosts, livestock, and companion animals as well as in wildlife and exotic species. Moreover, they can persist in their hosts as asymptomatic infections for extended periods of time. The introduction of molecular techniques has revolutionized the Chlamydia field by expanding the host range of known chlamydial species but also by discovering new species and even new families of bacteria in the broader order Chlamydiales. The wide range of hosts, diseases, and tissues affected by chlamydiae complicate the diagnosis such that standard diagnostic approaches for these bacteria are rare. Bacteria of the Chlamydiales order are small and their inclusions are difficult to detect by standard microscopy. With the exception of avian and ovine chlamydiosis, macroscopic and/or histologic changes might not be pathognomic or indicative for a chlamydial infection or even not present at all. Moreover, detection of chlamydial DNA in specimens in the absence of other methods or related pathological lesions questions the significance of such findings. The pathogenic potential of the majority of recently identified Chlamydia-related bacteria remains largely unknown and awaits investigation through experimental or natural infection models including histomorphological characterization of associated lesions. This review aims to summarize the historical background and the most important developments in the field of animal chlamydial research in the past 5 years with a special focus on pathology. It will summarize the current nomenclature, present critical thoughts about diagnostics, and give an update on chlamydial infections in domesticated animals such as livestock, companion animals and birds, as well as free-ranging and captive wild animals such as reptiles, fish, and marsupials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Borel
- 1 Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- 2 Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Andreas Pospischil
- 1 Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Jelocnik M, Islam MM, Madden D, Jenkins C, Branley J, Carver S, Polkinghorne A. Development and evaluation of rapid novel isothermal amplification assays for important veterinary pathogens: Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia pecorum. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3799. [PMID: 28929022 PMCID: PMC5592900 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia pecorum are important veterinary pathogens, with the former also being responsible for zoonoses, and the latter adversely affecting koala populations in Australia and livestock globally. The rapid detection of these organisms is still challenging, particularly at the point-of-care (POC). In the present study, we developed and evaluated rapid, sensitive and robust C. psittaci-specific and C. pecorum-specific Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assays for detection of these pathogens. Methods and Materials The LAMP assays, performed in a Genie III real-time fluorometer, targeted a 263 bp region of the C. psittaci-specific Cps_0607 gene or a 209 bp region of a C. pecorum-specific conserved gene CpecG_0573, and were evaluated using a range of samples previously screened using species-specific quantitative PCRs (qPCRs). Species-specificity for C. psittaci and C. pecorum LAMP targets was tested against DNA samples from related chlamydial species and a range of other bacteria. In order to evaluate pathogen detection in clinical samples, C. psittaci LAMP was evaluated using a total of 26 DNA extracts from clinical samples from equine and avian hosts, while for C. pecorum LAMP, we tested a total of 63 DNA extracts from clinical samples from koala, sheep and cattle hosts. A subset of 36 C. pecorum samples was also tested in a thermal cycler (instead of a real-time fluorometer) using newly developed LAMP and results were determined as an end point detection. We also evaluated rapid swab processing (without DNA extraction) to assess the robustness of these assays. Results Both LAMP assays were demonstrated to species-specific, highly reproducible and to be able to detect as little as 10 genome copy number/reaction, with a mean amplification time of 14 and 24 min for C. psittaci and C. pecorum, respectively. When testing clinical samples, the overall congruence between the newly developed LAMP assays and qPCR was 92.3% for C. psittaci (91.7% sensitivity and 92.9% specificity); and 84.1% for C. pecorum (90.6% sensitivity and 77.4% specificity). For a subset of 36 C. pecorum samples tested in a thermal cycler using newly developed LAMP, we observed 34/36 (94.4%) samples result being congruent between LAMP performed in fluorometer and in thermal cycler. Rapid swab processing method evaluated in this study also allows for chlamydial DNA detection using LAMP. Discussion In this study, we describe the development of novel, rapid and robust C. psittaci-specific and C. pecorum-specific LAMP assays that are able to detect these bacteria in clinical samples in either the laboratory or POC settings. With further development and a focus on the preparation of these assays at the POC, it is anticipated that both tests may fill an important niche in the repertoire of ancillary diagnostic tools available to clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Jelocnik
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia
| | - Md Mominul Islam
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia
| | - Danielle Madden
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cheryl Jenkins
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James Branley
- Nepean Hospital, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia
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Leonard CA, Schoborg RV, Borel N. Productive and Penicillin-Stressed Chlamydia pecorum Infection Induces Nuclear Factor Kappa B Activation and Interleukin-6 Secretion In Vitro. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:180. [PMID: 28553623 PMCID: PMC5425588 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) is an inflammatory transcription factor that plays an important role in the host immune response to infection. The potential for chlamydiae to activate NFκB has been an area of interest, however most work has focused on chlamydiae impacting human health. Given that inflammation characteristic of chlamydial infection may be associated with severe disease outcomes or contribute to poor overall fitness in farmed animals, we evaluated the ability of porcine chlamydiae to induce NFκB activation in vitro. C. pecorum infection induced both NFκB nuclear translocation and activation at 2 hours post infection (hpi), an effect strongly enhanced by suppression of host de novo protein synthesis. C. suis and C. trachomatis showed less capacity for NFκB activation compared to C. pecorum, suggesting a species-specific variation in NFκB activation. At 24 hpi, C. pecorum induced significant NFκB activation, an effect not abolished by penicillin (beta lactam)-induced chlamydial stress. C. pecorum-dependent secretion of interleukin 6 was also detected in the culture supernatant of infected cells at 24 hpi, and this effect, too, was unchanged by penicillin-induced chlamydial stress. Taken together, these results suggest that NFκB participates in the early inflammatory response to C. pecorum and that stressed chlamydiae can promote inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory A Leonard
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of ZurichZurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert V Schoborg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson City, TN, USA
| | - Nicole Borel
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of ZurichZurich, Switzerland
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Diseases Primarily Affecting the Reproductive System. Vet Med (Auckl) 2017. [PMCID: PMC7150237 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-5246-0.00018-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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48
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Jelocnik M, Polkinghorne A. Chlamydia pecorum: successful pathogen of koalas or Australian livestock? MICROBIOLOGY AUSTRALIA 2017. [DOI: 10.1071/ma17042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In Australia, the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia pecorum is best known as the notorious koala pathogen that causes debilitating ocular and urogenital tract disease. While globally published data suggests that this species is essentially ubiquitous in livestock, little is known about the epidemiology of livestock C. pecorum infections here in Australia. My research is focused on investigating the genetic diversity and transmission patterns of C. pecorum, and why it causes disease. Using our newly developed C. pecorum-specific molecular epidemiology typing scheme we provided the first epidemiological data on infections in sheep and cattle in Australia, identifying strains associated with a range of diseases in livestock, and uncovering an unexpected level of diversity for this pathogen. Most importantly, we observed that the same strain can infect koala and sheep, indicating on ongoing cross-host transmission and ‘spill-over' risks to wildlife. Further, by dissecting koala, sheep, cattle and pig C. pecorum strains genomes, we have also identified novel virulence-associated factors that could be explored as vaccine candidates for both livestock and koala infections.
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Experimental challenge of pregnant cattle with the putative abortifacient Waddlia chondrophila. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37150. [PMID: 27841350 PMCID: PMC5107887 DOI: 10.1038/srep37150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Waddlia chondrophila is a Gram-negative intracellular bacterial organism that is related to classical chlamydial species and has been implicated as a cause of abortion in cattle. Despite an increasing number of observational studies linking W. chondrophila infection to cattle abortion, little direct experimental evidence exists. Given this paucity of direct evidence the current study was carried out to investigate whether experimental challenge of pregnant cattle with W. chondrophila would result in infection and abortion. Nine pregnant Friesian-Holstein heifers received 2 × 108 inclusion forming units (IFU) W. chondrophila intravenously on day 105-110 of pregnancy, while four negative-control animals underwent mock challenge. Only one of the challenged animals showed pathogen-associated lesions, with the organism being detected in the diseased placenta. Importantly, the organism was re-isolated and its identity confirmed by whole genome sequencing, confirming Koch's third and fourth postulates. However, while infection of the placenta was observed, the experimental challenge in this study did not confirm the abortifacient potential of the organism.
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50
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Brown MA, Potroz MG, Teh SW, Cho NJ. Natural Products for the Treatment of Chlamydiaceae Infections. Microorganisms 2016; 4:E39. [PMID: 27754466 PMCID: PMC5192522 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms4040039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the global prevalence of Chlamydiae, exploring studies of diverse antichlamydial compounds is important in the development of effective treatment strategies and global infectious disease management. Chlamydiaceae is the most widely known bacterial family of the Chlamydiae order. Among the species in the family Chlamydiaceae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae cause common human diseases, while Chlamydia abortus, Chlamydia psittaci, and Chlamydia suis represent zoonotic threats or are endemic in human food sources. Although chlamydial infections are currently manageable in human populations, chlamydial infections in livestock are endemic and there is significant difficulty achieving effective treatment. To combat the spread of Chlamydiaceae in humans and other hosts, improved methods for treatment and prevention of infection are needed. There exist various studies exploring the potential of natural products for developing new antichlamydial treatment modalities. Polyphenolic compounds can inhibit chlamydial growth by membrane disruption, reestablishment of host cell apoptosis, or improving host immune system detection. Fatty acids, monoglycerides, and lipids can disrupt the cell membranes of infective chlamydial elementary bodies (EBs). Peptides can disrupt the cell membranes of chlamydial EBs, and transferrins can inhibit chlamydial EBs from attachment to and permeation through the membranes of host cells. Cellular metabolites and probiotic bacteria can inhibit chlamydial infection by modulating host immune responses and directly inhibiting chlamydial growth. Finally, early stage clinical trials indicate that polyherbal formulations can be effective in treating chlamydial infections. Herein, we review an important body of literature in the field of antichlamydial research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika A Brown
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore.
- Centre for Biomimetic Sensor Science, 50 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637553, Singapore.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Michael G Potroz
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore.
- Centre for Biomimetic Sensor Science, 50 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637553, Singapore.
| | - Seoh-Wei Teh
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore.
- Centre for Biomimetic Sensor Science, 50 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637553, Singapore.
| | - Nam-Joon Cho
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore.
- Centre for Biomimetic Sensor Science, 50 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637553, Singapore.
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