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Streptococcal Infections in Marine Mammals. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020350. [PMID: 33578962 PMCID: PMC7916692 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine mammals are sentinels for the marine ecosystem and threatened by numerous factors including infectious diseases. One of the most frequently isolated bacteria are beta-hemolytic streptococci. However, knowledge on ecology and epidemiology of streptococcal species in marine mammals is very limited. This review summarizes published reports on streptococcal species, which have been detected in marine mammals. Furthermore, we discuss streptococcal transmission between and adaptation to their marine mammalian hosts. We conclude that streptococci colonize and/or infect marine mammals very frequently, but in many cases, streptococci isolated from marine mammals have not been further identified. How these bacteria disseminate and adapt to their specific niches can only be speculated due to the lack of respective research. Considering the relevance of pathogenic streptococci for marine mammals as part of the marine ecosystem, it seems that they have been neglected and should receive scientific interest in the future.
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Leigh WJ, Zadoks RN, Jaglarz A, Costa JZ, Foster G, Thompson KD. Evaluation of PCR primers targeting the groEL gene for the specific detection of Streptococcus agalactiae in the context of aquaculture. J Appl Microbiol 2018; 125:666-674. [PMID: 29786935 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to design a set of primers for specific detection and identification of Streptococcus agalactiae in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that can detect a diverse range of S. agalactiae isolates from different hosts and that it is capable of discriminating between S. agalactiae and other species that are closely related or potentially present in aquaculture environments, notably Streptococcus iniae. METHODS AND RESULTS Primers, based on the groEL2 gene of S. agalactiae, were shown to be epidemiologically sensitive to 97 isolates of S. agalactiae, representing 11 clonal complexes derived from piscine, terrestrial and aquatic mammalian host species. The primers were tested with 10 S. iniae isolates and 22 other comparator species with no cross-reaction observed after optimization of reaction conditions. They have a high analytical sensitivity, detecting as few as 10 copies of S. agalactiae genomic DNA per reaction and are capable of detecting the target in DNA extracted from the brains of infected fish. CONCLUSIONS The primers proved suitable for the sensitive and specific detection of S. agalactiae from dairy-, human- and fish-related origins by PCR. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Due to the importance of S. agalactiae as a pathogen, many PCR primers have been published for this bacterium, designed largely for its detection in dairy and human samples, but many cross-reacting with S. iniae. The ability to differentiate between S. agalactiae and S. iniae in aquaculture derived samples is important as both infect fish, causing similar disease symptoms and are phenotypically similar, yet control strategies and zoonotic risk are species specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J Leigh
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, UK.,Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - R N Zadoks
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, UK.,Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - A Jaglarz
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, UK
| | - J Z Costa
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, UK
| | - G Foster
- SAC Consulting Veterinary Services, Drummond Hill, Stratherrick Road, Inverness, UK
| | - K D Thompson
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, UK
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van den Brand JMA, Wohlsein P, Herfst S, Bodewes R, Pfankuche VM, van de Bildt MWG, Seehusen F, Puff C, Richard M, Siebert U, Lehnert K, Bestebroer T, Lexmond P, Fouchier RAM, Prenger-Berninghoff E, Herbst W, Koopmans M, Osterhaus ADME, Kuiken T, Baumgärtner W. Influenza A (H10N7) Virus Causes Respiratory Tract Disease in Harbor Seals and Ferrets. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159625. [PMID: 27448168 PMCID: PMC4957826 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Avian influenza viruses sporadically cross the species barrier to mammals, including humans, in which they may cause epidemic disease. Recently such an epidemic occurred due to the emergence of avian influenza virus of the subtype H10N7 (Seal/H10N7) in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). This epidemic caused high mortality in seals along the north-west coast of Europe and represented a potential risk for human health. To characterize the spectrum of lesions and to identify the target cells and viral distribution, findings in 16 harbor seals spontaneously infected with Seal/H10N7 are described. The seals had respiratory tract inflammation extending from the nasal cavity to bronchi associated with intralesional virus antigen in respiratory epithelial cells. Virus infection was restricted to the respiratory tract. The fatal outcome of the viral infection in seals was most likely caused by secondary bacterial infections. To investigate the pathogenic potential of H10N7 infection for humans, we inoculated the seal virus intratracheally into six ferrets and performed pathological and virological analyses at 3 and 7 days post inoculation. These experimentally inoculated ferrets displayed mild clinical signs, virus excretion from the pharynx and respiratory tract inflammation extending from bronchi to alveoli that was associated with virus antigen expression exclusively in the respiratory epithelium. Virus was isolated only from the respiratory tract. In conclusion, Seal/H10N7 infection in naturally infected harbor seals and experimentally infected ferrets shows that respiratory epithelial cells are the permissive cells for viral replication. Fatal outcome in seals was caused by secondary bacterial pneumonia similar to that in fatal human cases during influenza pandemics. Productive infection of ferrets indicates that seal/H10N7 may possess a zoonotic potential. This outbreak of LPAI from wild birds to seals demonstrates the risk of such occasions for mammals and thus humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Wohlsein
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sander Herfst
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rogier Bodewes
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vanessa M. Pfankuche
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marco W. G. van de Bildt
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frauke Seehusen
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Puff
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mathilde Richard
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstraβe 6, D-25761, Büsum, Germany
| | - Kristina Lehnert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstraβe 6, D-25761, Büsum, Germany
| | - Theo Bestebroer
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pascal Lexmond
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ron A. M. Fouchier
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen Prenger-Berninghoff
- Institute for Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus-Liebig-University, Frankfurter Straβe 85-89, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Werner Herbst
- Institute for Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus-Liebig-University, Frankfurter Straβe 85-89, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Marion Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Albert D. M. E. Osterhaus
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thijs Kuiken
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- * E-mail: (TK); (WB)
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail: (TK); (WB)
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Velineni S, Timoney JF. Capsular hyaluronic acid of equine isolates ofStreptococcus zooepidemicusis upregulated at temperatures below 35°C. Equine Vet J 2014; 47:333-8. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Velineni
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center; University of Kentucky; Lexington USA
| | - J. F. Timoney
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center; University of Kentucky; Lexington USA
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Lin HX, Ma Z, Yang XQ, Fan HJ, Lu CP. A novel vaccine against Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) co-infection. Vet Microbiol 2014; 171:198-205. [PMID: 24726504 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2014.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Revised: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
To develop a vaccine against Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) co-infection, the genes of porcine IL-18, capsid protein (Cap) of PCV2 and M-like protein (SzP) of SEZ were inserted into the swinepox virus (SPV) genome by homologous recombination. The recombinant swinepox virus rSPV-ICS was verified by PCR and indirect immunofluorescence assays. To evaluate the immunogenicity of rSPV-ICS, 28 PCV2 and SEZ seronegative Bama minipigs were immunized with rSPV-ICS (n=8), commercial PCV2 vaccine and SEZ vaccine (n=8) or wild type SPV (n=8). The results showed that SzP-specific antibody and PCV2 neutralizing antibody of the rSPV-ICS immunized group increased significantly compared to the wild type SPV treated group after vaccination and increased continuously over time. The levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ in the rSPV-ICS immunized group were significantly higher than the other three groups, respectively. After been co-challenged with PCV2 and SEZ, 87.5% piglets in rSPV-ICS immunized group were survived. Significant reductions in gross lung lesion score, histopathological lung lesion score, and lymph node lesion score were noticed in the rSPV-ICS immunized group compared with the wtSPV treated group. The results suggested that the recombinant rSPV-ICS provided piglets with significant protection against PCV2-SEZ co-infection; thus, it offers proof-of-principle for the development of a vaccine for the prevention of these swine diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-xing Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhe Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu-qiu Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong-jie Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.
| | - Cheng-ping Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Pelkonen S, Lindahl SB, Suomala P, Karhukorpi J, Vuorinen S, Koivula I, Väisänen T, Pentikäinen J, Autio T, Tuuminen T. Transmission of Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus infection from horses to humans. Emerg Infect Dis 2014; 19:1041-8. [PMID: 23777752 PMCID: PMC3713971 DOI: 10.3201/eid1907.121365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) is a zoonotic pathogen for persons in contact with horses. In horses, S. zooepidemicus is an opportunistic pathogen, but human infections associated with S. zooepidemicus are often severe. Within 6 months in 2011, 3 unrelated cases of severe, disseminated S. zooepidemicus infection occurred in men working with horses in eastern Finland. To clarify the pathogen’s epidemiology, we describe the clinical features of the infection in 3 patients and compare the S. zooepidemicus isolates from the human cases with S. zooepidemicus isolates from horses. The isolates were analyzed by using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, multilocus sequence typing, and sequencing of the szP gene. Molecular typing methods showed that human and equine isolates were identical or closely related. These results emphasize that S. zooepidemicus transmitted from horses can lead to severe infections in humans. As leisure and professional equine sports continue to grow, this infection should be recognized as an emerging zoonosis.
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Abstract
Zoonotic infections caused by Streptococcus spp. have been neglected in spite of the fact that frequency and severity of outbreaks increased dramatically in recent years. This may be due to non-identification since respective species are often not considered in human medical diagnostic procedures. On the other hand, an expanding human population concomitant with an increasing demand for food and the increased number of companion animals favour conditions for host species adaptation of animal streptococci. This review aims to give an overview on streptococcal zoonoses with focus on epidemiology and pathogenicity of four major zoonotic species, Streptococcus canis, Streptococcus equi sub. zooepidemicus, Streptococcus iniae and Streptococcus suis.
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Höner OP, Wachter B, Goller KV, Hofer H, Runyoro V, Thierer D, Fyumagwa RD, Müller T, East ML. The impact of a pathogenic bacterium on a social carnivore population. J Anim Ecol 2012; 81:36-46. [PMID: 21631499 PMCID: PMC7194172 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2011.01873.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
1. The long-term ecological impact of pathogens on group-living, large mammal populations is largely unknown. We evaluated the impact of a pathogenic bacterium, Streptococcus equi ruminatorum, and other key ecological factors on the dynamics of the spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta population in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania. 2. We compared key demographic parameters during two years when external signs of bacterial infection were prevalent ('outbreak') and periods of five years before and after the outbreak when such signs were absent or rare. We also tested for density dependence and calculated the basic reproductive rate R(0) of the bacterium. 3. During the five pre-outbreak years, the mean annual hyena mortality rate was 0.088, and annual population growth was relatively high (13.6%). During the outbreak, mortality increased by 78% to a rate of 0.156, resulting in an annual population decline of 4.3%. After the outbreak, population size increased moderately (5.1%) during the first three post-outbreak years before resuming a growth similar to pre-outbreak levels (13.9%). We found no evidence that these demographic changes were driven by density dependence or other ecological factors. 4. Most hyenas showed signs of infection when prey abundance in their territory was low. During the outbreak, mortality increased among adult males and yearlings, but not among adult females - the socially dominant group members. These results suggest that infection and mortality were modulated by factors linked to low social status and poor nutrition. During the outbreak, we estimated R(0) for the bacterium to be 2.7, indicating relatively fast transmission. 5. Our results suggest that the short-term 'top-down' impact of S. equi ruminatorum during the outbreak was driven by 'bottom-up' effects on nutritionally disadvantaged age-sex classes, whereas the longer-term post-outbreak reduction in population growth was caused by poor survival of juveniles during the outbreak and subsequent poor recruitment of breeding females. These results suggest synergistic effects of 'bottom-up' and 'top-down' processes on host population dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver P Höner
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany.
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Lin HX, Huang DY, Wang Y, Lu CP, Fan HJ. A novel vaccine against Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus infections: the recombinant swinepox virus expressing M-like protein. Vaccine 2011; 29:7027-34. [PMID: 21807055 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.07.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Revised: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 07/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
To develop a safer, more immunogenic and efficacious vaccine against Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) infections, the gene of M-like protein (SzP) was placed under the strong vaccinia virus promoter P28 and then inserted into swinepox virus (SPV) genome. The recombinant swinepox virus (rSPV-szp) was isolated in a non-selective medium by the co-expression of Escherichia coli LacZ gene and verified by PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. To evaluate the immunogenicity of this rSPV-szp, ICR mice were immunized with the rSPV-szp, inactivated SEZ vaccine (positive control), wild type SPV (negative control), or PBS (challenge control). All mice were intraperitoneally challenged with 5 LD(50) of homogenous ATCC 35246 strain 14 days post-vaccination. The results showed that at least 70% mice in rSPV-szp-vaccinated group were protected against homogenous ATCC 35246 challenge, the survival rate was significantly higher compared with mice in the negative control group and the challenge control group (P<0.001). The antibody titers of the rSPV-szp-vaccinated group were significantly higher (P<0.05) than the other three groups. Passive immune protection assays showed that the hyperimmune sera against M-like protein could provide mice with complete protection against challenge of ATCC 35246. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed a marked increased in levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ mRNA in immunized mice. The results suggested that the recombinant rSPV-szp provided mice with significant protection from the SEZ infections. It is a promising candidate for the vaccine development against SEZ infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-xing Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Goller KV, Fyumagwa RD, Nikolin V, East ML, Kilewo M, Speck S, Müller T, Matzke M, Wibbelt G. Fatal canine distemper infection in a pack of African wild dogs in the Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania. Vet Microbiol 2010; 146:245-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2010.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2010] [Revised: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 05/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Hong-Jie F, Fu-yu T, Ying M, Cheng-ping L. Virulence and antigenicity of the szp-gene deleted Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus mutant in mice. Vaccine 2008; 27:56-61. [PMID: 18983882 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2008] [Revised: 10/03/2008] [Accepted: 10/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) causes serious disease in pigs. M-like protein (SzP) of SEZ is a virulence factor with opsonin function. To fabricate better vaccine against SEZ, We have generated a szp-knockout strain by homologous recombination. Two fragments, upstream and downstream of the szp gene, were obtained by genome walking. The vector was then used to delete a 1090 bp segment of szp gene from a strain of SEZ (ATCC35246). The mutant strain had 1000-fold decrease in LD50 as compared with wild type, and provided 85% protection against challenge with a virulent strain when administered as a live vaccine. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed a marked increased in levels of IL-4 and IFN-gamma mRNA in immunized mice. These data demonstrate that szp-knockout strain is a better candidate for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Hong-Jie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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Speck S, Höner OP, Wachter B, Fickel J. Characterization of Streptococcus equi subsp. ruminatorum isolated from spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) and plains zebras (Equus burchelli), and identification of a M-like protein (SrM) encoding gene. Vet Microbiol 2008; 128:148-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2007.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2007] [Revised: 09/18/2007] [Accepted: 09/26/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Akineden O, Alber J, Lämmler C, Weiss R, Siebert U, Foster G, Tougaard S, Brasseur SMJM, Reijnders PJH. Relatedness of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus strains isolated from harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) of various origins of the North Sea during 1988–2005. Vet Microbiol 2007; 121:158-62. [PMID: 17169506 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2006.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2006] [Revised: 11/09/2006] [Accepted: 11/20/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The present study was designed to identify 15 beta-hemolytic streptococci isolated during a period between 1988 and 2005 from nine harbour seals and six grey seals from various origins of the North Sea. All isolates were identified as Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus. The bacteria were additionally investigated for relatedness by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of PCR amplified 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer region and gene szp and by macrorestriction analysis of chromosomal DNA of the strains by pulsed field gel electrophoresis. The molecular analysis yielded identical or closely related patterns within the strains of the present study and with the S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus strains isolated from harbour seals of German North Sea which were investigated previously [Akineden, O., Hassan, A.A., Alber, J., El-Sayed, A., Estoepangestie, A.T.S., Lämmler, C., Weiss, R., Siebert, U., 2005. Phenotypic and genotypic properties of S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus isolated from harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from the German North Sea during the phocine distemper outbreak in 2002. Vet. Microbiol. 110, 147-152]. This indicates that this single or closely related bacterial clone existed during both phocine distemper virus epidemics in 1988 and 2002 and that a direct transmission of the strains has occurred between two seal species and between seal populations of far distant regions possibly with grey seals as a vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Akineden
- Institut für Tierärztliche Nahrungsmittelkunde, Professur für Milchwissenschaften, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Ludwigstr. 23, 35390 Giessen, Germany
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