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Alizadeh M, Shojadoost B, Boodhoo N, Raj S, Sharif S. Molecular and cellular characterization of immunity conferred by lactobacilli against necrotic enteritis in chickens. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1301980. [PMID: 38022592 PMCID: PMC10662302 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1301980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Necrotic enteritis is an important enteric disease of poultry that can be controlled with in-feed antibiotics. However, with the concerns over antimicrobial resistance, there is an increased interest in the use of alternatives. Probiotics are one of the alternatives that have gained considerable attention due to their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated the effects of two different Lactobacillus species alone or as a cocktail on prevention of necrotic enteritis. Day-old male broiler chickens were divided into five groups and on days 1, 8, 15, and 22, birds in groups 2 and 3 received 1×108 colony forming units (CFU) of L. johnsonii and L. reuteri, respectively. Group 4 received probiotic cocktails containing both bacteria (108 CFU/bird) and the negative and positive control groups did not receive any lactobacilli. Starting on day 23 post-hatch, birds in all groups (except the negative control group) were orally challenged twice per day with 3×108 CFU of a pathogenic C. perfringens strain for 3 days. Tissue and cecal samples were collected before and after challenge to assess gene expression, lymphocyte subsets determination, and microbiome analysis. On day 26 of age, lesion scoring was performed. The results demonstrated that the group that received the lactobacilli cocktail had significantly reduced lesion scores compared to the positive control group. In addition, the expression of interleukin (IL)-12 in the jejunum and CXC motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), IL-13, and IL-17 in the ileum were downregulated in the group that received the lactobacilli cocktail when compared to the positive control. Treating chickens with the lactobacilli cocktail prior to challenge enhanced the percentage of CD3-CD8+ cells and Bu-1+IgY+ B cells in the ileum and increased the frequency of monocyte/macrophages, CD3-CD8+ cells, Bu-1+IgM+, and Bu-1+IgY+ B cells in the jejunum. Treatment with the lactobacilli cocktail reduced the relative expression of Gamma-Protobacteria and Firmicutes compared to the positive control group. In conclusion, the results presented here suggest that treatment with the lactobacilli cocktail containing L. johnsonii and L. reuteri reduced necrotic enteritis lesions in the small intestine of chickens, possibly through the modulation of immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadali Alizadeh
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Nitish Boodhoo
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Sugandha Raj
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Shayan Sharif
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Hustá M, Tretiak S, Ducatelle R, Van Immerseel F, Goossens E. Clostridium perfringens strains proliferate to high counts in the broiler small intestinal tract, in accordance with necrotic lesion severity, and sporulate in the distal intestine. Vet Microbiol 2023; 280:109705. [PMID: 36822035 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium (C.) perfringens is the causative agent of necrotic enteritis (NE), an important enteric disease in poultry. Although a variety of virulence factors have been identified and as such the pathogenesis is well studied, data on colonization and sporulation during passage in the intestinal tract are scarce. This study, therefore, evaluated the behaviour of C. perfringens in the different intestinal compartments of broiler chickens during a NE trial. Necrotic enteritis-associated lesions were mostly found in the jejunum, where they were significantly more severe compared to the duodenum and ileum. Furthermore, a positive correlation between the total number of vegetative C. perfringens cells in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, or distal colon and disease severity was observed. Additionally, in the caecum and distal colon, C. perfringens was mainly present as a spore. This observation has important consequences for NE treatment and prevention, as both the vegetative cells and C. perfringens spores should be targeted to avoid uptake of spores from the litter and reinfection of the birds after antibiotic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Hustá
- Livestock Gut Health Team (LiGHT) Ghent, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Svitlana Tretiak
- Livestock Gut Health Team (LiGHT) Ghent, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Richard Ducatelle
- Livestock Gut Health Team (LiGHT) Ghent, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Immerseel
- Livestock Gut Health Team (LiGHT) Ghent, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Evy Goossens
- Livestock Gut Health Team (LiGHT) Ghent, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
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Phenotypical Identification and Toxinotyping of Clostridium perfringens Isolates from Healthy and Enteric Disease-Affected Chickens. Vet Med Int 2023; 2023:2584171. [PMID: 36818644 PMCID: PMC9931463 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2584171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is a ubiquitous spore-forming anaerobic pathogen that is frequently associated with enteric disease in chickens. Moreover, enterotoxin-producing C. perfringens has high zoonotic potential as well as serious public health concerns due to the emanation of food-borne intoxication. The present study was designed to isolate, identify, and toxinotype C. perfringens from both healthy and cases of necrotic or ulcerative enteritis chickens. A total of 110 samples were collected from July 2019 to February 2021. Among the samples, 38 (34.5%, 95% CI: 26.39-43.83) were positive for C. perfringens and were obtained from broiler 21 (33.3%, 95% CI: 22.91-45.67), Sonali 9 (34.6%, 95% CI: 19.31-53.88), and layer 8 (38%, 95% CI: 20.68-59.20). C. perfringens was highly prevalent (35.7%, 95% CI: 25.48-47.44) in enteritis chickens compared with healthy ones. In multiplex PCR toxinotyping, 34 (89.4%) isolates were identified as C. perfringens type A by the presence of the alpha toxin gene (cpa). Moreover, in addition to the cpa gene, 3 (14.3%, 95% CI: 4.14-35.48) broiler and 1 (11.1%, 95% CI: 0.01-45.67) Sonali isolates harbored the enterotoxin gene (cpe) and were classified as type F. However, none of the isolates carried genes encoding beta (cpb), epsilon (etx), iota (iap), or beta-2 (cpb2) toxins. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified the following variables such as; "previously used litter materials" (OR 21.77, 95% CI 2.22-212.66, p ≤ 0.008); intestinal lesions, "presence of ulceration" (OR 30.01, 95% CI 3.02-297.91, p ≤ 0.004); "ballooned with gas" (OR 24.74, 95% CI 4.34-140.86, p ≤ 0.001) and "use of probiotics" (OR 5.24, 95% CI 0.74-36.75, p ≤ 0.095) act as risk factors for C. perfringens colonization in chicken gut. This is the first study of molecular toxinotyping of C. perfringens from healthy and enteric-diseased chickens in Bangladesh, which might have a potential food-borne zoonotic impact on human health.
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Zafar Khan MU, Khalid S, Humza M, Yang S, Alvi MA, Munir T, Ahmad W, Iqbal MZ, Tahir MF, Liu Y, Zhang J. Infection Dynamics of Clostridium perfringens Fingerprinting in Buffalo and Cattle of Punjab Province, Pakistan. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:762449. [PMID: 35937290 PMCID: PMC9353052 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.762449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens produces core virulence factors that are responsible for causing hemorrhagic abomasitis and enterotoxemia making food, animals, and humans susceptible to its infection. In this study, C. perfringens was isolated from necropsied intestinal content of buffalo and cattle belonging to four major bovine-producing regions in the Punjab Province of Pakistan for the purpose offind out the genetic variation. Out of total 160 bovine samples (n: 160), thirty-three (n: 33) isolates of C. perfringens were obtained from buffalo (Bubales bubalis) and cattle (Bos indicus) that were further subjected to biochemical tests; 16S rRNA based identification and toxinotyping was done using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and PFGE (Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis) pulsotypesfor genetic diversity. Occurrence of C. perfringens was found to be maximum in zone-IV (Bhakkar and Dera Ghazi Khan) according to the heatmap. Correlation was found to be significant and positive among the toxinotypes (α-toxin, and ε-toxin). Response surface methodology (RSM) via central composite design (CCD) and Box-Behnken design (BBD) demonstrated substantial frequency of C. perfringens based toxinotypes in all sampling zones. PFGE distinguished all isolates into 26 different pulsotypes using SmaI subtyping. Co-clustering analysis based on PFGE further decoded a diversegenetic relationship among the collected isolates. This study could help us to advance toward disease array of C. perfringens and its probable transmission and control. This study demonstrates PFGE patterns from Pakistan, and typing of C. perfringens by PFGE helps illustrate and mitigate the incidence of running pulsotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umar Zafar Khan
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, China
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Shumaila Khalid
- Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Humza
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Shunli Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Mughees Aizaz Alvi
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Tahir Munir
- Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Waqar Ahmad
- The Equine Clinic, Al-Hashar Stables, Muscat, Oman
| | - Muhammad Zahid Iqbal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Yongsheng Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, China
- *Correspondence: Yongsheng Liu
| | - Jie Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, China
- Jie Zhang
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Abstract
Clostridium perfringens, a prevalent Gram-positive bacterium, causes necrotic diseases associated with abundant life loss and economic burdens of billions of USD. The mechanism of C. perfringens-induced necrotic diseases remains largely unknown, in part, because of the lack of effective animal models and the presence of a large array of exotoxins and diverse disease manifestations from the skin and deep tissues to the gastrointestinal tract. In the light of the advancement of medical and veterinary research, a large body of knowledge is accumulating on the factors influencing C. perfringens-induced necrotic disease onset, development, and outcomes. Here, we present an overview of the key virulence factors of C. perfringens exotoxins. Subsequently, we focus on comprehensively reviewing C. perfringens-induced necrotic diseases such as myonecrosis, acute watery diarrhea, enteritis necroticans, preterm infant necrotizing enterocolitis, and chicken necrotic enteritis. We then review the current understanding on the mechanisms of myonecrosis and enteritis in relation to the immune system and intestinal microbiome. Based on these discussions, we then review current preventions and treatments of the necrotic diseases and propose potential new intervention options. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated and comprehensive knowledge on the role of the host–microbe interaction to develop new interventions against C. perfringens-induced necrotic diseases.
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Clostridium perfringens Associated with Foodborne Infections of Animal Origins: Insights into Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance, Toxin Genes Profiles, and Toxinotypes. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040551. [PMID: 35453750 PMCID: PMC9028928 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Several food-poisoning outbreaks have been attributed to Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) worldwide. Despite that, this crisis was discussed in a few studies, and additional studies are urgently needed in this field. Therefore, we sought to highlight the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, toxin profiles, and toxinotypes of C. perfringens isolates. In this study, 50 C. perfringens isolates obtained from 450 different animal origin samples (beef, chicken meat, and raw milk) were identified by phenotypic and genotypic methods. The antimicrobial susceptibility results were surprising, as most of the isolates (74%) showed multidrug-resistant (MDR) patterns. The phenotypic resistance to tetracycline, lincomycin, enrofloxacin, cefoxitin/ampicillin, and erythromycin was confirmed by the PCR detections of tet, lnu, qnr, bla, and erm(B) genes, respectively. In contrast to the toxinotypes C and E, toxinotype A prevailed (54%) among our isolates. Additionally, we found that the genes for C. perfringens enterotoxin (cpe) and C. perfringens beta2 toxin (cpb2) were distributed among the tested isolates with high prevalence rates (70 and 64%, respectively). Our findings confirmed that the C. perfringens foodborne crisis has been worsened by the evolution of MDR strains, which became the prominent phenotypes. Furthermore, we were not able to obtain a fixed association between the toxinotypes and antimicrobial resistance patterns.
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NanI sialidase contributes to toxin expression and host cell binding of Clostridium perfringens type G strain CP56 in vitro. Vet Microbiol 2022; 266:109371. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Lee KW, Lillehoj HS. Role of Clostridium perfringens Necrotic Enteritis B-like Toxin in Disease Pathogenesis. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 10:vaccines10010061. [PMID: 35062722 PMCID: PMC8780507 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a devastating enteric disease caused by Clostridium perfringens type A/G that impacts the global poultry industry by compromising the performance, health, and welfare of chickens. Coccidiosis is a major contributing factor to NE. Although NE pathogenesis was believed to be facilitated by α-toxin, a chromosome-encoded phospholipase C enzyme, recent studies have indicated that NE B-like (NetB) toxin, a plasmid-encoded pore-forming heptameric protein, is the primary virulence factor. Since the discovery of NetB toxin, the occurrence of NetB+ C. perfringens strains has been increasingly reported in NE-afflicted poultry flocks globally. It is generally accepted that NetB toxin is the primary virulent factor in NE pathogenesis although scientific evidence is emerging that suggests other toxins contribute to NE. Because of the complex nature of the host-pathogen interaction in NE pathogenesis, the interaction of NetB with other potential virulent factors of C. perfringens needs better characterization. This short review will summarize the primary virulence factors involved in NE pathogenesis with an emphasis on NetB toxin, and a new detection method for large-scale field screening of NetB toxin in biological samples from NE-afflicted commercial broiler flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Woo Lee
- Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA;
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-450-0495
| | - Hyun S. Lillehoj
- Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA;
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Wijnen HJ, van der Pol CW, van Roovert-Reijrink IAM, De Smet J, Lammers A, Kemp B, van den Brand H, Molenaar R. Low Incubation Temperature During Late Incubation and Early Feeding Affect Broiler Resilience to Necrotic Enteritis in Later Life. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:784869. [PMID: 34970618 PMCID: PMC8713642 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.784869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Resilient animals can cope with environmental disturbances in life with minimal loss of function. Resilience can be enhanced by optimizing early-life conditions. In poultry, eggshell temperature (EST) during incubation and early feeding are two early-life conditions that are found to alter neonatal chick quality as well as immune response in later life. However, whether these early-life conditions affect disease resilience of chickens at later ages has never been studied yet. Hence, we studied the effects of EST [(37.8°C (control) or 36.7°C (lower)] during late incubation (≥embryonic days 17-19.5) and feeding strategy after hatch [immediately (early feeding) or 51-54 h delayed (delayed feeding)] on later-life broiler resilience in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. At hatch, 960 broilers of both sexes from a 54-week-old Ross breeder flock were equally divided over 32 pens (eight replicate pens per treatment combination) and grown for 6 weeks. Necrotic enteritis was induced by a single inoculation of Eimeria spp. at d 21 and repeated Clostridium perfringens inoculation (3×/d) during d 21-25. Mortality and body weight (BW) gain were measured daily during d 21-35 as indicators of resilience. Additionally, disease morbidity was assessed (gut lesions, dysbacteriosis, shedding of oocysts, footpad dermatitis, and natural antibody levels in blood). Results showed a lack of interaction between EST and feeding strategy for the vast majority of the variables. A lower EST resulted in lower BW gain at d 5 and 8 post Eimeria inoculation (P = 0.02) and more Eimeria maxima oocysts in feces at d 8 post Eimeria inoculation compared to control EST (P < 0.01). Early feeding tended to lower mortality compared to delayed feeding (P = 0.06), but BW gain was not affected by feeding strategy. Morbidity characteristics were hardly affected by EST or feeding strategy. In conclusion, a few indications were found that a lower EST during late incubation as well as delayed feeding after hatch may each impair later-life resilience to necrotic enteritis. However, these findings were not manifested consistently in all parameters that were measured, and conclusions are drawn with some restraint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrikus J. Wijnen
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Research Department, HatchTech B.V., Veenendaal, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Joren De Smet
- Clinical Research Organization, Poulpharm BVBA, Izegem, Belgium
| | - Aart Lammers
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Bas Kemp
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Henry van den Brand
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Roos Molenaar
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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Zhu Q, Sun P, Zhang B, Kong L, Xiao C, Song Z. Progress on Gut Health Maintenance and Antibiotic Alternatives in Broiler Chicken Production. Front Nutr 2021; 8:692839. [PMID: 34869510 PMCID: PMC8636040 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.692839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The perturbation of gut health is a common yet unresolved problem in broiler chicken production. Antibiotics used as growth promoters have remarkably improved the broiler production industry with high feed conversion efficiency and reduced intestinal problems. However, the misuse of antibiotics has also led to the increase in the development of antibiotic resistance and antibiotic residues in the meat. Many countries have enacted laws prohibiting the use of antibiotics in livestock production because of the increasing concerns from the consumers and the public. Consequently, one of the most significant discussions in the poultry industry is currently antibiotic-free livestock production. However, the biggest challenge in animal husbandry globally is the complete removal of antibiotics. The necessity to venture into antibiotic-free production has led researchers to look for alternatives to antibiotics in broiler chicken production. Many strategies can be used to replace the use of antibiotics in broiler farming. In recent years, many studies have been conducted to identify functional feed additives with similar beneficial effects as antibiotic growth promoters. Attention has been focused on prebiotics, probiotics, organic acids, emulsifiers, enzymes, essential oils, tributyrin, and medium-chain fatty acids. In this review, we focused on recent discoveries on gut health maintenance through the use of these functional feed additives as alternatives to antibiotics in the past 10 years to provide novel insights into the design of antibiotic-free feeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qidong Zhu
- Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of Nutrition Technology, Shandong Hekangyuan Cooperation, Jinan, China
| | - Bingkun Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - LingLian Kong
- Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
| | - Chuanpi Xiao
- Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
| | - Zhigang Song
- Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
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Hustá M, Ducatelle R, Van Immerseel F, Goossens E. A Rapid and Simple Assay Correlates In Vitro NetB Activity with Clostridium perfringens Pathogenicity in Chickens. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081708. [PMID: 34442787 PMCID: PMC8400579 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Necrotic enteritis is an important enteric disease in poultry, caused by NetB-producing Clostridium (C.) perfringens strains. As no straight-forward method to assess the NetB activity of C. perfringens was available, we aimed to develop an easy, high-throughput method to measure the NetB activity produced by C. perfringens. First, the appearance of C. perfringens on different avian blood agar plates was assessed. Based on the size of the haemolysis surrounding the C. perfringens colonies, NetB-positive strains could phenotypically be discriminated from NetB-negative strains on both chicken and duck blood agar. Additionally, strains producing the consensus NetB protein induced more pronounced haemolysis on chicken blood agar as compared to the weak outer haemolysis induced by A168T NetB-variant-producing C. perfringens strains. Next, a 96-well plate-based haemolysis assay to screen NetB activity in the C. perfringens culture supernatants was developed. Using this assay, a positive correlation between the in vitro NetB activity and virulence of the C. perfringens strains was shown. The developed activity assay allows us to screen novel C. perfringens isolates for their in vitro NetB activity, which could give valuable information on their disease-inducing potential, or identify molecules and (bacterial) metabolites that affect NetB expression and activity.
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Jenkins MC, Parker C, O'Brien C, Ritter D. Correlation Between Clostridium perfringens Alpha- and NetB-Toxin and Chick Mortality in Commercial Broiler Farms During Different Anticoccidial Control Programs. Avian Dis 2021; 64:401-406. [PMID: 33205177 DOI: 10.1637/aviandiseases-d-19-00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to determine whether a correlation existed between chick mortality and the presence of Clostridium perfringens alpha-toxin and NetB-toxin genes (cpa and netB) in C. perfringens recovered from litter in commercial broiler houses. Because coccidiosis predisposes chickens to necrotic enteritis, the concentration of Eimeria oocysts in these samples was measured, and the numbers were used in similar correlation analyses. Litter samples were collected at 0, 2, and 4 wk growout from six broiler farms (18 houses total) during an anticoccidial drug (ACD) control program and from nine broiler farms (23 houses total) during an Eimeria vaccine (VAC) control program. Of these, litter samples were collected from five farms during both ACD and VAC programs. The litter samples were processed for Eimeria oocyst and C. perfringens spore enumerations by standard parasitologic and microbiologic techniques. DNA was also extracted for C. perfringens DNA for PCR detection of genes coding for alpha- and NetB-toxin. A general trend during the ACD programs was a transient decrease in both Eimeria maxima and non-E. maxima (Eamipt) numbers at 2 wk growout. The pattern was slightly different during VAC with E. maxima and Eamipt levels increasing over time. Average concentrations of C. perfringens in litter were highest at 2 wk (∼105-106 spores/g) during ACD and at placement during VAC (∼105-106 spores/g). During the ACD program, a strong correlation was observed between 0 and 3-wk chick mortality and the presence at placement (0 wk) of netB (r = 0.42-0.48) or cpa (r = 0.55-0.67). A very strong correlation was observed in 0-5-wk chick mortality and the presence of netB at 4 wk growout (0.73-0.95). During a VAC program, a strong correlation was only observed between the presence of netB at placement and 0-1-wk chick mortality (r = 0.67).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C Jenkins
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705
| | - Carolyn Parker
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705
| | - Celia O'Brien
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705
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Van Damme L, Cox N, Callens C, Dargatz M, Flügel M, Hark S, Thiemann F, Pelzer S, Haesebrouck F, Ducatelle R, Van Immerseel F, Goossens E. Protein Truncating Variants of colA in Clostridium perfringens Type G Strains. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:645248. [PMID: 33996628 PMCID: PMC8117337 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.645248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) degrading enzymes produced by Clostridium perfringens may play an important role during the initial phases of avian necrotic enteritis by facilitating toxin entry in the intestinal mucosa and destruction of the tissue. C. perfringens is known to produce several ECM-degrading proteases, such as kappa toxin, an extracellular collagenase that is encoded by the colA gene. In this study, the colA gene sequence of a collection of 48 C. perfringens strains, including pathogenic (i.e. toxinotype G) and commensal (i.e. toxinotype A) chicken derived strains and strains originating from other host species, was analyzed. Although the colA gene showed a high level of conservation (>96% nucleotide sequence identity), several gene variants carrying different nonsense mutations in the colA gene were identified, leading to the definition of four truncated collagenase variant types (I-IV). Collagenase variant types I, III and IV have a (nearly) complete collagenase unit but lack parts of the C-terminal recruitment domains, whereas collagenase variant types II misses the N-terminal part of collagenase unit. Gene fragments encoding a truncated collagenase were mainly linked with necrotic enteritis associated C. perfringens type G strains with collagenase variant types I and II being the most prevalent types. Gelatin zymography revealed that both recombinant full-length and variant type I collagenase have active auto-cleavage products. Moreover, both recombinant fragments were capable of degrading type I as well as type IV collagen, although variant type I collagenase showed a higher relative activity against collagen type IV as compared to full-length collagenase. Consequently, these smaller truncated collagenases might be able to break down collagen type IV in the epithelial basement membrane of the intestinal villi and so contribute to the initiation of the pathological process leading to necrotic enteritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lore Van Damme
- Livestock Gut Health Team Ghent, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Natasja Cox
- Livestock Gut Health Team Ghent, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Chana Callens
- Livestock Gut Health Team Ghent, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Michelle Dargatz
- Evonik Operations GmbH, Division Nutrition & Care - Animal Nutrition, Westfalen, Germany
| | - Monika Flügel
- Evonik Operations GmbH, Division Nutrition & Care - Animal Nutrition, Westfalen, Germany
| | - Sarah Hark
- Evonik Operations GmbH, Division Nutrition & Care - Animal Nutrition, Westfalen, Germany
| | - Frank Thiemann
- Evonik Operations GmbH, Division Nutrition & Care - Animal Nutrition, Westfalen, Germany
| | - Stefan Pelzer
- Evonik Operations GmbH, Division Nutrition & Care - Animal Nutrition, Westfalen, Germany
| | - Freddy Haesebrouck
- Livestock Gut Health Team Ghent, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Richard Ducatelle
- Livestock Gut Health Team Ghent, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Immerseel
- Livestock Gut Health Team Ghent, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Evy Goossens
- Livestock Gut Health Team Ghent, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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14
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The Multifunctional Sactipeptide Ruminococcin C1 Displays Potent Antibacterial Activity In Vivo as Well as Other Beneficial Properties for Human Health. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063253. [PMID: 33806791 PMCID: PMC8005207 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The world is on the verge of a major antibiotic crisis as the emergence of resistant bacteria is increasing, and very few novel molecules have been discovered since the 1960s. In this context, scientists have been exploring alternatives to conventional antibiotics, such as ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). Interestingly, the highly potent in vitro antibacterial activity and safety of ruminococcin C1, a recently discovered RiPP belonging to the sactipeptide subclass, has been demonstrated. The present results show that ruminococcin C1 is efficient at curing infection and at protecting challenged mice from Clostridium perfringens with a lower dose than the conventional antibiotic vancomycin. Moreover, antimicrobial peptide (AMP) is also effective against this pathogen in the complex microbial community of the gut environment, with a selective impact on a few bacterial genera, while maintaining a global homeostasis of the microbiome. In addition, ruminococcin C1 exhibits other biological activities that could be beneficial for human health, as well as other fields of applications. Overall, this study, by using an in vivo infection approach, confirms the antimicrobial clinical potential and highlights the multiple functional properties of ruminococcin C1, thus extending its therapeutic interest.
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15
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Fancher CA, Zhang L, Kiess AS, Adhikari PA, Dinh TT, Sukumaran AT. Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens: Challenges in No Antibiotics Ever Broiler Production and Potential Solutions. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1533. [PMID: 33036173 PMCID: PMC7599686 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8101533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
United States is the largest producer and the second largest exporter of broiler meat in the world. In the US, broiler production is largely converting to antibiotic-free programs which has caused an increase in morbidity and mortality within broiler farms. Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens are two important pathogenic bacteria readily found in the broiler environment and result in annual billion-dollar losses from colibacillosis, gangrenous dermatitis, and necrotic enteritis. The broiler industry is in search of non-antibiotic alternatives including novel vaccines, prebiotics, probiotics, and housing management strategies to mitigate production losses due to these diseases. This review provides an overview of the broiler industry and antibiotic free production, current challenges, and emerging research on antibiotic alternatives to reduce pathogenic microbial presence and improve bird health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A. Fancher
- Department of Poultry Science, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA; (C.A.F.); (L.Z.); (A.S.K.); (P.A.A.)
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Poultry Science, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA; (C.A.F.); (L.Z.); (A.S.K.); (P.A.A.)
| | - Aaron S. Kiess
- Department of Poultry Science, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA; (C.A.F.); (L.Z.); (A.S.K.); (P.A.A.)
| | - Pratima A. Adhikari
- Department of Poultry Science, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA; (C.A.F.); (L.Z.); (A.S.K.); (P.A.A.)
| | - Thu T.N. Dinh
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA;
| | - Anuraj T. Sukumaran
- Department of Poultry Science, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA; (C.A.F.); (L.Z.); (A.S.K.); (P.A.A.)
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16
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Granstad S, Itani K, Benestad SL, Øines Ø, Svihus B, Kaldhusdal M. Varying starch to fat ratios in pelleted diets: II. Effects on intestinal histomorphometry, Clostridium perfringens and short-chain fatty acids in Eimeria-challenged broiler chickens. Br Poult Sci 2020; 62:92-100. [PMID: 32799668 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2020.1810630] [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: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
1. The hypothesis behind the study was that a high dietary starch level (HS) would lead to impaired gut health compared to a low-starch diet (LS) in Eimeria-challenged broilers. The effects of two diets with different starch to fat ratios on intestinal histomorphometry, Clostridium perfringens counts and toxin profile, necrotic enteritis prevalence and abundance of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were examined. 2. A total of 1,920 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were fed one of two isocaloric diets formulated either with high (32:1) or low (2:1) starch to fat ratios from d 10 to 29 of age. Each treatment group had 12 pen replicates containing 80 broilers each. On d 17, the chickens were challenged with Eimeria vaccine strains. Samples were collected on d 16, 21-23 and 29. 3. Whereas villus length increased gradually throughout the study in the HS group, a peak level was reached on d 21-23 in the LS group. On d 29, the HS group had significantly longer villi than the LS group. 4. Caecal SCFA concentrations were higher in the HS group compared to the LS group on d 16. In both groups, the SCFA level peaked on d 21-23, with the most pronounced increase seen in the LS group. 5. The C. perfringens netB:cpa ratio increased from d 16 to 29 in the HS group. C. perfringens counts and necrotic enteritis prevalence were similar between the two groups. 6. Diet affected the dynamics of small intestinal villus length and caecal SCFA abundance. These findings suggest that structural remodelling of the small intestine is an adaptation to different dietary starch levels, and that caecal SCFA abundance is associated with the availability of substrate for the microbiota in the posterior intestinal segments. Chickens adapted to higher levels of dietary starch might be more robust against Eimeria infections due to increased mucosal surface area. Studies with other dietary starch sources are required to clarify the impact of dietary starch levels on intestinal health in Eimeria-challenged broilers.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Granstad
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute , Oslo, Norway
| | - K Itani
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences , Ås, Norway
| | | | - Ø Øines
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute , Oslo, Norway
| | - B Svihus
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences , Ås, Norway
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17
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Roblin C, Chiumento S, Bornet O, Nouailler M, Müller CS, Jeannot K, Basset C, Kieffer-Jaquinod S, Couté Y, Torelli S, Le Pape L, Schünemann V, Olleik H, De La Villeon B, Sockeel P, Di Pasquale E, Nicoletti C, Vidal N, Poljak L, Iranzo O, Giardina T, Fons M, Devillard E, Polard P, Maresca M, Perrier J, Atta M, Guerlesquin F, Lafond M, Duarte V. The unusual structure of Ruminococcin C1 antimicrobial peptide confers clinical properties. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:19168-19177. [PMID: 32719135 PMCID: PMC7431081 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2004045117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of superbugs developing resistance to antibiotics and the resurgence of microbial infections have led scientists to start an antimicrobial arms race. In this context, we have previously identified an active RiPP, the Ruminococcin C1, naturally produced by Ruminococcus gnavus E1, a symbiont of the healthy human intestinal microbiota. This RiPP, subclassified as a sactipeptide, requires the host digestive system to become active against pathogenic Clostridia and multidrug-resistant strains. Here we report its unique compact structure on the basis of four intramolecular thioether bridges with reversed stereochemistry introduced posttranslationally by a specific radical-SAM sactisynthase. This structure confers to the Ruminococcin C1 important clinical properties including stability to digestive conditions and physicochemical treatments, a higher affinity for bacteria than simulated intestinal epithelium, a valuable activity at therapeutic doses on a range of clinical pathogens, mediated by energy resources disruption, and finally safety for human gut tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse Roblin
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, Institut des Sciences Moléculaires de Marseille (iSm2), 13013 Marseille, France
- ADISSEO France SAS, Centre d'Expertise et de Recherche en Nutrition, 03600 Commentry, France
| | - Steve Chiumento
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA), Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire de Grenoble (IRIG), Chimie et Biologie des Métaux (CBM), CNRS UMR 5249, 38054 Grenoble, France
| | - Olivier Bornet
- NMR Platform, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13009 Marseille, France;
| | - Matthieu Nouailler
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, UMR 7255, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Christina S Müller
- Fachbereich Physik, Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Katy Jeannot
- Centre National de Référence de la Résistance aux Antibiotiques, Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Besançon, 25030 Besançon, France
- UMR 6249 Chrono-Environnement, Unité de Formation et de Recherche (UFR) Santé, Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Christian Basset
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA), Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire de Grenoble (IRIG), Chimie et Biologie des Métaux (CBM), CNRS UMR 5249, 38054 Grenoble, France
| | - Sylvie Kieffer-Jaquinod
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, INSERM, IRIG, Biologie à Grande Echelle (BGE), 38054 Grenoble, France
| | - Yohann Couté
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, INSERM, IRIG, Biologie à Grande Echelle (BGE), 38054 Grenoble, France
| | - Stéphane Torelli
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA), Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire de Grenoble (IRIG), Chimie et Biologie des Métaux (CBM), CNRS UMR 5249, 38054 Grenoble, France
| | - Laurent Le Pape
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA), Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire de Grenoble (IRIG), Chimie et Biologie des Métaux (CBM), CNRS UMR 5249, 38054 Grenoble, France
| | - Volker Schünemann
- Fachbereich Physik, Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Hamza Olleik
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, Institut des Sciences Moléculaires de Marseille (iSm2), 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Bruno De La Villeon
- Department of Digestive, Endocrine and Metabolic Surgery, Hôpital Laveran, Military Health Service, 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Sockeel
- Department of Digestive, Endocrine and Metabolic Surgery, Hôpital Laveran, Military Health Service, 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Eric Di Pasquale
- Institut de NeuroPhysioPathologie, Faculté de Médecine, Aix Marseille Université, 13397 Marseille, France
| | - Cendrine Nicoletti
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, Institut des Sciences Moléculaires de Marseille (iSm2), 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Vidal
- Yelen Analytics, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire, Aix-Marseille Université, 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Leonora Poljak
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Génétique Moléculaires, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier (UPS), 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Olga Iranzo
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, Institut des Sciences Moléculaires de Marseille (iSm2), 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Thierry Giardina
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, Institut des Sciences Moléculaires de Marseille (iSm2), 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Michel Fons
- Laboratoire de Bioénergétique et Ingénierie des Protéines, UMR 7281, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Estelle Devillard
- ADISSEO France SAS, Centre d'Expertise et de Recherche en Nutrition, 03600 Commentry, France
| | - Patrice Polard
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Génétique Moléculaires, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier (UPS), 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Marc Maresca
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, Institut des Sciences Moléculaires de Marseille (iSm2), 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Josette Perrier
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, Institut des Sciences Moléculaires de Marseille (iSm2), 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Mohamed Atta
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA), Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire de Grenoble (IRIG), Chimie et Biologie des Métaux (CBM), CNRS UMR 5249, 38054 Grenoble, France
| | - Françoise Guerlesquin
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, UMR 7255, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Mickael Lafond
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, Institut des Sciences Moléculaires de Marseille (iSm2), 13013 Marseille, France;
| | - Victor Duarte
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA), Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire de Grenoble (IRIG), Chimie et Biologie des Métaux (CBM), CNRS UMR 5249, 38054 Grenoble, France;
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18
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Vieco-Saiz N, Belguesmia Y, Vachée A, Le Maréchal C, Salvat G, Drider D. Antibiotic resistance, genome analysis and further safe traits of Clostridium perfringens ICVB082; a strain capable of producing an inhibitory compound directed only against a closely related pathogenic strain. Anaerobe 2020; 62:102177. [PMID: 32097777 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2020.102177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Eleven strains of clostridia were isolated from chickens suffering from necrotic enteritis (NE) disease, and were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing as C. perfringens (Clin1, ICVB079, ICVB080, ICVB081, ICVB082, ICVB083, ICVB085, ICVB088, ICVB089, ICVB090), C. sporogenes (ICVB086) and C. cadaveris (ICVB087). These novel strains were then characterized for their pathoproperties including their sensitivity to different antibiotics, hemolytic activities and abilities to carry netB gene, which encodes the necrotic enteritis B-Like toxin (NetB); a key virulence factor involved in the NE. Whilst, no antibiotic resistance was detected for all these strains, C. perfringens ICVB081 and C. perfringens Clin1 have β-hemolytic activities and carry DNA coding for the netB gene. Remarkably, cross-resistant assays performed between these Clostridium strains underpinned the capability of C. perfringens ICVB082 to inhibit the pathogenic C. perfringens DSM756, used as reference strain. This inhibition was exerted through production of an extracellular compound, which was sensitive to heat treatment, lipase and active at pH values ranging from 4 to 7. This report deals with the isolation of novel Clostridium strains from chicken origin and underlines the safety and inhibitory capability of C. perfringens ICVB082 through an extracellular metabolite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Vieco-Saiz
- Université Lille, INRA, ISA, Université d'Artois, Université Littoral Côte d'Opale, EA 7394-ICV Institut Charles Viollette, F-59000, Lille, France.
| | - Yanath Belguesmia
- Université Lille, INRA, ISA, Université d'Artois, Université Littoral Côte d'Opale, EA 7394-ICV Institut Charles Viollette, F-59000, Lille, France.
| | - Anne Vachée
- Laboratoire de Biologie, Centre Hospitalier de Roubaix, Boulevard Lacordaire, 59100, Roubaix, France.
| | | | - Gilles Salvat
- ANSES, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94701, Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France.
| | - Djamel Drider
- Université Lille, INRA, ISA, Université d'Artois, Université Littoral Côte d'Opale, EA 7394-ICV Institut Charles Viollette, F-59000, Lille, France.
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19
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Wade B, Keyburn AL, Haring V, Ford M, Rood JI, Moore RJ. Two putative zinc metalloproteases contribute to the virulence of Clostridium perfringens strains that cause avian necrotic enteritis. J Vet Diagn Invest 2020; 32:259-267. [PMID: 31924132 DOI: 10.1177/1040638719898689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Two putative zinc metalloproteases encoded by Clostridium perfringens have been implicated in the pathogenesis of necrotic enteritis, an economically significant poultry disease that is caused by this anaerobic bacterium. These proteases have ~64% amino acid identity and are encoded by the zmpA and zmpB genes. We screened 83 C. perfringens isolates by PCR for the presence of these genes. The first gene, zmpB, is chromosomally located and was present in all screened strains of C. perfringens, regardless of their origin and virulence. The second gene, zmpA, is plasmid-borne and was only found in isolates derived from chickens with necrotic enteritis. We describe the generation of insertionally inactivated mutants of both zmpA and zmpB in a virulent C. perfringens isolate. For each mutant, a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in virulence was observed in a chicken necrotic enteritis disease model. Examples of each mutant strain were characterized by whole genome sequencing, which showed that there were a few off-site mutations with the potential to affect the virulence of these strains. To confirm the importance of these genes, independently derived zmpA and zmpB mutants were constructed in different virulent C. perfringens isolates and shown to have reduced virulence in the experimental disease induction model. A zmpA-zmpB double mutant also was generated and shown to have significantly reduced virulence, to the same extent as the respective single mutants. Our results provide evidence that both putative zinc metalloproteases play an important role in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Wade
- CSIRO Biosecurity Flagship, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia (Wade, Keyburn, Haring, Ford, Moore).,Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (Wade, Keyburn, Rood, Moore).,Poultry Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia (Keyburn, Rood, Moore); School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia (Moore)
| | - Anthony L Keyburn
- CSIRO Biosecurity Flagship, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia (Wade, Keyburn, Haring, Ford, Moore).,Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (Wade, Keyburn, Rood, Moore).,Poultry Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia (Keyburn, Rood, Moore); School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia (Moore)
| | - Volker Haring
- CSIRO Biosecurity Flagship, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia (Wade, Keyburn, Haring, Ford, Moore).,Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (Wade, Keyburn, Rood, Moore).,Poultry Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia (Keyburn, Rood, Moore); School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia (Moore)
| | - Mark Ford
- CSIRO Biosecurity Flagship, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia (Wade, Keyburn, Haring, Ford, Moore).,Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (Wade, Keyburn, Rood, Moore).,Poultry Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia (Keyburn, Rood, Moore); School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia (Moore)
| | - Julian I Rood
- CSIRO Biosecurity Flagship, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia (Wade, Keyburn, Haring, Ford, Moore).,Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (Wade, Keyburn, Rood, Moore).,Poultry Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia (Keyburn, Rood, Moore); School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia (Moore)
| | - Robert J Moore
- CSIRO Biosecurity Flagship, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia (Wade, Keyburn, Haring, Ford, Moore).,Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (Wade, Keyburn, Rood, Moore).,Poultry Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia (Keyburn, Rood, Moore); School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia (Moore)
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20
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Sánchez Chica J, Correa MM, Aceves-Diez AE, Rasschaert G, Heyndrickx M, Castañeda-Sandoval LM. Genomic and Toxigenic Heterogeneity of Bacillus cereus sensu lato Isolated from Ready-to-Eat Foods and Powdered Milk in Day Care Centers in Colombia. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2019; 17:340-347. [PMID: 31738585 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2019.2709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus cereus sensu lato (s.l.) is a group of bacteria commonly found in diverse environments, including foods, with potential to cause emesis and diarrhea. In Colombia, it is one of the main foodborne pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine the genomic and toxigenic heterogeneity of B. cereus s.l. isolated from ready-to-eat foods and powdered milk collected in day care centers of Medellin, Colombia. Of 112 B. cereus s.l. isolates obtained, 94% were β-hemolytic. Toxigenic heterogeneity was established by the presence of nheABC, hblCDAB, cytK2, entFM, and cesB toxigenic genes. The nheABC operon and entFM gene were most frequently detected in the isolates, whereas the cesB gene was not found. According to the toxin genes content, nine toxigenic profiles were identified. A 44% of isolates had profiles with all genes for nonhemolytic enterotoxin, hemolysin BL, and enterotoxin FM production (profiles II and IV). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis indicated a high genomic heterogeneity among the B. cereus s.l., with 68 isolates grouping into 16 clusters and 33 placed separately in the dendrogram. This study provides useful information on the safety of ready-to-eat foods and powdered milk in day care centers where children, a susceptible population, are exposed and it should incentive for more studies to understand the distribution of different toxin-encoding genes among B. cereus s.l. isolates, enabling detailed risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Sánchez Chica
- Grupo de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Margarita M Correa
- Grupo de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Angel E Aceves-Diez
- Laboratorios Minkab, Departamento de Investigación y Desarrollo, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Geertrui Rasschaert
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Technology and Food Science Unit, Melle, Belgium
| | - Marc Heyndrickx
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Technology and Food Science Unit, Melle, Belgium.,Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Profeta F, Di Francesco CE, Di Provvido A, Scacchia M, Alessiani A, Di Giannatale E, Marruchella G, Orsini M, Toscani T, Marsilio F. Prevalence of netB-positive Clostridium perfringens in Italian poultry flocks by environmental sampling. J Vet Diagn Invest 2019; 32:252-258. [PMID: 31650911 DOI: 10.1177/1040638719885841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens type G is one of the pathogens involved in enteric diseases in poultry. NetB, a pore-forming toxin, is considered the main virulence factor responsible for necrotic enteritis during C. perfringens infection. We carried out a field study involving 14 farms to evaluate the occurrence of netB-positive C. perfringens and the impact of infection in Italian poultry flocks. Environmental samples (n = 117) and 50 carcasses were screened by microbiologic and molecular methods. Microbiologic investigations yielded 82 C. perfringens isolates. DNA was extracted from all samples and screened for α-toxin and NetB encoding genes by real-time PCR. The C. perfringens α-toxin gene was detected in 151 of 167 extracts (90.4%), and 31 of 151 (20.5%) were netB gene positive also. Sixteen isolates from a turkey flock with mild enteric disorders were also netB positive, demonstrating their occurrence not only in broiler but also in turkey flocks. A pulsed-field gel electrophoresis protocol was optimized to evaluate the diversity among isolates and revealed high genetic heterogeneity. The complete NetB toxin-coding gene of 2 C. perfringens isolates from turkey and broiler flocks were analyzed and showed very high relatedness with analogous sequences worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Profeta
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Profeta, Di Francesco, Marruchella, Marsilio).,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy (Di Provvido, Scacchia, Alessiani, Di Giannatale, Orsini).,Agricultural Social Cooperative "Gesco", Castellalto, Teramo, Italy (Toscani)
| | - Cristina E Di Francesco
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Profeta, Di Francesco, Marruchella, Marsilio).,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy (Di Provvido, Scacchia, Alessiani, Di Giannatale, Orsini).,Agricultural Social Cooperative "Gesco", Castellalto, Teramo, Italy (Toscani)
| | - Andrea Di Provvido
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Profeta, Di Francesco, Marruchella, Marsilio).,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy (Di Provvido, Scacchia, Alessiani, Di Giannatale, Orsini).,Agricultural Social Cooperative "Gesco", Castellalto, Teramo, Italy (Toscani)
| | - Massimo Scacchia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Profeta, Di Francesco, Marruchella, Marsilio).,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy (Di Provvido, Scacchia, Alessiani, Di Giannatale, Orsini).,Agricultural Social Cooperative "Gesco", Castellalto, Teramo, Italy (Toscani)
| | - Alessandra Alessiani
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Profeta, Di Francesco, Marruchella, Marsilio).,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy (Di Provvido, Scacchia, Alessiani, Di Giannatale, Orsini).,Agricultural Social Cooperative "Gesco", Castellalto, Teramo, Italy (Toscani)
| | - Elisabetta Di Giannatale
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Profeta, Di Francesco, Marruchella, Marsilio).,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy (Di Provvido, Scacchia, Alessiani, Di Giannatale, Orsini).,Agricultural Social Cooperative "Gesco", Castellalto, Teramo, Italy (Toscani)
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Profeta, Di Francesco, Marruchella, Marsilio).,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy (Di Provvido, Scacchia, Alessiani, Di Giannatale, Orsini).,Agricultural Social Cooperative "Gesco", Castellalto, Teramo, Italy (Toscani)
| | - Massimiliano Orsini
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Profeta, Di Francesco, Marruchella, Marsilio).,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy (Di Provvido, Scacchia, Alessiani, Di Giannatale, Orsini).,Agricultural Social Cooperative "Gesco", Castellalto, Teramo, Italy (Toscani)
| | - Tonino Toscani
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Profeta, Di Francesco, Marruchella, Marsilio).,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy (Di Provvido, Scacchia, Alessiani, Di Giannatale, Orsini).,Agricultural Social Cooperative "Gesco", Castellalto, Teramo, Italy (Toscani)
| | - Fulvio Marsilio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Profeta, Di Francesco, Marruchella, Marsilio).,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy (Di Provvido, Scacchia, Alessiani, Di Giannatale, Orsini).,Agricultural Social Cooperative "Gesco", Castellalto, Teramo, Italy (Toscani)
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Sub-clinical necrotic enteritis: its aetiology and predisposing factors in commercial broiler production. WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2019. [DOI: 10.1017/s0043933914000865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Praveen Kumar N, Vinod Kumar N, Karthik A. Molecular detection and characterization of Clostridium perfringens toxin genes causing necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens. Trop Anim Health Prod 2019; 51:1559-1569. [PMID: 31076994 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-019-01847-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A total of 464 samples comprising of cloacal swabs from necrotic enteritis suspected live birds (191), intestinal scrapings from dead birds with symptoms of necrotic enteritis (91), and apparently healthy birds (182) were collected from selected districts of AP. The samples were subjected to multiplex PCR for simultaneous detection of α, β, and β2 toxin genes and uniplex PCR for the detection of NetB gene. Multiplex PCR screening of samples reveled α toxin gene positives from (cpa) 248/282 (87.94%) necrotic enteritis suspected and 40/182 (21.97%) apparently healthy samples. Among cpa positives 142/248 (57.25%) and 3/40 (7.5%) were positive for β2 toxin gene in necrotic enteritis suspected and apparently healthy birds respectively, indicating the involvement of C. perfringens type A, with minor pore forming toxin gene cpb2 in causing necrotic enteritis in poultry. None of the sample was positive for β toxin gene. The present research indicates C. perfringens type A along with β2 toxin gene was responsible for causing necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens in some parts of Andhra Pradesh in India. Phylogenetic relationship of amplified cpa and cpb2 amino acids sequences from present C. perfringens isolates were studied. The analysis reveals the sequence identity of cpb2 gene of the present isolates and variations at both nucleotide and amino acid level with the published sequences of cpb2 gene of C. perfringens isolates from different animal species of the USA, Iran, Netherlands, and Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Praveen Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Science, SV Veterinary University, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh, India.
| | - N Vinod Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Science, SV Veterinary University, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - A Karthik
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Science, SV Veterinary University, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh, India
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Mwangi S, Timmons J, Fitz-coy S, Parveen S. Characterization of Clostridium perfringens recovered from broiler chicken affected by necrotic enteritis. Poult Sci 2019; 98:128-135. [DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Yang WY, Chou CH, Wang C. Characterization of toxin genes and quantitative analysis of netB in necrotic enteritis (NE)-producing and non-NE-producing Clostridium perfringens isolated from chickens. Anaerobe 2018; 54:115-120. [PMID: 30170048 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Necrotic enteritis (NE) in chickens, a Clostridium perfringens infection, has re-emerged due to the removal of antibiotic growth promoters in feeds in recent years, thus contributing to significant economic losses for the industry. Toxins produced by C. perfringens in conjunction with predisposing factors are responsible for the onset and development of NE. Recently, several lines of evidence indicated the potential role of plasmid-encoded toxins in the virulence of NE, particularly necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin. However, the association of NetB, beta2 toxin (CPB2), and C. perfringens large cytotoxin (TpeL) in clinical NE isolates are not well-established. Therefore, we characterized the toxinotype and the presence of netB, cpb2, and tpeL genes in 15 NE-producing and 15 non-NE-producing C. perfringens isolates using conventional PCR and quantified netB among those isolates by quantitative PCR (qPCR). All isolates were characterized as toxinotype A and were negative for cpe, which is associated with human food poisoning. The netB was detected in 6.7% and 70% of NE-producing isolates by PCR and qPCR, respectively. In 15 non-NE-producing isolates, netB was not detected by conventional PCR, but was detected in 60% of isolates by qPCR. The presence of and the copy number of netB were not significantly different between NE- and non-NE-producing isolates (p >0.05). No difference was observed between NE- and non-NE-producing isolates in the presence of cpb2 or tpeL (p >0.05). These results suggest that the presence of netB, cpb2, and tpeL, as well as the copy number of netB in C. perfringens is not correlated with clinical NE. In addition, we suggest that qPCR, but not conventional PCR, be used to detect netB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yuan Yang
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi, Mississippi State, USA
| | - Chung-Hsi Chou
- Zoonoses Research Center and School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chinling Wang
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi, Mississippi State, USA.
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Whole genome analysis reveals the diversity and evolutionary relationships between necrotic enteritis-causing strains of Clostridium perfringens. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:379. [PMID: 29788909 PMCID: PMC5964661 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4771-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clostridium perfringens causes a range of diseases in animals and humans including necrotic enteritis in chickens and food poisoning and gas gangrene in humans. Necrotic enteritis is of concern in commercial chicken production due to the cost of the implementation of infection control measures and to productivity losses. This study has focused on the genomic analysis of a range of chicken-derived C. perfringens isolates, from around the world and from different years. The genomes were sequenced and compared with 20 genomes available from public databases, which were from a diverse collection of isolates from chickens, other animals, and humans. We used a distance based phylogeny that was constructed based on gene content rather than sequence identity. Similarity between strains was defined as the number of genes that they have in common divided by their total number of genes. In this type of phylogenetic analysis, evolutionary distance can be interpreted in terms of evolutionary events such as acquisition and loss of genes, whereas the underlying properties (the gene content) can be interpreted in terms of function. We also compared these methods to the sequence-based phylogeny of the core genome. Results Distinct pathogenic clades of necrotic enteritis-causing C. perfringens were identified. They were characterised by variable regions encoded on the chromosome, with predicted roles in capsule production, adhesion, inhibition of related strains, phage integration, and metabolism. Some strains have almost identical genomes, even though they were isolated from different geographic regions at various times, while other highly distant genomes appear to result in similar outcomes with regard to virulence and pathogenesis. Conclusions The high level of diversity in chicken isolates suggests there is no reliable factor that defines a chicken strain of C. perfringens, however, disease-causing strains can be defined by the presence of netB-encoding plasmids. This study reveals that horizontal gene transfer appears to play a significant role in genetic variation of the C. perfringens chromosome as well as the plasmid content within strains.
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Razmyar J, Peighambari SM, Zamani AH. Detection of a Newly Described Bacteriocin, Perfrin, Among Clostridium perfringens Isolates from Healthy and Diseased Ostriches and Broiler Chickens in Iran. Avian Dis 2018; 61:387-390. [PMID: 28957009 DOI: 10.1637/11580-010517-resnoter] [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] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Necrotic enteritis due to Clostridium perfringens strains harboring the netB gene is a well-known disorder in poultry. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of a novel bacteriocin, perfrin, with netB among isolates from healthy and diseased ostriches and broiler chickens. Forty-six C. perfringens isolates from broiler chickens and ostriches collected from 2010 to 2014 were included in this study and subjected to PCR to detect netB and perfrin genes. Six (60%) and 9 (25%) isolates were positive for both netB and perfrin genes in broilers and ostriches, respectively. Statistical analysis found a significant difference between healthy and diseased flocks for perfrin both in broilers and ostriches. For netB, the significant difference was only found between healthy and diseased ostrich flocks. This is the first report of the presence of perfrin in netB-positive C. perfringens strains in ostriches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamshid Razmyar
- A Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran 9177948974
| | - Seyed Mostafa Peighambari
- B Department of Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran 9177948974
| | - Amir Hossein Zamani
- A Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran 9177948974
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Lacey JA, Johanesen PA, Lyras D, Moore RJ. Genomic diversity of necrotic enteritis-associated strains of Clostridium perfringens: a review. Avian Pathol 2017; 45:302-7. [PMID: 26949841 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2016.1153799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The investigation of genomic variation between Clostridium perfringens isolates from poultry has been an important tool to enhance our understanding of the genetic basis of strain pathogenicity and the epidemiology of virulent and avirulent strains within the context of necrotic enteritis (NE). The earliest studies used whole genome profiling techniques such as pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to differentiate isolates and determine their relative levels of relatedness. DNA sequencing has been used to investigate genetic variation in (a) individual genes, such as those encoding the alpha and NetB toxins; (b) panels of housekeeping genes for multi-locus sequence typing and (c) most recently whole genome sequencing to build a more complete picture of genomic differences between isolates. Conclusions drawn from these studies include: differential carriage of large conjugative plasmids accounts for a large proportion of inter-strain differences; plasmid-encoded genes are more highly conserved than chromosomal genes, perhaps indicating a relatively recent origin for the plasmids; isolates from NE-affected birds fall into three distinct sequence-based clades while non-pathogenic isolates from healthy birds tend to be more genomically diverse. Overall, the NE causing strains are closely related to C. perfringens isolates from other birds and other diseases whereas the non-pathogenic poultry strains are generally more remotely related to either the pathogenic strains or the strains from other birds. Genomic analysis has indicated that genes in addition to netB are associated with NE pathogenic isolates. Collectively, this work has resulted in a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of this important poultry disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake A Lacey
- a Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology , Monash University , Clayton , Australia.,b Poultry Cooperative Research Centre , University of New England , Armidale , Australia.,c Australian Animal Health Laboratory , CSIRO , Geelong , Australia
| | - Priscilla A Johanesen
- a Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology , Monash University , Clayton , Australia
| | - Dena Lyras
- a Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology , Monash University , Clayton , Australia
| | - Robert J Moore
- a Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology , Monash University , Clayton , Australia.,b Poultry Cooperative Research Centre , University of New England , Armidale , Australia.,c Australian Animal Health Laboratory , CSIRO , Geelong , Australia.,d School of Science , RMIT University , Bundoora , Australia
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Gaucher ML, Perron GG, Arsenault J, Letellier A, Boulianne M, Quessy S. Recurring Necrotic Enteritis Outbreaks in Commercial Broiler Chicken Flocks Strongly Influence Toxin Gene Carriage and Species Richness in the Resident Clostridium perfringens Population. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:881. [PMID: 28567032 PMCID: PMC5434140 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in food animals has been questioned due to the globally increasing problem of antibiotic resistance. For the poultry industry, digestive health management following AGP withdrawal in Europe has been a challenge, especially the control of necrotic enteritis. Much research work has focused on gut health in commercial broiler chicken husbandry. Understanding the behavior of Clostridium perfringens in its ecological niche, the poultry barn, is key to a sustainable and cost-effective production in the absence of AGPs. Using polymerase chain reaction and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, we evaluated how the C. perfringens population evolved in drug-free commercial broiler chicken farms, either healthy or affected with recurring clinical necrotic enteritis outbreaks, over a 14-month period. We show that a high genotypic richness was associated with an increased risk of clinical necrotic enteritis. Also, necrotic enteritis-affected farms had a significant reduction of C. perfringens genotypic richness over time, an increase in the proportion of C. perfringens strains harboring the cpb2 gene, the netB gene, or both. Thus, necrotic enteritis occurrence is correlated with the presence of an initial highly diverse C. perfringens population, increasing the opportunity for the selective sweep of particularly virulent genotypes. Disease outbreaks also appear to largely influence the evolution of this bacterial species in poultry farms over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Lou Gaucher
- Research Chair in Meat Safety, Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-HyacintheQC, Canada.,Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center, Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie Vétérinaire, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-HyacintheQC, Canada.,Chair in Poultry Research, Département de Sciences Cliniques, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-HyacintheQC, Canada
| | - Gabriel G Perron
- Reem-Kayden Center for Science and Computation, Department of Biology, Bard College, Annandale-On-HudsonNY, United States
| | - Julie Arsenault
- Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center, Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie Vétérinaire, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-HyacintheQC, Canada
| | - Ann Letellier
- Research Chair in Meat Safety, Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-HyacintheQC, Canada
| | - Martine Boulianne
- Chair in Poultry Research, Département de Sciences Cliniques, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-HyacintheQC, Canada
| | - Sylvain Quessy
- Research Chair in Meat Safety, Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-HyacintheQC, Canada
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Nakano V, Ignacio A, Llanco L, Bueris V, Sircili M, Avila-Campos M. Multilocus sequence typing analyses of Clostridium perfringens type A strains harboring tpeL and netB genes. Anaerobe 2017; 44:99-105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2017.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Geeraerts S, Delezie E, Ducatelle R, Haesebrouck F, Devreese B, Van Immerseel F. Vegetative Bacillus amyloliquefaciens cells do not confer protection against necrotic enteritis in broilers despite high antibacterial activity of its supernatant against Clostridium perfringens in vitro. Br Poult Sci 2017; 57:324-9. [PMID: 27122203 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2016.1169246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the effect of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on Clostridium perfringens was tested in vitro and in vivo. Using an agar well diffusion assay, the inhibitory activity of B. amyloliquefaciens supernatant was analysed against a large collection of netB-positive and netB-negative C. perfringens strains. Although strong growth inhibiting activity was detected against all C. perfringens isolates, it was significantly higher against virulent netB-positive C. perfringens strains compared with avirulent netB-negative isolates. Subsequently, the efficacy of in-feed administration of lyophilised vegetative cells of B. amyloliquefaciens to prevent necrotic enteritis was tested in vivo using an established experimental infection model in broilers. Ross 308 broilers received either B. amyloliquefaciens supplemented or unsupplemented feed throughout the experiment. No significant differences could be detected between the untreated positive control group and the B. amyloliquefaciens treated group in body weight, the number of chickens that developed necrotic lesions and in pathological lesion scores. These results demonstrate that despite its substantial inhibitory activity in vitro, lyophilised vegetative B. amyloliquefaciens cells had no beneficial effect against necrotic enteritis in the in vivo model used here.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Geeraerts
- a Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Ghent University , Merelbeke , Belgium
| | - E Delezie
- b Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research , Melle , Belgium
| | - R Ducatelle
- a Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Ghent University , Merelbeke , Belgium
| | - F Haesebrouck
- a Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Ghent University , Merelbeke , Belgium
| | - B Devreese
- c Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium
| | - F Van Immerseel
- a Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Ghent University , Merelbeke , Belgium
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Parent E, Archambault M, Charlebois A, Bernier-Lachance J, Boulianne M. A chicken intestinal ligated loop model to study the virulence of Clostridium perfringens isolates recovered from antibiotic-free chicken flocks. Avian Pathol 2016; 46:138-149. [PMID: 27917645 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2016.1228825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a major problem in antibiotic-free (ABF) chicken flocks and specific strains of Clostridium perfringens are known to induce NE. The objective of this study was to develop a chicken intestinal ligated loop model in order to compare the virulence of various C. perfringens strains recovered from consecutive ABF flocks with and without NE. Intestinal loops were surgically prepared in 10 anaesthetized specific-pathogen-free chickens and alternately inoculated with C. perfringens isolates or brain heart infusion (BHI) media. Histological lesion scoring was performed for each loop. All strains from NE-affected flocks induced histological lesions compatible with NE whereas inoculation of loops with a commensal C. perfringens strain or BHI did not. Among inoculated strains, CP0994 (netB-positive and cpb2-positive) and CP-2003-1256 (netB-positive) demonstrated mean histological lesion scores significantly higher (P < 0.01) than those obtained with a commensal strain or BHI whereas strain CP1073 (netB-negative and cpb2-positive) induced intestinal lesions without significantly higher scores. In loops where villi were colonized by Gram-positive rods, significantly higher (P < 0.01) mean histological lesion scores were observed. This result supports the hypothesis that colonization of the intestinal mucosa by C. perfringens is a critical step in the pathogenesis of NE. Finally, we demonstrated the importance of controlling virulent C. perfringens strains in ABF chicken flocks as a highly virulent strain can be present in consecutive flocks with NE and possibly affect multiple flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Parent
- a Department of Clinical Sciences , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Université de Montréal , Montreal , Canada.,b Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie Porcine et Avicole (CRIPA), Department of Pathology and Microbiology , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Université de Montréal , Montreal , Canada
| | - Marie Archambault
- b Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie Porcine et Avicole (CRIPA), Department of Pathology and Microbiology , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Université de Montréal , Montreal , Canada
| | - Audrey Charlebois
- b Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie Porcine et Avicole (CRIPA), Department of Pathology and Microbiology , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Université de Montréal , Montreal , Canada
| | - Jocelyn Bernier-Lachance
- b Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie Porcine et Avicole (CRIPA), Department of Pathology and Microbiology , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Université de Montréal , Montreal , Canada
| | - Martine Boulianne
- a Department of Clinical Sciences , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Université de Montréal , Montreal , Canada.,b Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie Porcine et Avicole (CRIPA), Department of Pathology and Microbiology , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Université de Montréal , Montreal , Canada
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The adherent abilities of Clostridium perfringens strains are critical for the pathogenesis of avian necrotic enteritis. Vet Microbiol 2016; 197:53-61. [PMID: 27938683 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2016.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Necrotic enteritis of poultry is an emerging disease of substantial economic importance, but aspects of the pathogenesis of this multi-factorial disease are still unclear. We recently demonstrated that the ability of avian strains of the causative bacterium, Clostridium perfringens, to bind to specific collagen types correlated strongly with their virulence and we postulated that binding of the pathogen to collagen types IV and V and gelatin may involve the putative adhesin-encoding gene cnaA, which is found in the VR-10B locus. In this study we have used site-directed mutagenesis to demonstrate that disruption of the cnaA gene leads to a reduction in the expression of the three genes immediately downstream of cnaA and reduced adherence to collagen types IV and V and gelatin. In addition, a cnaA mutant of strain EHE-NE18 was no longer capable of causing necrotic enteritis in a chicken disease induction model and had a significantly reduced ability to colonise the chicken intestinal mucosa. These results were confirmed by generating and analysing a similar mutant in an independent necrotic enteritis causing C. perfringens strain. This study expands our understanding of the mechanisms involved in necrotic enteritis pathogenesis by demonstrating the importance of C. perfringens adherence to extracellular matrix proteins.
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Eeckhaut V, Wang J, Van Parys A, Haesebrouck F, Joossens M, Falony G, Raes J, Ducatelle R, Van Immerseel F. The Probiotic Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum Reduces Feed Conversion and Protects from Potentially Harmful Intestinal Microorganisms and Necrotic Enteritis in Broilers. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1416. [PMID: 27708624 PMCID: PMC5030265 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Probiotics which do not result in the development and spread of microbial resistance are among the candidate replacements for antibiotics previously used as growth promotors. In this study the effect of in-feed supplementation of the butyrate producing Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum strain 25-3T on performance, intestinal microbiota and prevention of necrotic enteritis (NE), a disease caused by Clostridium perfringens was evaluated in broilers. For the performance study, day old Ross 308 chicks were randomly allocated into two treatment groups and fed either a non-supplemented diet or a diet supplemented with 109 cfu lyophilized B. pullicaecorum per kg feed for 40 days. On day 40 broilers administered B. pullicaecorum had a significant lower bodyweight (2675 g vs. 2762 g; p = 0.0025) but supplementation of B. pullicaecorum decreased the feed conversion ratio significantly (1.518 vs. 1.632; p < 0.0001). Additionally, ingestion of the Butyricicoccus strain significantly lowered the abundance of Campylobacter spp. in the caecum and Enterococcus and Escherichia/Shigella spp. in the ileum at day 40. In feed supplementation of B. pullicaecorum in the NE trials resulted in a significant decrease in the number of birds with necrotic lesions compared with the untreated control group. These studies show that supplementation of B. pullicaecorum is able to improve feed conversion, to reduce the abundance of some potentially important pathogens in the caeca and ileum and to contribute to the prevention of NE in broilers, making the strain a potential valuable probiotic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venessa Eeckhaut
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU LeuvenLeuven, Belgium; Center for the Biology of Disease, Vlaams Instituut voor BiotechnologieLeuven, Belgium
| | - Alexander Van Parys
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Freddy Haesebrouck
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Marie Joossens
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU LeuvenLeuven, Belgium; Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit BrusselBrussels, Belgium
| | - Gwen Falony
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU LeuvenLeuven, Belgium; Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit BrusselBrussels, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Raes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU LeuvenLeuven, Belgium; Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit BrusselBrussels, Belgium
| | - Richard Ducatelle
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Immerseel
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University Merelbeke, Belgium
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Van Waeyenberghe L, De Gussem M, Verbeke J, Dewaele I, De Gussem J. Timing of predisposing factors is important in necrotic enteritis models. Avian Pathol 2016; 45:370-5. [DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2016.1156647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Ezatkhah M, Alimolaei M, Shahdadnejad N. The Prevalence of netB Gene in Isolated Clostridium perfringens From Organic Broiler Farms Suspected to Necrotic Enteritis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENTERIC PATHOGENS 2016. [DOI: 10.17795/ijep35667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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França M, Barrios MA, Stabler L, Zavala G, Shivaprasad HL, Lee MD, Villegas AM, Uzal FA. Association of Beta2-PositiveClostridium perfringensType A With Focal Duodenal Necrosis in Egg-Laying Chickens in the United States. Avian Dis 2016; 60:43-9. [DOI: 10.1637/11263-081915-reg.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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39
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Binding of Clostridium perfringens to collagen correlates with the ability to cause necrotic enteritis in chickens. Vet Microbiol 2015; 180:299-303. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2015.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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40
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Antonissen G, Croubels S, Pasmans F, Ducatelle R, Eeckhaut V, Devreese M, Verlinden M, Haesebrouck F, Eeckhout M, De Saeger S, Antlinger B, Novak B, Martel A, Van Immerseel F. Fumonisins affect the intestinal microbial homeostasis in broiler chickens, predisposing to necrotic enteritis. Vet Res 2015; 46:98. [PMID: 26394675 PMCID: PMC4579638 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-015-0234-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Fumonisins (FBs) are mycotoxins produced by Fusarium fungi. This study aimed to investigate the effect of these feed contaminants on the intestinal morphology and microbiota composition, and to evaluate whether FBs predispose broilers to necrotic enteritis. One-day-old broiler chicks were divided into a group fed a control diet, and a group fed a FBs contaminated diet (18.6 mg FB1+FB2/kg feed). A significant increase in the plasma sphinganine/sphingosine ratio in the FBs-treated group (0.21 ± 0.016) compared to the control (0.14 ± 0.014) indicated disturbance of the sphingolipid biosynthesis. Furthermore, villus height and crypt depth of the ileum was significantly reduced by FBs. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis showed a shift in the microbiota composition in the ileum in the FBs group compared to the control. A reduced presence of low-GC containing operational taxonomic units in ileal digesta of birds exposed to FBs was demonstrated, and identified as a reduced abundance of Candidatus Savagella and Lactobaccilus spp. Quantification of total Clostridium perfringens in these ileal samples, previous to experimental infection, using cpa gene (alpha toxin) quantification by qPCR showed an increase in C. perfringens in chickens fed a FBs contaminated diet compared to control (7.5 ± 0.30 versus 6.3 ± 0.24 log10 copies/g intestinal content). After C. perfringens challenge, a higher percentage of birds developed subclinical necrotic enteritis in the group fed a FBs contaminated diet as compared to the control (44.9 ± 2.22% versus 29.8 ± 5.46%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunther Antonissen
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium. .,Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Siska Croubels
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Frank Pasmans
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Richard Ducatelle
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Venessa Eeckhaut
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Mathias Devreese
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Marc Verlinden
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Freddy Haesebrouck
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Mia Eeckhout
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sarah De Saeger
- Department of Bio-analysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | | | - Barbara Novak
- Biomin Research Center, Technopark 1, 3430, Tulln, Austria.
| | - An Martel
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Filip Van Immerseel
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
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Valgaeren BR, Pardon B, Verherstraeten S, Goossens E, Timbermont L, Haesebrouck F, Ducatelle R, Van Immerseel F, Deprez P. Haemorrhagic enteritis in newborn calves associated with Clostridium perfringens and colostrum delivery. JMM Case Rep 2015. [DOI: 10.1099/jmmcr.0.000088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie R. Valgaeren
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bart Pardon
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Stefanie Verherstraeten
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Evy Goossens
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Leen Timbermont
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Freddy Haesebrouck
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Richard Ducatelle
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Immerseel
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Piet Deprez
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Gaucher ML, Quessy S, Letellier A, Arsenault J, Boulianne M. Impact of a drug-free program on broiler chicken growth performances, gut health, Clostridium perfringens and Campylobacter jejuni occurrences at the farm level. Poult Sci 2015; 94:1791-801. [PMID: 26047674 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pev142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of antimicrobial agents as feed additives in poultry production is a public health concern due to the overall increase in antimicrobial resistance. Although some alternative products are commercially available, little is known on their potential impact on flock health and productivity. A prospective study involving 1.55 million birds was conducted on eight commercial broiler farms in Québec, Canada, to evaluate the impact of replacing antibiotic growth promoters and anticoccidial drugs by a drug-free program including improved brooding conditions, anticoccidial vaccination, essential oil-based feed additives, and water acidification. Various productivity and health parameters were compared between barns allocated to the conventional and the drug-free program. Zootechnical performances were monitored as productivity criteria. Clinical necrotic enteritis and subclinical enteritis occurrences, litter and fecal moistures content were measured, and microscopic gut health was evaluated. Clostridium perfringens and Campylobacter spp. strains were recovered from fecal samples collected during farm visits. Clostridium perfringens counts were used as poultry health indicators and Campylobacter prevalence was noted as well. The drug-free program was associated with a significant increase in feed conversion ratio and a decrease in mean live weight at slaughter and in daily weight gain. An increased incidence of necrotic enteritis outbreaks and subclinical enteritis cases, as well as an increase in litter moisture content at the end of the rearing period were also observed for this program. Mean microscopic intestinal lesion scores and prevalence of Campylobacter colonization were not statistically different between the two groups but the drug-free program was associated with higher Clostridium perfringens isolation rates. According to the current study design, the results suggest that substitution of antibiotic growth promoters and anticoccidial drugs by a drug-free program impacts various broiler chicken production parameters and Clostridium perfringens carriage levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-L Gaucher
- Research Chair in Meat Safety, Pathology and Microbiology Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Montreal, CP 5000, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada J2S 7C6 Chair in Poultry Research, Clinical Sciences Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Montreal, CP 5000, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada J2S 7C6 Swine and Poultry Infectious Disease Research Centre (CRIPA), Pathology and Microbiology Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Montreal, CP 5000, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada J2S 7C6
| | - S Quessy
- Research Chair in Meat Safety, Pathology and Microbiology Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Montreal, CP 5000, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada J2S 7C6
| | - A Letellier
- Research Chair in Meat Safety, Pathology and Microbiology Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Montreal, CP 5000, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada J2S 7C6
| | - J Arsenault
- Swine and Poultry Infectious Disease Research Centre (CRIPA), Pathology and Microbiology Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Montreal, CP 5000, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada J2S 7C6
| | - M Boulianne
- Swine and Poultry Infectious Disease Research Centre (CRIPA), Pathology and Microbiology Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Montreal, CP 5000, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada J2S 7C6
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43
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Chan G, Guthrie A, Sivaramalingam T, Wilson J, Vancraeynest D, Moody R, Clark S. A framework for assessing the efficacy of antimicrobials in the control of necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens. J APPL POULTRY RES 2015. [DOI: 10.3382/japr/pfv017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Guimarães MB, Torres LN, Mesquita RG, Ampuero F, Cunha MPV, Ferreira TSP, Ferreira AJP, Catão-Dias JL, Moreno AM, Knöbl T. Clostridium perfringens type A enteritis in blue and yellow macaw (Ara ararauna). Avian Dis 2015; 58:650-3. [PMID: 25619013 DOI: 10.1637/10855-043014-case.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This study describes an outbreak of necrotic enteritis caused by Clostridium perfringens type A in captive macaws (Ara ararauna). Two psittacine birds presented a history of prostration and died 18 hr after manifestation of clinical signs. The necropsy findings and histopathologic lesions were indicative of necrotic enteritis. Microbiologic assays resulted in the growth of large gram-positive bacilli that were identified as C. perfringens. PCR was used to identify clostridium toxinotypes and confirmed the identification of isolated strains as C pefringens type A, positive to gene codifying beta 2 toxin. The infection source and predisposing factors could not be ascertained.
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Keokilwe L, Olivier A, Burger WP, Joubert H, Venter EH, Morar-Leather D. Bacterial enteritis in ostrich (Struthio Camelus) chicks in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Poult Sci 2015; 94:1177-83. [PMID: 25840967 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pev084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ostrich (Struthio camelus) chicks less than 3 mo age are observed to experience a high mortality rate that is often associated with enteritis. This study was undertaken to investigate the infectious bacteria implicated in ostrich chick enteritis. Postmortems were performed on 122 ostrich chicks aged from 1 d to 3 mo and intestinal samples were subjected to bacterial culture. Bacterial isolates were typed by PCR and serotyping. Escherichia coli (E. coli; 49%) was the most frequently isolated from the samples followed by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens; 20%), Enterococcus spp. (16%), and Salmonella spp. (7%). Of the E. coli, 39% were categorized as enteropathogenic E. coli, 4% enterotoxigenic E. coli, and no enterohaemorrhagic E. coli were found. The majority (93%) of C. perfringens was Type A and only 7% was Type E. C. perfringens Types B through D were not present. The netB gene that encodes NetB toxin was identified from 16% of the C. perfringens isolated. All the C. perfringens Type E harbored the netB gene and just 10% of the C. perfringens Type A had this gene. Three Salmonella serotypes were identified: Salmonella Muenchen (S. Muenchen; 80%), S. Hayindongo (13%), and S. Othmarschen (7%). The indication is that the cause of enteritis in ostrich chicks is bacterial-involving: enteropathogenic E. coli and enterotoxigenic E. coli; C. perfringens Types A and E (with the possible influence of netB gene); and S. Muenchen, S. Hayindongo, and S. Othmarschen.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Keokilwe
- Botswana National Veterinary Laboratory, Private Bag 0035, Gaborone, Botswana Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - A Olivier
- Ostrich Research Laboratory, P.O. Box 241, Oudtshoorn 6620, South Africa
| | - W P Burger
- Private Veterinary Consultant, P.O. Box 788, Oudtshoorn 6620, South Africa
| | - H Joubert
- Deltamune Laboratories, 248 Jean Avenue, Lyttleton, Centurion 0157, South Africa
| | - E H Venter
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - D Morar-Leather
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
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Towards the control of necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens with in-feed antibiotics phasing-out worldwide. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 1:1-11. [PMID: 29766984 PMCID: PMC5884463 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Poultry production has undergone a substantial increase compared to the livestock industries since 1970. However, the industry worldwide is now facing challenges with the removal of in-feed antibiotics completely or gradually, as the once well-controlled poultry diseases have re-emerged to cause tremendous loss of production. Necrotic enteritis (NE) is one of the most important diseases which costs the industry over two billion dollars annually. In this paper, we review the progress on the etiology of NE and its control through dietary modifications, pre- and probiotics, short chain fatty acids, and vaccination. The other likely measures resulted in the most advances in the toxin characterization are also discussed. Vaccine strategies may have greater potential for the control of NE mainly due to clearer etiology of NE having been elucidated in recent years with the identification of necrotic enteritis toxin B-like (NetB) toxin. Therefore, the use of alternatives to in-feed antibiotics with a better understanding of the relationship between nutrition and NE, and limiting exposure to infectious agents through biosecurity and vaccination, might be a tool to reduce the incidence of NE and to improve gut health in the absence of in-feed antibiotics. More importantly, the combinations of different measures may achieve greater protection of birds against the disease. Among all the alternatives investigated, prebiotics, organic acids and vaccination have shown improved gastrointestinal health and thus, have potential for the control of NE.
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47
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Allaart JG, de Bruijn ND, van Asten AJAM, Fabri THF, Gröne A. NetB-producing and beta2-producing Clostridium perfringens associated with subclinical necrotic enteritis in laying hens in the Netherlands. Avian Pathol 2014; 41:541-6. [PMID: 23237366 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2012.729809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Since 2006 increasing numbers of laying hen flocks with decreased production have been reported in the Netherlands. At necropsy, birds from affected flocks showed multifocal areas of necrosis in the duodenum. Histologically the duodenum had moderate to marked villus atrophy and fusion with crypt hyperplasia and a mixed inflammatory infiltrate within the lamina propria underlying focal areas of degenerative epithelium. Multifocally, free within the intestinal lumen and associated with epithelial necrosis, were marked numbers of large rod-shaped bacteria. Anaerobic culturing and subsequent toxin typing revealed, in 19 out of 73 affected birds, the presence of Clostridium perfringens strains, either type A or type C harbouring the atypical allele of cpb2 and netB. Eighteen out of these 19 birds carried C. perfringens strains capable of producing beta2 toxin in vitro and all of these birds harboured C. perfringens strains capable of producing NetB toxin in vitro. In contrast, specific pathogen free (SPF) birds lacked gross or histological lesions in their duodenum, and C. perfringens type C was isolated from four out of 15 SPF birds tested. One of these isolates harboured the consensus three allele of cpb2 that produced beta2 toxin in vitro. None of the C. perfringens isolates originating from SPF birds harboured netB. These findings might indicate that the NetB toxin produced by C. perfringens is associated with subclinical necrotic enteritis in layers, whereas the involvement of beta2 toxin in subclinical necrotic enteritis, if any, might be variant dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janneke G Allaart
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, P.O. Box 80.158, 3508TD, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Antonissen G, Van Immerseel F, Pasmans F, Ducatelle R, Haesebrouck F, Timbermont L, Verlinden M, Janssens GPJ, Eeckhaut V, Eeckhout M, De Saeger S, Hessenberger S, Martel A, Croubels S. The mycotoxin deoxynivalenol predisposes for the development of Clostridium perfringens-induced necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108775. [PMID: 25268498 PMCID: PMC4182565 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Both mycotoxin contamination of feed and Clostridium perfringens-induced necrotic enteritis have an increasing global economic impact on poultry production. Especially the Fusarium mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common feed contaminant. This study aimed at examining the predisposing effect of DON on the development of necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens. An experimental Clostridium perfringens infection study revealed that DON, at a contamination level of 3,000 to 4,000 µg/kg feed, increased the percentage of birds with subclinical necrotic enteritis from 20±2.6% to 47±3.0% (P<0.001). DON significantly reduced the transepithelial electrical resistance in duodenal segments (P<0.001) and decreased duodenal villus height (P = 0.014) indicating intestinal barrier disruption and intestinal epithelial damage, respectively. This may lead to an increased permeability of the intestinal epithelium and decreased absorption of dietary proteins. Protein analysis of duodenal content indeed showed that DON contamination resulted in a significant increase in total protein concentration (P = 0.023). Furthermore, DON had no effect on in vitro growth, alpha toxin production and netB toxin transcription of Clostridium perfringens. In conclusion, feed contamination with DON at concentrations below the European maximum guidance level of 5,000 µg/kg feed, is a predisposing factor for the development of necrotic enteritis in broilers. These results are associated with a negative effect of DON on the intestinal barrier function and increased intestinal protein availability, which may stimulate growth and toxin production of Clostridium perfringens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunther Antonissen
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Filip Van Immerseel
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Frank Pasmans
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Richard Ducatelle
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Freddy Haesebrouck
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Leen Timbermont
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Marc Verlinden
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Geert Paul Jules Janssens
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Venessa Eeckhaut
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Mia Eeckhout
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah De Saeger
- Department of Bio-analysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - An Martel
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Siska Croubels
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Timbermont L, De Smet L, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Parreira VR, Van Driessche G, Haesebrouck F, Ducatelle R, Prescott J, Deforce D, Devreese B, Van Immerseel F. Perfrin, a novel bacteriocin associated with netB positive Clostridium perfringens strains from broilers with necrotic enteritis. Vet Res 2014; 45:40. [PMID: 24708344 PMCID: PMC3992141 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-45-40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens is associated with netB positive Clostridium perfringens type A strains. It is known that C. perfringens strains isolated from outbreaks of necrotic enteritis are more capable of secreting factors inhibiting growth of other C. perfringens strains than strains isolated from the gut of healthy chickens. This characteristic could lead to extensive and selective presence of a strain that contains the genetic make-up enabling to secrete toxins that cause gut lesions. This report describes the discovery, purification, characterization and recombinant expression of a novel bacteriocin, referred to as perfrin, produced by a necrotic enteritis-associated netB-positive C. perfringens strain. Perfrin is a 11.5 kDa C-terminal fragment of a 22.9 kDa protein and showed no sequence homology to any currently known bacteriocin. The 11.5 kDa fragment can be cloned into Escherichia coli, and expression yielded an active peptide. PCR detection of the gene showed its presence in 10 netB-positive C. perfringens strains of broiler origin, and not in other C. perfringens strains tested (isolated from broilers, cattle, sheep, pigs, and humans). Perfrin and NetB are not located on the same genetic element since NetB is plasmid-encoded and perfrin is not. The bacteriocin has bactericidal activity over a wide pH-range but is thermolabile and sensitive to proteolytic digestion (trypsin, proteinase K). C. perfringens bacteriocins, such as perfrin, can be considered as an additional factor involved in the pathogenesis of necrotic enteritis in broilers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen Timbermont
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Research Group Veterinary Public Health and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
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50
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Goossens E, Verherstraeten S, Timbermont L, Valgaeren BR, Pardon B, Haesebrouck F, Ducatelle R, Deprez PR, Van Immerseel F. Clostridium perfringens strains from bovine enterotoxemia cases are not superior in in vitro production of alpha toxin, perfringolysin O and proteolytic enzymes. BMC Vet Res 2014; 10:32. [PMID: 24479821 PMCID: PMC3913962 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-10-32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bovine enterotoxemia is a major cause of mortality in veal calves. Predominantly veal calves of beef cattle breeds are affected and losses due to enterotoxemia may account for up to 20% of total mortality. Clostridium perfringens type A is considered to be the causative agent. Recently, alpha toxin and perfringolysin O have been proposed to play an essential role in the development of disease. However, other potential virulence factors also may play a role in the pathogenesis of bovine enterotoxemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether strains originating from bovine enterotoxemia cases were superior in in vitro production of virulence factors (alpha toxin, perfringolysin O, mucinase, collagenase) that are potentially involved in enterotoxemia. To approach this, a collection of strains originating from enterotoxemia cases was compared to bovine strains isolated from healthy animals and to strains isolated from other animal species. Results Strains originating from bovine enterotoxemia cases produced variable levels of alpha toxin and perfringolysin O that were not significantly different from levels produced by strains isolated from healthy calves and other animal species. All tested strains exhibited similar mucinolytic activity independent of the isolation source. A high variability in collagenase activity between strains could be observed, and no higher collagenase levels were produced in vitro by strains isolated from enterotoxemia cases. Conclusions Bovine enterotoxemia strains do not produce higher levels of alpha toxin, perfringolysin O, mucinase and collagenase, as compared to strains derived from healthy calves and other animal species in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Filip Van Immerseel
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
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