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Stone NE, Hamond C, Clegg J, McDonough RF, Bourgeois RM, Ballard R, Thornton NB, Nuttall M, Hertzel H, Anderson T, Whealy RN, Timm S, Roberts AK, Barragán V, Phipatanakul W, Leibler JH, Benson H, Specht A, White R, LeCount K, Furstenau TN, Galloway RL, Hill NJ, Madison JD, Fofanov VY, Pearson T, Sahl JW, Busch JD, Weiner Z, Nally JE, Wagner DM, Rosenbaum MH. Host population structure and rare dispersal events drive leptospirosis transmission patterns among Rattus norvegicus in Boston, Massachusetts, US. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.12.598639. [PMID: 38915728 PMCID: PMC11195238 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.12.598639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Leptospirosis (caused by pathogenic bacteria in the genus Leptospira ) is prevalent worldwide but more common in tropical and subtropical regions. Transmission can occur following direct exposure to infected urine from reservoir hosts, such as rats, or a urine-contaminated environment, which then can serve as an infection source for additional rats and other mammals, including humans. The brown rat, Rattus norvegicus , is an important reservoir of leptospirosis in urban settings. We investigated leptospirosis among brown rats in Boston, Massachusetts and hypothesized that rat dispersal in this urban setting influences the movement, persistence, and diversity of Leptospira . We analyzed DNA from 328 rat kidney samples collected from 17 sites in Boston over a seven-year period (2016-2022); 59 rats representing 12 of 17 sites were positive for Leptospira . We used 21 neutral microsatellite loci to genotype 311 rats and utilized the resulting data to investigate genetic connectivity among sampling sites. We generated whole genome sequences for 28 Leptospira isolates obtained from frozen and fresh tissue from some of the 59 Leptospira -positive rat kidneys. When isolates were not obtained, we attempted Leptospira genomic DNA capture and enrichment, which yielded 14 additional Leptospira genomes from rats. We also generated an enriched Leptospira genome from a 2018 human case in Boston. We found evidence of high genetic structure and limited dispersal among rat populations that is likely influenced by major roads and/or other unknown dispersal barriers, resulting in distinct rat population groups within the city; at certain sites these groups persisted for multiple years. We identified multiple distinct phylogenetic clades of L. interrogans among rats, with specific clades tightly linked to distinct rat populations. This pattern suggests L. interrogans persists in local rat populations and movement of leptospirosis in this urban rat community is driven by rat dispersal. Finally, our genomic analyses of the 2018 human leptospirosis case in Boston suggests a link to rats as the source. These findings will be useful for guiding rat control and human leptospirosis mitigation efforts in this and other urban settings.
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Thibeaux R, Genthon P, Govan R, Selmaoui-Folcher N, Tramier C, Kainiu M, Soupé-Gilbert ME, Wijesuriya K, Goarant C. Rainfall-driven resuspension of pathogenic Leptospira in a leptospirosis hotspot. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 911:168700. [PMID: 37992819 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonosis caused by Leptospira bacteria present in the urine of mammals. Leptospira is able to survive in soils and can be resuspended during rain events. Here, we analyzed the pathogenic Leptospira concentration as a function of hydrological variables in a leptospirosis hot spot. A total of 226 samples were collected at the outlet of a 3 km2 watershed degraded by ungulate mammals (deer and feral pigs) and rats which are reservoirs for leptospirosis. Water samples collected at the beginning of a rain event following a dry period contained high concentrations of pathogenic Leptospira. The concentration was generally correlated with the water level and the suspended matter concentration (SMC) during the main flood event. A secondary peak of pathogenic Leptospira was sometimes detected after the main flood and in slightly turbid waters. Lastly, the pathogenic Leptospira concentration was extremely high at the end of a wet season. The pathogenic Leptospira concentrations could not be explained by a linear combination of hydrological variables (e.g. the rainfall, water level, SMC and soil moisture). However, nonlinear machine learning models of rainfall data only provided a fair fit to the observations and explained 75 % of the variance in the log10-transformed pathogenic Leptospira concentration. A comparison of identical machine learning models for the water level, SMC and pathogenic Leptospira concentration showed that the residual error in the Leptospira concentration was due to not only the small dataset but also the intrinsic characteristics of the signal. Our results support the hypothesis whereby pathogenic Leptospira survive at different depths in soils and superficial river sediments (depending on their water saturation) and are transferred to surface water during erosion. These results might help to refine leptospirosis warnings given to the local population. Future research should be focused on larger watersheds in more densely populated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Thibeaux
- Institut Pasteur of New Caledonia, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - P Genthon
- HydroSciences Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Nouméa, New Caledonia.
| | - R Govan
- ISEA, University of New Caledonia, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | | | - C Tramier
- HydroSciences Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Nouméa, New Caledonia; Northern Province, Koné, New Caledonia; Espace Dev, University of New Caledonia, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - M Kainiu
- Institut Pasteur of New Caledonia, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | | | - K Wijesuriya
- HydroSciences Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - C Goarant
- Institut Pasteur of New Caledonia, Nouméa, New Caledonia; The Pacific Community, Public Health Division, B.P. D5, 98848 Noumea, New Caledonia
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3
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Zhu Q, Zheng Y, Zhou X, Wang D, Yuan M, Qian D, Liang S, Yu W, Yang J, Hou H, Hu J. c-di-GMP and AHL signals-triggered chemical communication under electrical signaling disruption restores Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilm formation. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:ycae096. [PMID: 39071848 PMCID: PMC11283642 DOI: 10.1093/ismeco/ycae096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Electrogenic biofilms, which have attracted considerable attention in simultaneous wastewater treatment and energy recovery in bioelectrochemical systems, are regulated by chemical communication and potassium channel-mediated electrical signaling. However, how these two communication pathways interact with each other has not been thoroughly investigated. This study first explored the roles of chemical communication, including intracellular bis-(3'-5')-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) and extracellular N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL)-mediated quorum sensing, in electrogenic biofilm formation through an integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics. Electrical signaling disruption inhibited the formation and electroactivity of Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilm, which was mainly ascribed to the reduction in biofilm viability and extracellular protein/polysaccharide ratio. The upregulation of expression levels of genes encoding c-di-GMP and AHL synthesis by transcriptomic analysis, and the increased secretion of N-butanoyl-L-homoserine lactone by metabolomic analysis confirmed the enhancement of chemical communication under electrical signaling disruption, thus indicating a compensatory mechanism among different signaling pathways. Furthermore, protein-protein interaction network showed the convergence of different signaling pathways, with c-di-GMP-related genes acting as central bridges. This study highlights the interaction of different signaling pathways, especially the resilience of c-di-GMP signaling to adverse external stresses, thereby laying the foundation for facilitating electrogenic biofilm formation under adverse conditions in practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, Hubei,, China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei Key Laboratory of Pollutant Analysis and Reuse Technology, Hubei Normal University, 11 Cihu Road, Huangshi 435002, Hubei, China
| | - Yanyan Zheng
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei Key Laboratory of Pollutant Analysis and Reuse Technology, Hubei Normal University, 11 Cihu Road, Huangshi 435002, Hubei, China
| | - Xingwang Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei Key Laboratory of Pollutant Analysis and Reuse Technology, Hubei Normal University, 11 Cihu Road, Huangshi 435002, Hubei, China
| | - Dunjia Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei Key Laboratory of Pollutant Analysis and Reuse Technology, Hubei Normal University, 11 Cihu Road, Huangshi 435002, Hubei, China
| | - Mengjiao Yuan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, Hubei,, China
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment, Disposal and Recycling, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Dingkang Qian
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, Hubei,, China
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment, Disposal and Recycling, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Sha Liang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, Hubei,, China
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment, Disposal and Recycling, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Wenbo Yu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, Hubei,, China
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment, Disposal and Recycling, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Jiakuan Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, Hubei,, China
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment, Disposal and Recycling, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Combustion, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Huijie Hou
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, Hubei,, China
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment, Disposal and Recycling, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Jingping Hu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, Hubei,, China
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment, Disposal and Recycling, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Combustion, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
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Dos Santos Ribeiro P, Carvalho NB, Aburjaile F, Sousa T, Veríssimo G, Gomes T, Neves F, Blanco L, Lima JA, de Oliveira D, Jaiswal AK, Brenig B, Soares S, Ramos R, Matiuzzi M, Góes-Neto A, Figueira CP, Costa F, Ristow P, Azevedo V. Environmental Biofilms from an Urban Community in Salvador, Brazil, Shelter Previously Uncharacterized Saprophytic Leptospira. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 86:2488-2501. [PMID: 37326636 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02253-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are complex microecosystems with valuable ecological roles that can shelter a variety of microorganisms. Spirochetes from the genus Leptospira have been observed to form biofilms in vitro, in rural environments, and in the kidneys of reservoir rats. The genus Leptospira is composed of pathogenic and non-pathogenic species, and the description of new species is ongoing due to the advent of whole genome sequencing. Leptospires have increasingly been isolated from water and soil samples. To investigate the presence of Leptospira in environmental biofilms, we collected three distinct samples of biofilms formed in an urban setting with poor sanitation: Pau da Lima, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. All biofilm samples were negative for the presence of pathogenic leptospires via conventional PCR, but cultures containing saprophytic Leptospira were identified. Whole genomes were generated and analyzed for twenty isolates obtained from these biofilms. For species identification, we used digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis. The obtained isolates were classified into seven presumptive species from the saprophytic S1 clade. ANI and dDDH analysis suggest that three of those seven species were new. Classical phenotypic tests confirmed the novel isolated bacteria as saprophytic Leptospira. The isolates presented typical morphology and ultrastructure according to scanning electron microscopy and formed biofilms under in vitro conditions. Our data indicate that a diversity of saprophytic Leptospira species survive in the Brazilian poorly sanitized urban environment, in a biofilm lifestyle. We believe our results contribute to a better understanding of Leptospira biology and ecology, considering biofilms as natural environmental reservoirs for leptospires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscyla Dos Santos Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (INCT IN-TREE), Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Natália Barbosa Carvalho
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (INCT IN-TREE), Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Flávia Aburjaile
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thiago Sousa
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Graciete Veríssimo
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Talita Gomes
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (INCT IN-TREE), Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fábio Neves
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Luiza Blanco
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - João Antonio Lima
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Daiana de Oliveira
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Arun Kumar Jaiswal
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bertram Brenig
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Burckhardt Weg, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Siomar Soares
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rommel Ramos
- Center of Genomics and Systems Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Mateus Matiuzzi
- Federal University of Vale Do São Francisco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Aristóteles Góes-Neto
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Federico Costa
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK
| | - Paula Ristow
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (INCT IN-TREE), Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Vasco Azevedo
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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5
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Bradley EA, Lockaby G. Leptospirosis and the Environment: A Review and Future Directions. Pathogens 2023; 12:1167. [PMID: 37764975 PMCID: PMC10538202 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global importance with significant morbidity and mortality. However, the disease is frequently overlooked and underdiagnosed, leading to uncertainty of the true scale and severity of the disease. A neglected tropical disease, leptospirosis disproportionately impacts disadvantaged socioeconomic communities most vulnerable to outbreaks of zoonotic disease, due to contact with infectious animals and contaminated soils and waters. With growing evidence that Leptospira survives, persists, and reproduces in the environment, this paper reviews the current understanding of the pathogen in the environment and highlights the unknowns that are most important for future study. Through a systematic Boolean review of the literature, our study finds that detailed field-based study of Leptospira prevalence, survival, and transmission in natural waters and soils is lacking from the current literature. This review identified a strong need for assessment of physical characteristics and biogeochemical processes that support long-term viability of Leptospira in the environment followed by epidemiological assessment of the transmission and movement of the same strains of Leptospira in the present wildlife and livestock as the first steps in improving our understanding of the environmental stage of the leptospirosis transmission cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Bradley
- College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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6
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Vasconcelos L, Aburjaile F, Andrade L, Cancio AF, Seyffert N, Aguiar ERGR, Ristow P. Genomic insights into the c-di-GMP signaling and biofilm development in the saprophytic spirochete Leptospira biflexa. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:180. [PMID: 37031284 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03519-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
C-di-GMP is a bacterial second messenger with central role in biofilm formation. Spirochete bacteria from Leptospira genus present a wide diversity, with species of medical importance and environmental species, named as saprophytic. Leptospira form biofilms in the rat's reservoir kidneys and in the environment. Here, we performed genomic analyses to identify enzymatic and effector c-di-GMP proteins in the saprophytic biofilm-forming species Leptospira biflexa serovar Patoc. We identified 40 proteins through local alignments. Amongst them, 16 proteins are potentially functional diguanylate cyclases, phosphodiesterases, or hybrid proteins. We also identified nine effectors, including PilZ proteins. Enrichment analyses suggested that c-di-GMP interacts with cAMP signaling system, CsrA system, and flagella assembly regulation during biofilm development of L. biflexa. Finally, we identified eight proteins in the pathogen Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni that share high similarity with L. biflexa c-di-GMP-related proteins. This work revealed proteins related to c-di-GMP turnover and cellular response in Leptospira and their potential roles during biofilm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Vasconcelos
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Flávia Aburjaile
- Preventive Veterinary Medicine Department, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lara Andrade
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Núbia Seyffert
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Eric R G R Aguiar
- Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Department of Biological Science, Center of Biotechnology and Genetics, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Paula Ristow
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (INCT IN-TREE), Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
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7
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Diving into the complexity of the spirochetal endoflagellum. Trends Microbiol 2023; 31:294-307. [PMID: 36244923 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Spirochaetes, a phylum that includes medically important pathogens such as the causative agents of Lyme disease, syphilis, and leptospirosis, are in many ways highly unique bacteria. Their cell morphology, subcellular organization, and metabolism reveal atypical features. Spirochetal motility is also singular, dependent on the presence of periplasmic flagella or endoflagella, inserted subterminally at cell poles and not penetrating the outer membrane and elongating outside the cell as in enterobacteria. In this review we present a comprehensive comparative genomics analysis of endoflagellar systems in spirochetes, highlighting recent findings on the flagellar basal body and filament. Continued progress in understanding the function and architecture of spirochetal flagella is uncovering paradigm-shifting mechanisms of bacterial motility.
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Rezende Mires de Carvalho R, Silva Dias C, Nogueira Paz L, Melo de Lima Fires T, Pereira Figueira C, Araújo Damasceno K, Hanzen Pinna M. Biofilm formation in vitro by Leptospira interrogans strains isolated from naturally infected dogs and their role in antimicrobial resistance. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13802. [PMID: 36873470 PMCID: PMC9976318 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospira interrogans is a biofilm-forming pathogen, however, there are few data involving Brazilian strains isolated from dogs and their antimicrobial sensitivity in planktonic and biofilm forms. The potential for biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance in naturally infected dogs is a fundamental approach towards disease epidemiology and the establishment of consistent prophylaxis and control measures. The objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro biofilm formation of a reference strain (L. interrogans, sv. Copenhageni L1 130 - L20) and of L. interrogans isolated from dogs (C20, C29, C51, C82), with subsequent evaluation of antimicrobial susceptibility in planktonic and biofilm forms. The semi quantification of biofilm production revealed a dynamic process of development over time, with mature biofilm formation early on the seventh day of incubation. All strains were efficient for in vitro biofilm formation and, in this form, they were considerably more resistant compared to their planktonic form, with MIC90 of 1600 μg/mL for amoxicillin, 800 μg/mL for ampicillin, and >1600 μg/mL for doxycycline and ciprofloxacin. The strains studies were isolated on naturally infected dogs that might act as reservoirs and sentinels for human infections. The potential to antimicrobial resistance together with the close relation between dogs and humans indicates the need for greater actions on disease control and surveillance. Moreover, biofilm formation may contribute to the persistence of Leptospira interrogans in the host and these animals can act as chronic carriers, disseminating the agent in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Rezende Mires de Carvalho
- Bacterial Disease Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Animal Science in Tropics - Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Carla Silva Dias
- Bacterial Disease Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Animal Science in Tropics - Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Lucas Nogueira Paz
- Bacterial Disease Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Animal Science in Tropics - Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Thainá Melo de Lima Fires
- Postgraduate Program in Clinic and Surgery of Domestic Carnivores - Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Karine Araújo Damasceno
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Melissa Hanzen Pinna
- Bacterial Disease Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Animal Science in Tropics - Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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9
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Wang Z, Song L, Liu X, Shen X, Li X. Bacterial second messenger c-di-GMP: Emerging functions in stress resistance. Microbiol Res 2023; 268:127302. [PMID: 36640720 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In natural environments, bacteria constantly encounter various stressful conditions, including nutrient starvation, toxic chemicals, and oxidative stress. The ability to adapt to these adverse conditions is crucial for bacterial survival. Frequently, bacteria utilize nucleotide signaling molecules such as cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) to regulate their behaviors when encounter stress conditions. c-di-GMP is a ubiquitous bacterial second messenger regulating the transition between the planktonic state and biofilm state. An essential feature of biofilms is the production of extracellular matrix that covers bacterial cells and offers a physical barrier protecting the cells from environmental assaults. Beyond that, accumulating evidences have demonstrated that changes in the environment, including stress stimuli, cause the alteration of intracellular levels of c-di-GMP in bacterial cells, which is immediately sensed by a variety of downstream effectors that induce an appropriate stress response. In this review, we summarize recent research on the role of c-di-GMP signaling in bacterial responses to diverse stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Wang
- Yuncheng Key Laboratory of Halophiles Resources Utilization, College of Life Sciences, Yuncheng University, Yuncheng, Shanxi 044000, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Song
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaozhen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Xihui Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Li
- Yuncheng Key Laboratory of Halophiles Resources Utilization, College of Life Sciences, Yuncheng University, Yuncheng, Shanxi 044000, People's Republic of China.
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Analysis of 1840 Equine Intraocular Fluid Samples for the Presence of Anti-Leptospira Antibodies and Leptospiral DNA and the Correlation to Ophthalmologic Findings in Terms of Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU)—A Retrospective Study. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9080448. [PMID: 36006363 PMCID: PMC9414351 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In horses, the chronic intraocular leptospiral infection has been shown to cause equine recurrent uveitis (ERU). This inflammatory ophthalmic disease recurs for years and usually leads to blindness. Only recently it was found that biofilm formation of the leptospires in the vitreous cavity leads to uveitis recurrences and prevents effective elimination of the infection by antibiotics or by the immune system. The most effective treatment is vitrectomy (lavage of the vitreous cavity), which mechanically removes the biofilm infection. This surgery has been performed in horses for more than 30 years, and thousands of intraocular specimens have been analyzed for antibodies directed against leptospires and by PCR for leptospiral DNA. For the present study, medical records were retrospectively analyzed. Complete medical and laboratory records were available for 1800 intraocular specimens from horses treated from 2002 to 2017 (1387 specimens from ERU-eyes, 237 specimens from eyes affected with another type of uveitis, and 216 specimens from healthy eyes). In 83% of intraocular samples from ERU eyes, antibodies were detectable, and especially the detection of immunoglobulin A (IgA) seems to play an important role. In 72% of the intraocular specimens, leptospiral DNA was detectable by PCR. No antibodies were detectable in the samples from eyes with another type of uveitis or in the samples from healthy eyes. A PCR was positive in only one sample from a healthy eye. These results with a very high number of intraocular specimens demonstrate the great importance of an intraocular leptospiral infection for ERU. It can be concluded that for a reliable diagnosis of intraocular leptospiral infection or to reliably exclude an infection, multiple tests should be applied. Abstract In the equine clinic of the LMU in Munich, therapeutic vitrectomies have been routinely performed in horses for three decades. The vitreous samples obtained during vitrectomies were usually tested for anti-Leptospira antibodies and for more than 20 years also by PCR for leptospiral DNA. If the indication for surgery was ophthalmologically inconclusive, an aqueous humor was collected preoperatively and examined for evidence of leptospiral infection. In this study, medical records from 2002 to 2017 were analyzed. Records for 1387 eyes affected by equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) and 237 eyes affected by another type of uveitis met the inclusion criteria. A total of 216 samples from healthy eyes were used as controls. In 83% of intraocular samples from ERU eyes, antibody titers of 1:100 or higher were detectable by microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Similarly, 83% of intraocular samples had anti-Leptospira antibodies detected by ELISA. In 72% of the intraocular specimens, leptospiral DNA was detectable by PCR. No antibodies were detectable in the samples from eyes with another type of uveitis or in the samples from healthy eyes. A PCR was positive in only one sample from a healthy eye. These results with a very high number of intraocular specimens demonstrate the great importance of an intraocular leptospiral infection for ERU. It can be concluded that for a reliable diagnosis of intraocular leptospiral infection or to reliably exclude an infection multiple tests should be applied.
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Meganathan Y, Vishwakarma A, Mohandass R. Biofilm formation and social interaction of Leptospira in natural and artificial environments. Res Microbiol 2022; 173:103981. [PMID: 35926730 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2022.103981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
In the recent decades, there has been increased interest in the study on social interactions of pathogenic bacteria and biofilm-forming microbes. Leptospira is a zoonotic pathogen that causes human leptospirosis. Biofilm formation by pathogenic and saprophytic Leptospira has been documented in various biotic and abiotic environments. Biofilm supports cell growth and protects them from a variety of environmental stress. Pathogenic bacterial biofilm might increase the virulence and pathogenesis. However, research on the social behaviour and biofilm production by Leptospira is limited. This review discusses the interplay between the different species in the biofilm formation of saprophytic and pathogenic Leptospira and potential future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogesan Meganathan
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalapattu, TN, India
| | - Archana Vishwakarma
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalapattu, TN, India
| | - Ramya Mohandass
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalapattu, TN, India.
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12
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Li W, Siddique MS, Graham N, Yu W. Influence of Temperature on Biofilm Formation Mechanisms Using a Gravity-Driven Membrane (GDM) System: Insights from Microbial Community Structures and Metabolomics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:8908-8919. [PMID: 35623093 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A biofilm has a significant effect on water treatment processes. Currently, there is a lack of knowledge about the effect of temperature on the biofilm structure in water treatment processes. In this study, a gravity-driven membrane ultrafiltration system was operated with river feedwater at two temperatures ("low", 4 °C; "high", 25 °C) to explore the biofilm structure and transformation mechanism. The results showed that the difference in dissolved oxygen concentration might be one of the main factors regulating the structural components of the biofilm. A denser biofilm formation and reduced flux were observed at the lower temperature. The linoleic acid metabolism was significantly inhibited at low temperature, resulting in enhanced pyrimidine metabolism by Na+ accumulation. In addition, the biofilm at low temperature had a higher proportion of the metabolites of lipids and lipid-like molecules (11.25%), organic acids and derivatives (10.83%), nucleosides, nucleotides, and analogues (7.083%), and organoheterocyclic compounds (6.66%). These small molecules secrete more polysaccharides having C═O and O═C-O functional groups, which intensified the resistance of the biofilm. Furthermore, the upregulation pathway of pyrimidine metabolism also increased the risk of urea accumulation at low temperature. Limnohabitans, Deinococcus, Diaphorobacter, Flavobacterium, and Pseudomonas were identified as the principal microorganisms involved in this metabolic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Saboor Siddique
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Nigel Graham
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Wenzheng Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, People's Republic of China
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13
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Diverse lineages of pathogenic Leptospira species are widespread in the environment in Puerto Rico, USA. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0009959. [PMID: 35584143 PMCID: PMC9154103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Leptospirosis, caused by Leptospira bacteria, is a common zoonosis worldwide, especially in the tropics. Reservoir species and risk factors have been identified but surveys for environmental sources are rare. Furthermore, understanding of environmental Leptospira containing virulence associated genes and possibly capable of causing disease is incomplete, which may convolute leptospirosis diagnosis, prevention, and epidemiology.
Methodology/Principal findings
We collected environmental samples from 22 sites in Puerto Rico during three sampling periods over 14-months (Dec 2018-Feb 2020); 10 water and 10 soil samples were collected at each site. Samples were screened for DNA from potentially pathogenic Leptospira using the lipL32 PCR assay and positive samples were sequenced to assess genetic diversity. One urban site in San Juan was sampled three times over 14 months to assess persistence in soil; live leptospires were obtained during the last sampling period. Isolates were whole genome sequenced and LipL32 expression was assessed in vitro.
We detected pathogenic Leptospira DNA at 15/22 sites; both soil and water were positive at 5/15 sites. We recovered lipL32 sequences from 83/86 positive samples (15/15 positive sites) and secY sequences from 32/86 (10/15 sites); multiple genotypes were identified at 12 sites. These sequences revealed significant diversity across samples, including four novel lipL32 phylogenetic clades within the pathogenic P1 group. Most samples from the serially sampled site were lipL32 positive at each time point. We sequenced the genomes of six saprophytic and two pathogenic Leptospira isolates; the latter represent a novel pathogenic Leptospira species likely belonging to a new serogroup.
Conclusions/Significance
Diverse and novel pathogenic Leptospira are widespread in the environment in Puerto Rico. The disease potential of these lineages is unknown but several were consistently detected for >1 year in soil, which could contaminate water. This work increases understanding of environmental Leptospira diversity and should improve leptospirosis surveillance and diagnostics.
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14
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Yao S, Hao L, Zhou R, Jin Y, Huang J, Wu C. Formation of Biofilm by Tetragenococcus halophilus Benefited Stress Tolerance and Anti-biofilm Activity Against S. aureus and S. Typhimurium. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:819302. [PMID: 35300476 PMCID: PMC8921937 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.819302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tetragenococcus halophilus, a halophilic lactic acid bacterium (LAB), plays an important role in the production of high-salt fermented foods. Generally, formation of biofilm benefits the fitness of cells when faced with competitive and increasingly hostile fermented environments. In this work, the biofilm-forming capacity of T. halophilus was investigated. The results showed that the optimal conditions for biofilm formation by T. halophilus were at 3–9% salt content, 0–6% ethanol content, pH 7.0, 30°C, and on the surface of stainless steel. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis presented a dense and flat biofilm with a thickness of about 24 μm, and higher amounts of live cells were located near the surface of biofilm and more dead cells located at the bottom. Proteins, polysaccharides, extracellular-DNA (eDNA), and humic-like substances were all proved to take part in biofilm formation. Higher basic surface charge, greater hydrophilicity, and lower intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were detected in T. halophilus grown in biofilms. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging revealed that biofilm cultures of T. halophilus had stronger surface adhesion forces than planktonic cells. Cells in biofilm exhibited higher cell viability under acid stress, ethanol stress, heat stress, and oxidative stress. In addition, T. halophilus biofilms exhibited aggregation activity and anti-biofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhimurium. Results presented in the study may contribute to enhancing stress tolerance of T. halophilus and utilize their antagonistic activities against foodborne pathogens during the production of fermented foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangjie Yao
- College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liying Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rongqing Zhou
- College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yao Jin
- College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun Huang
- College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chongde Wu
- College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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15
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Wollanke B, Gerhards H, Ackermann K. Infectious Uveitis in Horses and New Insights in Its Leptospiral Biofilm-Related Pathogenesis. Microorganisms 2022; 10:387. [PMID: 35208842 PMCID: PMC8875353 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveitis is a sight-threatening eye disease in equids known worldwide that leads to considerable pain and suffering. By far the most common type of uveitis in Germany and neighboring countries is classical equine recurrent uveitis (ERU), which is caused by chronic intraocular leptospiral infection and is the main cause of infectious uveitis in horses. Other infectious causes are extremely rare and are usually clinically distinguishable from ERU. ERU can be treated very effectively by vitreous cavity lavage (vitrectomy). For proper indications of this demanding surgery, it is necessary to differentiate ERU from other types of uveitis in which vitrectomy is not helpful. This can be conducted on the basis of anamnesis in combination with ophthalmologic findings and by aqueous humor examination. During vitrectomy, vitreous material is obtained. These vitreous samples have historically been used for numerous etiologic studies. In this way, a chronic intraocular leptospiral infection has been shown to be the cause of typical ERU and, among other findings, ERU has also been recognized as a biofilm infection, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of ERU and explaining some thus far unexplainable phenomena of ERU. ERU may not only have transmissible aspects to some types of uveitis in humans but may also serve as a model for a spontaneously occurring biofilm infection. Vitreous material obtained during therapeutically indicated vitrectomy can be used for further studies on in vivo biofilm formation, biofilm composition and possible therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Wollanke
- Equine Clinic, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany; (H.G.); (K.A.)
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16
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Wang TY, Guo R, Hu LL, Liu JJ, Lu HT. Mass Spectrometry-Based Targeted Metabolomics Revealed the Regulatory Roles of Magnesium on Biofilm Formation in Escherichia coli by Targeting Functional Metabolites. JOURNAL OF ANALYSIS AND TESTING 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s41664-021-00208-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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17
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Phoka T, Fule L, Da Fonseca JP, Cokelaer T, Picardeau M, Patarakul K. Investigating the role of the carbon storage regulator A (CsrA) in Leptospira spp. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260981. [PMID: 34898610 PMCID: PMC8668096 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbon Storage Regulator A (CsrA) is a well-characterized post-transcriptional global regulator that plays a critical role in response to environmental changes in many bacteria. CsrA has been reported to regulate several metabolic pathways, motility, biofilm formation, and virulence-associated genes. The role of csrA in Leptospira spp., which are able to survive in different environmental niches and infect a wide variety of reservoir hosts, has not been characterized. To investigate the role of csrA as a gene regulator in Leptospira, we generated a L. biflexa csrA deletion mutant (ΔcsrA) and csrA overexpressing Leptospira strains. The ΔcsrA L. biflexa displayed poor growth under starvation conditions. RNA sequencing revealed that in rich medium only a few genes, including the gene encoding the flagellar filament protein FlaB3, were differentially expressed in the ΔcsrA mutant. In contrast, 575 transcripts were differentially expressed when csrA was overexpressed in L. biflexa. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) confirmed the RNA-seq data in the ΔcsrA mutant, showing direct binding of recombinant CsrA to flaB3 mRNA. In the pathogen L. interrogans, we were not able to generate a csrA mutant. We therefore decided to overexpress csrA in L. interrogans. In contrast to the overexpressing strain of L. biflexa, the overexpressing L. interrogans strain had poor motility on soft agar. The overexpressing strain of L. interrogans also showed significant upregulation of the flagellin flaB1, flaB2, and flaB4. The interaction of L. interrogans rCsrA and flaB4 was confirmed by EMSA. Our results demonstrated that CsrA may function as a global regulator in Leptospira spp. under certain conditions that cause csrA overexpression. Interestingly, the mechanisms of action and gene targets of CsrA may be different between non-pathogenic and pathogenic Leptospira strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theerapat Phoka
- Medical Microbiology, Interdisciplinary and International Program, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lenka Fule
- Institut Pasteur, Biology of Spirochetes Unit, French National Reference Centre for Leptospirosis, Paris, France
| | - Juliana Pipoli Da Fonseca
- Plate-forme Technologique Biomics, Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Cokelaer
- Plate-forme Technologique Biomics, Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Hub de Bioinformatique et Biostatistique – Département Biologie Computationnelle, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Picardeau
- Institut Pasteur, Biology of Spirochetes Unit, French National Reference Centre for Leptospirosis, Paris, France
| | - Kanitha Patarakul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand
- Chula Vaccine Research Center (Chula VRC), Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail: ,
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18
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Zavala-Alvarado C, G. Huete S, Vincent AT, Sismeiro O, Legendre R, Varet H, Bussotti G, Lorioux C, Lechat P, Coppée JY, Veyrier FJ, Picardeau M, Benaroudj N. The oxidative stress response of pathogenic Leptospira is controlled by two peroxide stress regulators which putatively cooperate in controlling virulence. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009087. [PMID: 34855911 PMCID: PMC8638851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic Leptospira are the causative agents of leptospirosis, the most widespread zoonotic infectious disease. Leptospirosis is a potentially severe and life-threatening emerging disease with highest burden in sub-tropical areas and impoverished populations. Mechanisms allowing pathogenic Leptospira to survive inside a host and induce acute leptospirosis are not fully understood. The ability to resist deadly oxidants produced by the host during infection is pivotal for Leptospira virulence. We have previously shown that genes encoding defenses against oxidants in L. interrogans are repressed by PerRA (encoded by LIMLP_10155), a peroxide stress regulator of the Fur family. In this study, we describe the identification and characterization of another putative PerR-like regulator (LIMLP_05620) in L. interrogans. Protein sequence and phylogenetic analyses indicated that LIMLP_05620 displayed all the canonical PerR amino acid residues and is restricted to pathogenic Leptospira clades. We therefore named this PerR-like regulator PerRB. In L. interrogans, the PerRB regulon is distinct from that of PerRA. While a perRA mutant had a greater tolerance to peroxide, inactivating perRB led to a higher tolerance to superoxide, suggesting that these two regulators have a distinct function in the adaptation of L. interrogans to oxidative stress. The concomitant inactivation of perRA and perRB resulted in a higher tolerance to both peroxide and superoxide and, unlike the single mutants, a double perRAperRB mutant was avirulent. Interestingly, this correlated with major changes in gene and non-coding RNA expression. Notably, several virulence-associated genes (clpB, ligA/B, and lvrAB) were repressed. By obtaining a double mutant in a pathogenic Leptospira strain, our study has uncovered an interplay of two PerRs in the adaptation of Leptospira to oxidative stress with a putative role in virulence and pathogenicity, most likely through the transcriptional control of a complex regulatory network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crispin Zavala-Alvarado
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Biologie des Spirochètes, F-75015 Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Samuel G. Huete
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Biologie des Spirochètes, F-75015 Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Antony T. Vincent
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier, Bacterial Symbionts Evolution, Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Odile Sismeiro
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Biomics Transcriptome et Epigenome, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Rachel Legendre
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Biomics Transcriptome et Epigenome, F-75015 Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Hub Bioinformatique et Biostatistique, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Hugo Varet
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Biomics Transcriptome et Epigenome, F-75015 Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Hub Bioinformatique et Biostatistique, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Giovanni Bussotti
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Hub Bioinformatique et Biostatistique, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Céline Lorioux
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Biologie des Spirochètes, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Pierre Lechat
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Hub Bioinformatique et Biostatistique, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Yves Coppée
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Biomics Transcriptome et Epigenome, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Frédéric J. Veyrier
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier, Bacterial Symbionts Evolution, Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Mathieu Picardeau
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Biologie des Spirochètes, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Nadia Benaroudj
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Biologie des Spirochètes, F-75015 Paris, France
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19
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Govindan P, Pitchaikani S, Kandasamy S, Rajan M, Shakila H, Eed EM, Elfasakhany A, Pugazhendhi A. Biomacromolecules of chitosan - Bacopa saponin based LipL32 gene delivery system for leptospirosis therapy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 202:111699. [PMID: 34273371 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a severe bacterial infectious disease caused by the organisms belonging to the genus of Leptospira. The chitosan/Bacopa saponin/tripolyphosphate (CS/BS/TPP) nanoparticles conjugated with recombinant DNA vaccines were designed against Leptospirosis. Chitosan, a polysaccharide is suitable for delivery of drug, and gene due to its bio-compatible and biodegradable properties. Bacopa saponins are used for the induction of the immune response against microbial infections. The recombinant DNA vaccine construct was composed of the leptospiral outer membrane LipL32 gene tagged with EGFP and hGMCSF adjuvant in the pVAX1 mammalian expression vector along with the Cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. These recombinant DNA vaccine constructs was termed as pVAX1-EGFP-LipL32 and pVAX1-EGFP-hGMCSF-LipL32, and these constructs were conjugated with CS/BS/TPP nanoparticles by using the ionic gelation technique. Thus, CS/BS/TPP conjugated nanoparticle DNA vaccine was confirmed by functionality (FT-IR), crystalline nature (XRD) and surface charge (Zeta potential). The 90% encapsulation efficiency was observed in the conjugated nanoparticle DNA vaccine. In contrast, cell viability analysis validated that the synthesized DNA conjugated CS/BS/TPP nanoparticles showed low cytotoxicity up to 10 mg/mL. The results showed here are the initial establishment of DNA vaccine conjugated nanoparticles, which can be used as a potential anti-leptospiral vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pothiaraj Govindan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 21, India
| | - Sasikumar Pitchaikani
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 21, India
| | | | - Mariappan Rajan
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 21, India
| | - Harshavardhan Shakila
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 21, India.
| | - Emad M Eed
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf Elfasakhany
- Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
- School of Renewable Energy, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand; College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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20
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Coburn J, Picardeau M, Woods CW, Veldman T, Haake DA. Pathogenesis insights from an ancient and ubiquitous spirochete. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009836. [PMID: 34673833 PMCID: PMC8530280 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jenifer Coburn
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | | | - Christopher W. Woods
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Timothy Veldman
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - David A. Haake
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- The David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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21
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Santos AAN, Ribeiro PDS, da França GV, Souza FN, Ramos EAG, Figueira CP, Reis MG, Costa F, Ristow P. Leptospira interrogans biofilm formation in Rattus norvegicus (Norway rats) natural reservoirs. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009736. [PMID: 34495971 PMCID: PMC8451993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rattus norvegicus (Norway rat) is the main reservoir host of pathogenic Leptospira, the causative agent of leptospirosis, in urban environments. Pathogenic Leptospira forms biofilms in the environment, possibly contributing for bacterial survival and maintenance. Nonetheless, biofilms have not yet been studied in natural animal reservoirs presenting leptospiral renal carriage. Here, we described biofilm formation by pathogenic Leptospira inside the renal tubules of R. norvegicus naturally infected and captured in an urban slum endemic for leptospirosis. From the 65 rats carrying Leptospira in their kidneys, 24 (37%) presented biofilms inside the renal tubules. The intensity of leptospiral colonization in the renal tubules (OR: 1.00; 95% CI 1.05–1.1) and the type of occlusion pattern of the colonized renal tubules (OR: 3.46; 95% CI 1.20–9.98) were independently associated with the presence of Leptospira biofilm. Our data showed that Leptospira interrogans produce biofilms during renal chronic colonization in rat reservoirs, suggesting a possible role for leptospiral biofilms in the pathogenesis of leptospirosis and bacterial carriage in host reservoirs. Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira bacteria. The main reservoir hosts of Leptospira are the brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), which are chronically colonized in the kidneys. Leptospires form biofilms, which are communities of microorganisms embedded in an extracellular polysaccharidic matrix. Leptospira pathogenesis in reservoir hosts is poorly understood. We captured 87 brown rats from an impoverished urban community that is endemic for leptospirosis. To investigate the biofilm in the rats’ kidneys, we co-localized leptospires and saccharides of the biofilm extracellular matrix in the renal tubules, using immunohistochemistry anti-Leptospira and carbohydrate staining, respectively. We quantified Leptospira using molecular tools and characterized the biofilm using electron microscopy. We analysed demographic data to identify variables correlated with renal carriage. We found that Leptospira infected 78 rats. From those, 65 were positive for immunohistochemistry in the kidneys and 24 (37%) were biofilm-positive. We found significant positive correlation between the intensity of colonization and the presence of biofilm in the kidneys. The intensity of colonization was also associated with the rats’ gender and age. Biofilm formation by Leptospira in the kidneys of natural reservoir rats fills a gap into the knowledge of leptospirosis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fábio Neves Souza
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mitermayer G. Reis
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Ministry of Health, Salvador, Brazil
- Faculty of Medicine of Bahia, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Federico Costa
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Paula Ristow
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
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22
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Ackermann K, Kenngott R, Settles M, Gerhards H, Maierl J, Wollanke B. In Vivo Biofilm Formation of Pathogenic Leptospira spp. in the Vitreous Humor of Horses with Recurrent Uveitis. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9091915. [PMID: 34576809 PMCID: PMC8464839 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9091915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) causes painful inflammatory attacks and oftentimes blindness in the affected eyes. The disease is considered a late sequela of systemic leptospirosis. The most effective therapy is the surgical removal of the vitreous (vitrectomy), which is not only therapeutic, but provides vitreous material that can be assessed diagnostically. For example, the lipL32 gene, culturable Leptospira spp., and anti-Leptospira antibodies have all been detected in vitreous samples obtained from eyes with chronic ERU. Despite this clear evidence of leptospiral involvement, the systemic administration of antibiotics in infected horses is ineffective at resolving ERU. This syndrome of chronic recurrent inflammation, which is unresponsive to antibiotic therapy, combined with apparent bacteria evading the immune response, is consistent with a biofilm-associated infection. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to detect the in vivo biofilm formation of Leptospira spp. in vitreous samples collected during vitrectomy and examined using a Warthin-Starry silver stain and immunohistochemistry. All known steps of biofilm formation were visualized in these samples, including individual Leptospira spp., leptospiral microcolonies and dense roundish accumulations of Leptospira spp. In many instances spirochetes were surrounded by an extracellular substance. Taken together, data from the present study show that ERU is a biofilm-associated intraocular leptospiral infection, which best explains the typical clinical course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Ackermann
- Equine Clinic, Clinical Department, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence: (K.A.); (R.K.); (H.G.); (B.W.)
| | - Rebecca Kenngott
- Institute for Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Department of Veterinary Science, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany; (M.S.); (J.M.)
- Correspondence: (K.A.); (R.K.); (H.G.); (B.W.)
| | - Monica Settles
- Institute for Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Department of Veterinary Science, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany; (M.S.); (J.M.)
| | - Hartmut Gerhards
- Equine Clinic, Clinical Department, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence: (K.A.); (R.K.); (H.G.); (B.W.)
| | - Johann Maierl
- Institute for Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Department of Veterinary Science, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany; (M.S.); (J.M.)
| | - Bettina Wollanke
- Equine Clinic, Clinical Department, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence: (K.A.); (R.K.); (H.G.); (B.W.)
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23
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Md-Lasim A, Mohd-Taib FS, Abdul-Halim M, Mohd-Ngesom AM, Nathan S, Md-Nor S. Leptospirosis and Coinfection: Should We Be Concerned? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18179411. [PMID: 34502012 PMCID: PMC8431591 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenic Leptospira is the causative agent of leptospirosis, an emerging zoonotic disease affecting animals and humans worldwide. The risk of host infection following interaction with environmental sources depends on the ability of Leptospira to persist, survive, and infect the new host to continue the transmission chain. Leptospira may coexist with other pathogens, thus providing a suitable condition for the development of other pathogens, resulting in multi-pathogen infection in humans. Therefore, it is important to better understand the dynamics of transmission by these pathogens. We conducted Boolean searches of several databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, SciELO, and ScienceDirect, to identify relevant published data on Leptospira and coinfection with other pathogenic bacteria. We review the role of the host-microbiota in determining the synanthropic interaction of Leptospira sp. with other bacteria, thus creating a suitable condition for the leptospira to survive and persist successfully. We also discuss the biotic and abiotic factors that amplify the viability of Leptospira in the environment. The coinfection of leptospira with pathogenic bacteria has rarely been reported, potentially contributing to a lack of awareness. Therefore, the occurrence of leptospirosis coinfection may complicate diagnosis, long-lasting examination, and mistreatment that could lead to mortality. Identifying the presence of leptospirosis with other bacteria through metagenomic analysis could reveal possible coinfection. In conclusion, the occurrence of leptospirosis with other diseases should be of concern and may depend on the success of the transmission and severity of individual infections. Medical practitioners may misdiagnose the presence of multiple infections and should be made aware of and receive adequate training on appropriate treatment for leptospirosis patients. Physicians could undertake a more targeted approach for leptospirosis diagnosis by considering other symptoms caused by the coinfected bacteria; thus, more specific treatment could be given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmalia Md-Lasim
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia; (A.M.-L.); (S.N.); (S.M.-N.)
- Herbal Medicine Research Centre (HMRC), Institute for Medical Research (IMR), National Institue of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Farah Shafawati Mohd-Taib
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia; (A.M.-L.); (S.N.); (S.M.-N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-12-3807701
| | - Mardani Abdul-Halim
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Sabah, Malaysia;
| | - Ahmad Mohiddin Mohd-Ngesom
- Center for Toxicology and Health Risk, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia;
| | - Sheila Nathan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia; (A.M.-L.); (S.N.); (S.M.-N.)
| | - Shukor Md-Nor
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia; (A.M.-L.); (S.N.); (S.M.-N.)
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24
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Poudel A, Hoque MM, Madere S, Bolds S, Price S, Barua S, Adekanmbi F, Kalalah A, Kitchens S, Brown V, Wang C, Lockaby BG. Molecular and Serological Prevalence of Leptospira spp. in Feral Pigs ( Sus scrofa) and their Habitats in Alabama, USA. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9100857. [PMID: 33092307 PMCID: PMC7589127 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9100857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis and has been recognized as a re-emerging infectious disease in humans and a variety of wild and domestic animal species. In order to understand the prevalence and diversity of Leptospira spp. in feral pig populations of Alabama, we trapped 315 feral pigs in Bullock County east-central Alabama, and collected 97 environmental samples from riparian areas in Bullock County and Macon County east-central Alabama. Two previously published PCRs followed by DNA sequencing and BLASTn were performed to identify pathogenic Leptospira species in the kidney of feral pigs (3.2%, 10/315) as well as environmental samples collected from the habitats of feral pigs (2.1%, 2/97), but not in the whole blood samples (n = 276) or spleen (n = 51). An ELISA determined that 44.2% of serum samples (122/276) were antibody-positive for Leptospira. The identification of two pathogenic Leptospira species from environmental samples and the high sero-positivity in feral pigs suggests potential pathogen shedding from feral pigs to environments, and to humans and domestic animals. In order to better understand the risk to human health associated with feral swine presence, further studies are warranted to explore the interrelationship between Leptospira spp. shedding in the urine of feral pigs and bacterial culture to explore pathogenicity. Multi-locus sequencing typing (MLST) and microscopic agglutination tests (MAT) should be performed in future studies to make a definite determination of pathogenic Leptospira in feral pigs in Alabama.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Poudel
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.P.); (M.M.H.); (S.P.); (S.B.); (F.A.); (A.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Md Monirul Hoque
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.P.); (M.M.H.); (S.P.); (S.B.); (F.A.); (A.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Steven Madere
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36830, USA; (S.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Sara Bolds
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36830, USA; (S.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Stuart Price
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.P.); (M.M.H.); (S.P.); (S.B.); (F.A.); (A.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Subarna Barua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.P.); (M.M.H.); (S.P.); (S.B.); (F.A.); (A.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Folasade Adekanmbi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.P.); (M.M.H.); (S.P.); (S.B.); (F.A.); (A.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Anwar Kalalah
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.P.); (M.M.H.); (S.P.); (S.B.); (F.A.); (A.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Steven Kitchens
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.P.); (M.M.H.); (S.P.); (S.B.); (F.A.); (A.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Vienna Brown
- USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services, National Feral Swine Damage Management Program, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA;
| | - Chengming Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.P.); (M.M.H.); (S.P.); (S.B.); (F.A.); (A.K.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence: (C.W.); (B.G.L.)
| | - B. Graeme Lockaby
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36830, USA; (S.M.); (S.B.)
- Correspondence: (C.W.); (B.G.L.)
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25
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Leptospira interrogans Retains Direct Virulence After Long Starvation in Water. Curr Microbiol 2020; 77:3035-3043. [PMID: 32683468 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-020-02128-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mostly studied as a zoonosis, leptospirosis is also an environment-borne infection and most human cases originate from soil or water contaminations. Yet, only few studies have been interested in the survival of pathogenic Leptospira in freshwater. In this study, water microcosms were designed to evaluate the survival and virulence of Leptospira spp. for 2 years. Four commercial bottled drinking waters and a non-ionized water, all previously filter-sterilized, were studied. Either one of two Leptospira interrogans strains, one Leptospira borgpetersenii strain, or a saprophytic Leptospira biflexa was inoculated in these waters under nutrient-deprived conditions. Molecular, microscopic and cultural approaches were used to study Leptospira survival. Direct virulence of the pathogens was assessed using animal challenge without re-culturing. Our results confirmed the capacity of pathogenic Leptospira to survive for more than a year in water. In addition, we showed the ability of L. interrogans in nutrient-deprived conditions to directly cause systemic infection in susceptible animals. To our knowledge, this is the first report of direct infection of a susceptible host with Leptospira following a long starvation and survival period in nutrient-deprived water. Our results also suggest that Leptospira turned into a physiological "survival" state in harsh freshwater conditions. These data are of prime importance considering that freshwater is a major source of Leptospira infections. Environmental survival and virulence of pathogenic Leptospira spp. are becoming a crucial challenge to determine the environmental risk and adopt relevant prevention and control strategies.
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