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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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Hamond C, Adam EN, Stone NE, LeCount K, Anderson T, Putz EJ, Camp P, Hicks J, Stuber T, van der Linden H, Bayles DO, Sahl JW, Schlater LK, Wagner DM, Nally JE. Identification of equine mares as reservoir hosts for pathogenic species of Leptospira. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1346713. [PMID: 38784659 PMCID: PMC11112012 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1346713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Equine leptospirosis can result in abortion, stillbirth, neonatal death, placentitis, and uveitis. Horses can also act as subclinical reservoir hosts of infection, which are characterized as asymptomatic carriers that persistently excrete leptospires and transmit disease. In this study, PCR and culture were used to assess urinary shedding of pathogenic Leptospira from 37 asymptomatic mares. Three asymptomatic mares, designated as H2, H8, and H9, were PCR-positive for lipL32, a gene specific for pathogenic species of Leptospira. One asymptomatic mare, H9, was culture-positive, and the recovered isolate was classified as L. kirschneri serogroup Australis serovar Rushan. DNA capture and enrichment of Leptospira genomic DNA from PCR-positive, culture-negative samples determined that asymptomatic mare H8 was also shedding L. kirschneri serogroup Australis, whereas asymptomatic mare H2 was shedding L. interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae. Sera from all asymptomatic mares were tested by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and 35 of 37 (94.6%) were seropositive with titers ranging from 1:100 to 1:3200. In contrast to asymptomatic mares, mare H44 presented with acute spontaneous abortion and a serum MAT titer of 1:102,400 to L. interrogans serogroup Pomona serovar Pomona. Comparison of L. kirschneri serogroup Australis strain H9 with that of L. interrogans serogroup Pomona strain H44 in the hamster model of leptospirosis corroborated differences in virulence of strains. Since lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a protective antigen in bacterin vaccines, the LPS of strain H9 (associated with subclinical carriage) was compared with strain H44 (associated with spontaneous abortion). This revealed different LPS profiles and immunoreactivity with reference antisera. It is essential to know what species and serovars of Leptospira are circulating in equine populations to design efficacious vaccines and diagnostic tests. Our results demonstrate that horses in the US can act as reservoir hosts of leptospirosis and shed diverse pathogenic Leptospira species via urine. This report also details the detection of L. kirschneri serogroup Australis serovar Rushan, a species and serotype of Leptospira, not previously reported in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Hamond
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
- National Centers for Animal Health Leptospira Working Group, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Emma N. Adam
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Nathan E. Stone
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
| | - Karen LeCount
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
- National Centers for Animal Health Leptospira Working Group, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Tammy Anderson
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
- National Centers for Animal Health Leptospira Working Group, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Ellie J. Putz
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Patrick Camp
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jessica Hicks
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Tod Stuber
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Hans van der Linden
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Darrell O. Bayles
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jason W. Sahl
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
| | - Linda K. Schlater
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
- National Centers for Animal Health Leptospira Working Group, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - David M. Wagner
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
| | - Jarlath E. Nally
- National Centers for Animal Health Leptospira Working Group, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
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Putz EJ, Fernandes LGV, Sarlo Davila KM, Whitelegge J, Lippolis JD, Nally JE. Proteomic profiles of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo strains JB197 and HB203 cultured at different temperatures. J Proteomics 2024; 295:105106. [PMID: 38320623 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a global zoonotic disease affecting humans, domestic, and wild animals. Leptospira are typically shed in the urine of reservoir hosts which persist in suitable environments where incidental host transmission occurs after direct contact with infected urine or contaminated environments. Interestingly, serologically identical L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo strains JB197 and HB203 show divergent disease severity in the hamster model; JB197 causes severe acute infection while HB203 causes persistent chronic infection. Historically, serovar Hardjo was limited to culture at 29 °C, but utilization of HAN media allows propagation from host tissues at 37 °C. Here, the proteome of strains JB197 and HB203 were characterized after culture from experimentally challenged hamsters at 29 °C and 37 °C. Comparative analyses of JB197 and HB203 samples cultured at 29 °C yielded 425 significantly differentially expressed (DE) proteins, while strains at 37 °C yielded 613 DE proteins including prominent outer membrane proteins and known virulence factors. In agreement, membrane protein GO terms were identified by STRING network analyses along with numerous metabolic KEGG pathways consistent with condition differences. Within strain, JB197 cultured at 29 °C vs 37 °C identified 529 DE proteins, while HB203 identified 524 DE proteins. Investigating differential protein profiles provide insights into strain specific behaviors with implications for better understanding host-pathogen interactions, disease transmission, and response to environmental conditions which can contribute to vaccine development, diagnostic improvement, and ultimately leptospirosis control. SIGNIFICANCE: Leptospirosis is a devastating zoonotic disease affecting humans, wild and domestic animals around the globe. Different species and serovars of Leptospira can affect various animal host species differently; for instance, a serovar that is asymptomatic in the rat may cause severe disease in a dog or human. These differences in host response are not only found at the species and serovar level for Leptospira, but also at the strain level. A prime example comes from strains JB197 and HB203, both species L. borgpetersenii, both serovar Hardjo. Interestingly, JB197 causes a severe acute infection in the hamster while HB203 causes an asymptomatic chronic infection. Understanding these unique relationships between pathogen and host species is important, especially in the context of prevention technologies such as vaccine design, where the strain of Leptospira used as a bacterin might have different efficiencies in different hosts. In this study, proteomic profiles of strains JB197 and HB203 were analyzed, and results revealed diverse protein expression profiles of outer membrane proteins, as well as proteins functioning in motility and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie J Putz
- Infectious Bacterial Disease Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, USA.
| | - Luis G V Fernandes
- Infectious Bacterial Disease Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Kaitlyn M Sarlo Davila
- Infectious Bacterial Disease Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Julian Whitelegge
- The Pasarow Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, NPI-Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - John D Lippolis
- Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Jarlath E Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Disease Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, USA
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Antima, Banerjee S. Modeling the dynamics of leptospirosis in India. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19791. [PMID: 37957218 PMCID: PMC10643689 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46326-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis, a formidable zoonotic threat spawned by Leptospira, plagues tropical and subtropical realms. This study delves deep into tropical Indian states, namely, Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, unraveling the dynamics of leptospirosis through a comprehensive mathematical model that embraces temperature-driven growth rates of Leptospira. Sensitivity analysis and parameter estimation techniques fortified the model's accuracy, unraveling the factors shaping leptospirosis transmission. Notably, the numerical results highlight the significant impact of rainfall, fishing, climate, mining, agriculture, and cattle farming on leptospirosis prevalence in the endemic states of India. Finally, our study urges resolute preventive action to control and combat leptospirosis in India. Strengthening surveillance, impactful awareness campaigns, targeted interventions, and improved hygiene practices among high-risk individuals are vital. Embracing these proactive strategies will alleviate the burden of leptospirosis and enhance public health in India and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antima
- Department of Mathematics, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Sandip Banerjee
- Department of Mathematics, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India.
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Sykes JE, Francey T, Schuller S, Stoddard RA, Cowgill LD, Moore GE. Updated ACVIM consensus statement on leptospirosis in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:1966-1982. [PMID: 37861061 PMCID: PMC10658540 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Since publication of the last consensus statement on leptospirosis in dogs, there has been revision of leptospiral taxonomy and advancements in typing methods, widespread use of new diagnostic tests and vaccines, and improved understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of the disease. Leptospirosis continues to be prevalent in dogs, including in small breed dogs from urban areas, puppies as young as 11 weeks of age, geriatric dogs, dogs in rural areas, and dogs that have been inadequately vaccinated for leptospirosis (including dogs vaccinated with 2-serovar Leptospira vaccines in some regions). In 2021, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Board of Regents voted to approve the topic for a revised Consensus Statement. After identification of core panelists, a multidisciplinary group of 6 experts from the fields of veterinary medicine, human medicine, and public health was assembled to vote on the recommendations using the Delphi method. A draft was presented at the 2023 ACVIM Forum, and a written draft posted on the ACVIM website for comment by the membership before submission to the editors of the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. This revised document provides guidance for veterinary practitioners on disease in dogs as well as cats. The level of agreement among the 12 voting members (including core panelists) is provided in association with each recommendation. A denominator lower than 12 reflects abstention of ≥1 panelists either because they considered the recommendation to be outside their scope of expertise or because there was a perceived conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E. Sykes
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologyUniversity of California, DavisDavisCalifornia95616USA
| | - Thierry Francey
- Department of Clinical Veterinary ScienceVetsuisse Faculty, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Simone Schuller
- Department of Clinical Veterinary ScienceVetsuisse Faculty, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Robyn A. Stoddard
- Bacterial Special Pathogens BranchCenters for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGeorgia30333USA
| | - Larry D Cowgill
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologyUniversity of California, DavisDavisCalifornia95616USA
| | - George E. Moore
- Department of Veterinary AdministrationPurdue UniversityWest Lafayette, Indiana 47907USA
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Hamond C, LeCount K, Browne AS, Anderson T, Stuber T, Hicks J, Camp P, Fernandes LGV, van der Linden H, Goris MGA, Bayles DO, Schlater LK, Nally JE. Concurrent colonization of rodent kidneys with multiple species and serogroups of pathogenic Leptospira. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0120423. [PMID: 37819079 PMCID: PMC10617434 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01204-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodents are important reservoir hosts of pathogenic leptospires in the US Virgin Islands. Our previous work determined that trapped rodents were colonized with Leptospira borgpetersenii serogroup Ballum (n = 48) and/or Leptospira kirschneri serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 3). In addition, nine rodents appeared to be colonized with a mixed population comprising more than one species/serogroup. The aim of this study was to validate this finding by characterizing clonal isolates derived from cultures of mixed species. Cultures of presumptive mixed species (designated LR1, LR5, LR37, LR57, LR60, LR61, LR68, LR70, and LR72) were propagated in different media including Hornsby-Alt-Nally (HAN) media, incubated at both 29℃ and 37℃, and T80/40/LH incubated at 29℃. Polyclonal reference antisera specific for serogroup Ballum and Icterohaemorrhagiae were used to enrich for different serogroups followed by subculture on agar plates. Individual colonies were then selected for genotyping and serotyping. Of the nine cultures of mixed species/serogroups, a single clonal isolate was separated in five of them: L. borgpetersenii serogroup Ballum in LR1, LR5, and LR37, and L. kirschneri serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae in LR60 and LR72. In four of the cultures with mixed species (LR57, LR61, LR68, and LR70), clonal isolates of both L. borgpetersenii serogroup Ballum and L. kirschneri serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae were recovered. Our results definitively establish that rodents can be colonized with more than one species/serogroup of Leptospira concurrently. The identification and characterization of multiple species/serogroups of Leptospira from individual reservoir hosts of infection are essential to understand the epidemiology and transmission of disease to both human and domestic animal populations.IMPORTANCEPathogenic Leptospira, the causative agent of human and animal leptospirosis, comprise a diverse genus of species/serogroups which are inherently difficult to isolate from mammalian hosts due to fastidious growth requirements. Molecular evidence has indicated that reservoir hosts of Leptospira may shed multiple species concurrently. However, evidence of this phenomena by culture has been lacking. Culture is definitive and is essential for comprehensive characterization of recovered isolates by high-resolution genome sequencing and serotyping. In this work, a protocol using recently developed novel media formulations, in conjunction with reference antisera, was developed and validated to demonstrate the recovery of multiple species/serogroups of pathogenic Leptospira from the same host. The identification and characterization of multiple species/serogroups of Leptospira from individual reservoir hosts of infection are essential to understand the epidemiology and transmission of disease to both human and domestic animal populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Hamond
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal Plant & Health Inspection Service, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
- National Center for Animal Health (NCAH) Leptospira working group, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Karen LeCount
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal Plant & Health Inspection Service, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
- National Center for Animal Health (NCAH) Leptospira working group, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - A. Springer Browne
- Domestic Animal Health Analytics Team, Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, US Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Tammy Anderson
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal Plant & Health Inspection Service, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
- National Center for Animal Health (NCAH) Leptospira working group, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Tod Stuber
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal Plant & Health Inspection Service, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Jessica Hicks
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal Plant & Health Inspection Service, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Patrick Camp
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal Plant & Health Inspection Service, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Luis G. V. Fernandes
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Hans van der Linden
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, WOAH and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marga G. A. Goris
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, WOAH and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Darrell O. Bayles
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Linda K. Schlater
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal Plant & Health Inspection Service, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
- National Center for Animal Health (NCAH) Leptospira working group, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Jarlath E. Nally
- National Center for Animal Health (NCAH) Leptospira working group, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
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Kositanont U, Srisawat C, Sripinitchai S, Thawornkuno C, Chaibun T, Karunaithas S, Promptmas C, Lertanantawong B. Electrochemical aptasensor detection of electron transfer flavoprotein subunit beta for leptospirosis diagnosis. Analyst 2023; 148:4777-4786. [PMID: 37599631 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01064c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Electron transfer flavoprotein subunit beta (ETFB) of Leptospira interrogans is a biomarker for diagnosing leptospiral infection. Thus, the ETFB-specific nuclease-resistant RNA aptamer ETFB3-63 was developed and used in an electrochemical aptasensor to assay ETFB. Although the majority of reported biosensors detect various genes and antibodies of L. interrogans, this is the first attempt to construct an electrochemical biosensor to detect ETFB protein for the diagnosis of leptospiral infection. The ETFB protein can be detected without any extraction phase. In this assay, a single-stranded DNA probe complementary to the ETFB3-63 sequence was immobilized on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). The aptamer was then incubated and hybridized with the antisense probe on the SPCE. In the presence of ETFB, the aptamer dissociates from the aptamer/probe complex on the SPCE to bind with the protein. Methylene blue was then added to intercalate with the remaining hybridized aptamers, and its signal was measured using differential pulse voltammetry. The signal arising from the intercalated methylene blue decreased with increasing concentration of ETFB, showing a linear response in the range of 50-500 nM of ETFB and 10 to 109 leptospira cells per mL, respectively. The aptasensor signal was also specific to L. interrogans but not to 12 related bacteria tested. In addition, the aptasensor showed similar performance in detecting ETFB spiked in human serum to that in buffer, indicating that proteins in the serum do not interfere with the assay. Therefore, this assay has great potential to develop into a point-of-care electrochemical device that is accurate, cost-effective, and user-friendly for leptospirosis diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uraiwan Kositanont
- Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University, Pahol Yothin Rd., Klong Luang, Pathum Thani 12121, Thailand
| | - Chatchawan Srisawat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Wang Lang Rd., Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Sirinapa Sripinitchai
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Wang Lang Rd., Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Charin Thawornkuno
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Thanyarat Chaibun
- Biosensors Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Phutthamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.
| | - Sinthu Karunaithas
- Biosensors Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Phutthamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.
| | - Chamras Promptmas
- Biosensors Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Phutthamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.
| | - Benchaporn Lertanantawong
- Biosensors Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Phutthamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.
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Stone NE, McDonough RF, Hamond C, LeCount K, Busch JD, Dirsmith KL, Rivera-Garcia S, Soltero F, Arnold LM, Weiner Z, Galloway RL, Schlater LK, Nally JE, Sahl JW, Wagner DM. DNA Capture and Enrichment: A Culture-Independent Approach for Characterizing the Genomic Diversity of Pathogenic Leptospira Species. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1282. [PMID: 37317256 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Because they are difficult to culture, obtaining genomic information from Leptospira spp. is challenging, hindering the overall understanding of leptospirosis. We designed and validated a culture-independent DNA capture and enrichment system for obtaining Leptospira genomic information from complex human and animal samples. It can be utilized with a variety of complex sample types and diverse species as it was designed using the pan-genome of all known pathogenic Leptospira spp. This system significantly increases the proportion of Leptospira DNA contained within DNA extracts obtained from complex samples, oftentimes reaching >95% even when some estimated starting proportions were <1%. Sequencing enriched extracts results in genomic coverage similar to sequenced isolates, thereby enabling enriched complex extracts to be analyzed together with whole genome sequences from isolates, which facilitates robust species identification and high-resolution genotyping. The system is flexible and can be readily updated when new genomic information becomes available. Implementation of this DNA capture and enrichment system will improve efforts to obtain genomic data from unculturable Leptospira-positive human and animal samples. This, in turn, will lead to a better understanding of the overall genomic diversity and gene content of Leptospira spp. that cause leptospirosis, aiding epidemiology and the development of improved diagnostics and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan E Stone
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Ryelan F McDonough
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Camila Hamond
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Karen LeCount
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Joseph D Busch
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Katherine L Dirsmith
- Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, San Juan, PR 00918, USA
| | - Sarai Rivera-Garcia
- Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, San Juan, PR 00918, USA
| | - Fred Soltero
- Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, San Juan, PR 00918, USA
| | - Laura M Arnold
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40511, USA
| | - Zachary Weiner
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Renee L Galloway
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Linda K Schlater
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Jarlath E Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Jason W Sahl
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - David M Wagner
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
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9
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Grillova L, Cokelaer T, Mariet JF, da Fonseca JP, Picardeau M. Core genome sequencing and genotyping of Leptospira interrogans in clinical samples by target capture sequencing. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:157. [PMID: 36918832 PMCID: PMC10012794 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08126-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The life-threatening pathogen Leptospira interrogans is the most common agent of leptospirosis, an emerging zoonotic disease. However, little is known about the strains that are currently circulating worldwide due to the fastidious nature of the bacteria and the difficulty to isolate cultures. In addition, the paucity of bacteria in blood and other clinical samples has proven to be a considerable challenge for directly genotyping the agent of leptospirosis directly from patient material. Our understanding of the genetic diversity of strains during human infection is therefore limited. METHODS Here, we carried out hybridization capture followed by Illumina sequencing of the core genome directly from 20 clinical samples that were PCR positive for pathogenic Leptospira to elucidate the genetic diversity of currently circulating Leptospira strains in mainland France. RESULTS Capture with RNA probes covering the L. interrogans core genome resulted in a 72 to 13,000-fold increase in pathogen reads relative to standard sequencing without capture. Variant analysis of the genomes sequenced from the biological samples using 273 Leptospira reference genomes was then carried out to determine the genotype of the infecting strain. For samples with sufficient coverage (19/20 samples with coverage > 8×), we could unambiguously identify L. interrogans serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae and Copenhageni (14 samples), L. kirschneri serovar Grippotyphosa (4 samples), and L. interrogans serovar Pyrogenes (1 sample) as the infecting strains. CONCLUSIONS We obtained high-quality genomic data with suitable coverage for confident core genome genotyping of the agent of leptospirosis for most of our clinical samples. The recovery of the genome of the serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae and Copenhageni directly from multiple clinical samples revealed low adaptive diversification of the core genes during human infection. The ability to generate culture-free genomic data opens new opportunities for better understanding of the epidemiology of this fastidious pathogen and pathogenesis of this neglected disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Grillova
- Biology of Spirochetes Unit, French National Reference Centre for Leptospirosis, CNRS UMR 6047, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 75015, Paris, France.,Parasites and Microbes Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - Thomas Cokelaer
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Plate-Forme Technologique Biomics, 75015, Paris, France.,Département Biologie Computationnelle, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Hub de Bioinformatique et Biostatistique, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Jean-François Mariet
- Biology of Spirochetes Unit, French National Reference Centre for Leptospirosis, CNRS UMR 6047, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 75015, Paris, France
| | | | - Mathieu Picardeau
- Biology of Spirochetes Unit, French National Reference Centre for Leptospirosis, CNRS UMR 6047, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 75015, Paris, France.
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10
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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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11
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LeCount K, Fox K, Anderson T, Bayles DO, Stuber T, Hicks J, Schlater LK, Nally JE. Isolation of Leptospira kirschneri serovar Grippotyphosa from a red panda ( Ailurus fulgens) after antimicrobial therapy: Case report. Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:1064147. [PMID: 36819120 PMCID: PMC9932277 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1064147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A 1-year-old female red panda started showing symptoms of illness, including lethargy, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, and vomiting, shortly after transfer to a new zoo. Serum was tested for leptospirosis using the microscopic agglutination test, and a titer of 1:25,600 to serogroup Grippotyphosa was detected. Antimicrobial treatment with doxycycline was initiated. After completion of treatment and resolution of clinical symptoms, a urine sample was collected to ensure clearance of leptospires and cessation of urinary shedding prior to co-housing with other red pandas. A repeat serum sample taken 13 days later had a lower titer of 1:6,400 to serogroup Grippotyphosa. A sample of the animal's urine was cultured in HAN media and was culture positive for Leptospira. The recovered isolate was completely characterized by whole genome sequencing and serotyping with reference antisera, and the isolate was classified as Leptospira kirschneri serogroup Grippotyphosa serovar Grippotyphosa strain RedPanda1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen LeCount
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States,National Center for Animal Health (NCAH) Leptospira Working Group, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Kami Fox
- Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, Fort Wayne, IN, United States
| | - Tammy Anderson
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States,National Center for Animal Health (NCAH) Leptospira Working Group, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Darrell O. Bayles
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Tod Stuber
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jessica Hicks
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Linda K. Schlater
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States,National Center for Animal Health (NCAH) Leptospira Working Group, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jarlath E. Nally
- National Center for Animal Health (NCAH) Leptospira Working Group, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States,Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States,*Correspondence: Jarlath E. Nally ✉
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12
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Santos JC, Handa S, Fernandes LGV, Bleicher L, Gandin CA, de Oliveira-Neto M, Ghosh P, Nascimento ALTO. Structural and biochemical characterization of Leptospira interrogans Lsa45 reveals a penicillin-binding protein with esterase activity. Process Biochem 2023; 125:141-153. [PMID: 36643388 PMCID: PMC9836055 DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2022.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals and is caused by Leptospira. The recommended treatment for leptospirosis is antibiotic therapy, which should be given early in the course of the disease. Despite the use of these antibiotics, their role during the course of the disease is still not completely clear because of the lack of effective clinical trials, particularly for severe cases of the disease. Here, we present the characterization of L. interrogans Lsa45 protein by gel filtration, protein crystallography, SAXS, fluorescence and enzymatic assays. The oligomeric studies revealed that Lsa45 is monomeric in solution. The crystal structure of Lsa45 revealed the presence of two subdomains: a large α/β subdomain and a small α-helical subdomain. The large subdomain contains the amino acids Ser122, Lys125, and Tyr217, which correspond to the catalytic triad that is essential for β-lactamase or serine hydrolase activity in similar enzymes. Additionally, we also confirmed the bifunctional promiscuity of Lsa45, in hydrolyzing both the 4-nitrophenyl acetate (p-NPA) and nitrocefin β-lactam antibiotic. Therefore, this study provides novel insights into the structure and function of enzymes from L. interrogans, which furthers our understanding of this bacterium and the development of new therapies for the prevention and treatment of leptospirosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jademilson C. Santos
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Instituto Federal da Bahia – IFBA - Rodovia BR-367, R. José Fontana, 1, 45810-000, Porto Seguro - BA, Brazil
| | - Sumit Handa
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Luis G. V. Fernandes
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Bleicher
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - César A. Gandin
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências, Dep. de Física e Biofísica, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Mario de Oliveira-Neto
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências, Dep. de Física e Biofísica, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Partho Ghosh
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ana Lucia T. O. Nascimento
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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13
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Leptospira interrogans Serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae Failed to Establish Distinct Infection in Naïve Gilts: Lessons Learned from a Preliminary Experimental Challenge. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12010135. [PMID: 36678483 PMCID: PMC9867409 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospira is a pathogen involved in fertility problems in pigs. Nevertheless, little information is available on pathogenicity, transmission, tissue tropism, and immune response. The objective of this preliminary study was to induce a diagnostically detectable infection in naïve gilts using Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae to gain the knowledge required for designing a large-scale trial. Eight seronegative fertile gilts were divided into three groups: control (n = 2), challenge (n = 3; 10 mL of 108 leptospires/mL intravenously), and contact (n = 3). A daily clinical examination and periodic sampling of blood, urine, and vaginal swabs were performed until four weeks after infection when necropsy was undertaken. Seroconversion of infected animals was detected first by a microscopic agglutination test (MAT) between four and seven days after inoculation. No clinical signs were observed except pyrexia. Laboratory data primarily remained within reference intervals. Leptospira were undetectable in all groups by real-time PCR (sera, urine, vaginal swabs, and tissue samples) and bacterial culture (urine and tissue samples). However, histologic evidence for tubulo-interstitial nephritis could be found. Based on the study results and limitations, questions to be solved and approaches to be reconsidered are raised for the conduction of further experimental studies to understand the pathogenesis and the role of Icterohaemorrhagiae in pig health.
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14
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Ochoa-Valencia JL, Cruz-Romero A, Sánchez-Montes S, Esparza-González SC, Romero-Salas D, Domínguez-Mancera B, Ramos-Vázquez JR, Becker I, Torres-Castro M. Serological and Molecular evidence of pathogenic Leptospira species in cattle from slaughterhouses in Veracruz State, Mexico. REVISTA CIENTÍFICA DE LA FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS VETERINARIAS 2022. [DOI: 10.52973/rcfcv-e33201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cattle raising is the most important livestock activity in Mexico, highlighting the fact that the Country is eight place worldwide in the production of bovine meat. However, cattle can be affected by leptospirosis (a bacterial disease caused by 17 species of spirochetes of the genus Leptospira), which cause reproductive problems that translate into great economic losses. Additionally, these zoonotic agents can cause a rapidly evolving febrile condition in humans, which can be solved after the first week of symptoms or could progress to develop a severe late-phase manifestations. Despite the great impact of these agents on the economy and Public Health, epidemiological surveillance against the infectious disease that cause is not present in municipal slaughterhouses (MS). Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify, using serological and molecular methods, the circulating Leptospira species in three MS in Veracruz State. The frequency of anti-Leptospira antibodies was 67.5%. Additionally, five sequences were recovered that were 99% similar to L. interrogans. This work represents the first national effort for the evaluation of MS as sentinel units, that allow establishing the diversity of species of the genus Leptospira that circulate in cattle and establishing intervention measures for workers risk mitigation, who come into contact with the fluids and organs of infected animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Luis Ochoa-Valencia
- Universidad Veracruzana, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, región Veracruz. Veracruz, México
| | - Anabel Cruz-Romero
- Universidad Veracruzana, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, región Veracruz. Veracruz, México
| | - Sokani Sánchez-Montes
- Universidad Veracruzana, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, región Tuxpan. Veracruz, México -Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental. Ciudad de México, México
| | - Sandra Cecilia Esparza-González
- Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Facultad de Odontología, Laboratorio de Cultivo Celular, Unidad Saltillo. Saltillo, México
| | - Dora Romero-Salas
- Universidad Veracruzana, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, región Veracruz. Veracruz, México
| | | | - Jose Rodrigo Ramos-Vázquez
- Universidad Veracruzana, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, región Veracruz. Veracruz, México
| | - Ingeborg Becker
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental. Ciudad de México, México
| | - Marco Torres-Castro
- Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Laboratorio de Enfermedades Emergentes y Reemergentes.Yucatán, México
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15
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Putz EJ, Fernandes LG, Bayles DO, Lippolis JD, Nally JE. Proteomic dataset comparing strains of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo cultured at different temperatures. Data Brief 2022; 45:108713. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2022.108713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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16
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Hamond C, Dirsmith KL, LeCount K, Soltero FV, Rivera-Garcia S, Camp P, Anderson T, Hicks JA, Galloway R, Sutherland G, Schafer IJ, Goris MGA, van der Linden H, Stuber T, Bayles DO, Schlater LK, Nally JE. Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo and Leptospira santarosai serogroup Pyrogenes isolated from bovine dairy herds in Puerto Rico. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1025282. [PMID: 36467637 PMCID: PMC9712998 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1025282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is one of the most common zoonotic diseases in the world and endemic in the Caribbean Islands. Bovine leptospirosis is an important reproductive disease. Globally, cattle are recognized as a reservoir host for L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo, which is transmitted via urine, semen, and uterine discharges, and can result in abortion and poor reproductive performance. The dairy industry in Puerto Rico comprises up to 25% of agriculture-related income and is historically the most financially important agricultural commodity on the island. In this study, we report the isolation of two different pathogenic Leptospira species, from two different serogroups, from urine samples collected from dairy cows in Puerto Rico: L. borgpetersenii serogroup Sejroe serovar Hardjo and L. santarosai serogroup Pyrogenes. Recovered isolates were classified using whole-genome sequencing, serotyping with reference antisera and monoclonal antibodies, and immunoblotting. These results demonstrate that dairy herds in Puerto Rico can be concurrently infected with more than one species and serovar of Leptospira, and that bacterin vaccines and serologic diagnostics should account for this when applying intervention and diagnostic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Hamond
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
- National Center for Animal Health Leptospira Working Group, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Katherine L. Dirsmith
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Services Field Operations, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Karen LeCount
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
- National Center for Animal Health Leptospira Working Group, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Fred V. Soltero
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Services Field Operations, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Sarai Rivera-Garcia
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Services Field Operations, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Patrick Camp
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Tammy Anderson
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
- National Center for Animal Health Leptospira Working Group, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jessica A. Hicks
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Renee Galloway
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Graham Sutherland
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Ilana J. Schafer
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Marga G. A. Goris
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, World Organisation for Animal Health and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hans van der Linden
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, World Organisation for Animal Health and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tod Stuber
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Darrell O. Bayles
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Linda K. Schlater
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
- National Center for Animal Health Leptospira Working Group, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jarlath E. Nally
- National Center for Animal Health Leptospira Working Group, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
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17
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Fernandes LGV, Stone NE, Roe CC, Goris MGA, van der Linden H, Sahl JW, Wagner DM, Nally JE. Leptospira sanjuanensis sp. nov., a pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira isolated from soil in Puerto Rico. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2022; 72. [DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Two spirochetes (designated strains LGVF01 and LGVF02T) were isolated from soil samples in San Juan, Puerto Rico in HAN media after selection using a combination of ELISA, agar plating, and colony screening by Fluorescent Antibody Testing (FAT) and PCR for lipL32 and secY. Isolates were helix-shaped, aerobic, fast-growing, and highly motile. Genome sequence analysis indicated that both strains should be classified as members of a novel species within the pathogenic (P1) clade of the genus
Leptospira
. The average nucleotide identity between the two strains was 99.2 %, but below 93.2 % when compared to any previously described leptospiral species. Serotyping of strain LGVF02T indicates that it does not belong within any serogroup of
Leptospira
suggesting it also represents a new serovar. Collectively, strains LGVF01 and LGVF02T represent a new species of pathogenic leptospires for which the name Leptospira sanjuanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LGVF02T (=NVSL-LGVF02T=KIT0302T).
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis G. V. Fernandes
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, ARS, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Nathan E. Stone
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Chandler C. Roe
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Marga G. A. Goris
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, OIE and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans van der Linden
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, OIE and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jason W. Sahl
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - David M. Wagner
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Jarlath E. Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, ARS, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
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18
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Surdel MC, Anderson PN, Hahn BL, Coburn J. Hematogenous dissemination of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Leptospira in a short-term murine model of infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:917962. [PMID: 35923802 PMCID: PMC9339599 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.917962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is an emerging zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. Because rodents are natural hosts of Leptospira, rodent models of pathogenesis have been limited, but are valuable to understand infection in reservoir animals even in the absence of disease. Mouse models of infection provide advantages due to genetic tractability, so developing murine models of Leptospira infection is crucial for further understanding the biology of this organism. Previously our laboratory developed a short-term murine model of Borrelia burgdorferi hematogenous dissemination to investigate the role of adhesion proteins on bacterial survival and dissemination within a host. Here we adapt this model to Leptospira. C3H/HeJ mice are anesthetized, inoculated intravenously, and then bacteria are allowed to circulate for up to twenty-four hours. Mice are euthanized, perfused with saline, and tissues are harvested for culture and DNA purification. Bacterial burdens are determined by quantitative PCR. Reproducible burdens of bacteria were found in tissues upon inoculation with pathogens and non-pathogens, demonstrating the utility of this model to probe different Leptospira species and strains. Pathogenic L. interrogans has a significantly higher burden in blood, liver, kidney, and bladder at one-hour post-inoculation when compared to non-pathogenic L. biflexa. Colonization of the kidney is essential to the life cycle of pathogenic Leptospira in nature. Measurable burdens of non-pathogenic L. biflexa were found in numerous organs and live leptospires were recovered from blood samples for at least three hours post-inoculation, contrary to the previous belief that non-pathogenic leptospires are rapidly cleared. This short-term murine model of Leptospira hematogenous dissemination will allow for the interrogation of virulence factors potentially important for tissue colonization and evasion of host defenses, and represents a novel animal model for investigating determinants of Leptospira infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C. Surdel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Phillip N. Anderson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Beth L. Hahn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Jenifer Coburn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States,*Correspondence: Jenifer Coburn,
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Some like it hot, some like it cold; proteome comparison of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo strains propagated at different temperatures. J Proteomics 2022; 262:104602. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Hamond C, LeCount K, Putz EJ, Bayles DO, Camp P, Goris MGA, van der Linden H, Stone NE, Schlater LK, Sahl JW, Wagner DM, Nally JE. Bovine Leptospirosis Due to Persistent Renal Carriage of Leptospira borgpetersenii Serovar Tarassovi. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:848664. [PMID: 35464389 PMCID: PMC9019706 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.848664] [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: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a global zoonotic disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality in human and animal populations. Leptospira interrogans is a leading cause of human disease, and L. borgpetersenii is a leading cause of animal disease. Cattle are reservoir hosts of L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo, which is transmitted via urine, semen, and uterine discharges resulting in abortion and poor reproductive performance. Bovine bacterin vaccines can only protect against those serovars included in vaccine formulations and typically include serovar Hardjo among others. Genotyping and serotyping represent two different and unique methods for classifying leptospires that do not always correlate well; comprehensive characterization using either method requires recovery of isolates from infected animals. In this study, we report for the first time, isolation of L. borgpetersenii serovar Tarassovi from the urine of a dairy cow in the U.S. The classification of the isolate, designated strain MN900, was confirmed by whole-genome sequencing, serotyping with reference antisera and monoclonal antibodies, Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI), and immunoblotting with reference antisera. Strain MN900 was excreted in urine samples for 18 weeks even as the cow was seronegative for serovar Tarassovi. Strain MN900 has an unusual morphology since it is not as motile as other leptospires and lacks hooked ends. Serovar Tarassovi is not included in U.S. bacterin vaccines. These results demonstrate the importance of culture and concomitant genotyping and serotyping to accurately classify leptospires, and as required to design efficacious vaccine and diagnostic strategies to not only limit animal disease but reduce zoonotic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Hamond
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States.,NCAH Leptospira Working Group, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Karen LeCount
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States.,NCAH Leptospira Working Group, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Ellie J Putz
- NCAH Leptospira Working Group, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States.,Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Darrell O Bayles
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Patrick Camp
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Marga G A Goris
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Office International des Epizooties (OIE) and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hans van der Linden
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Office International des Epizooties (OIE) and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nathan E Stone
- Department of Biological Sciences, The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
| | - Linda K Schlater
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States.,NCAH Leptospira Working Group, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jason W Sahl
- Department of Biological Sciences, The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
| | - David M Wagner
- Department of Biological Sciences, The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
| | - Jarlath E Nally
- NCAH Leptospira Working Group, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States.,Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
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21
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Role of Diagnostics in Epidemiology, Management, Surveillance, and Control of Leptospirosis. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11040395. [PMID: 35456070 PMCID: PMC9032781 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11040395] [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: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A One Health approach to the epidemiology, management, surveillance, and control of leptospirosis relies on accessible and accurate diagnostics that can be applied to humans and companion animals and livestock. Diagnosis should be multifaceted and take into account exposure risk, clinical presentation, and multiple direct and/or indirect diagnostic approaches. Methods of direct detection of Leptospira spp. include culture, histopathology and immunostaining of tissues or clinical specimens, and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). Indirect serologic methods to detect leptospiral antibodies include the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and lateral flow methods. Rapid diagnostics that can be applied at the point-of-care; NAAT and lateral flow serologic tests are essential for management of acute infection and control of outbreaks. Culture is essential to an understanding of regional knowledge of circulating strains, and we discuss recent improvements in methods for cultivation, genomic sequencing, and serotyping. We review the limitations of NAATs, MAT, and other diagnostic approaches in the context of our expanding understanding of the diversity of pathogenic Leptospira spp. Novel approaches are needed, such as loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based approaches to leptospiral nucleic acid detection.
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22
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Going Micro in Leptospirosis Kidney Disease. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040698. [PMID: 35203344 PMCID: PMC8869946 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic and waterborne disease worldwide. It is a neglected infectious disease caused by Leptospira spp., as well as a reemerging disease and global public health problem with respect to morbidity and mortality both in humans and animals. Leptospirosis emerges as a leading cause of acute febrile illness along with hepatorenal injury in many countries, including Thailand. While most affected persons are symptomatic in acute disease, which is always difficult to differentiate from other tropical diseases, there is growing evidence of subtle manifestations that cause unrecognized chronic symptoms. The kidney is one of the common organs affected by Leptospires. Although acute kidney injury in the spectrum of interstitial nephritis is a well-described characteristic in severe leptospirosis, chronic kidney disease from leptospirosis is widely discussed. Early recognition of severe leptospirosis leads to reduce morbidity and mortality. Thus, in this review, we highlight the spectrum of characteristics involved in leptospirosis kidney disease and the use of serologic and molecular methods, as well as the treatments of severe leptospirosis.
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23
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Hamond C, Browne AS, de Wilde LH, Hornsby RL, LeCount K, Anderson T, Stuber T, Cranford HM, Browne SK, Blanchard G, Horner D, Taylor ML, Evans M, Angeli NF, Roth J, Bisgard KM, Salzer JS, Schafer IJ, Ellis BR, Alt DP, Schlater L, Nally JE, Ellis EM. Assessing rodents as carriers of pathogenic Leptospira species in the U.S. Virgin Islands and their risk to animal and public health. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1132. [PMID: 35064157 PMCID: PMC8782869 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04846-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a global zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic bacteria of the genus Leptospira. We sought to determine if rodents in U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are carriers of Leptospira. In total, 140 rodents were sampled, including 112 Mus musculus and 28 Rattus rattus. A positive carrier status was identified for 64/140 (45.7%); 49 (35.0%) were positive by dark-field microscopy, 60 (42.9%) by culture, 63 (45.0%) by fluorescent antibody testing, and 61 (43.6%) by real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR). Molecular typing indicated that 48 isolates were L. borgpetersenii and 3 were L. kirschneri; the remaining nine comprised mixed species. In the single culture-negative sample that was rtPCR positive, genotyping directly from the kidney identified L. interrogans. Serotyping of L. borgpetersenii isolates identified serogroup Ballum and L. kirschneri isolates as serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae. These results demonstrate that rodents are significant Leptospira carriers and adds to understanding the ecoepidemiology of leptospirosis in USVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Hamond
- APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, IA, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, NCAH Leptospira Working Group, Ames, IA, USA
| | - A Springer Browne
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, VI, USA
- Domestic Animal Health Analytics Team, Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Leah H de Wilde
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, VI, USA
| | - Richard L Hornsby
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, NCAH Leptospira Working Group, Ames, IA, USA
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center-USDA-ARS, 1920 Dayton Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, USA
| | - Karen LeCount
- APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, IA, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, NCAH Leptospira Working Group, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Tammy Anderson
- APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, IA, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, NCAH Leptospira Working Group, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Tod Stuber
- APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, IA, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, NCAH Leptospira Working Group, Ames, IA, USA
| | | | - Stephanie K Browne
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, VI, USA
- Council for State and Territorial Epidemiologists, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gerard Blanchard
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, Charlotte Amalie, VI, USA
| | | | - Marissa L Taylor
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, VI, USA
| | - Michael Evans
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fredericksted, VI, USA
| | - Nicole F Angeli
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Fredericksted, VI, USA
| | - Joseph Roth
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, VI, USA
| | - Kristine M Bisgard
- Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Johanna S Salzer
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ilana J Schafer
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brett R Ellis
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, VI, USA
| | - David P Alt
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, NCAH Leptospira Working Group, Ames, IA, USA
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center-USDA-ARS, 1920 Dayton Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, USA
| | - Linda Schlater
- APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, IA, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, NCAH Leptospira Working Group, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Jarlath E Nally
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, NCAH Leptospira Working Group, Ames, IA, USA.
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center-USDA-ARS, 1920 Dayton Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, USA.
| | - Esther M Ellis
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, VI, USA
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24
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Grillová L, Robinson MT, Chanthongthip A, Vincent AT, Nieves C, Oppelt J, Mariet JF, Lorioux C, Vongsouvath M, Mayxay M, Phonemeexay O, Rattanavong S, Phommasone K, Douangnouvong A, Šmajs D, Veyrier FJ, Newton PN, Picardeau M. Genetic diversity of Leptospira isolates in Lao PDR and genome analysis of an outbreak strain. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0010076. [PMID: 34962921 PMCID: PMC8746763 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although Southeast Asia is one of the most leptospirosis afflicted regions, little is known about the diversity and molecular epidemiology of the causative agents of this widespread and emerging zoonotic disease. Methodology/Principal findings We used whole genome sequencing to examine genetic variation in 75 Leptospira strains isolated from patients in the Lao PDR (Laos) between 2006 and 2017. Eleven serogroups from 4 Leptospira species and 43 cgMLST-defined clonal groups (CGs) were identified. The most prevalent CG was CG272 (n = 18, 26.8%), composed of L. interrogans serogroup Autumnalis isolates. This genotype was recovered throughout the 12-year period and was associated with deaths, and with a large outbreak in neighbouring Thailand. Genome analysis reveals that the CG272 strains form a highly clonal group of strains that have, for yet unknown reasons, recently spread in Laos and Thailand. Additionally, accessory genes clearly discriminate CG272 strains from the other Leptospira strains. Conclusions/Significance The present study reveals a high diversity of Leptospira genotypes in Laos, thus extending our current knowledge of the pan- and core-genomes of these life-threatening pathogens. Our results demonstrate that the CG272 strains belong to a unique clonal group, which probably evolved through clonal expansion following niche adaptation. Additional epidemiological studies are required to better evaluate the spread of this genotype in Southeast Asia. To further investigate the key factors driving the virulence and spread of these pathogens, more intense genomic surveillance is needed, combining detailed clinical and epidemiological data. Pathogenic Leptospira are the causative agents for leptospirosis, a neglected and emerging zoonosis occurring worldwide. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity of Leptospira strains isolated from patients over a 12-year period in Lao PDR. Our genome analysis revealed a high diversity of Leptospira genotypes in this endemic country for leptospirosis, including a group of clonal strains which was responsible for a large outbreak in neighboring Thailand. Further progress in our understanding of the epidemiology of Leptospira circulating genotypes should contribute to the implementation of prevention and intervention measures to reduce the risk of leptospirosis transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Grillová
- Biology of Spirochetes Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Matthew T. Robinson
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust-Research Unit (LOMWRU), Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anisone Chanthongthip
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust-Research Unit (LOMWRU), Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| | - Antony T. Vincent
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé-Biotechnologie, Bacterial Symbionts Evolution, Laval, Canada
| | - Cecilia Nieves
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé-Biotechnologie, Bacterial Symbionts Evolution, Laval, Canada
| | - Jan Oppelt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | | | - Céline Lorioux
- Biology of Spirochetes Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Manivanh Vongsouvath
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust-Research Unit (LOMWRU), Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| | - Mayfong Mayxay
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust-Research Unit (LOMWRU), Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Institute of Research and Education Development (IRED), University of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| | - Ooyanong Phonemeexay
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust-Research Unit (LOMWRU), Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| | - Sayaphet Rattanavong
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust-Research Unit (LOMWRU), Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| | - Koukeo Phommasone
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust-Research Unit (LOMWRU), Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| | - Anousone Douangnouvong
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust-Research Unit (LOMWRU), Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| | - David Šmajs
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Frédéric J. Veyrier
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé-Biotechnologie, Bacterial Symbionts Evolution, Laval, Canada
| | - Paul N. Newton
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust-Research Unit (LOMWRU), Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mathieu Picardeau
- Biology of Spirochetes Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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25
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Loureiro AP, Brasil T, Correia L, Lilenbaum W. Growth dynamic of Leptospira spp. from Sejroe serogroup in different media formulae. Lett Appl Microbiol 2021; 74:124-130. [PMID: 34783393 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The culturing of Leptospira strains from bovine clinical samples is challenging and has resulted in some gaps in securing an epidemiological understanding. Strains related to chronic reproductive leptospirosis in cattle belong to the Sejroe serogroup - not only Hardjoprajitno and Hardjobovis but also Guaricura genotypes. This study analyses the growth of Leptospira strains from serogroup Sejroe in different culture media, with the aim of suggesting better culturing approaches. To meet this objective, two culture media were applied: EMJH and T80/40/LH. In addition, three different cocktails of selective agents were chosen. The combinations of medium and selective additives resulted in 10 different tested formulae. The poor performance of Hardjobovis in EMJH indicated that its growth may represent a possible bias when culturing these strains from bovine samples. The most efficient medium for culturing Hardjobovis was T80/40/LH, while T80/40/LH medium + STAFF combination proved to be the best choice for growth, being recommended for obtaining a higher number of these strains from bovines.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Loureiro
- Departamento de microbiologia e parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Faculdade de medicina veterinária, Universidade Estácio de Sá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - T Brasil
- Departamento de microbiologia e parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - L Correia
- Departamento de microbiologia e parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - W Lilenbaum
- Departamento de microbiologia e parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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26
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Putz EJ, Andreasen CB, Stasko JA, Fernandes LGV, Palmer MV, Rauh MJ, Nally JE. Circulating Foamy Macrophages in the Golden Syrian Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) Model of Leptospirosis. J Comp Pathol 2021; 189:98-109. [PMID: 34886992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a world-wide zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira and can be asymptomatic or can cause clinical signs ranging from influenza-like to multi-organ failure and death in severe cases. While species and strain specificity can play a major role in disease presentation, the hamster is susceptible to most leptospiral infections and is the model of choice for vaccine efficacy testing. During evaluation of blood smears from hamsters challenged with different species and strains of Leptospira, a circulating population of large, mononuclear, lipid-filled cells, most similar to foamy macrophages (FMs), was detected. Circulating FMs were identified by Giemsa staining and verified by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. FMs were found in the circulating blood of all Leptospira-challenged hamsters, indicating that the finding was not species or strain specific, although higher numbers of FMs tended to correlate with severity of disease. The unique finding of circulating FMs in the hamster model of leptospirosis can yield additional insights into the pathogenesis of leptospirosis and other diseases that induce circulating FMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie J Putz
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, Iowa, USA.
| | - Claire B Andreasen
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Judith A Stasko
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Luis G V Fernandes
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, Iowa, USA; Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mitchell V Palmer
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Michael J Rauh
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jarlath E Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, Iowa, USA
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27
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Cranford HM, Browne AS, LeCount K, Anderson T, Hamond C, Schlater L, Stuber T, Burke-France VJ, Taylor M, Harrison CJ, Matias KY, Medley A, Rossow J, Wiese N, Jankelunas L, de Wilde L, Mehalick M, Blanchard GL, Garcia KR, McKinley AS, Lombard CD, Angeli NF, Horner D, Kelley T, Worthington DJ, Valiulis J, Bradford B, Berentsen A, Salzer JS, Galloway R, Schafer IJ, Bisgard K, Roth J, Ellis BR, Ellis EM, Nally JE. Mongooses (Urva auropunctata) as reservoir hosts of Leptospira species in the United States Virgin Islands, 2019-2020. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009859. [PMID: 34780473 PMCID: PMC8592401 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During 2019-2020, the Virgin Islands Department of Health investigated potential animal reservoirs of Leptospira spp., the bacteria that cause leptospirosis. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated Leptospira spp. exposure and carriage in the small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata, syn: Herpestes auropunctatus), an invasive animal species. This study was conducted across the three main islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), which are St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. We used the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), fluorescent antibody test (FAT), real-time polymerase chain reaction (lipl32 rt-PCR), and bacterial culture to evaluate serum and kidney specimens and compared the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of these laboratory methods. Mongooses (n = 274) were live-trapped at 31 field sites in ten regions across USVI and humanely euthanized for Leptospira spp. testing. Bacterial isolates were sequenced and evaluated for species and phylogenetic analysis using the ppk gene. Anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies were detected in 34% (87/256) of mongooses. Reactions were observed with the following serogroups: Sejroe, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pyrogenes, Mini, Cynopteri, Australis, Hebdomadis, Autumnalis, Mankarso, Pomona, and Ballum. Of the kidney specimens examined, 5.8% (16/270) were FAT-positive, 10% (27/274) were culture-positive, and 12.4% (34/274) were positive by rt-PCR. Of the Leptospira spp. isolated from mongooses, 25 were L. borgpetersenii, one was L. interrogans, and one was L. kirschneri. Positive predictive values of FAT and rt-PCR testing for predicting successful isolation of Leptospira by culture were 88% and 65%, respectively. The isolation and identification of Leptospira spp. in mongooses highlights the potential role of mongooses as a wildlife reservoir of leptospirosis; mongooses could be a source of Leptospira spp. infections for other wildlife, domestic animals, and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M. Cranford
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Epidemiology Division, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - A. Springer Browne
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Epidemiology Division, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Karen LeCount
- Leptospira Working Group, National Centers for Animal Health, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Tammy Anderson
- Leptospira Working Group, National Centers for Animal Health, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Camila Hamond
- Leptospira Working Group, National Centers for Animal Health, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Linda Schlater
- Leptospira Working Group, National Centers for Animal Health, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Tod Stuber
- Leptospira Working Group, National Centers for Animal Health, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Valicia J. Burke-France
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Epidemiology Division, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Marissa Taylor
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Epidemiology Division, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Cosme J. Harrison
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Epidemiology Division, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Katia Y. Matias
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Public Health Laboratory, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Alexandra Medley
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - John Rossow
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Nicholas Wiese
- Laboratory Leadership Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Leanne Jankelunas
- Epidemiology Elective Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Leah de Wilde
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Epidemiology Division, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Michelle Mehalick
- St. Croix Animal Welfare Center, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Gerard L. Blanchard
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services, United States Department of Agriculture, Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Keith R. Garcia
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services, United States Department of Agriculture, Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Alan S. McKinley
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services, United States Department of Agriculture, Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Claudia D. Lombard
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Nicole F. Angeli
- United States Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - David Horner
- National Park Service, Cruz Bay, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Thomas Kelley
- National Park Service, Cruz Bay, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | | | - Jennifer Valiulis
- St. Croix Environmental Association, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Bethany Bradford
- United States Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Are Berentsen
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Johanna S. Salzer
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Renee Galloway
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ilana J. Schafer
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Kristine Bisgard
- Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Joseph Roth
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Epidemiology Division, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Brett R. Ellis
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Public Health Laboratory, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Esther M. Ellis
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Epidemiology Division, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Jarlath E. Nally
- Leptospira Working Group, National Centers for Animal Health, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- Agricultural Research Service, Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
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28
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Influence of Selective Agents (EMJH-STAFF), Sample Filtration and pH on Leptospira interrogans Serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae Cultivation and Isolation from Swine Urine. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8060090. [PMID: 34070655 PMCID: PMC8226611 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8060090] [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: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospira spp. cause the zoonotic disease leptospirosis, which occurs in numerous mammalians worldwide. Isolation is still important for serotyping and genotyping of Leptospira, which in turn is essential for epidemiological surveillance of leptospirosis and the development of diagnostic tests and vaccines. However, isolation of Leptospira from clinical specimens is inherently insensitive. This study was conducted to examine the influence of selective agents, sample filtration, sample pH and the use of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) buffer for sample storage to improve the success of cultivation and isolation of Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae from swine urine. EMJH (Ellinghausen McCullough, Johnson and Harris) medium including the selective agents sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, amphotericin, fosfomycin and 5-fluorouracil (STAFF) increased the success of Leptospira isolation from spiked swine urine samples. Sample filtration yielded only negative results. Isolation in EMJH-STAFF was successful from swine urine with a density as low as 104 Leptospira/mL, and urine with pH ≤ 7 impaired the cultivation rate. Cultivation and isolation were not improved by the addition of PBS to spiked urine samples prior to storage for 24 h at 4 °C. The results of the study demonstrate that cultivation and isolation of leptospires from swine urine can be improved by enhanced methods.
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Exposure and Carriage of Pathogenic Leptospira in Livestock in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6020085. [PMID: 34073665 PMCID: PMC8163180 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6020085] [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: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
From 2019–2020, the Virgin Islands Department of Health (VIDOH) investigated potential animal reservoirs of Leptospira spp., the pathogenic bacteria that cause leptospirosis. We examined Leptospira exposure and carriage in livestock on the island of St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands (USVI). We utilized the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) to evaluate the sera, and the fluorescent antibody test (FAT), real time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR), and bacterial culture to evaluate urine specimens from livestock (n = 126): 28 cattle, 19 goats, 46 pigs, and 33 sheep. Seropositivity was 37.6% (47/125) with agglutinating antibodies to the following serogroups identified: Australis, Djasiman, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Ballum, Sejroe, Cynopteri, Autumnalis, Hebdomadis, Pomona, Canicola, Grippotyphosa, and Pyrogenes. Urine from 4 animals (4.0%, 4/101) was positive by rt-PCR for lipL32: 2 sheep, 1 goat, and 1 bull. Sequencing of secY amplicons identified L. interrogans in 1 sheep and 1 bull. Livestock in USVI harbor pathogenic Leptospira bacteria and could play a role in the zoonotic cycle of leptospirosis.
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30
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Putz EJ, Sivasankaran SK, Fernandes LGV, Brunelle B, Lippolis JD, Alt DP, Bayles DO, Hornsby RL, Nally JE. Distinct transcriptional profiles of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo strains JB197 and HB203 cultured at different temperatures. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009320. [PMID: 33826628 PMCID: PMC8055020 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leptospirosis is a zoonotic, bacterial disease, posing significant health risks to humans, livestock, and companion animals around the world. Symptoms range from asymptomatic to multi-organ failure in severe cases. Complex species-specific interactions exist between animal hosts and the infecting species, serovar, and strain of pathogen. Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo strains HB203 and JB197 have a high level of genetic homology but cause different clinical presentation in the hamster model of infection; HB203 colonizes the kidney and presents with chronic shedding while JB197 causes severe organ failure and mortality. This study examines the transcriptome of L. borgpetersenii and characterizes differential gene expression profiles of strains HB203 and JB197 cultured at temperatures during routine laboratory conditions (29°C) and encountered during host infection (37°C). Methodology/Principal findings L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo strains JB197 and HB203 were isolated from the kidneys of experimentally infected hamsters and maintained at 29°C and 37°C. RNAseq revealed distinct gene expression profiles; 440 genes were differentially expressed (DE) between JB197 and HB203 at 29°C, and 179 genes were DE between strains at 37°C. Comparison of JB197 cultured at 29°C and 37°C identified 135 DE genes while 41 genes were DE in HB203 with those same culture conditions. The consistent differential expression of ligB, which encodes the outer membrane virulence factor LigB, was validated by immunoblotting and 2D-DIGE. Differential expression of lipopolysaccharide was also observed between JB197 and HB203. Conclusions/Significance Investigation of the L. borgpetersenii JB197 and HB203 transcriptome provides unique insight into the mechanistic differences between acute and chronic disease. Characterizing the nuances of strain to strain differences and investigating the environmental sensitivity of Leptospira to temperature is critical to the development and progress of leptospirosis prevention and treatment technologies, and is an important consideration when serovars are selected and propagated for use as bacterin vaccines as well as for the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Leptospirosis is a global zoonotic, neglected tropical disease. Interestingly, a high level of species specificity (both bacteria and host) plays a major role in the severity of disease presentation which can vary from asymptomatic to multi-organ failure. Pathogenic Leptospira colonize the kidneys of infected individuals and are shed in urine into the environment where they can survive until they are contracted by another host. This study looks at two strains of L. borgpetersenii, HB203 and JB197 which are genetically very similar, and identical by serotyping as serovar Hardjo, yet HB203 causes a chronic infection in the hamster while JB197 causes organ failure and mortality. To better characterize bacterial factors causing different disease outcomes, we examined the gene expression profile of these strains in the context of temperatures that would reflect natural Leptospira life cycles (environmentally similar 29°C and 37°C which is more indicative of host environment). We found vast differences in gene expression both between the strains and within strains between temperatures. Characterization of the transcriptome of L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo strains JB197 and HB203 provides insights into factors that can determine acute versus chronic disease in the hamster model of infection. Additionally, these studies highlight strain to strain variability within the same species, and serovar, at different growth temperatures, which needs to be considered when serovars are selected and propagated for use as bacterin vaccines used to immunize domestic animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie J. Putz
- Infectious Bacterial Disease Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Sathesh K. Sivasankaran
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- Genome Informatics Facility Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Luis G. V. Fernandes
- Infectious Bacterial Disease Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Brian Brunelle
- Arbor Biosciences, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - John D. Lippolis
- Ruminant Disease and Immunology Research Unit USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - David P. Alt
- Infectious Bacterial Disease Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Darrell O. Bayles
- Infectious Bacterial Disease Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Richard L. Hornsby
- Infectious Bacterial Disease Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Jarlath E. Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Disease Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
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31
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Koizumi N, Morita M, Pheng V, Wann C, Masuoka H, Higa Y, Wada T, Hirayama K, Ohnishi M, Miura K. Rat trade and leptospirosis: Molecular epidemiology of Leptospira species in rats exported from Cambodia to Vietnam. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1641-1648. [PMID: 33735490 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Rats are an important maintenance host of Leptospira spp., the causative agents of leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution. Rats are traded as food in the Mekong Delta, where Cambodia exports tons of rats to Vietnam. Handling wild rats is a potential health risk, but the information on Leptospira spp. carried by rats traded in the region remains limited. In this study, we investigated the carriage of Leptospira spp. in rats exported from Cambodia to Vietnam using bacterial culture, nested PCR and DNA sequencing. Isolates were then assessed using serological analysis and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and Leptospira DNA detected in rat kidney tissues was also analysed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Seventy-two rats (2 Bandicota indica, 57 Rattus argentiventer, 11 R. losea, 1 R. norvegicus and 1 R. rattus) were subjected to bacterial culture, and three L. borgpetersenii serogroup Javanica isolates were obtained from R. argentiventer (5.3%). WGS revealed that although Cambodian isolates were genetically related to L. borgpetersenii serogroup Javanica strains widely distributed in East and South-East Asian countries, they formed a different cluster from other strains. In addition to the three L. borgpetersenii sequences, the flaB sequence of L. interrogans was detected in 18 R. argentiventer and 7 R. losea kidney tissue samples (38.9%) using nested PCR followed by DNA sequencing. The L. interrogans flaB-positive samples were further analysed by MLST, revealing that seven housekeeping genes (glmU, pntA, sucA, tpiA, pfkB, mreA and caiB) contained novel sequences with distinct lineages from other sequence types. This study revealed a high prevalence of Leptospira spp. among rats exported from Cambodia to Vietnam, indicating a potential risk to people engaging in rat trade and demonstrating that a fastidious L. interrogans strain circulates among Cambodian rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuo Koizumi
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masatomo Morita
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Vutha Pheng
- Prek Leap National Institute of Agriculture, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Chinda Wann
- Prek Leap National Institute of Agriculture, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Hiroaki Masuoka
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko Higa
- Department of Medical Entomology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Wada
- Graduate School of Human Life Science, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Hirayama
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Ohnishi
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kozue Miura
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Fernandes LGV, Hornsby RL, Nascimento ALTO, Nally JE. Genetic manipulation of pathogenic Leptospira: CRISPR interference (CRISPRi)-mediated gene silencing and rapid mutant recovery at 37 °C. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1768. [PMID: 33469138 PMCID: PMC7815788 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81400-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a neglected, widespread zoonosis caused by pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira, and is responsible for 60,000 deaths per year. Pathogenic mechanisms of leptospirosis remain poorly understood mainly because targeted mutations or gene silencing in pathogenic Leptospira continues to be inherently inefficient, laborious, costly and difficult to implement. In addition, pathogenic leptospires are highly fastidious and the selection of mutants on solid agar media can take up to 6 weeks. The catalytically inactive Cas9 (dCas9) is an RNA-guided DNA-binding protein from the Streptococcus pyogenes CRISPR/Cas system and can be used for gene silencing, in a strategy termed CRISPR interference (CRISPRi). Here, this technique was employed to silence genes encoding major outer membrane proteins of pathogenic L. interrogans. Conjugation protocols were optimized using the newly described HAN media modified for rapid mutant recovery at 37 °C in 3% CO2 within 8 days. Complete silencing of LipL32 and concomitant and complete silencing of both LigA and LigB outer membrane proteins were achieved, revealing for the first time that Lig proteins are involved in pathogenic Leptospira serum resistance. Gene silencing in pathogenic leptospires and rapid mutant recovery will facilitate novel studies to further evaluate and understand pathogenic mechanisms of leptospirosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- L G V Fernandes
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA.
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - R L Hornsby
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
| | - A L T O Nascimento
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - J E Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
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Insight into the Epidemiology of Leptospirosis: A Review of Leptospira Isolations from "Unconventional" Hosts. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010191. [PMID: 33466962 PMCID: PMC7830643 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a re-emerging worldwide zoonotic disease. Even though the primary serological test for diagnosis and surveying is the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), isolation remains the gold-standard test to detect Leptospira infections. The leptospirosis transmission is linked to maintenance and accidental hosts. In the epidemiology of Leptospira some serovar are strictly related to specific maintenance hosts; however, in recent years, the bacterium was isolated from an even wider spectrum of species. The aim of this review is to report the isolation of Leptospira strains in animals which could be recognized as "unconventional" hosts, analyzing studies from 1960 to 2020 that highlighted the Leptospira isolation. This scientific literature aimed to provide evidence of infection in several animal species including of the Carnivora, Didelphimorphia, Rodentia, Cetacea, Cingulata, Afrosoricida, Chiroptera and Primate orders, as well as in Reptilia and Amphibia classes. In conclusion, the spreading of Leptospira is attention-worthy because the infection could occur in all the animal species ranging in a specific area. Further screening and isolations are needed to collect all necessary data to gain a complete understanding of leptospirosis epidemiology and its modifications.
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Tantibhedhyangkul W, Wongsawat E, Chongtrakool P, Tiengrim S, Thaipadungpanit J, Suputtamongkol Y. Case Report: Recovery of Pathogenic Leptospira spp. from Routine Aerobic Blood Culture Bottles. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:1834-1837. [PMID: 32748775 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospira spp. are fastidious and slow-growing bacteria, making recovery difficult and diagnostic sensitivity in the clinical setting low. However, collection of Leptospira isolates is valuable for epidemiological and laboratory research. Severe leptospirosis cases may present as septic shock, and the differential diagnosis often includes bacterial septicemia, leading clinicians to collect blood cultures. Here, we report the successful isolation of pathogenic Leptospira spp. from blood culture bottles (targeting aerobic bacteria incubated at 37°C) from a 64-year-old man admitted with septic shock. The patient presented with 4 days of fever, severe hypotension, transient atrial fibrillation, jaundice, and oliguric renal failure. After admission, intravenous ceftriaxone plus azithromycin was given with fluid resuscitation, norepinephrine infusion, invasive mechanical ventilation, and renal replacement therapy. He was discharged from the hospital 16 days after admission. Using the blood sample obtained on admission, the diagnosis of leptospirosis was confirmed by multiplex real-time PCR (targeting bacterial 16S rRNA and LipL32 gene). We collected 200 μL from the blood culture bottle to inoculate a 5-mL Ellinghausen, McCullough, Johnson, and Harris media supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum. After 2 weeks of incubation at 30°C, Leptospira strains were identified and confirmed by real-time PCR. Genotyping was undertaken using the multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) scheme#1. The isolate matched with ST50 isolates in the PUbMLST database. This case provides evidence that in tropical countries, severe leptospirosis should be considered in patients who present with symptoms of sepsis. Pathogenic Leptospira may be successfully isolated from aerobic blood cultures in routine clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Piriyaporn Chongtrakool
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Surapee Tiengrim
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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35
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Putz EJ, Nally JE. Investigating the Immunological and Biological Equilibrium of Reservoir Hosts and Pathogenic Leptospira: Balancing the Solution to an Acute Problem? Front Microbiol 2020; 11:2005. [PMID: 32922382 PMCID: PMC7456838 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.02005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a devastating zoonotic disease affecting people and animals across the globe. Pathogenic leptospires are excreted in urine of reservoir hosts which directly or indirectly leads to continued disease transmission, via contact with mucous membranes or a breach of the skin barrier of another host. Human fatalities approach 60,000 deaths per annum; though most vertebrates are susceptible to leptospirosis, complex interactions between host species and serovars of Leptospira can yield disease phenotypes that vary from asymptomatic shedding in reservoir hosts, to multi-organ failure in incidental hosts. Clinical symptoms of acute leptospirosis reflect the diverse range of pathogenic species and serovars that cause infection, the level of exposure, and the relationship of the pathogen with the given host. However, in all cases, pathogenic Leptospira are excreted into the environment via urine from reservoir hosts which are uniformly recognized as asymptomatic carriers. Therefore, the reservoir host serves as the cornerstone of persistent disease transmission. Although bacterin vaccines can be used to abate renal carriage and excretion in domestic animal species, there is an urgent need to advance our understanding of immune-mediated host–pathogen interactions that facilitate persistent asymptomatic carriage. This review summarizes the current understanding of host–pathogen interactions in the reservoir host and prioritizes research to unravel mechanisms that allow for colonization but not destruction of the host. This information is required to understand, and ultimately control, the transmission of pathogenic Leptospira.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie J Putz
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jarlath E Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA, United States
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