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Ortiz Y, Heredia N, García S. Boundaries That Prevent or May Lead Animals to be Reservoirs of Escherichia coli O104:H4. J Food Prot 2023; 86:100053. [PMID: 36916560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2023.100053] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Escherichia coli O104:H4, a hybrid serotype carrying virulence factors from enteroaggregative (EAEC) and Shiga toxin-producing (STEC) pathotypes, is the reported cause of a multicountry outbreak in 2011. Evaluation of potential routes of human contamination revealed that this strain is a foodborne pathogen. In contrast to STEC strains, whose main reservoir is cattle, serotype O104:H4 has not been commonly isolated from animals or related environments, suggesting an inability to naturally colonize the gut in hosts other than humans. However, contrary to this view, this strain has been shown to colonize the intestines of experimental animals in infectious studies. In this minireview, we provide a systematic summary of reports highlighting potential evolutionary changes that could facilitate the colonization of new reservoirs by these bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaraymi Ortiz
- Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, NL 66455, Mexico
| | - Norma Heredia
- Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, NL 66455, Mexico
| | - Santos García
- Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, NL 66455, Mexico.
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Safety and Immunogenicity of a Chimeric Subunit Vaccine against Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Pregnant Cows. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032771. [PMID: 36769094 PMCID: PMC9917558 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032771] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes gastroenteritis and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. Cattle are the main animal reservoir, excreting the bacteria in their feces and contaminating the environment. In addition, meat can be contaminated by releasing the intestinal content during slaughtering. Here, we evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of a vaccine candidate against STEC that was formulated with two chimeric proteins (Chi1 and Chi2), which contain epitopes of the OmpT, Cah and Hes proteins. Thirty pregnant cows in their third trimester of gestation were included and distributed into six groups (n = 5 per group): four groups were administered intramuscularly with three doses of the formulation containing 40 µg or 100 µg of each protein plus the Quil-A or Montanide™ Gel adjuvants, while two control groups were administered with placebos. No local or systemic adverse effects were observed during the study, and hematological parameters and values of blood biochemical indicators were similar among all groups. Furthermore, all vaccine formulations triggered systemic anti-Chi1/Chi2 IgG antibody levels that were significantly higher than the control groups. However, specific IgA levels were generally low and without significant differences among groups. Notably, anti-Chi1/Chi2 IgG antibody levels in the serum of newborn calves fed with colostrum from their immunized dams were significantly higher compared to newborn calves fed with colostrum from control cows, suggesting a passive immunization through colostrum. These results demonstrate that this vaccine is safe and immunogenic when applied to pregnant cows during the third trimester of gestation.
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Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli and a Fresh View on Shiga Toxin-Binding Glycosphingolipids of Primary Human Kidney and Colon Epithelial Cells and Their Toxin Susceptibility. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136884. [PMID: 35805890 PMCID: PMC9266556 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) are the human pathogenic subset of Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing E. coli (STEC). EHEC are responsible for severe colon infections associated with life-threatening extraintestinal complications such as the hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) and neurological disturbances. Endothelial cells in various human organs are renowned targets of Stx, whereas the role of epithelial cells of colon and kidneys in the infection process has been and is still a matter of debate. This review shortly addresses the clinical impact of EHEC infections, novel aspects of vesicular package of Stx in the intestine and the blood stream as well as Stx-mediated extraintestinal complications and therapeutic options. Here follows a compilation of the Stx-binding glycosphingolipids (GSLs), globotriaosylceramide (Gb3Cer) and globotetraosylceramide (Gb4Cer) and their various lipoforms present in primary human kidney and colon epithelial cells and their distribution in lipid raft-analog membrane preparations. The last issues are the high and extremely low susceptibility of primary renal and colonic epithelial cells, respectively, suggesting a large resilience of the intestinal epithelium against the human-pathogenic Stx1a- and Stx2a-subtypes due to the low content of the high-affinity Stx-receptor Gb3Cer in colon epithelial cells. The review closes with a brief outlook on future challenges of Stx research.
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Ferrandis-Vila M, Tiwari SK, Mamerow S, Semmler T, Menge C, Berens C. Using unique ORFan genes as strain-specific identifiers for Escherichia coli. BMC Microbiol 2022; 22:135. [PMID: 35585491 PMCID: PMC9118744 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-022-02508-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial identification at the strain level is a much-needed, but arduous and challenging task. This study aimed to develop a method for identifying and differentiating individual strains among multiple strains of the same bacterial species. The set used for testing the method consisted of 17 Escherichia coli strains picked from a collection of strains isolated in Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and Vietnam from humans, cattle, swine, wild boars, and chickens. We targeted unique or rare ORFan genes to address the problem of selective and specific strain identification. These ORFan genes, exclusive to each strain, served as templates for developing strain-specific primers. RESULTS Most of the experimental strains (14 out of 17) possessed unique ORFan genes that were used to develop strain-specific primers. The remaining three strains were identified by combining a PCR for a rare gene with a selection step for isolating the experimental strains. Multiplex PCR allowed the successful identification of the strains both in vitro in spiked faecal material in addition to in vivo after experimental infections of pigs and recovery of bacteria from faecal material. In addition, primers for qPCR were also developed and quantitative readout from faecal samples after experimental infection was also possible. CONCLUSIONS The method described in this manuscript using strain-specific unique genes to identify single strains in a mixture of strains proved itself efficient and reliable in detecting and following individual strains both in vitro and in vivo, representing a fast and inexpensive alternative to more costly methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Ferrandis-Vila
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut - Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Naumburger Straße 96a, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Svenja Mamerow
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut - Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Naumburger Straße 96a, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | | | | | - Christian Menge
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut - Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Naumburger Straße 96a, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Berens
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut - Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Naumburger Straße 96a, 07743, Jena, Germany.
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Barth SA, Bauerfeind R, Berens C, Menge C. Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli in Animals: Detection, Characterization, and Virulence Assessment. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2291:19-86. [PMID: 33704748 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1339-9_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cattle and other ruminants are primary reservoirs for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains which have a highly variable, but unpredictable, pathogenic potential for humans. Domestic swine can carry and shed STEC, but only STEC strains producing the Shiga toxin (Stx) 2e variant and causing edema disease in piglets are considered pathogens of veterinary medical interest. In this chapter, we present general diagnostic workflows for sampling livestock animals to assess STEC prevalence, magnitude, and duration of host colonization. This is followed by detailed method protocols for STEC detection and typing at genetic and phenotypic levels to assess the relative virulence exerted by the strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie A Barth
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany
| | - Rolf Bauerfeind
- Institute for Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Christian Berens
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Menge
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany.
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Daniel S, Goldlust K, Quebre V, Shen M, Lesterlin C, Bouet JY, Yamaichi Y. Vertical and Horizontal Transmission of ESBL Plasmid from Escherichia coli O104:H4. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11101207. [PMID: 33081159 PMCID: PMC7602700 DOI: 10.3390/genes11101207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) often results from the acquisition of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) that encode MDR gene(s), such as conjugative plasmids. The spread of MDR plasmids is founded on their ability of horizontal transference, as well as their faithful inheritance in progeny cells. Here, we investigated the genetic factors involved in the prevalence of the IncI conjugative plasmid pESBL, which was isolated from the Escherichia coli O104:H4 outbreak strain in Germany in 2011. Using transposon-insertion sequencing, we identified the pESBL partitioning locus (par). Genetic, biochemical and microscopic approaches allowed pESBL to be characterized as a new member of the Type Ib partitioning system. Inactivation of par caused mis-segregation of pESBL followed by post-segregational killing (PSK), resulting in a great fitness disadvantage but apparent plasmid stability in the population of viable cells. We constructed a variety of pESBL derivatives with different combinations of mutations in par, conjugational transfer (oriT) and pnd toxin-antitoxin (TA) genes. Only the triple mutant exhibited plasmid-free cells in viable cell populations. Time-lapse tracking of plasmid dynamics in microfluidics indicated that inactivation of pnd improved the survival of plasmid-free cells and allowed oriT-dependent re-acquisition of the plasmid. Altogether, the three factors—active partitioning, toxin-antitoxin and conjugational transfer—are all involved in the prevalence of pESBL in the E. coli population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Daniel
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; (S.D.); (M.S.)
| | - Kelly Goldlust
- Microbiologie Moléculaire et Biochimie Structurale (MMSB), Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, UMR5086, 69007 Lyon, France; (K.G.); (C.L.)
| | - Valentin Quebre
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Génétique Moléculaires (LMGM), CBI, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, UPS, 31062 Toulouse, France; (V.Q.); (J.-Y.B.)
| | - Minjia Shen
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; (S.D.); (M.S.)
- Graduate School of Structure and Dynamics of Living Systems, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Christian Lesterlin
- Microbiologie Moléculaire et Biochimie Structurale (MMSB), Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, UMR5086, 69007 Lyon, France; (K.G.); (C.L.)
| | - Jean-Yves Bouet
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Génétique Moléculaires (LMGM), CBI, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, UPS, 31062 Toulouse, France; (V.Q.); (J.-Y.B.)
| | - Yoshiharu Yamaichi
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; (S.D.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Menge C. The Role of Escherichia coli Shiga Toxins in STEC Colonization of Cattle. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12090607. [PMID: 32967277 PMCID: PMC7551371 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cattle are persistently colonized with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and represent a major source of human infections with human-pathogenic STEC strains (syn. enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC)). Intervention strategies most effectively protecting humans best aim at the limitation of bovine STEC shedding. Mechanisms enabling STEC to persist in cattle are only partialy understood. Cattle were long believed to resist the detrimental effects of Shiga toxins (Stxs), potent cytotoxins acting as principal virulence factors in the pathogenesis of human EHEC-associated diseases. However, work by different groups, summarized in this review, has provided substantial evidence that different types of target cells for Stxs exist in cattle. Peripheral and intestinal lymphocytes express the Stx receptor globotriaosylceramide (Gb3syn. CD77) in vitro and in vivo in an activation-dependent fashion with Stx-binding isoforms expressed predominantly at early stages of the activation process. Subpopulations of colonic epithelial cells and macrophage-like cells, residing in the bovine mucosa in proximity to STEC colonies, are also targeted by Stxs. STEC-inoculated calves are depressed in mounting appropriate cellular immune responses which can be overcome by vaccination of the animals against Stxs early in life before encountering STEC. Considering Stx target cells and the resulting effects of Stxs in cattle, which significantly differ from effects implicated in human disease, may open promising opportunities to improve existing yet insufficient measures to limit STEC carriage and shedding by the principal reservoir host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Menge
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, D-07743 Jena, Germany
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Barth SA, Weber M, Schaufler K, Berens C, Geue L, Menge C. Metabolic Traits of Bovine Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia Coli (STEC) Strains with Different Colonization Properties. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12060414. [PMID: 32580365 PMCID: PMC7354573 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12060414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cattle harbor Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in their intestinal tract, thereby providing these microorganisms with an ecological niche, but without this colonization leading to any clinical signs. In a preceding study, genotypic characterization of bovine STEC isolates unveiled that their ability to colonize cattle persistently (STECper) or only sporadically (STECspo) is more closely associated with the overall composition of the accessory rather than the core genome. However, the colonization pattern could not be unequivocally linked to the possession of classical virulence genes. This study aimed at assessing, therefore, if the presence of certain phenotypic traits in the strains determines their colonization pattern and if these can be traced back to distinctive genetic features. STECspo strains produced significantly more biofilm than STECper when incubated at lower temperatures. Key substrates, the metabolism of which showed a significant association with colonization type, were glyoxylic acid and L-rhamnose, which were utilized by STECspo, but not or only by some STECper. Genomic sequences of the respective glc and rha operons contained mutations and frameshifts in uptake and/or regulatory genes, particularly in STECper. These findings suggest that STECspo conserved features leveraging survival in the environment, whereas the acquisition of a persistent colonization phenotype in the cattle reservoir was accompanied by the loss of metabolic properties and genomic mutations in the underlying genetic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie A. Barth
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (M.W.); (C.B.); (L.G.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-3641-804-2270; Fax: +49-3641-804-2482
| | - Michael Weber
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (M.W.); (C.B.); (L.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Katharina Schaufler
- Free University Berlin, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany;
- University of Greifswald, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christian Berens
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (M.W.); (C.B.); (L.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Lutz Geue
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (M.W.); (C.B.); (L.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Christian Menge
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (M.W.); (C.B.); (L.G.); (C.M.)
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Valid Presumption of Shiga Toxin-Mediated Damage of Developing Erythrocytes in EHEC-Associated Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12060373. [PMID: 32512916 PMCID: PMC7354503 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12060373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The global emergence of clinical diseases caused by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is an issue of great concern. EHEC release Shiga toxins (Stxs) as their key virulence factors, and investigations on the cell-damaging mechanisms toward target cells are inevitable for the development of novel mitigation strategies. Stx-mediated hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), characterized by the triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal injury, is the most severe outcome of an EHEC infection. Hemolytic anemia during HUS is defined as the loss of erythrocytes by mechanical disruption when passing through narrowed microvessels. The formation of thrombi in the microvasculature is considered an indirect effect of Stx-mediated injury mainly of the renal microvascular endothelial cells, resulting in obstructions of vessels. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent data providing evidence that HUS-associated hemolytic anemia may arise not only from intravascular rupture of erythrocytes, but also from the extravascular impairment of erythropoiesis, the development of red blood cells in the bone marrow, via direct Stx-mediated damage of maturing erythrocytes, leading to “non-hemolytic” anemia.
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Molecular Biology of Escherichia Coli Shiga Toxins' Effects on Mammalian Cells. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12050345. [PMID: 32456125 PMCID: PMC7290813 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12050345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxins (Stxs), syn. Vero(cyto)toxins, are potent bacterial exotoxins and the principal virulence factor of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), a subset of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). EHEC strains, e.g., strains of serovars O157:H7 and O104:H4, may cause individual cases as well as large outbreaks of life-threatening diseases in humans. Stxs primarily exert a ribotoxic activity in the eukaryotic target cells of the mammalian host resulting in rapid protein synthesis inhibition and cell death. Damage of endothelial cells in the kidneys and the central nervous system by Stxs is central in the pathogenesis of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in humans and edema disease in pigs. Probably even more important, the toxins also are capable of modulating a plethora of essential cellular functions, which eventually disturb intercellular communication. The review aims at providing a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of the time course and the consecutive steps of Stx/cell interactions at the molecular level. Intervention measures deduced from an in-depth understanding of this molecular interplay may foster our basic understanding of cellular biology and microbial pathogenesis and pave the way to the creation of host-directed active compounds to mitigate the pathological conditions of STEC infections in the mammalian body.
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Shiga Toxin-Producing and Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli in Animal, Foods, and Humans: Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Detection Methods, and Epidemiology. Curr Microbiol 2019; 77:612-620. [DOI: 10.1007/s00284-019-01842-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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12
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Giles M, Cawthraw SA, AbuOun M, Thomas CM, Munera D, Waldor MK, La Ragione RM, Ritchie JM. Host-specific differences in the contribution of an ESBL IncI1 plasmid to intestinal colonization by Escherichia coli O104:H4. J Antimicrob Chemother 2019; 73:1579-1585. [PMID: 29506073 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dky037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To assess stability and contribution of a large ESBL-encoding IncI1 plasmid to intestinal colonization by Escherichia coli O104:H4 in two different mammalian hosts. Methods Specific-pathogen-free 3-4-day-old New Zealand White rabbits and conventionally reared 6-week-old weaned lambs were orally infected with WT E. coli O104:H4 or the ESBL-plasmid-cured derivative, and the recovery of bacteria in intestinal homogenates and faeces monitored over time. Results Carriage of the ESBL plasmid had differing impacts on E. coli O104:H4 colonization of the two experimental hosts. The plasmid-cured strain was recovered at significantly higher levels than WT during late-stage colonization of rabbits, but at lower levels than WT in sheep. Regardless of the animal host, the ESBL plasmid was stably maintained in virtually all in vivo passaged bacteria that were examined. Conclusions These findings suggest that carriage of ESBL plasmids has distinct effects on the host bacterium depending upon the animal species it encounters and demonstrates that, as for E. coli O157:H7, ruminants could represent a potential transmission reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Giles
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, UK
| | - S A Cawthraw
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, UK
| | - M AbuOun
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, UK
| | - C M Thomas
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - D Munera
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - M K Waldor
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - R M La Ragione
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - J M Ritchie
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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13
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Legros N, Pohlentz G, Steil D, Müthing J. Shiga toxin-glycosphingolipid interaction: Status quo of research with focus on primary human brain and kidney endothelial cells. Int J Med Microbiol 2018; 308:1073-1084. [PMID: 30224239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin (Stx)-mediated injury of the kidneys and the brain represent the major extraintestinal complications in humans upon infection by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). Damage of renal and cerebral endothelial cells is the key event in the pathogenesis of the life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Stxs are AB5 toxins and the B-pentamers of the two clinically important Stx subtypes Stx1a and Stx2a preferentially bind to the glycosphingolipid globotriaosylceramide (Gb3Cer, Galα4Galβ4Glcβ1Cer) and to less extent to globotetraosylceramide (Gb4Cer, GalNAcβ3Galα4Galβ4Glcβ1), which are expected to reside in lipid rafts in the plasma membrane of the human endothelium. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the Stx glycosphingolipid receptors and their lipid membrane ensemble in primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells (pHBMECs) and primary human renal glomerular endothelial cells (pHRGECs). Increasing knowledge on the precise initial molecular mechanisms by which Stxs interact with cellular targets will help to develop specific therapeutics and/or preventive measures to combat EHEC-caused diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Legros
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | | | - Daniel Steil
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Johannes Müthing
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany; Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
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Pro-inflammatory capacity of Escherichia coli O104:H4 outbreak strain during colonization of intestinal epithelial cells from human and cattle. Int J Med Microbiol 2018; 308:899-911. [PMID: 29937390 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2011, Germany was struck by the largest outbreak of hemolytic uremic syndrome. The highly virulent E. coli O104:H4 outbreak strain LB226692 possesses a blended virulence profile combining genetic patterns of human adapted enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), rarely detected in animal hosts before, and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), a subpopulation of Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing E. coli (STEC) basically adapted to the ruminant host. This study aimed at appraising the relative level of adaptation of the EAEC/EHEC hybrid strain LB226692 to humans and cattle. Adherence and invasion of the hybrid strain to intestinal (jejunal and colonic) epithelial cells (IEC) of human and bovine origin was compared to that of E. coli strains representative of different pathovars and commensal E. coli by means of light and electron microscopy and culture. Strain-specific host gene transcription profiles of selected cytokines and chemokines as well as host-induced transcription of bacterial virulence genes were assessed. The release of Stx upon host cell contact was quantified. The outbreak strain's immunomodulation was assessed by cultivating primary bovine macrophages with conditioned supernatants from IEC infection studies with E. coli, serving as model for the innate immunity of the bovine gut. The outbreak strain adhered to IEC of both, human and bovine origin. Electron microscopy of infected cells revealed the strain's particular affinity to human small IEC, in contrast to few interactions with bovine small IEC. The outbreak strain possessed a high-level of adhesive power, similar to human-associated E. coli strains and in contrast to bovine-associated STEC strains. The outbreak strain displayed a non-invasive phenotype, in contrast to some bovine-associated E. coli strains, which were invasive. The outbreak strain provoked some pro-inflammatory activity in human cells, but to a lower extent as compared to other pathotypes. In contrasts to bovine-associated E. coli strains, the outbreak strain induced marked pro-inflammatory activity when interacting with bovine host cells directly (IEC) and indirectly (macrophages). Among stx2-positive strains, the human-pathogenic strains (LB226692 and EHEC strain 86-24) released higher amounts of Stx compared to bovine-associated STEC. The findings imply that the outbreak strain is rather adapted to humans than to cattle. However, the outbreak strain's potential to colonize IEC of both host species and the rather mixed reaction patterns observed for all strains under study indicate, that even STEC strains with an unusual genotype as the EHEC O104:H4 outbreak strain, i.e. with an EAEC genetic background, may be able to conquer other reservoir hosts.
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Schmidt N, Barth SA, Frahm J, Meyer U, Dänicke S, Geue L, Menge C. Decreased STEC shedding by cattle following passive and active vaccination based on recombinant Escherichia coli Shiga toxoids. Vet Res 2018. [PMID: 29514704 PMCID: PMC5842637 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-018-0523-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The principal virulence factor of Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), the eponymous Stx, modulates cellular immune responses in cattle, the primary STEC reservoir. We examined whether immunization with genetically inactivated recombinant Shiga toxoids (rStx1MUT/rStx2MUT) influences STEC shedding in a calf cohort. A group of 24 calves was passively (colostrum from immunized cows) and actively (intra-muscularly at 5th and 8th week) vaccinated. Twenty-four calves served as unvaccinated controls (fed with low anti-Stx colostrum, placebo injected). Each group was divided according to the vitamin E concentration they received by milk replacer (moderate and high supplemented). The effective transfer of Stx-neutralizing antibodies from dams to calves via colostrum was confirmed by Vero cell assay. Serum antibody titers in calves differed significantly between the vaccinated and the control group until the 16th week of life. Using the expression of activation marker CD25 on CD4+CD45RO+ cells and CD8αhiCD45RO+ cells as flow cytometry based read-out, cells from vaccinated animals responded more pronounced than those of control calves to lysates of STEC and E. coli strains isolated from the farm as well as to rStx2MUT in the 16th week. Summarized for the entire observation period, less fecal samples from vaccinated calves were stx1 and/or stx2 positive than samples from control animals when calves were fed a moderate amount of vitamin E. This study provides first evidence, that transfer to and induction in young calves of Stx-neutralizing antibodies by Shiga toxoid vaccination offers the opportunity to reduce the incidence of stx-positive fecal samples in a calf cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Schmidt
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI)/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany. .,Justus Liebig Universität Giessen, Institute for Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Stefanie A Barth
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI)/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany
| | - Jana Frahm
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Institute of Animal Nutrition, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Ulrich Meyer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Institute of Animal Nutrition, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Sven Dänicke
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Institute of Animal Nutrition, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Lutz Geue
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI)/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Menge
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI)/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany
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Kampmeier S, Berger M, Mellmann A, Karch H, Berger P. The 2011 German Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia Coli O104:H4 Outbreak-The Danger Is Still Out There. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2018; 416:117-148. [PMID: 30062592 DOI: 10.1007/82_2018_107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) are Shiga toxin (Stx) producing bacteria causing a disease characterized by bloody (or non-bloody) diarrhea, which might progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). EHEC O104:H4 caused the largest ever recorded EHEC outbreak in Germany in 2011, which in addition showed the so far highest incidence rate of EHEC-related HUS worldwide. The aggressive outbreak strain carries an unusual combination of virulence traits characteristic to both EHEC-a chromosomally integrated Stx-encoding bacteriophage, and enteroaggregative Escherichia coli-pAA plasmid-encoded aggregative adherence fimbriae mediating its tight adhesion to epithelia cells. There are currently still open questions regarding the 2011 EHEC outbreak, e.g., with respect to the exact molecular mechanisms resulting in the hypervirulence of the strain, the natural reservoir of EHEC O104:H4, and suitable therapeutic strategies. Nevertheless, our knowledge on these issues has substantially expanded since 2011. Here, we present an overview of the epidemiological, clinical, microbiological, and molecular biological data available on the 2011 German EHEC O104:H4 outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Berger
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Helge Karch
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Petya Berger
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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The Accessory Genome of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Defines a Persistent Colonization Type in Cattle. Appl Environ Microbiol 2016; 82:5455-64. [PMID: 27371579 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00909-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains can colonize cattle for several months and may, thus, serve as gene reservoirs for the genesis of highly virulent zoonotic enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). Attempts to reduce the human risk for acquiring EHEC infections should include strategies to control such STEC strains persisting in cattle. We therefore aimed to identify genetic patterns associated with the STEC colonization type in the bovine host. We included 88 persistent colonizing STEC (STEC(per)) (shedding for ≥4 months) and 74 sporadically colonizing STEC (STEC(spo)) (shedding for ≤2 months) isolates from cattle and 16 bovine STEC isolates with unknown colonization types. Genoserotypes and multilocus sequence types (MLSTs) were determined, and the isolates were probed with a DNA microarray for virulence-associated genes (VAGs). All STEC(per) isolates belonged to only four genoserotypes (O26:H11, O156:H25, O165:H25, O182:H25), which formed three genetic clusters (ST21/396/1705, ST300/688, ST119). In contrast, STEC(spo) isolates were scattered among 28 genoserotypes and 30 MLSTs, with O157:H7 (ST11) and O6:H49 (ST1079) being the most prevalent. The microarray analysis identified 139 unique gene patterns that clustered with the genoserotypes and MLSTs of the strains. While the STEC(per) isolates possessed heterogeneous phylogenetic backgrounds, the accessory genome clustered these isolates together, separating them from the STEC(spo) isolates. Given the vast genetic heterogeneity of bovine STEC strains, defining the genetic patterns distinguishing STEC(per) from STEC(spo) isolates will facilitate the targeted design of new intervention strategies to counteract these zoonotic pathogens at the farm level. IMPORTANCE Ruminants, especially cattle, are sources of food-borne infections by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in humans. Some STEC strains persist in cattle for longer periods of time, while others are detected only sporadically. Persisting strains can serve as gene reservoirs that supply E. coli with virulence factors, thereby generating new outbreak strains. Attempts to reduce the human risk for acquiring STEC infections should therefore include strategies to control such persisting STEC strains. By analyzing representative genes of their core and accessory genomes, we show that bovine STEC with a persistent colonization type emerged independently from sporadically colonizing isolates and evolved in parallel evolutionary branches. However, persistent colonizing strains share similar sets of accessory genes. Defining the genetic patterns that distinguish persistent from sporadically colonizing STEC isolates will facilitate the targeted design of new intervention strategies to counteract these zoonotic pathogens at the farm level.
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