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Wang X, Yu D, Chui L, Zhou T, Feng Y, Cao Y, Zhi S. A Comprehensive Review on Shiga Toxin Subtypes and Their Niche-Related Distribution Characteristics in Shiga-Toxin-Producing E. coli and Other Bacterial Hosts. Microorganisms 2024; 12:687. [PMID: 38674631 PMCID: PMC11052178 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin (Stx), the main virulence factor of Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), was first discovered in Shigella dysenteriae strains. While several other bacterial species have since been reported to produce Stx, STEC poses the most significant risk to human health due to its widespread prevalence across various animal hosts that have close contact with human populations. Based on its biochemical and molecular characteristics, Shiga toxin can be grouped into two types, Stx1 and Stx2, among which a variety of variants and subtypes have been identified in various bacteria and host species. Interestingly, the different Stx subtypes appear to vary in their host distribution characteristics and in the severity of diseases that they are associated with. As such, this review provides a comprehensive overview on the bacterial species that have been recorded to possess stx genes to date, with a specific focus on the various Stx subtype variants discovered in STEC, their prevalence in certain host species, and their disease-related characteristics. This review provides a better understanding of the Stx subtypes and highlights the need for rapid and accurate approaches to toxin subtyping for the proper evaluation of the health risks associated with Shiga-toxin-related bacterial food contamination and human infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Wang
- School of Public Health, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315000, China; (X.W.); (T.Z.); (Y.F.)
| | - Daniel Yu
- School of Public Health, Univeristy of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
| | - Linda Chui
- Alberta Precision Laboratories-ProvLab, Edmonton, AB T6G 2J2, Canada;
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Tiantian Zhou
- School of Public Health, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315000, China; (X.W.); (T.Z.); (Y.F.)
| | - Yu Feng
- School of Public Health, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315000, China; (X.W.); (T.Z.); (Y.F.)
| | - Yuhao Cao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315000, China;
| | - Shuai Zhi
- School of Public Health, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315000, China; (X.W.); (T.Z.); (Y.F.)
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Kalalah AA, Koenig SSK, Bono JL, Bosilevac JM, Eppinger M. Pathogenomes and virulence profiles of representative big six non-O157 serogroup Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1364026. [PMID: 38562479 PMCID: PMC10982417 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1364026] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) of non-O157:H7 serotypes are responsible for global and widespread human food-borne disease. Among these serogroups, O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145 account for the majority of clinical infections and are colloquially referred to as the "Big Six." The "Big Six" strain panel we sequenced and analyzed in this study are reference type cultures comprised of six strains representing each of the non-O157 STEC serogroups curated and distributed by the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) as a resource to the research community under panel number ATCC MP-9. The application of long- and short-read hybrid sequencing yielded closed chromosomes and a total of 14 plasmids of diverse functions. Through high-resolution comparative phylogenomics, we cataloged the shared and strain-specific virulence and resistance gene content and established the close relationship of serogroup O26 and O103 strains featuring flagellar H-type 11. Virulence phenotyping revealed statistically significant differences in the Stx-production capabilities that we found to be correlated to the strain's individual stx-status. Among the carried Stx1a, Stx2a, and Stx2d phages, the Stx2a phage is by far the most responsive upon RecA-mediated phage mobilization, and in consequence, stx2a + isolates produced the highest-level of toxin in this panel. The availability of high-quality closed genomes for this "Big Six" reference set, including carried plasmids, along with the recorded genomic virulence profiles and Stx-production phenotypes will provide a valuable foundation to further explore the plasticity in evolutionary trajectories in these emerging non-O157 STEC lineages, which are major culprits of human food-borne disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwar A. Kalalah
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID), San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Sara S. K. Koenig
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID), San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - James L. Bono
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, United States
| | - Joseph M. Bosilevac
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, United States
| | - Mark Eppinger
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID), San Antonio, TX, United States
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Biernbaum EN, Dassanayake RP, Nicholson EM, Kudva IT. Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial activity of human granulysin, bovine and porcine NK-lysins against Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292234. [PMID: 37768945 PMCID: PMC10538649 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 (O157) is a foodborne pathogen causing human disease ranging from hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome to kidney failure, while remaining harmless to cattle, its primary reservoir. The severity of the human disease associated mainly with Shiga toxin production and a global emergence of antibiotic resistant STEC highlights the need for effective non-antibiotic, pre-harvest strategies to reduce O157 in cattle, the principal source of human infection. Towards this goal three synthetic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs): human granulysin (hGRNL), bovine NK-lysin (bNK2A), and porcine NK-lysin (pNKL), were tested in vitro against O157 isolates. As expected, circular dichroism spectroscopy findings were consistent with a predominantly α-helical conformation for all three AMPs in an environment mimicking bacterial outer surface or liposaccharides. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations of hGRNL (200 μM), bNK2A (12.5 μM against strain 86-24 and 25 μM against EDL933), and pNKL (6.25 μM) were determined using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute broth microdilution method in Müeller-Hinton broth (cation-adjusted). The bNK2A and pNKL AMPs did not induce Shiga toxin expression in O157 at MIC, as there was a significant decrease or no change in toxin expression following 4- or 20 h incubation with the AMPs; bNK2A p <0.0001 (4 h) and p = 0.4831 (20 h); pNKL p <0.0001 (4 h) and p = 0.0001 (20 h). Propidium iodide uptake assay revealed faster O157 membrane damage or killing kinetics with bNK2A and pNKL compared to hGRNL. Nonetheless, transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that all three AMPs mediated damage to O157 membranes. In contrast, the three AMPs showed minimal cytotoxicity (<2%) against cattle red blood cells at tested concentrations (0.39-50 μM). Overall, our results demonstrate the potential for bNK2A and pNKL to be further developed into novel non-antibiotic agents to reduce O157 shedding in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika N. Biernbaum
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), ARS Research Participation Program, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Rohana P. Dassanayake
- Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Eric M. Nicholson
- Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Indira T. Kudva
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
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Fang Y, Tran F, Stanford K, Yang X. Stress Resistance and Virulence Gene Profiles Associated with Phylogeny and Phenotypes of Escherichia coli from Cattle. J Food Prot 2023; 86:100122. [PMID: 37355007 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2023.100122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Seven serogroups of E. coli (Top seven E. coli) are frequently implicated in foodborne outbreaks in North America, largely due to their carriage of Shiga toxin genes (stx). This study aimed to profile resistance genes and virulence factors (VF), and their potential association with phylogeny and phenotypes of Top seven E. coli originating from cattle in Canada. 155 Top seven E. coli isolates previously characterized for heat and acid resistance and biofilm-forming ability were whole-genome sequenced and analyzed for phylogeny, VF, and stress resistance genes. The 155 E. coli strains belonged to six phylogroups: A (n = 32), B1 (n = 93), C (n = 3), D (n = 11), E (n = 15), and G (n = 1). Different phylogroups were clearly separated on the core genome tree, with strains of the same serotype closely clustered. The carriage of stx and the transmissible locus of stress tolerance (tLST), the extreme heat resistance marker, was mutually exclusive, in 33 and 15 genomes, respectively. A novel O84:H2 strain carrying stx1a was also identified. In total, 70, 41, and 32 VF, stress resistance genes and antibiotic resistance genes were identified. The stress resistance genes included those for metal (n = 29), biocides/acid (n = 4), and heat (n = 8) resistance. All heat resistance genes and most metal-resistance genes that were differentially distributed among the phylogroups were exclusively in phylogroup A. VF were least and most present in phylogroups A and D, respectively. No specific genes associated with acid resistance or biofilm formation phenotypes were identified. VF were more abundant (P < 0.05) in the non-biofilm-forming population and acid-resistant population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Fang
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lacombe Research and Development Centre, 6000 C & E Trail, Lacombe, AB T4L 1W1, Canada
| | - Frances Tran
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lacombe Research and Development Centre, 6000 C & E Trail, Lacombe, AB T4L 1W1, Canada
| | - Kim Stanford
- University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Xianqin Yang
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lacombe Research and Development Centre, 6000 C & E Trail, Lacombe, AB T4L 1W1, Canada.
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Fernández M, Casaux ML, Fraga M, Vignoli R, Bado I, Zunino P, Umpiérrez A. Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) Associated with Calf Mortality in Uruguay. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1704. [PMID: 37512877 PMCID: PMC10383947 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In Uruguay, the mortality of dairy calves due to infectious diseases is high. Escherichia coli is a natural inhabitant of the intestinal microbiota, but can cause several infections. The aim of the work was to characterize E. coli isolates from intestinal and extraintestinal origin of dead newborn calves. Using PCR, virulence gene characteristics of pathogenic E. coli were searched. The pathogenic E. coli were molecularly characterized and the phylogroup, serogroup and the Stx subtype were determined. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes with PCR. Finally, clonal relationships were inferred using PFGE. Gene characteristics of the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and Necrotoxigenic E. coli (NTEC) were identified. The prevalence of the iucD, afa8E, f17, papC, stx1, eae and ehxA genes was high and no f5, f41, saa, sfaDE, cdtIV, lt, sta or stx2 were detected. The prevalence of STEC gene stx1 in the dead calves stood out and was higher compared with previous studies conducted in live calves, and STEC LEE+ (Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC)) isolates with stx1/eae/ehxA genotypes were more frequently identified in the intestinal than in the extraintestinal environment. E. coli isolates were assigned to phylogroups A, B1, D and E, and some belonged to the O111 serogroup. stx1a and stx1c subtypes were determined in STEC. A high prevalence of multi-resistance among STEC and qnrB genes was determined. The PFGE showed a high diversity of pathogenic strains with similar genetic profiles. It can be speculated that EHEC (stx1/eae/ehxA) could play an important role in mortality. The afa8E, f17G1 and papC genes could also have a role in calf mortality. Multidrug resistance defies disease treatment and increases the risk of death, while the potential transmissibility of genes to other species constitutes a threat to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magalí Fernández
- Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - María Laura Casaux
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental INIA La Estanzuela, Ruta 50, Km 11, Colonia 70000, Uruguay
| | - Martín Fraga
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental INIA La Estanzuela, Ruta 50, Km 11, Colonia 70000, Uruguay
| | - Rafael Vignoli
- Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Facultad de Medicina, UdelaR, Av Alfredo Navarro 3051, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Inés Bado
- Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Facultad de Medicina, UdelaR, Av Alfredo Navarro 3051, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Pablo Zunino
- Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Ana Umpiérrez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
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6
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Kudva IT, Biernbaum EN, Cassmann ED, Palmer MV. Bovine Rectoanal Junction In Vitro Organ Culture Model System to Study Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Adherence. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1289. [PMID: 37317263 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies evaluating the interactions between Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (O157) and the bovine recto-anal junction (RAJ) have been limited to either in vitro analyses of bacteria, cells, or nucleic acids at the RAJ, providing limited information. Alternatively, expensive in vivo studies in animals have been conducted. Therefore, our objective was to develop a comprehensive in vitro organ culture system of the RAJ (RAJ-IVOC) that accurately represents all cell types present in the RAJ. This system would enable studies that yield results similar to those observed in vivo. Pieces of RAJ tissue, obtained from unrelated cattle necropsies, were assembled and subjected to various tests in order to determine the optimal conditions for assaying bacterial adherence in a viable IVOC. O157 strain EDL933 and E. coli K12 with known adherence differences were used to standardize the RAJ-IVOC adherence assay. Tissue integrity was assessed using cell viability, structural cell markers, and histopathology, while the adherence of bacteria was evaluated via microscopy and culture methods. DNA fingerprinting verified the recovered bacteria against the inoculum. When the RAJ-IVOC was assembled in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium, maintained at a temperature of 39 °C with 5% CO2 and gentle shaking for a duration of 3-4 h, it successfully preserved tissue integrity and reproduced the expected adherence phenotype of the bacteria being tested. The RAJ-IVOC model system provides a convenient method to pre-screen multiple bacteria-RAJ interactions prior to in vivo experiments, thereby reducing animal usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indira T Kudva
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Erika N Biernbaum
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - Eric D Cassmann
- Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Mitchell V Palmer
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
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Koyun OY, Balta I, Corcionivoschi N, Callaway TR. Disease Occurrence in- and the Transferal of Zoonotic Agents by North American Feedlot Cattle. Foods 2023; 12:904. [PMID: 36832978 PMCID: PMC9956193 DOI: 10.3390/foods12040904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
North America is a large producer of beef and contains approximately 12% of the world's cattle inventory. Feedlots are an integral part of modern cattle production in North America, producing a high-quality, wholesome protein food for humans. Cattle, during their final stage, are fed readily digestible high-energy density rations in feedlots. Cattle in feedlots are susceptible to certain zoonotic diseases that impact cattle health, growth performance, and carcass characteristics, as well as human health. Diseases are often transferred amongst pen-mates, but they can also originate from the environment and be spread by vectors or fomites. Pathogen carriage in the gastrointestinal tract of cattle often leads to direct or indirect contamination of foods and the feedlot environment. This leads to the recirculation of these pathogens that have fecal-oral transmission within a feedlot cattle population for an extended time. Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, and Campylobacter are commonly associated with animal-derived foods and can be transferred to humans through several routes such as contact with infected cattle and the consumption of contaminated meat. Brucellosis, anthrax, and leptospirosis, significant but neglected zoonotic diseases with debilitating impacts on human and animal health, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Y. Koyun
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Igori Balta
- Bacteriology Branch, Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK
- Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, University of Life Sciences King Mihai I from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Nicolae Corcionivoschi
- Bacteriology Branch, Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK
- Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, University of Life Sciences King Mihai I from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Todd R. Callaway
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Microbial Dynamics in Mixed-Culture Biofilms of Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Bacteria Surviving Sanitation of Conveyor Belts of Meat Processing Plants. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020421. [PMID: 36838386 PMCID: PMC9960345 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation can lead to the persistence of Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) and E. coli O157:H7 (O157). This study investigated the impact of meat processing surface bacteria (MPB) on biofilm formation by O157 (non-biofilm former; NF) and ST (strong biofilm former; BF). MPB were recovered from the contacting surfaces (CS), non-contacting surfaces (NCS), and roller surfaces (RS) of a beef plant conveyor belt after sanitation. O157 and ST were co-inoculated with MPB (CO), or after a delay of 48 h (IS), into biofilm reactors containing stainless steel coupons and incubated at 15 °C for up to 144 h. Coupons were withdrawn at various intervals and analyzed by conventional plating and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The total bacterial counts in biofilms reached approximately 6.5 log CFU/cm2, regardless of MPB type or development mode. The mean counts for O157 and ST under equivalent conditions mostly did not differ (p > 0.05), except for the IS set at 50 h, where no O157 was recovered. O157 and ST were 1.6 ± 2.1% and 4.7 ± 5.0% (CO) and 1.1 ± 2.2% and 2.0 ± 2.8% (IS) of the final population. Pseudomonas dominated the MPB inocula and biofilms, regardless of MPB type or development mode. Whether or not a pathogen is deemed BF or NF in monoculture, its successful integration into complex multi-species biofilms ultimately depends on the presence of certain other residents within the biofilm.
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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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Khawaskar D, Anbazhagan S, Balusamy D, Inbaraj S, Verma A, Vinodh Kumar OR, Nagaleekar VK, Sinha DK, Chaudhuri P, Singh BR, Chaturvedi VK, Thomas P. A comparative genomics approach for identifying genetic factors in Escherichia coli isolates associated with bovine diseases. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 133:3490-3501. [PMID: 36648155 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Escherichia coli are ubiquitously present bacterial pathogens that cause septicaemia, diarrhoea and other clinical illness in farm animals. Many pathogen factors can be associated with disease conditions. Currently, studies inferring E. coli genetic factors associated with infection in bovines are limited. Hence, the present study envisaged to determine the pathogen genetic factors associated with bovine disease conditions. METHOD AND RESULTS The comparative genomic analysis involved genome sequence data of 135 diseased and 145 healthy bovine origin E. coli strains. Phylogroups A and C, as well as pathotypes ExPEC and EPEC, were found to have a strong connection with bovine disease strains. STEC strains, including EHEC, seem to play a less important role in bovine disease. Sequence types (STs) predominant among strains from diarrhoeal origin were ST 301 (CC 165) and ST 342. Correlation of core genome phylogeny with accessory gene based clustering, phylogroups and pathotypes indicated lineage specific virulence factors mostly associated with disease conditions. CONCLUSIONS Comparative genomic analysis was applied to infer genetic factors significant in bovine disease origin E. coli strains. Isolates from bovine disease origin were enriched for the phylogroups A and C, and for the pathotypes ExPEC and EPEC. However, there was minimal evidence of STEC involvement. The study also indicated predominant genetic lineages and virulence genes (pap, sfa and afa) associated with disease origin strains. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY;: The study revealed significant pathotypes, phylgroups, serotypes and sequence types associated with bovine disease conditions. These identified genetic factors can be applied for disease diagnosis, implementing vaccine and therapeutic measures. In addition, E. coli isolates from the bovine species revealed a complex pattern of disease epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damini Khawaskar
- Division of Epidemiology, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly - 243122, Uttar Pradesh
| | - Subbaiyan Anbazhagan
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly - 243122, Uttar Pradesh.,ICMR-National Animal Resource Facility for Biomedical Research, Hyderabad
| | - Dhayanath Balusamy
- Division of Epidemiology, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly - 243122, Uttar Pradesh
| | - Sophia Inbaraj
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly - 243122, Uttar Pradesh
| | - Abhishek Verma
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly - 243122, Uttar Pradesh
| | | | - Viswas Konasagara Nagaleekar
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly - 243122, Uttar Pradesh
| | - Dharmendra K Sinha
- Division of Epidemiology, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly - 243122, Uttar Pradesh
| | - Pallab Chaudhuri
- Division of Epidemiology, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly - 243122, Uttar Pradesh
| | - Bhoj R Singh
- Division of Epidemiology, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly - 243122, Uttar Pradesh
| | - V K Chaturvedi
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly - 243122, Uttar Pradesh
| | - Prasad Thomas
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly - 243122, Uttar Pradesh
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11
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Gelalcha BD, Brown SM, Crocker HE, Agga GE, Kerro Dego O. Regulation Mechanisms of Virulence Genes in Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2022; 19:598-612. [PMID: 35921067 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2021.0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is one of the most common E. coli pathotypes reported to cause several outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. EHEC is a zoonotic pathogen, and ruminants, especially cattle, are considered important reservoirs for the most common EHEC serotype, E. coli O157:H7. Humans are infected indirectly through the consumption of food (milk, meat, leafy vegetables, and fruits) and water contaminated by animal feces or direct contact with carrier animals or humans. E. coli O157:H7 is one of the most frequently reported causes of foodborne illnesses in developed countries. It employs two essential virulence mechanisms to trigger damage to the host. These are the development of attaching and effacing (AE) phenotypes on the intestinal mucosa of the host and the production of Shiga toxin (Stx) that causes hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. The AE phenotype is controlled by the pathogenicity island, the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE). The induction of both AE and Stx is under strict and highly complex regulatory mechanisms. Thus, a good understanding of these mechanisms, major proteins expressed, and environmental cues involved in the regulation of the expression of the virulence genes is vital to finding a method to control the colonization of reservoir hosts, especially cattle, and disease development in humans. This review is a concise account of the current state of knowledge of virulence gene regulation in the LEE-positive EHEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benti D Gelalcha
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Selina M Brown
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Hannah E Crocker
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Getahun E Agga
- Food Animal Environmental Systems Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
| | - Oudessa Kerro Dego
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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12
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Allué-Guardia A, Koenig SSK, Martinez RA, Rodriguez AL, Bosilevac JM, Feng† P, Eppinger M. Pathogenomes and variations in Shiga toxin production among geographically distinct clones of Escherichia coli O113:H21. Microb Genom 2022; 8. [PMID: 35394418 PMCID: PMC9453080 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections with globally disseminated Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) of the O113:H21 serotype can progress to severe clinical complications, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Two phylogeographically distinct clonal complexes have been established by multi locus sequence typing (MLST). Infections with ST-820 isolates circulating exclusively in Australia have caused severe human disease, such as HUS. Conversely, ST-223 isolates prevalent in the US and outside Australia seem to rarely cause severe human disease but are frequent contaminants. Following a genomic epidemiology approach, we wanted to gain insights into the underlying cause for this disparity. We examined the plasticity in the genome make-up and Shiga toxin production in a collection of 20 ST-820 and ST-223 strains isolated from produce, the bovine reservoir, and clinical cases. STEC are notorious for assembly into fragmented draft sequences when using short-read sequencing technologies due to the extensive and partly homologous phage complement. The application of long-read technology (LRT) sequencing yielded closed reference chromosomes and plasmids for two representative ST-820 and ST-223 strains. The established high-resolution framework, based on whole genome alignments, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-typing and MLST, includes the chromosomes and plasmids of other publicly available O113:H21 sequences and allowed us to refine the phylogeographical boundaries of ST-820 and ST-223 complex isolates and to further identify a historic non-shigatoxigenic strain from Mexico as a quasi-intermediate. Plasmid comparison revealed strong correlations between the strains' featured pO113 plasmid genotypes and chromosomally inferred ST, which suggests coevolution of the chromosome and virulence plasmids. Our pathogenicity assessment revealed statistically significant differences in the Stx2a-production capabilities of ST-820 as compared to ST-223 strains under RecA-induced Stx phage mobilization, a condition that mimics Stx-phage induction. These observations suggest that ST-820 strains may confer an increased pathogenic potential in line with the strain-associated epidemiological metadata. Still, some of the tested ST-223 cultures sourced from contaminated produce or the bovine reservoir also produced Stx at levels comparable to those of ST-820 isolates, which calls for awareness and for continued surveillance of this lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Allué-Guardia
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID), San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Sara S. K. Koenig
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID), San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Ricardo A. Martinez
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID), San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Armando L. Rodriguez
- University of Texas at San Antonio, Research Computing Support Group, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Joseph M. Bosilevac
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Peter Feng†
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), College Park, MD, USA
| | - Mark Eppinger
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID), San Antonio, TX, USA
- *Correspondence: Mark Eppinger,
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Smoglica C, Vergara A, Angelucci S, Festino AR, Antonucci A, Moschetti L, Farooq M, Marsilio F, Di Francesco CE. Resistance Patterns, mcr-4 and OXA-48 Genes, and Virulence Factors of Escherichia coli from Apennine Chamois Living in Sympatry with Domestic Species, Italy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12020129. [PMID: 35049753 PMCID: PMC8772577 DOI: 10.3390/ani12020129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine and characterize potential resistance mechanisms against selected Critically Important Antibiotics in Escherichia coli isolates collected from wild and domestic ruminants living in the Maiella National Park, in Central Italy. A total of 38 isolates were obtained from red deer, Apennine chamois, cattle, sheep, and goats grazing in lands with different levels of anthropic pressure. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by Minimal Inhibitory Concentration testing, showing phenotypic resistance to colistin, meropenem, or ceftazidime in 9 isolates along with one bacterial strain being resistant to three of the tested antibiotics. In addition, the biomolecular assays allowed the amplification of the genes conferring the colistin (mcr-4), the carbapenems (OXA-48), penicillins and cephalosporins (TEM, SHV, CMY-1, CMY-2) resistance. In order to describe the potential pathogenicity of isolates under study, virulence genes related to Shiga toxin-producing (STEC) and enteropathogenic (EPEC) pathovars were identified. This study is the first report of mcr-4 and OXA-48 genes in resistant E. coli harboring virulence genes in Italian wildlife, with special regard to Apennine chamois and red deer species. The multidisciplinary approach used in this study can improve the early detection of emerging antibiotic resistance determinants in human-animal-environment interfaces by means of wildlife monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Smoglica
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.V.); (S.A.); (A.R.F.); (L.M.); (M.F.); (F.M.); (C.E.D.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0861-266869
| | - Alberto Vergara
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.V.); (S.A.); (A.R.F.); (L.M.); (M.F.); (F.M.); (C.E.D.F.)
| | - Simone Angelucci
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.V.); (S.A.); (A.R.F.); (L.M.); (M.F.); (F.M.); (C.E.D.F.)
- Wildlife Research Center, Maiella National Park, Viale del Vivaio, 65023 Caramanico Terme, Italy;
| | - Anna Rita Festino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.V.); (S.A.); (A.R.F.); (L.M.); (M.F.); (F.M.); (C.E.D.F.)
| | - Antonio Antonucci
- Wildlife Research Center, Maiella National Park, Viale del Vivaio, 65023 Caramanico Terme, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Moschetti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.V.); (S.A.); (A.R.F.); (L.M.); (M.F.); (F.M.); (C.E.D.F.)
| | - Muhammad Farooq
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.V.); (S.A.); (A.R.F.); (L.M.); (M.F.); (F.M.); (C.E.D.F.)
| | - Fulvio Marsilio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.V.); (S.A.); (A.R.F.); (L.M.); (M.F.); (F.M.); (C.E.D.F.)
| | - Cristina Esmeralda Di Francesco
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.V.); (S.A.); (A.R.F.); (L.M.); (M.F.); (F.M.); (C.E.D.F.)
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A Validation System for Selection of Bacteriophages against Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Contamination. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13090644. [PMID: 34564648 PMCID: PMC8470416 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13090644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) can cause severe infections in humans, leading to serious diseases and dangerous complications, such as hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Although cattle are a major reservoir of STEC, the most commonly occurring source of human infections are food products (e.g., vegetables) contaminated with cow feces (often due to the use of natural fertilizers in agriculture). Since the use of antibiotics against STEC is controversial, other methods for protection of food against contaminations by these bacteria are required. Here, we propose a validation system for selection of bacteriophages against STEC contamination. As a model system, we have employed a STEC-specific bacteriophage vB_Eco4M-7 and the E. coli O157:H7 strain no. 86-24, bearing Shiga toxin-converting prophage ST2-8624 (Δstx2::cat gfp). When these bacteria were administered on the surface of sliced cucumber (as a model vegetable), significant decrease in number viable E. coli cells was observed after 6 h of incubation. No toxicity of vB_Eco4M-7 against mammalian cells (using the Balb/3T3 cell line as a model) was detected. A rapid decrease of optical density of STEC culture was demonstrated following addition of a vB_Eco4M-7 lysate. However, longer incubation of susceptible bacteria with this bacteriophage resulted in the appearance of phage-resistant cells which predominated in the culture after 24 h incubation. Interestingly, efficiency of selection of bacteria resistant to vB_Eco4M-7 was higher at higher multiplicity of infection (MOI); the highest efficiency was evident at MOI 10, while the lowest occurred at MOI 0.001. A similar phenomenon of selection of the phage-resistant bacteria was also observed in the experiment with the STEC-contaminated cucumber after 24 h incubation with phage lysate. On the other hand, bacteriophage vB_Eco4M-7 could efficiently develop in host bacterial cells, giving plaques at similar efficiency of plating at 37, 25 and 12 °C, indicating that it can destroy STEC cells at the range of temperatures commonly used for vegetable short-term storage. These results indicate that bacteriophage vB_Eco4M-7 may be considered for its use in food protection against STEC contamination; however, caution should be taken due to the phenomenon of the appearance of phage-resistant bacteria.
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Vasco K, Nohomovich B, Singh P, Venegas-Vargas C, Mosci RE, Rust S, Bartlett P, Norby B, Grooms D, Zhang L, Manning SD. Characterizing the Cattle Gut Microbiome in Farms with a High and Low Prevalence of Shiga Toxin Producing Escherichia coli. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081737. [PMID: 34442815 PMCID: PMC8399351 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cattle are the main reservoirs of Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC), a major foodborne pathogen associated with acute enteric disease and hemolytic-uremic syndrome in humans. A total of 397 beef and dairy cattle from 5 farms were included in this study, of which 660 samples were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The microbiota of farms with a high-STEC prevalence (HSP) had greater richness compared to those of farms with a low-STEC prevalence (LSP). Longitudinal analyses showed STEC-shedders from LSP farms had higher microbiome diversity; meanwhile, changes in the microbiome composition in HSP farms were independent of the STEC shedding status. Most of the bacterial genera associated with STEC shedding in dairy farms were also correlated with differences in the percentage of forage in diet and risk factors of STEC carriage such as days in milk, number of lactations, and warm temperatures. Identifying factors that alter the gut microbiota and enable STEC colonization in livestock could lead to novel strategies to prevent fecal shedding and the subsequent transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Vasco
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (K.V.); (B.N.); (P.S.); (R.E.M.); (L.Z.)
| | - Brian Nohomovich
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (K.V.); (B.N.); (P.S.); (R.E.M.); (L.Z.)
| | - Pallavi Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (K.V.); (B.N.); (P.S.); (R.E.M.); (L.Z.)
| | - Cristina Venegas-Vargas
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (C.V.-V.); (P.B.); (B.N.); (D.G.)
| | - Rebekah E. Mosci
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (K.V.); (B.N.); (P.S.); (R.E.M.); (L.Z.)
| | - Steven Rust
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - Paul Bartlett
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (C.V.-V.); (P.B.); (B.N.); (D.G.)
| | - Bo Norby
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (C.V.-V.); (P.B.); (B.N.); (D.G.)
| | - Daniel Grooms
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (C.V.-V.); (P.B.); (B.N.); (D.G.)
| | - Lixin Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (K.V.); (B.N.); (P.S.); (R.E.M.); (L.Z.)
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Shannon D. Manning
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (K.V.); (B.N.); (P.S.); (R.E.M.); (L.Z.)
- Correspondence:
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Amoebae as Targets for Toxins or Effectors Secreted by Mammalian Pathogens. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13080526. [PMID: 34437397 PMCID: PMC8402458 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13080526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous microorganisms, pathogenic for mammals, come from the environment where they encounter predators such as free-living amoebae (FLA). The selective pressure due to this interaction could have generated virulence traits that are deleterious for amoebae and represents a weapon against mammals. Toxins are one of these powerful tools that are essential for bacteria or fungi to survive. Which amoebae are used as a model to study the effects of toxins? What amoeba functions have been reported to be disrupted by toxins and bacterial secreted factors? Do bacteria and fungi effectors affect eukaryotic cells similarly? Here, we review some studies allowing to answer these questions, highlighting the necessity to extend investigations of microbial pathogenicity, from mammals to the environmental reservoir that are amoebae.
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17
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Lee KS, Jeong YJ, Lee MS. Escherichia coli Shiga Toxins and Gut Microbiota Interactions. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13060416. [PMID: 34208170 PMCID: PMC8230793 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13060416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli (EHEC) and Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 are enterohemorrhagic bacteria that induce hemorrhagic colitis. This, in turn, may result in potentially lethal complications, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is characterized by thrombocytopenia, acute renal failure, and neurological abnormalities. Both species of bacteria produce Shiga toxins (Stxs), a phage-encoded exotoxin inhibiting protein synthesis in host cells that are primarily responsible for bacterial virulence. Although most studies have focused on the pathogenic roles of Stxs as harmful substances capable of inducing cell death and as proinflammatory factors that sensitize the host target organs to damage, less is known about the interface between the commensalism of bacterial communities and the pathogenicity of the toxins. The gut contains more species of bacteria than any other organ, providing pathogenic bacteria that colonize the gut with a greater number of opportunities to encounter other bacterial species. Notably, the presence in the intestines of pathogenic EHEC producing Stxs associated with severe illness may have compounding effects on the diversity of the indigenous bacteria and bacterial communities in the gut. The present review focuses on studies describing the roles of Stxs in the complex interactions between pathogenic Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, the resident microbiome, and host tissues. The determination of these interactions may provide insights into the unresolved issues regarding these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Soo Lee
- Environmental Diseases Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Korea;
- Department of Biomolecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), 127 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Korea
| | - Yu-Jin Jeong
- Environmental Diseases Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Korea;
- Correspondence: (Y.-J.J.); (M.-S.L.)
| | - Moo-Seung Lee
- Environmental Diseases Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Korea;
- Department of Biomolecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), 127 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Korea
- Correspondence: (Y.-J.J.); (M.-S.L.)
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Abstract
Acute bacterial gastroenteritis is among the most common infections worldwide, with millions of infections annually in the United States. Much of the illness is foodborne, occurring as both sporadic cases and large multistate outbreaks. Pathogen evolution through genetic exchange of virulence traits and antibiotic resistance determinants poses challenges for empiric therapy. Culture-independent diagnostic tests in clinical laboratories afford rapid diagnosis and expanded identification of pathogens. However, cultures remain important to generate sensitivity data and strain archiving for outbreak investigations. Most infections are self-limited, permitting judicious selection of antibiotic use in more severe forms of illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Fleckenstein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Campus Box 8051, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; Infectious Disease Section, Medicine Service, Veterans Affairs Saint Louis Health Care System, 915 North Grand Boulevard, Saint Louis, MO 63106, USA.
| | - F Matthew Kuhlmann
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Campus Box 8051, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Alaullah Sheikh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Campus Box 8051, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Węgrzyn G, Muniesa M. Editorial: Shiga Toxin-Converting Bacteriophages. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:680816. [PMID: 34017320 PMCID: PMC8129015 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.680816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Węgrzyn
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Maite Muniesa
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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McFarlane PA, Bitzan M, Broome C, Baran D, Garland J, Girard LP, Grewal K, Lapeyraque AL, Patriquin CJ, Pavenski K, Licht C. Making the Correct Diagnosis in Thrombotic Microangiopathy: A Narrative Review. Can J Kidney Health Dis 2021; 8:20543581211008707. [PMID: 33996107 PMCID: PMC8072824 DOI: 10.1177/20543581211008707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose of review: Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is suspected in patients presenting with thrombocytopenia and evidence of a microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Patients with TMA can be critically ill, so rapid and accurate identification of the underlying etiology is essential. Due to better insights into pathophysiology and causes of TMA, we can now categorize TMAs as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, postinfectious (mainly Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli–induced) hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), TMA associated with a coexisting condition, or atypical HUS (aHUS). We recognized an unmet need in the medical community to guide the timely and accurate identification of TMA, the selection of tests to clarify its etiology, and the sequence of steps to initiate treatment. Sources of information: Key published studies relevant to the identification, classification, and treatment of TMAs in children or adults. These studies were obtained through literature searches conducted with PubMed or based on the prior knowledge of the authors. Methods: This review is the result of a consultation process that reflects the consensus of experts from Canada, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. The members represent individuals who are clinicians, researchers, and teachers in pediatric and adult medicine from the fields of hematology, nephrology, and laboratory medicine. Authors, through an iterative review process identified and synthesized information from relevant published studies. Key findings: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura occurs in the setting of insufficient activity of the von Willebrand factor protease known as ADAMTS13. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli–induced hemolytic uremic syndrome, also known as “typical” HUS, is caused by gastrointestinal infections with bacteria that produce Shiga toxin (initially called verocytotoxin). A variety of clinical conditions or drug exposures can trigger TMA. Finally, aHUS occurs in the setting of inherited or acquired abnormalities in the alternative complement pathway leading to dysregulated complement activation, often following a triggering event such as an infection. It is possible to break the process of etiological diagnosis of TMA into 2 distinct steps. The first covers the initial presentation and diagnostic workup, including the processes of identifying the presence of TMA, appropriate initial tests and referrals, and empiric treatments when appropriate. The second step involves confirming the etiological diagnosis and moving to definitive treatment. For many forms of TMA, the ultimate response to therapies and the outcome of the patient depends on the rapid and accurate identification of the presence of TMA and then a standardized approach to seeking the etiological diagnosis. We present a structured approach to identifying the presence of TMA and steps to identifying the etiology including standardized lab panels. We emphasize the importance of early consultation with appropriate specialists in hematology and nephrology, as well as identification of whether the patient requires plasma exchange. Clinicians should consider appropriate empiric therapies while following the steps we have recommended toward definitive etiologic diagnosis and management of the TMA. Limitations: The evidence base for our recommendations consists of small clinical studies, case reports, and case series. They are generally not controlled or randomized and do not lend themselves to a stricter guideline-based methodology or a Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)-based approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip A McFarlane
- Division of Nephrology, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Martin Bitzan
- Division of Nephrology, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Kidney Centre of Excellence, Al Jalila Children's Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Catherine Broome
- Division of Hematology, Lombardi Cancer Center, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dana Baran
- Division of Nephrology and Multi-Organ Transplant Program, McGill University Hospital Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jocelyn Garland
- Division of Nephrology, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Kuljit Grewal
- Division of Hematology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Anne-Laure Lapeyraque
- Division of Nephrology, Sainte-Justine Hospital Center, Montreal University, Montreal, QC, USA
| | - Christopher Jordan Patriquin
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katerina Pavenski
- Departments of Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christoph Licht
- Division of Nephrology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
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21
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Jia M, Geornaras I, Martin JN, Belk KE, Yang H. Comparative Whole Genome Analysis of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Isolates From Feedlot Cattle to Identify Genotypes Associated With the Presence and Absence of stx Genes. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:647434. [PMID: 33868205 PMCID: PMC8046923 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.647434] [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: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A comparative whole genome analysis was performed on three newly sequenced Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains with different stx profiles, previously isolated from feedlot cattle [C1-010 (stx1-, stx2c+), C1-057 (stx-), and C1-067 (stx1+, stx2a+)], as well as five foodborne outbreak strains and six stx-negative strains from NCBI. Phylogenomic analysis demonstrated that the stx2c-carrying C1-010 and stx-negative C1-057 strains were grouped with the six NCBI stx-negative E. coli O157:H7 strains in Cluster 1, whereas the stx2a-carrying C1-067 and five foodborne outbreak strains were clustered together in Cluster 2. Based on different clusters, we selected the three newly sequenced strains, one stx2a-carrying strain, and the six NCBI stx-negative strains and identify their prophages at the stx insertion sites. All stx-carrying prophages contained both the three Red recombination genes (exo, bet, gam) and their repressor cI. On the other hand, the majority of the stx-negative prophages carried only the three Red recombination genes, but their repressor cI was absent. In the absence of the repressor cI, the consistent expression of the Red recombination genes in prophages might result in more frequent gene exchanges, potentially increasing the probability of the acquisition of stx genes. We further investigated each of the 10 selected E. coli O157:H7 strains for their respective unique metabolic pathway genes. Seven unique metabolic pathway genes in the two stx2a-carrying strains and one in the single stx2c-carrying and seven stx-negative strains were found to be associated with an upstream insertion sequence 629 within a conserved region among these strains. The presence of more unique metabolic pathway genes in stx2a-carrying E. coli O157:H7 strains may potentially increase their competitiveness in complex environments, such as feedlot cattle. For the stx2c-carrying and stx-negative E. coli O157:H7 strains, the fact that they were grouped into the same phylogenomic cluster and had the same unique metabolic pathway genes suggested that they may also share closely related evolutionary pathways. As a consequence, gene exchange between them is more likely to occur. Results from this study could potentially serve as a basis to help develop strategies to reduce the prevalence of pathogenic E. coli O157:H7 in livestock and downstream food production environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Jia
- Center for Meat Safety and Quality, Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Ifigenia Geornaras
- Center for Meat Safety and Quality, Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Jennifer N Martin
- Center for Meat Safety and Quality, Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Keith E Belk
- Center for Meat Safety and Quality, Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Hua Yang
- Center for Meat Safety and Quality, Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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22
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Evaluation of Cattle for Naturally Colonized Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Requires Combinatorial Strategies. Int J Microbiol 2021; 2021:6673202. [PMID: 33868404 PMCID: PMC8032530 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6673202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serogroups O157, O26, O103, O111, O121, O145, and O45 are designated as food adulterants by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Food Safety and Inspection Service. Cattle are the primary reservoir of these human pathogens. In this study, 59 Angus crossbred heifers were tested specifically for these seven STEC serogroups using a combination of standard culture, serological, PCR, and cell cytotoxicity methods to determine if comparable results would be obtained. At the time of fecal sampling, the animals were approximately 2 years old and weighed 1000–1200 lbs. The diet comprised of 37% ground alfalfa hay, 25% ground Sudan hay, and 38% ground corn supplemented with trace minerals and rumensin with ad libitum access to water. Non-O157 STEC were isolated from 25% (15/59) of the animals tested using a combination of EC broth, CHROMagar STECTM, and Rainbow Agar O157. Interestingly, the O157 serogroup was not isolated from any of the animals. Non-O157 STEC isolates were confirmed to be one of the six adulterant serogroups by serology and/or colony PCR in 10/15 animals with the predominant viable, serogroup being O103. PCR using DNA extracted from feces verified most of the colony PCR results but also identified additional virulence and O-antigen genes from samples with no correlating culture results. Shiga toxin- (Stx-) related cytopathic effects on Vero cells with fecal extracts from 55/59 animals could only be associated with the Stx gene profiles obtained by fecal DNA PCR and not culture results. The differences between culture versus fecal DNA PCR and cytotoxicity assay results suggest that the latter two assays reflect the presence of nonviable STEC or infection with STEC not belonging to the seven adulterant serogroups. This study further supports the use of combinatorial culture, serology, and PCR methods to isolate viable STEC that pose a greater food safety threat.
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23
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Li X, Kelty CA, Sivaganesan M, Shanks OC. Variable fecal source prioritization in recreational waters routinely monitored with viral and bacterial general indicators. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 192:116845. [PMID: 33508720 PMCID: PMC8186395 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.116845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Somatic and F+ coliphage methods are under consideration as potential routine surface water quality monitoring tools to identify unsafe levels of fecal pollution in recreational waters. However, little is known about the cooccurrence of these virus-based fecal indicators and host-associated genetic markers used to prioritize key pollution sources for remediation. In this study, paired measurements of cultivated coliphage (somatic and F+) and bacterial (E. coli and enterococci) general fecal indicators and genetic markers indicative of human (HF183/BacR287 and HumM2), ruminant (Rum2Bac), canine (DG3), and avian (GFD) fecal pollution sources were assessed in 365 water samples collected from six Great Lakes Basin beach and river sites over a 15-week recreational season. Water samples were organized into groups based on defined viral and bacterial fecal indicator water quality thresholds and average log10 host-associated genetic marker fecal score ratios were estimated to compare pollutant source inferences based on variable routine water quality monitoring practices. Eligible log10 fecal score ratios ranged from -0.051 (F+ coliphage, GFD) to 2.08 (enterococci, Rum2Bac). Using a fecal score ratio approach, findings suggest that general fecal indicator selection for routine water quality monitoring can influence the interpretation of host-associated genetic marker measurements, in some cases, prioritizing different pollutant sources for remediation. Variable trends were also observed between Great Lake beach and river sites suggesting disparate management practices may be useful for each water type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China 518055
| | - Catherine A Kelty
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mano Sivaganesan
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Orin C Shanks
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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24
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Bertschinger HU, Duchesnes CJ, Mainil JG, Pospischil A, Nagy B. Harley William Moon (1936-2018). FEMS Microbiol Lett 2021; 367:5289861. [PMID: 30649304 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnz012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Harley William Moon,DVM, Ph.D., an outstanding American person and researcher of comparative microbiology and pathology of intestinal diseases, the former director of the USDA, ARS, National Animal Disease Center (Iowa), of Plum Island Animal Disease Center (New York) and of Veterinary Research Institute of Iowa State University, member of the National Academy of Sciences (USA) passed away after some difficult and lonely last years of his life, on October 7, 2018 at the age of 82.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans U Bertschinger
- Institute for Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 270, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christiane J Duchesnes
- Family Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, Campus du SartTilman B23 Quartier Hôpital, Avenue Hippocrate 13, B4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Jacques G Mainil
- Bacteriology Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Centre for Fundamental and Applied Research in Animals and Health (FARAH), University of Liège (ULiège), Campus du SartTilman B43a, Quartier Vallée II, Avenue de Cureghem 6, B4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Andreas Pospischil
- Institute for Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Béla Nagy
- Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, CAR, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-1143 Budapest, Hungaria Str. 21., Hungary
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25
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Nonfimbrial Adhesin Mutants Reveal Divergent Escherichia coli O157:H7 Adherence Mechanisms on Human and Cattle Epithelial Cells. Int J Microbiol 2021; 2021:8868151. [PMID: 33574851 PMCID: PMC7864753 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8868151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing, enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) serotype O157:H7 is a major foodborne pathogen causing symptoms ranging from simple intestinal discomfort to bloody diarrhea and life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome in humans. Cattle can be asymptomatically colonized by O157:H7 predominantly at the rectoanal junction (RAJ). Colonization of the RAJ is highly associated with the shedding of O157:H7 in bovine feces. Supershedding (SS) is a phenomenon that has been reported in some cattle that shed more than 104 colony-forming units of O57:H7 per gram of feces, 100–1000 times more or greater than normal shedders. The unique bovine RAJ cell adherence model revealed that O157:H7 employs a LEE-independent mechanism of attachment to one of the RAJ cell types, the squamous epithelial (RSE) cells. Nine nonfimbrial adhesins were selected to determine their role in the characteristic hyperadherent phenotype of SS O157 on bovine RSE cells, in comparison with human HEp-2 cells. A number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found amongst these nonfimbrial adhesins across a number of SS isolates. In human cells, deletion of yfaL reduced the adherence of both EDL933 and SS17. However, deletion of eae resulted in a significant loss of adherence in SS17 whereas deletion of wzzB and iha in EDL933 resulted in the same loss of adherence to HEp-2 cells. On RSE cells, none of these nonfimbrial deletion mutants were able to alter the adherence phenotype of SS17. In EDL933, deletion of cah resulted in mitigated adherence. Surprisingly, four nonfimbrial adhesin gene deletions were actually able to confer the hyperadherent phenotype on RSE cells. Overall, this study reveals that the contribution of nonfimbrial adhesins to the adherence mechanisms and functions of O157:H7 is both strain and host cell type dependent as well as indicates a possible role of these nonfimbrial adhesins in the SS phenotype exhibited on RSE cells.
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26
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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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27
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Liu Y, Kumblathan T, Uppal GK, Zhou A, Moe B, Hrudey SE, Li XF. A hidden risk: Survival and resuscitation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in the viable but nonculturable state after boiling or microwaving. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 183:116102. [PMID: 32745672 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We report the existence and resuscitation of viable but nonculturable (VBNC) Escherichia coli O157:H7 cells in drinking water induced by the common point-of-use disinfection treatments of boiling or microwaving. Tap water and saline samples containing E. coli O157:H7 culturable cells from a bovine isolate or two clinical isolates were boiled (1, 10, or 15 min) on a hot plate or microwaved (1.5 min) to reach boiling. No culturable E. coli O157:H7 cells were observed in the treated samples using conventional plating methods. In samples boiled for 1 or 10 min, two viability assays separately detected that 2-5.5% of the cells retained an intact membrane, while 28 to 87 cells out of the initial 108 cells retained both measurable intracellular esterase activity and membrane integrity. In samples boiled for 15 min, no viable cells were detected. The microwaved samples contained 6-10% of cells with an intact membrane, while 21 to 108 cells out of the initial 108 cells retained both membrane integrity and esterase activity. The number of viable cells retaining both metabolic activity and membrane integrity were consistent in all samples, supporting the survival of a small number of E. coli O157:H7 cells in the VBNC state after boiling for 1 or 10 min or microwaving. Furthermore, the VBNC E. coli O157:H7 cells regained growth at 37 °C in culture media containing autoinducers produced by common non-pathogenic E. coli, commonly present in the human intestine, and norepinephrine. The resuscitated cells were culturable on conventional plates and expressed mRNA encoding the E. coli O157 lipopolysaccharide gene (rfbE) and the H7 flagellin gene (fliC). This study highlights potential concerns for public health risk management of VBNC E. coli O157:H7 in drinking water disinfected by heat treatment at point-of-use. The public health significance of these concerns warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanming Liu
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Teresa Kumblathan
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Gursharan K Uppal
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Angela Zhou
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Birget Moe
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada; Alberta Centre for Toxicology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Steve E Hrudey
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Xing-Fang Li
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada.
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28
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Are Antimicrobial Interventions Associated with Heat-Resistant Escherichia coli on Meat? Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.00512-20. [PMID: 32303544 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00512-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Decontamination practices, which often involve thermal treatments, are routinely performed in beef packing plants and have generally improved the safety of meat in North America. We investigated whether Escherichia coli in the beef production chain is becoming more heat resistant due to those treatments. Cattle isolates (n = 750) included seven serogroups (O157, O103, O111, O121, O145, O26, and O45) which were collected between 2002 and 2017. Beef plant isolates (n = 700) from carcasses, fabrication equipment, and beef products were included. Heat resistance was determined in Luria-Bertani broth at 60°C and by PCR screening for the locus of heat resistance (LHR). The decimal reduction for E. coli at 60°C (D 60ºC values) ranged from 0 to 7.54 min, with 97.2% of the values being <2 min. The prevalence of E. coli with D 60ºC values of >2 min was not significantly different (P > 0.05) among cattle and meat plant isolates. E. coli from equipment before sanitation (median, 1.03 min) was more heat resistant than that after sanitation (median, 0.9 min). No significant difference in D 60ºC values was observed among E. coli isolates from different years, from carcasses before and after antimicrobial interventions, or from before and during carcass chilling. Of all isolates, 1.97% harbored LHR, and the LHR-positive isolates had greater median D 60ºC values than the LHR-negative isolates (3.25 versus 0.96 min). No increase in heat resistance in E. coli was observed along the beef production chain or with time.IMPORTANCE The implementation of multiple hurdles in the beef production chain has resulted in substantial improvement in the microbial safety of beef in Canada. In this study, we characterized a large number of Escherichia coli isolates (n = 1,450) from various sources/stages of beef processing to determine whether the commonly used antimicrobial interventions would give rise to heat-resistant E. coli on meat, which in turn may require alternatives to the current control of pathogens and/or modifications to the current cooking recommendations for meat. The findings show that the degree and rate of heat resistance in E. coli did not increase along the production chain or with time. This furthers our understanding of man-made ecological niches that are required for the development of heat resistance in E. coli.
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29
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Kim JS, Lee MS, Kim JH. Recent Updates on Outbreaks of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli and Its Potential Reservoirs. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:273. [PMID: 32582571 PMCID: PMC7287036 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Following infection with certain strains of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), particularly enterohemorrhagic ones, patients are at elevated risk for developing life-threatening extraintestinal complications, such as acute renal failure. Hence, these bacteria represent a public health concern in both developed and developing countries. Shiga toxins (Stxs) expressed by STEC are highly cytotoxic class II ribosome-inactivating proteins and primary virulence factors responsible for major clinical signs of Stx-mediated pathogenesis, including bloody diarrhea, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and neurological complications. Ruminant animals are thought to serve as critical environmental reservoirs of Stx-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), but other emerging or arising reservoirs of the toxin-producing bacteria have been overlooked. In particular, a number of new animal species from wildlife and aquaculture industries have recently been identified as unexpected reservoir or spillover hosts of STEC. Here, we summarize recent findings about reservoirs of STEC and review outbreaks of these bacteria both within and outside the United States. A better understanding of environmental transmission to humans will facilitate the development of novel strategies for preventing zoonotic STEC infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Seob Kim
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Moo-Seung Lee
- Department of Biomolecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, South Korea.,Environmental Diseases Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Ji Hyung Kim
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Biomolecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, South Korea
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30
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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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Mir RA, Schaut RG, Allen HK, Looft T, Loving CL, Kudva IT, Sharma VK. Cattle intestinal microbiota shifts following Escherichia coli O157:H7 vaccination and colonization. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226099. [PMID: 31805148 PMCID: PMC6894827 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination-induced Escherichia coli O157:H7-specific immune responses have been shown to reduce E. coli O157:H7 shedding in cattle. Although E. coli O157:H7 colonization is correlated with perturbations in intestinal microbial diversity, it is not yet known whether vaccination against E. coli O157:H7 could cause shifts in bovine intestinal microbiota. To understand the impact of E. coli O157:H7 vaccination and colonization on intestinal microbial diversity, cattle were vaccinated with two doses of different E. coli O157:H7 vaccine formulations. Six weeks post-vaccination, the two vaccinated groups (Vx-Ch) and one non-vaccinated group (NonVx-Ch) were orally challenged with E. coli O157:H7. Another group was neither vaccinated nor challenged (NonVx-NonCh). Fecal microbiota analysis over a 30-day period indicated a significant (FDR corrected, p <0.05) association of bacterial community structure with vaccination until E. coli O157:H7 challenge. Shannon diversity index and species richness were significantly lower in vaccinated compared to non-vaccinated groups after E. coli O157:H7 challenge (p < 0.05). The Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio (p > 0.05) was not associated with vaccination but the relative abundance of Proteobacteria was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in vaccinated calves after E. coli O157:H7 challenge. Similarly, Vx-Ch calves had higher relative abundance of Paeniclostridium spp. and Christenellaceae R7 group while Campylobacter spp., and Sutterella spp. were more abundant in NonVx-Ch group post-E. coli O157:H7 challenge. Only Vx-Ch calves had significantly higher (p < 0.001) E. coli O157:H7-specific serum IgG but no detectable E. coli O157:H7-specific IgA. However, E. coli O157:H7-specific IL-10-producing T cells were detected in vaccinated animals prior to challenge, but IFN-γ-producing T cells were not detected. Neither E. coli O157:H7-specific IgG nor IgA were detected in blood or feces, respectively, of NonVx-Ch and NonVx-NonCh groups prior to or post vaccinations. Both Vx-Ch and NonVx-Ch animals shed detectable levels of challenge strain during the course of the study. Despite the lack of protection with the vaccine formulations there were detectable shifts in the microbiota of vaccinated animals before and after challenge with E. coli O157:H7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raies A. Mir
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States of America
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), ARS Research Participation Program, Oak Ridge, TN, United States of America
| | - Robert G. Schaut
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States of America
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), ARS Research Participation Program, Oak Ridge, TN, United States of America
| | - Heather K. Allen
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Torey Looft
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Crystal L. Loving
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Indira T. Kudva
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (VKS); (ITK)
| | - Vijay K. Sharma
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (VKS); (ITK)
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32
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Iwu CD, Okoh AI. Preharvest Transmission Routes of Fresh Produce Associated Bacterial Pathogens with Outbreak Potentials: A Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E4407. [PMID: 31717976 PMCID: PMC6888529 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Disease outbreaks caused by the ingestion of contaminated vegetables and fruits pose a significant problem to human health. The sources of contamination of these food products at the preharvest level of agricultural production, most importantly, agricultural soil and irrigation water, serve as potential reservoirs of some clinically significant foodborne pathogenic bacteria. These clinically important bacteria include: Klebsiella spp., Salmonella spp., Citrobacter spp., Shigella spp., Enterobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes and pathogenic E. coli (and E. coli O157:H7) all of which have the potential to cause disease outbreaks. Most of these pathogens acquire antimicrobial resistance (AR) determinants due to AR selective pressure within the agroecosystem and become resistant against most available treatment options, further aggravating risks to human and environmental health, and food safety. This review critically outlines the following issues with regards to fresh produce; the global burden of fresh produce-related foodborne diseases, contamination between the continuum of farm to table, preharvest transmission routes, AR profiles, and possible interventions to minimize the preharvest contamination of fresh produce. This review reveals that the primary production niches of the agro-ecosystem play a significant role in the transmission of fresh produce associated pathogens as well as their resistant variants, thus detrimental to food safety and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chidozie Declan Iwu
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa;
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa
| | - Anthony Ifeanyi Okoh
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa;
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa
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Fitzgerald SF, Beckett AE, Palarea-Albaladejo J, McAteer S, Shaaban S, Morgan J, Ahmad NI, Young R, Mabbott NA, Morrison L, Bono JL, Gally DL, McNeilly TN. Shiga toxin sub-type 2a increases the efficiency of Escherichia coli O157 transmission between animals and restricts epithelial regeneration in bovine enteroids. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1008003. [PMID: 31581229 PMCID: PMC6776261 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific Escherichia coli isolates lysogenised with prophages that express Shiga toxin (Stx) can be a threat to human health, with cattle being an important natural reservoir. In many countries the most severe pathology is associated with enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) serogroups that express Stx subtype 2a. In the United Kingdom, phage type (PT) 21/28 O157 strains have emerged as the predominant cause of life-threatening EHEC infections and this phage type commonly encodes both Stx2a and Stx2c toxin types. PT21/28 is also epidemiologically linked to super-shedding (>103 cfu/g of faeces) which is significant for inter-animal transmission and human infection as demonstrated using modelling studies. We demonstrate that Stx2a is the main toxin produced by stx2a+/stx2c+ PT21/28 strains induced with mitomycin C and this is associated with more rapid induction of gene expression from the Stx2a-encoding prophage compared to that from the Stx2c-encoding prophage. Bacterial supernatants containing either Stx2a and/or Stx2c were demonstrated to restrict growth of bovine gastrointestinal organoids with no restriction when toxin production was not induced or prevented by mutation. Isogenic strains that differed in their capacity to produce Stx2a were selected for experimental oral colonisation of calves to assess the significance of Stx2a for both super-shedding and transmission between animals. Restoration of Stx2a expression in a PT21/28 background significantly increased animal-to-animal transmission and the number of sentinel animals that became super-shedders. We propose that while both Stx2a and Stx2c can restrict regeneration of the epithelium, it is the relatively rapid and higher levels of Stx2a induction, compared to Stx2c, that have contributed to the successful emergence of Stx2a+ E. coli isolates in cattle in the last 40 years. We propose a model in which Stx2a enhances E. coli O157 colonisation of in-contact animals by restricting regeneration and turnover of the colonised gastrointestinal epithelium. Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) O157 strains are found in cattle where they are asymptomatic, while human exposure can lead to severe symptoms including bloody diarrhoea and kidney damage due to the activity of Shiga toxin (Stx). The most serious symptoms in humans are associated with isolates that encode Stx subtype 2a. The advantage of these toxins in the animal reservoir is still not clear, however there is experimental evidence implicating Stx with increased bacterial adherence, immune modulation and suppression of predatory protozoa. In this study, the hypothesis that Stx2a is important for super-shedding and calf-to-calf transmission was tested by comparing excretion and transmission dynamics of E. coli O157 strains with and without Stx2a. While Stx2a did not alter excretion levels when calfs were orally challenge, it enabled colonisation of more in contact ‘sentinel’ animals in our transmission model. We show that Stx2a is generally induced more rapidly than Stx2c, resulting in increased levels of Stx2a expression. Both Stx2a and Stx2c were able to restrict cellular proliferation of epithelial cells in cultured bovine enteroids. Taken together, we propose that rapid production of Stx2a and its role in establishing E. coli O157 colonisation in the bovine gastrointestinal tract facilitate effective transmission and have led to its expansion in the cattle E. coli O157 population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen F. Fitzgerald
- Division of Immunity and Infection, The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, United Kingdom
| | - Amy E. Beckett
- Division of Immunity and Infection, The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sean McAteer
- Division of Immunity and Infection, The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Sharif Shaaban
- Division of Immunity and Infection, The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Jason Morgan
- Division of Immunity and Infection, The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rachel Young
- Division of Immunity and Infection, The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Neil A. Mabbott
- Division of Immunity and Infection, The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Liam Morrison
- Division of Immunity and Infection, The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - James L. Bono
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - David L. Gally
- Division of Immunity and Infection, The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (DLG); (TNM)
| | - Tom N. McNeilly
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (DLG); (TNM)
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Zhi S, Szelewicki J, Ziebell K, Parsons B, Chui L. General detection of Shiga toxin 2 and subtyping of Shiga toxin 1 and 2 in Escherichia coli using qPCR. J Microbiol Methods 2019; 159:51-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Stromberg ZR, Redweik GAJ, Mellata M. Detection, Prevalence, and Pathogenicity of Non-O157 Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli from Cattle Hides and Carcasses. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2019; 15:119-131. [PMID: 29638166 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2017.2401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cattle are a major reservoir for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and harbor these bacteria in the intestinal tract. The prevalence, concentration, and STEC serogroup isolated in cattle varies between individuals. Hide removal at slaughter serves as a major point of carcass contamination and ultimately beef products. Certain STEC serogroups, such as O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145, and O157, containing the intestinal adherence factor intimin, pose a large economic burden to food producers because of testing and recalls. Human infection with STEC can cause illnesses ranging from diarrhea to hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome, and is commonly acquired through ingestion of contaminated foods, often beef products. Previously, most studies focused on O157 STEC, but there is growing recognition of the importance of non-O157 STEC serogroups. This review summarizes detection methods, prevalence, and methods for prediction of pathogenicity of non-O157 STEC from cattle hides and carcasses. A synthesis of procedures is outlined for general non-O157 STEC and targeted detection of specific STEC serogroups. Standardization of sample collection and processing procedures would allow for more robust comparisons among studies. Presence of non-O157 STEC isolated from cattle hides and carcasses and specific factors, such as point of sample collection and season, are summarized. Also, factors that might influence STEC survival on these surfaces, such as the microbial population on hides and microbial adherence genes, are raised as topics for future investigation. Finally, this review gives an overview on studies that have used genetic and cell-based methods to identify specific phenotypes of non-O157 STEC strains isolated from cattle to assess their risk to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R Stromberg
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University , Ames, Iowa
| | - Graham A J Redweik
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University , Ames, Iowa
| | - Melha Mellata
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University , Ames, Iowa
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Dias D, Caetano T, Torres RT, Fonseca C, Mendo S. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in wild ungulates. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 651:203-209. [PMID: 30227290 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are zoonotic pathogens that live in the gastrointestinal tract of wildlife and cattle without causing disease. In humans, their colonization and infection lead to life-threatening disease. We investigated the occurrence of STEC in wild ungulates (wild boar, red deer and roe deer) inhabiting areas differently impacted by anthropogenic activities. STEC were detected in 9% (n = 6) of the samples and were recovered from the three species: 1 of wild boar, 4 of red deer and 1 of roe deer. All the isolates (n = 7) were non-O157 STEC encoding stx1 (n = 2; 29%) and/or stx2 genes (n = 6; 86%). O27:H30 was the most frequent serotype identified, followed by O146:H21 and O146:H28. Two STEC were O-untypable: ONT:H28 and ONT:H52. The phylo-groups identified were B1 (n = 3), E (n = 3) and F (n = 1). All the isolates recovered were susceptible to the different classes of antibiotics tested, although resistance genes were found in two strains. Apart from stx, all STEC encode many virulence factors (VF), particularly adhesins and/or other toxins. A strain with 13 VF collected from roe deer has a high enterohemorrhagic risk due to the presence of intimin, hemolysin and protease effectors genes. Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) are implicated in the major cases of human infection and mortality, highlighting the zoonotic potential of wildlife-associated STEC. Wild ungulates are reservoirs of STEC potentially pathogenic to humans. Therefore, following the One Health concept, it is crucial to establish worldwide local monitoring programs that will benefit human, animal and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Dias
- CESAM and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - T Caetano
- CESAM and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - R T Torres
- CESAM and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - C Fonseca
- CESAM and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - S Mendo
- CESAM and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Howard-Varona C, Vik DR, Solonenko NE, Li YF, Gazitua MC, Chittick L, Samiec JK, Jensen AE, Anderson P, Howard-Varona A, Kinkhabwala AA, Abedon ST, Sullivan MB. Fighting Fire with Fire: Phage Potential for the Treatment of E. coli O157 Infection. Antibiotics (Basel) 2018; 7:E101. [PMID: 30453470 PMCID: PMC6315980 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics7040101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemolytic⁻uremic syndrome is a life-threating disease most often associated with Shiga toxin-producing microorganisms like Escherichia coli (STEC), including E. coli O157:H7. Shiga toxin is encoded by resident prophages present within this bacterium, and both its production and release depend on the induction of Shiga toxin-encoding prophages. Consequently, treatment of STEC infections tend to be largely supportive rather than antibacterial, in part due to concerns about exacerbating such prophage induction. Here we explore STEC O157:H7 prophage induction in vitro as it pertains to phage therapy-the application of bacteriophages as antibacterial agents to treat bacterial infections-to curtail prophage induction events, while also reducing STEC O157:H7 presence. We observed that cultures treated with strictly lytic phages, despite being lysed, produce substantially fewer Shiga toxin-encoding temperate-phage virions than untreated STEC controls. We therefore suggest that phage therapy could have utility as a prophylactic treatment of individuals suspected of having been recently exposed to STEC, especially if prophage induction and by extension Shiga toxin production is not exacerbated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dean R Vik
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Natalie E Solonenko
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Yueh-Fen Li
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - M Consuelo Gazitua
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Lauren Chittick
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Jennifer K Samiec
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Aubrey E Jensen
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Paige Anderson
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | | | | | - Stephen T Abedon
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Matthew B Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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38
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Segura A, Bertoni M, Auffret P, Klopp C, Bouchez O, Genthon C, Durand A, Bertin Y, Forano E. Transcriptomic analysis reveals specific metabolic pathways of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 in bovine digestive contents. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:766. [PMID: 30352567 PMCID: PMC6199705 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5167-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cattle gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is the main enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) reservoir. In order to identify nutrients required for the survival or multiplication of EHEC in the bovine GIT, we compared the transcriptomes of the EHEC O157:H7 reference strain EDL933 cultured in vitro in bovine digestive contents (DCs) (rumen, small intestine and rectum) using RNA-sequencing. Results Gene expression profiles showed that EHEC EDL933 activated common but also specific metabolic pathways to survive in the different bovine DCs. Mucus-derived carbohydrates seem important in EHEC nutrition in posterior DCs (small intestine and rectum) but not in rumen content. Additional carbohydrates (xylose, ribose, mannitol, galactitol) as well as gluconeogenic substrates (aspartate, serine, glycerol) would also be used by EHEC as carbon and/or nitrogen sources all along the bovine GIT including the rumen. However, xylose, GalNac, ribose and fucose transport and/or assimilation encoding genes were over-expressed during incubation in rectum content compared with rumen and intestine contents, and genes coding for maltose transport were only induced in rectum. This suggests a role for these carbohydrates in the colonization of the cattle rectum, considered as the major site for EHEC multiplication. In contrast, the transcription of the genes associated with the assimilation of ethanolamine, an important nitrogen source for EHEC, was poorly induced in EHEC growing in rectum content, suggesting that ethanolamine is mainly assimilated in the cattle rumen and small intestine. Respiratory flexibility would also be required for EHEC survival because of the redundancy of dehydrogenases and reductases simultaneously induced in the bovine DCs, probably in response to the availability of electron donors and acceptors. Conclusion EHEC EDL933 showed a high flexibility in the activation of genes involved in respiratory pathways and assimilation of carbon and nitrogen sources, most of them from animal origin. This may allow the bacterium to adapt and survive in the various bovine GIT compartments. Obtaining a better understanding of EHEC physiology in bovine GIT is a key step to ultimately propose strategies to limit EHEC carriage and shedding by cattle. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5167-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Segura
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, UMR 0454 MEDIS, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marine Bertoni
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, UMR 0454 MEDIS, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Present address : Institut National de Police Scientifique - Laboratoire de Police Scientifique de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Pauline Auffret
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, UMR 0454 MEDIS, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Present address : Ifremer, UMR 241 EIO, Tahiti, French Polynesia
| | - Christophe Klopp
- Plateforme Bioinformatique Toulouse, Midi-Pyrénées UBIA, INRA, Auzeville, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Olivier Bouchez
- INRA, US 1426, GeT-PlaGe, Genotoul, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | | | - Alexandra Durand
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, UMR 0454 MEDIS, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Yolande Bertin
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, UMR 0454 MEDIS, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Evelyne Forano
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, UMR 0454 MEDIS, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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Silva CJ. Food Forensics: Using Mass Spectrometry To Detect Foodborne Protein Contaminants, as Exemplified by Shiga Toxin Variants and Prion Strains. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2018; 66:8435-8450. [PMID: 29860833 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b01517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Food forensicists need a variety of tools to detect the many possible food contaminants. As a result of its analytical flexibility, mass spectrometry is one of those tools. Use of the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method expands its use to quantitation as well as detection of infectious proteins (prions) and protein toxins, such as Shiga toxins. The sample processing steps inactivate prions and Shiga toxins; the proteins are digested with proteases to yield peptides suitable for MRM-based analysis. Prions are detected by their distinct physicochemical properties and differential covalent modification. Shiga toxin analysis is based on detecting peptides derived from the five identical binding B subunits comprising the toxin. 15N-labeled internal standards are prepared from cloned proteins. These examples illustrate the power of MRM, in that the same instrument can be used to safely detect and quantitate protein toxins, prions, and small molecules that might contaminate our food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Silva
- Produce Safety and Microbiology Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service , United States Department of Agriculture , Albany , California 94710 , United States
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Swearengen JR. Choosing the right animal model for infectious disease research. Animal Model Exp Med 2018; 1:100-108. [PMID: 30891554 PMCID: PMC6388060 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A complex biological system is often required to study the myriad of host-pathogen interactions associated with infectious diseases, especially since the current basis of biology has reached the molecular level. The use of animal models is important for understanding the very complex temporal relationships that occur in infectious disease involving the body, its neuroendocrine and immune systems and the infectious organism. Because of these complex interactions, the choice of animal model must be a thoughtful and clearly defined process in order to provide relevant, translatable scientific data and to ensure the most beneficial use of the animals. While many animals respond similarly to humans from physiological, pathological, and therapeutic perspectives, there are also significant species-by-species differences. A well-designed animal model requires a thorough understanding of similarities and differences in the responses between humans and animals and incorporates that knowledge into the goals of the study. Determining the intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with the disease and creating a biological information matrix to compare the animal model and human disease courses is a useful tool to help choose the appropriate animal model. Confidence in the correlation of results from a model to the human disease can be achieved only if the relationship of the model to the human disease is well understood.
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Risk of Shiga Toxigenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 Infection from Raw and Fermented Milk in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria. J Pathog 2018; 2018:8938597. [PMID: 29862082 PMCID: PMC5976965 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8938597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli O157:H7 is an enteric foodborne pathogen associated with life threatening disease conditions. The enterobacteria are frequently found in cattle gastrointestinal tract with high potential of contaminating animal products such as meat, milk, and cheese. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 in milk products sold within Sokoto metropolis. Two hundred and sixty (260) samples (comprising 160 raw and 100 fermented milk samples) were collected from different sources within the study area. Bacteriological isolation and biochemical characterization yielded Escherichia coli with a detection rate of 9.23% (24/260). Molecular identification of the recovered isolates by PCR amplification of the Stx1 gene revealed Escherichia coli O157:H7 with a positive rate of 20.83% (5/24). The overall prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 was 1.92% (5/260) and the positive proportions for raw and fermented milk samples were 1.86% (3/160) and 2.0% (2/100), respectively. Fisher's Exact test showed a nonsignificant association between the isolates and the different milk types (p = 0.943; OR = 0.94; [95% CI: 0.154-5.704]). The results revealed presence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in raw and fermented milk sold within Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria. The findings indicate possible feacal contamination of the milk products, with serious public health consequences. This necessitates the need to screen other milk products produced in the area such as butter and cheese. Health authorities in the State need to enlighten dairy farmers on the zoonotic potential of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and the role of cattle in the spread of the pathogen.
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Characterization of a Vesivirus Associated with an Outbreak of Acute Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Domestic Dogs. J Clin Microbiol 2018; 56:JCM.01951-17. [PMID: 29444830 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01951-17] [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: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Four of eleven affected dogs died despite aggressive treatment during a 2015 focal outbreak of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis following a stay in a pet housing facility. Routine diagnostic investigations failed to identify a specific cause. Virus isolation from fresh necropsy tissues yielded a calicivirus with sequence homology to a vesivirus within the group colloquially known as the vesivirus 2117 strains that were originally identified as contaminants in CHO cell bioreactors. In situ hybridization and reverse transcription-PCR assays of tissues from the four deceased dogs confirmed the presence of canine vesivirus (CaVV) nucleic acids that localized to endothelial cells of arterial and capillary blood vessels. CaVV nucleic acid corresponded to areas of necrosis and hemorrhage primarily in the intestinal tract, but also in the brain of one dog with nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis. This is the first report of an atypical disease association with a putative hypervirulent vesivirus strain in dogs, as all other known strains of CaVV appear to cause nonclinical infections or relatively mild disease. After identification of the CU-296 vesivirus strain from this outbreak, four additional CaVV strains were amplified from unrelated fecal specimens and archived stocks provided by other laboratories. Broader questions include the origins, reservoir(s), and potential for reemergence and spread of these related CaVVs.
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Newell DG, La Ragione RM. Enterohaemorrhagic and other Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC): Where are we now regarding diagnostics and control strategies? Transbound Emerg Dis 2018; 65 Suppl 1:49-71. [PMID: 29369531 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Escherichia coli comprises a highly diverse group of Gram-negative bacteria and is a common member of the intestinal microflora of humans and animals. Generally, such colonization is asymptomatic; however, some E. coli strains have evolved to become pathogenic and thus cause clinical disease in susceptible hosts. One pathotype, the Shiga toxigenic E. coli (STEC) comprising strains expressing a Shiga-like toxin is an important foodborne pathogen. A subset of STEC are the enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), which can cause serious human disease, including haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). The diagnosis of EHEC infections and the surveillance of STEC in the food chain and the environment require accurate, cost-effective and timely tests. In this review, we describe and evaluate tests now in routine use, as well as upcoming test technologies for pathogen detection, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). We have considered the need for improved diagnostic tools in current strategies for the control and prevention of these pathogens in humans, the food chain and the environment. We conclude that although significant progress has been made, STEC still remains an important zoonotic issue worldwide. Substantial reductions in the public health burden due to this infection will require a multipronged approach, including ongoing surveillance with high-resolution diagnostic techniques currently being developed and integrated into the routine investigations of public health laboratories. However, additional research requirements may be needed before such high-resolution diagnostic tools can be used to enable the development of appropriate interventions, such as vaccines and decontamination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D G Newell
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - R M La Ragione
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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Co-infection with Fasciola hepatica may increase the risk of Escherichia coli O157 shedding in British cattle destined for the food chain. Prev Vet Med 2017; 150:70-76. [PMID: 29406086 PMCID: PMC5812777 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Escherichia coli O157 is a zoonotic bacterium that can cause haemorrhagic diarrhoea in humans and is of worldwide public health concern. Cattle are considered to be the main reservoir for human infection. Fasciola hepatica is a globally important parasite of ruminant livestock that is known to modulate its host’s immune response and affect susceptibility to bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella Dublin. Shedding of E. coli O157 is triggered by unknown events, but the immune system is thought to play a part. We investigated the hypothesis that shedding of E. coli O157 is associated with F. hepatica infection in cattle. Three hundred and thirty four cattle destined for the food chain, from 14 British farms, were tested between January and October 2015. E. coli O157 was detected by immunomagnetic separation and bacterial load enumerated. F. hepatica infection status was assessed by copro-antigen ELISA. A significant association (p = 0.01) was found between the log percent positivity (PP) of the F. hepatica copro-antigen ELISA and E. coli O157 shedding when the fixed effects of day of sampling and the age of the youngest animal in the group, plus the random effect of farm were adjusted for. The results should be interpreted cautiously due to the lower than predicted level of fluke infection in the animals sampled. Nevertheless these results indicate that control of F. hepatica infection may have an impact on the shedding of E. coli O157 in cattle destined for the human food chain.
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Phage-mediated dissemination of virulence factors in pathogenic bacteria facilitated by antibiotic growth promoters in animals: a perspective. Anim Health Res Rev 2017; 18:160-166. [DOI: 10.1017/s1466252317000147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AbstractAddition of sub-therapeutic antibiotics to the feed of food-producing animals for growth promotion and disease prevention has become a common agricultural practice in many countries. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens is a looming concern associated with the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) around the world. In addition, some studies have shown that AGPs may not only affect antibiotic resistance but may also stimulate the dissemination of virulence factors via bacteriophages. Although only a few studies are currently available in the literature regarding this topic, in this article we endeavor to provide a perspective about how AGPs would impact the transmission of virulence factors by horizontal gene transfer via phages in a few pathogenic bacterial species significant to livestock production.
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Stein RA, Katz DE. Escherichia coli, cattle and the propagation of disease. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2017; 364:3059138. [PMID: 28333229 PMCID: PMC7108533 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnx050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Several early models describing host–pathogen interaction have assumed that each individual host has approximately the same likelihood of becoming infected or of infecting others. More recently, a concept that has been increasingly emphasized in many studies is that for many infectious diseases, transmission is not homogeneous but highly skewed at the level of populations. In what became known as the ‘20/80 rule’, about 20% of the hosts in a population were found to contribute to about 80% of the transmission potential. These heterogeneities have been described for the interaction between many microorganisms and their human or animal hosts. Several epidemiological studies have reported transmission heterogeneities for Escherichia coli by cattle, a phenomenon with far-reaching agricultural, medical and public health implications. Focusing on E. coli as a case study, this paper will describe super-spreading and super-shedding by cattle, review the main factors that shape these transmission heterogeneities and examine the interface with human health. Escherichia coli super-shedding and super-spreading by cattle are shaped by microorganism-specific, cattle-specific and environmental factors. Understanding the factors that shape heterogeneities in E. coli dispersion by cattle and the implications for human health represent key components that are critical for targeted infection control initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Stein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.,Department of Natural Sciences, LaGuardia Community College, City University of New York, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA
| | - David E Katz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem 91031, Israel
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Puri-Giri R, Ghosh A, Thomson JL, Zurek L. House Flies in the Confined Cattle Environment Carry Non-O157 Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:726-732. [PMID: 28399273 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Cattle manure is one of the primary larval developmental habitats of house flies, Musca domestica (L.). Cattle serve as asymptomatic reservoirs of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and bacteria are released into the environment in cattle feces. The USDA-FSIS declared seven STEC serogroups (O157, O26, O45, O103, O145, O121, and O111) as adulterants in beef products. In addition, the serogroup O104 was a culprit of a large outbreak in Germany in 2011. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of seven non-O157 STEC (O26, O45, O145, O103, O121, O111, and O104) serogroups in adult house flies. Flies (n = 463) were collected from nine feedlots and three dairy farms in six states in the United States and individually processed. This involved a culturing approach with immunomagnetic separation followed by multiplex polymerase chain reactions for detection of individual serogroups and virulence traits. The concentration of bacteria on modified Possé agar ranged between 1.0 × 101 and 7.0 × 107 (mean: 1.5 ± 0.3 × 106) CFU/fly. Out of 463 house flies, 159 (34.3%) carried one or more of six E. coli serogroups of interest. However, STEC was found in 1.5% of house flies from feedlots only. These were E. coli O103 and O104 harboring stx1 and ehxA and E. coli O45 with stx1, eae, and ehxA. This is the first study reporting the isolation of non-O157 STEC in house flies from the confined cattle environment and indicating a potential role of this insect as a vector and reservoir of non-O157 STEC in confined beef cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Puri-Giri
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, 123 Waters Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506 (; ; )
| | - A Ghosh
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, 221K Mosier Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506 ( )
- Current address: Department of Biology, Pittsburg State University, 321 Heckert-Wells Hall, Pittsburg, KS 66762
| | - J L Thomson
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, 123 Waters Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506 (; ; )
| | - L Zurek
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, 123 Waters Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506 ( ; ; )
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, 221K Mosier Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506 ( )
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Antimicrobial growth promoter use in livestock: a requirement to understand their modes of action to develop effective alternatives. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2017; 49:12-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Kudva IT, Carter MQ, Sharma VK, Stasko JA, Giron JA. Curli Temper Adherence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to Squamous Epithelial Cells from the Bovine Recto-Anal Junction in a Strain-Dependent Manner. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:e02594-16. [PMID: 27742683 PMCID: PMC5165118 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02594-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Our recent studies have shown that intimin and the locus of enterocyte effacement-encoded proteins do not play a role in Escherichia coli O157:H7 (O157) adherence to the bovine recto-anal junction squamous epithelial (RSE) cells. To define factors that play a contributory role, we investigated the role of curli, fimbrial adhesins commonly implicated in adherence to various fomites and plant and human epithelial cells, in O157 adherence to RSE cells. Specifically, we examined (i) wild-type strains of O157; (ii) curli variants of O157 strains; (iii) isogenic curli deletion mutants of O157; and (iv) adherence inhibition of O157 using anti-curlin sera. Results of these experiments conducted under stringent conditions suggest that curli do not solely contribute to O157 adherence to RSE cells and in fact demonstrate a modulating effect on O157 adherence to RSE cells in contrast to HEp-2 cells (human epidermoid carcinoma of the larynx cells with HeLa contamination). The absence of curli and presence of blocking anti-curli antibodies enhanced O157-RSE cell interactions among some strains, thus alluding to a spatial, tempering effect of curli on O157 adherence to RSE cells when present. At the same time, the presence or absence of curli did not alter RSE cell adherence patterns of another O157 strain. These observations are at variance with the reported role of curli in O157 adherence to human cell lines such as HEp-2 and need to be factored in when developing anti-adherence modalities for preharvest control of O157 in cattle. IMPORTANCE This study demonstrated that O157 strains interact with epithelial cells in a host-specific manner. The fimbriae/adhesins that are significant for adherence to human cell lines may not have a role or may have a modulating role in O157 adherence to bovine cells. Targeting such adhesins may not prevent O157 attachment to bovine cells but instead may result in improved adherence. Hence, conducting host-specific evaluations is critical when selecting targets for O157 control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indira T Kudva
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Michelle Q Carter
- Produce Safety and Microbiology Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Albany, California, USA
| | - Vijay K Sharma
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Judith A Stasko
- Microscopy Services Laboratory, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Jorge A Giron
- Center for Biomolecular Detection, University of Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
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Kim JC, Chui L, Wang Y, Shen J, Jeon B. Expansion of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli by Use of Bovine Antibiotic Growth Promoters. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 22:802-9. [PMID: 27088186 PMCID: PMC4861518 DOI: 10.3201/eid2205.151584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
These growth promoters facilitate transfer of Shiga toxin–encoding phages in E. coli. Antibiotics are routinely used in food-producing animals to promote growth and prevent infectious diseases. We investigated the effects of bovine antibiotic growth promoters (bAGPs) on the propagation and spread of Shiga toxin (Stx)–encoding phages in Escherichia coli. Co-culture of E. coli O157:H7 and other E. coli isolated from cattle in the presence of sublethal concentrations of bAGPs significantly increased the emergence of non-O157, Stx-producing E. coli by triggering the SOS response system in E. coli O157:H7. The most substantial mediation of Stx phage transmission was induced by oxytetracyline and chlortetracycline, which are commonly used in agriculture. bAGPs may therefore contribute to the expansion of pathogenic Stx-producing E. coli.
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