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Rodwell EV, Greig DR, Godbole G, Jenkins C. Clinical and public health implications of increasing notifications of LEE-negative Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in England, 2014-2022. J Med Microbiol 2024; 73. [PMID: 38299580 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) belong to a diverse group of gastrointestinal pathogens. The pathogenic potential of STEC is enhanced by the presence of the pathogenicity island called the Locus of Enterocyte Effacement (LEE), including the intimin encoding gene eae.Gap statement. STEC serotypes O128:H2 (Clonal Complex [CC]25), O91:H14 (CC33), and O146:H21 (CC442) are consistently in the top five STEC serotypes isolated from patients reporting gastrointestinal symptoms in England. However, they are eae/LEE-negative and perceived to be a low risk to public health, and we know little about their microbiology and epidemiology.Aim. We analysed clinical outcomes and genome sequencing data linked to patients infected with LEE-negative STEC belonging to CC25 (O128:H2, O21:H2), CC33 (O91:H14) and, and CC442 (O146:H21, O174:H21) in England to assess the risk to public health.Results. There was an almost ten-fold increase between 2014 and 2022 in the detection of all STEC belonging to CC25, CC33 and CC442 (2014 n=38, 2022 n=336), and a total of 1417 cases. There was a higher proportion of female cases (55-70 %) and more adults than children, with patients aged between 20-40 and >70 most at risk across the different serotypes. Symptoms were consistent across the three dominant serotypes O91:H14 (CC33), O146:H21 (CC442) and O128:H2 (CC25) (diarrhoea >75 %; bloody diarrhoea 25-32 %; abdominal pain 64-72 %; nausea 37-45 %; vomiting 10-24 %; and fever 27-30 %). Phylogenetic analyses revealed multiple events of acquisition and loss of different stx-encoding prophage. Additional putative virulence genes were identified including iha, agn43 and subA.Conclusions. Continued monitoring and surveillance of LEE-negative STEC infections is essential due to the increasing burden of infectious intestinal disease, and the risk that highly pathogenic strains may emerge following acquisition of the Shiga toxin subtypes associated with the most severe clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella V Rodwell
- National Infection Service, UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5AT, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Gastrointestinal Infections at University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - David R Greig
- National Infection Service, UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5AT, UK
| | - Gauri Godbole
- National Infection Service, UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5AT, UK
| | - Claire Jenkins
- National Infection Service, UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5AT, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Gastrointestinal Infections at University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Giraldo-Rubio V, Arango-Gil BS, Granobles-Velandia CV. First report of the prevalence of Shiga toxinproducing Escherichia coli in ground beef in Quindío, Colombia. BIOMEDICA : REVISTA DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE SALUD 2023; 43:474-482. [PMID: 38109140 PMCID: PMC10781425 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.7004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a foodborne pathogen associated with clinical cases of diarrhea in humans. Its main virulence factors are the Shiga toxins (Stx1 and Stx2). Cattle are the main reservoir of STEC, and many outbreaks in humans have been related to the consumption of undercooked ground beef contaminated with this pathogen. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of STEC in ground beef commercialized in all the butcher shops of a township in the department of Quindío and to characterize the virulence genes of the strains found. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty ground beef samples were taken in three different times; stx genes and other STEC virulence factors (eae, ehxA, saa) were detected by multiplex PCR. RESULTS The overall prevalence of STEC was 33.33 % (10/30 positive samples). We isolated eight non-O157 (LEE-negative) strains with four different genetic profiles: stx2 / stx2-ehxA-saa / stx1-stx2-ehxA-saa / stx1-saa. CONCLUSION This is the first report on the prevalence of STEC in ground beef in a township in the department of Quindío.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Giraldo-Rubio
- Grupo de Inmunología Molecular (GYMOL), Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia.
| | - Brayan Stiven Arango-Gil
- Grupo de Inmunología Molecular (GYMOL), Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia.
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Bhandari M, Rathnayake IU, Ariotti L, Heron B, Huygens F, Sullivan M, Jennison AV. Toxigenic Vibrio cholerae strains in South-East Queensland, Australian river waterways. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0047223. [PMID: 37800954 PMCID: PMC10617385 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00472-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholera is a major public health problem in developing and underdeveloped countries; however, it remains of concern to developed countries such as Australia as international travel-related or locally acquired cholera or diarrheal disease cases are still reported. Cholera is mainly caused by cholera toxin (CT) producing toxigenic O1 and O139 serogroup Vibrio cholerae strains. While most toxigenic V. cholerae cases in Australia are thought to be caused by international-acquired infections, Australia has its own indigenous toxigenic and non-toxigenic O1 and non-O1, non-O139 V. cholerae (NOVC) strains. In Australia, in the 1970s and again in 2012, it was reported that south-east Queensland riverways were a reservoir for toxigenic V. cholerae strains that were linked to local cases. Further surveillance on environmental reservoirs, such as riverways, has not been reported in the literature in the last 10 years. Here we present data from sites previously related to outbreaks and surveillance sampling to detect the presence of V. cholerae using PCR in conjunction with MALDI-TOF and whole-genome sequencing. In this study, we were able to detect NOVC at all 10 sites with all sites having toxigenic non-O1, non-O139 strains. Among 133 NOVC isolates, 22 were whole-genome sequenced and compared with previously sequenced Australian O1 and NOVC strains. None of the samples tested grew toxigenic or non-toxigenic O1 or O139, responsible for epidemic disease. Since NOVC can be pathogenic, continuous surveillance is required to assist in theclinical and envir rapid identification of sources of any outbreaks and to assist public health authorities in implementing control measures. IMPORTANCE Vibrio cholerae is a natural inhabitant of aquatic environments, both freshwater and seawater, in addition to its clinical significance as a causative agent of acute diarrhea and extraintestinal infections. Previously, both toxigenic and non-toxigenic, clinical, and environmental V. cholerae strains have been reported in Queensland, Australia. This study aimed to characterize recent surveillance of environmental NOVC strains isolated from Queensland River waterways to understand their virulence, antimicrobial resistance profile and to place genetic current V. cholerae strains from Australia in context with international strains. The findings from this study suggest the presence of unique toxigenic V. cholerae in Queensland river water systems that are of public health concern. Therefore, ongoing monitoring and genomic characterization of V. cholerae strains from the Queensland environment is important and would assist public health departments to track the source of cholera infection early and implement prevention strategies for future outbreaks. The genomics of environmental V. cholerae could assist us to understand the natural ecology and evolution of this bacterium in natural environments with respect to global warming and climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murari Bhandari
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Health, Public Health Microbiology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Irani U. Rathnayake
- Department of Health, Public Health Microbiology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lawrence Ariotti
- Department of Health, Public Health Microbiology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brett Heron
- Department of Health, Public Health Microbiology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Flavia Huygens
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mitchelle Sullivan
- Department of Health, Public Health Microbiology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amy V. Jennison
- Department of Health, Public Health Microbiology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Colello R, Vélez MV, Farias MVN, Rodríguez M, Montero D, Vidal R, Etcheverría AI, Padola NL. Expression of hes, iha, and tpsA codified in locus of adhesion and autoaggregation and their involvement in the capability of shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains to adhere to epithelial cells. BMC Res Notes 2023; 16:163. [PMID: 37550739 PMCID: PMC10408066 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-023-06433-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains LAA-positive are important cause of human infection. The capability to adhere to epithelial cells is a key virulence trait, and genes codified in LAA pathogenicity island could be involved in the adhesion during the pathogenesis of LAA-positive STEC strains. Thus, our objectives were to compare hes-negative and hes-positive STEC strains in their adherence capability to epithelial cells (HEp-2) and to evaluate the expression levels of the hes, iha, and tpsA in the bacteria adhered and non-adhered to HEp-2 cells. These genes are encoded in LAA, and are virulence factors that participate in adhesion and autoaggregation. RESULTS We could not observe differences between the adhesion of strains but also in the expression level of of hes, iha, and tpsA. Genes encoded in LAA contribute to the adhesion phenotype though the expression of STEC adhesins is a coordinated event that depends not only the strain but also on the environment as well as its genetic background. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that LAA ,the most prevalent PAI among LEE-negative STEC strains, plays a role in pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Colello
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), CISAPA, Tandil, Buenos Aires, 7000, Argentina.
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN), UNCPBA- CICPBA- CONICET, Tandil, 7000, Argentina.
| | - M Victoria Vélez
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), CISAPA, Tandil, Buenos Aires, 7000, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN), UNCPBA- CICPBA- CONICET, Tandil, 7000, Argentina
| | - M Victoria Nieto Farias
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), CISAPA, Tandil, Buenos Aires, 7000, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN), UNCPBA- CICPBA- CONICET, Tandil, 7000, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Rodríguez
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), SAMP, Tandil, Buenos Aires, 7000, Argentina
| | - David Montero
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, 4030555, Chile
- Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, 8320000, Chile
| | - Roberto Vidal
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, 8320000, Chile
| | - Analía I Etcheverría
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), CISAPA, Tandil, Buenos Aires, 7000, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN), UNCPBA- CICPBA- CONICET, Tandil, 7000, Argentina
| | - Nora Lía Padola
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), CISAPA, Tandil, Buenos Aires, 7000, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN), UNCPBA- CICPBA- CONICET, Tandil, 7000, Argentina
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Montero DA, Garcia-Betancourt R, Vidal RM, Velasco J, Palacios PA, Schneider D, Vega C, Gómez L, Montecinos H, Soto-Shara R, Oñate Á, Carreño LJ. A chimeric protein-based vaccine elicits a strong IgG antibody response and confers partial protection against Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in mice. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1186368. [PMID: 37575242 PMCID: PMC10413102 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1186368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a foodborne pathogen that causes gastrointestinal infections, ranging from acute diarrhea and dysentery to life-threatening diseases such as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. Currently, a vaccine to prevent STEC infection is an unmet medical need. Results We developed a chimeric protein-based vaccine targeting seven virulence factors of STEC, including the Stx2B subunit, Tir, Intimin, EspA, Cah, OmpT, and AggA proteins. Immunization of mice with this vaccine candidate elicited significant humoral and cellular immune responses against STEC. High levels of specific IgG antibodies were found in the serum and feces of immunized mice. However, specific IgA antibodies were not detected in either serum or feces. Furthermore, a significantly higher percentage of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells producing IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-17 was observed in the spleens of immunized mice. Notably, the immunized mice showed decreased shedding of STEC O157:H7 and STEC O91:H21 strains and were protected against weight loss during experimental infection. Additionally, infection with the STEC O91:H21 strain resulted in kidney damage in control unimmunized mice; however, the extent of damage was slightly lower in immunized mice. Our findings suggest that IgG antibodies induced by this vaccine candidate may have a role in inhibiting bacterial adhesion and complement-mediated killing. Conclusion This study provides evidence that IgG responses are involved in the host defense against STEC. However, our results do not rule out that other classes of antibodies also participate in the protection against this pathogen. Additional work is needed to improve the protection conferred by our vaccine candidate and to elucidate the relevant immune responses that lead to complete protection against this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Montero
- Programa de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Richard Garcia-Betancourt
- Programa de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Roberto M. Vidal
- Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juliana Velasco
- Unidad de Paciente Crítico, Clínica Hospital del Profesor, Santiago, Chile
- Programa de Formación de Especialista en Medicina de Urgencia, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo A. Palacios
- Programa de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniela Schneider
- Programa de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolina Vega
- Plataforma Experimental, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Leonardo Gómez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Hernán Montecinos
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Soto-Shara
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ángel Oñate
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Leandro J. Carreño
- Programa de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Milani G, Belloso Daza MV, Cortimiglia C, Bassi D, Cocconcelli PS. Genome engineering of Stx1-and Stx2-converting bacteriophages unveils the virulence of the dairy isolate Escherichia coli O174:H2 strain UC4224. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1156375. [PMID: 37426006 PMCID: PMC10326431 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1156375] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The past decade witnessed the emergence in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections linked to the consumption of unpasteurized milk and raw milk cheese. The virulence of STEC is primarily attributed to the presence of Shiga toxin genes (stx1 and stx2) carried by Stx-converting bacteriophages, along with the intimin gene eae. Most of the available information pertains to the "Top 7" serotypes associated with STEC infections. The objectives of this study were to characterize and investigate the pathogenicity potential of E. coli UC4224, a STEC O174:H2 strain isolated from semi-hard raw milk cheese and to develop surrogate strains with reduced virulence for use in food-related studies. Complete genome sequence analysis of E. coli UC4224 unveiled the presence of a Stx1a bacteriophage, a Stx2a bacteriophage, the Locus of Adhesion and Autoaggregation (LAA) pathogenicity island, plasmid-encoded virulence genes, and other colonization facilitators. In the Galleria mellonella animal model, E. coli UC4224 demonstrated high pathogenicity potential with an LD50 of 6 CFU/10 μL. Upon engineering E. coli UC4224 to generate single and double mutant derivatives by inactivating stx1a and/or stx2a genes, the LD50 increased by approximately 1 Log-dose in the single mutants and 2 Log-doses in the double mutants. However, infectivity was not completely abolished, suggesting the involvement of other virulence factors contributing to the pathogenicity of STEC O174:H2. Considering the possibility of raw milk cheese serving as a reservoir for STEC, cheesemaking model was developed to evaluate the survival of UC4224 and the adequacy of the respective mutants as reduced-virulence surrogates. All tested strains exhibited the ability to survive the curd cooking step at 48°C and multiplied (3.4 Log CFU) in cheese within the subsequent 24 h. These findings indicate that genomic engineering did not exert any unintended effect on the double stx1-stx2 mutant behaviour, making it as a suitable less-virulent surrogate for conducting studies during food processing.
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Bonino MP, Crivelli XB, Petrina JF, Galateo S, Gomes TAT, Navarro A, Cundon C, Broglio A, Sanin M, Bentancor A. Detection and analysis of Shiga toxin producing and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in cattle from Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:1257-1266. [PMID: 37041346 PMCID: PMC10235289 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-00958-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) are pathovars that affect mainly infants' health. Cattle are the main reservoir of STEC. Uremic hemolytic syndrome and diarrheas can be found at high rates in Tierra del Fuego (TDF). This study aimed to establish the prevalence of STEC and EPEC in cattle at slaughterhouses in TDF and to analyze the isolated strains. Out of 194 samples from two slaughterhouses, STEC prevalence was 15%, and EPEC prevalence was 5%. Twenty-seven STEC strains and one EPEC were isolated. The most prevalent STEC serotypes were O185:H19 (7), O185:H7 (6), and O178:H19 (5). There were no STEC eae + strains (AE-STEC) or serogroup O157 detected in this study. The prevalent genotype was stx2c (10/27) followed by stx1a/stx2hb (4/27). Fourteen percent of the strains presented at least one stx non-typeable subtype (4/27). Shiga toxin production was detected in 25/27 STEC strains. The prevalent module for the Locus of Adhesion and Autoaggregation (LAA) island was module III (7/27). EPEC strain was categorized as atypical and with the ability to cause A/E lesion. The ehxA gene was present in 16/28 strains, 12 of which were capable of producing hemolysis. No hybrid strains were detected in this work. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests showed that all strains were resistant to ampicillin and 20/28 were resistant to aminoglycosides. No statistical differences could be seen in the detection of STEC or EPEC either by slaughterhouse location or by production system (extensive grass or feedlot). The rate of STEC detection was lower than the one reported for the rest of Argentina. STEC/EPEC relation was 3 to 1. This is the first study on cattle from TDF as reservoir for strains that are potentially pathogenic to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paz Bonino
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones en Epidemiología Veterinaria, Cátedra de Microbiología, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Ximena Blanco Crivelli
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones en Epidemiología Veterinaria, Cátedra de Microbiología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Facundo Petrina
- Departamento de Epidemiología, Ministerio de Salud de Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia, Argentina
| | - Sebastian Galateo
- Dirección de Fiscalización Sanitaria, Ministerio de Salud de Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia, Argentina
| | | | - Armando Navarro
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Cecilia Cundon
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones en Epidemiología Veterinaria, Cátedra de Microbiología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alicia Broglio
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones en Epidemiología Veterinaria, Cátedra de Microbiología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Sanin
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones en Epidemiología Veterinaria, Cátedra de Microbiología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adriana Bentancor
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones en Epidemiología Veterinaria, Cátedra de Microbiología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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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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Vélez MV, Colello R, Etcheverría AI, Padola NL. [Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli: the challenge of adherence to survive]. Rev Argent Microbiol 2023; 55:100-107. [PMID: 35676186 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2022.04.001] [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: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is recognized as being responsible for a large number of foodborne illnesses around the world. The pathogenicity of STEC has been related to Stx toxins. However, the ability of STEC to colonize the host and other surfaces can be essential for developing its pathogenicity. Different virulence profiles detected in STEC could cause the emergence of strains carrying new genes codified in new pathogenicity islands linked to metabolism and adherence. Biofilm formation is a spontaneous mechanism whereby STEC strains resist in a hostile environment being able to survive and consequently infect the host through contaminated food and food contact surfaces. Biofilm formation shows intra-and inter-serotype variability, and its formation does not depend only on the microorganisms involved. Other factors related to the environment (such as pH, temperature) and the surface (stainless steel and polystyrene) influence biofilm expression. The «One Health» concept implies the interrelation between public, animal, and environmental health actors to ensure food safety, prevent cross-contamination and resistance to sanitizers, highlighting the need to identify emerging pathogens through new molecular markers of rapid detection that involve STEC strains carrying the Locus of Enterocyte Effacement or Locus of Adhesion and Autoaggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Vélez
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, CIVETAN-CONICET-CIC-UNCPBA, Tandil, Argentina
| | - R Colello
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, CIVETAN-CONICET-CIC-UNCPBA, Tandil, Argentina
| | - A I Etcheverría
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, CIVETAN-CONICET-CIC-UNCPBA, Tandil, Argentina
| | - N L Padola
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, CIVETAN-CONICET-CIC-UNCPBA, Tandil, Argentina.
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Mussio P, Martínez I, Luzardo S, Navarro A, Leotta G, Varela G. Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains recovered from bovine carcasses in Uruguay. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1130170. [PMID: 36950166 PMCID: PMC10025531 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1130170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a zoonotic pathogen that cause food-borne diseases in humans. Cattle and derived foodstuffs play a known role as reservoir and vehicles, respectively. In Uruguay, information about the characteristics of circulating STEC in meat productive chain is scarce. The aim was to characterize STEC strains recovered from 800 bovine carcasses of different slaughterhouses. Methods To characterize STEC strains we use classical microbiological procedures, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and FAO/WHO risk criteria. Results We analyzed 39 STEC isolated from 20 establishments. They belonged to 21 different O-groups and 13 different H-types. Only one O157:H7 strain was characterized and the serotypes O130:H11(6), O174:H28(5), and O22:H8(5) prevailed. One strain showed resistance in vitro to tetracycline and genes for doxycycline, sulfonamide, streptomycin and fosfomycin resistance were detected. Thirty-three strains (84.6%) carried the subtypes Stx2a, Stx2c, or Stx2d. The gene eae was detected only in two strains (O157:H7, O182:H25). The most prevalent virulence genes found were lpfA (n = 38), ompA (n = 39), ompT (n = 39), iss (n = 38), and terC (n = 39). Within the set of STEC analyzed, the majority (81.5%) belonged to FAO/WHO's risk classification levels 4 and 5 (lower risk). Besides, we detected STEC serotypes O22:H8, O113:H21, O130:H11, and O174:H21 belonged to level risk 2 associate with diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis or Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome (HUS). The only O157:H7 strain analyzed belonged to ST11. Thirty-eight isolates belonged to the Clermont type B1, while the O157:H7 was classified as E. Discussion The analyzed STEC showed high genomic diversity and harbor several genetic determinants associated with virulence, underlining the important role of WGS for a complete typing. In this set we did not detect non-O157 STEC previously isolated from local HUS cases. However, when interpreting this findings, the low number of isolates analyzed and some methodological limitations must be taken into account. Obtained data suggest that cattle constitute a local reservoir of non-O157 serotypes associated with severe diseases. Other studies are needed to assess the role of the local meat chain in the spread of STEC, especially those associated with severe diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Mussio
- Departamento de Microbiología, Laboratorio Tecnológico del Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
- *Correspondence: Paula Mussio,
| | | | - Santiago Luzardo
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, INIA, Tacuarembó, Uruguay
| | - Armando Navarro
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Leotta
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Sistemas Alimentarios Sustentables, UEDD INTA-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Varela
- Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Gustavo Varela,
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Carter MQ, Laniohan N, Pham A, Quiñones B. Comparative genomic and phenotypic analyses of the virulence potential in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121:H7 and O121:H10. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1043726. [PMID: 36506028 PMCID: PMC9729726 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1043726] [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: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O121 is among the top six non-O157 serogroups that are most frequently associated with severe disease in humans. While O121:H19 is predominant, other O121 serotypes have been frequently isolated from environmental samples, but their virulence repertoire is poorly characterized. Here, we sequenced the complete genomes of two animal isolates belonging to O121:H7 and O121:H10 and performed comparative genomic analysis with O121:H19 to assess their virulence potential. Both O121:H7 and O121:H10 strains carry a genome comparable in size with the O121:H19 genomes and belong to phylogroup B1. However, both strains appear to have evolved from a different lineage than the O121:H19 strains according to the core genes-based phylogeny and Multi Locus Sequence Typing. A systematic search of over 300 E. coli virulence genes listed in the Virulence Factor DataBase revealed a total of 73 and 71 in O121:H7 and O121:H10 strains, respectively, in comparison with an average of 135 in the O121:H19 strains. This variation in the virulence genes repertoire was mainly attributed to the reduction in the number of genes related to the Type III Secretion System in the O121:H7 and O121:H10 strains. Compared to the O121:H19 strains, the O121:H7 strain carries more adherence and toxin genes while the O121:H10 strain carries more genes related to the Type VI Secretion System. Although both O121:H7 and O121:H10 strains carry the large virulence plasmid pEHEC, they do not harbor all pEHEC virulence genes in O121:H19. Furthermore, unlike the O121:H19 strains, neither the O121:H7 nor O121:H10 strain carried the Locus of Enterocyte Effacement, OI-122, nor the tellurite resistance island. Although an incomplete Locus of Adhesion and Autoaggregation (LAA) was identified in the O121:H7 and O121:H10 strains, a limited number of virulence genes were present. Consistently, both O121:H7 and O121:H10 strains displayed significant reduced cytotoxicity than either the O157:H7 strain EDL933 or the O121:H19 strain RM8352. In fact, the O121:H7 strain RM8082 appeared to cause minimal cytotoxicity to Vero cells. Our study demonstrated distinct evolutionary lineages among the strains of serotypes O121:H19, O121:H10, and O121:H7 and suggested reduced virulence potentials in STEC strains of O121:H10 and O121:H7.
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Alharbi MG, Al-Hindi RR, Esmael A, Alotibi IA, Azhari SA, Alseghayer MS, Teklemariam AD. The "Big Six": Hidden Emerging Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:356. [PMID: 36355898 PMCID: PMC9693546 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7110356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are emerging serogroups that often result in diseases ranging from diarrhea to severe hemorrhagic colitis in humans. The most common non-O157 STEC are O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145. These serogroups are known by the name "big six" because they cause severe illness and death in humans and the United States Department of Agriculture declared these serogroups as food contaminants. The lack of fast and efficient diagnostic methods exacerbates the public impact of the disease caused by these serogroups. Numerous outbreaks have been reported globally and most of these outbreaks were caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water as well as direct contact with reservoirs. Livestock harbor a variety of non-O157 STEC serovars that can contaminate meat and dairy products, or water sources when used for irrigation. Hence, effective control and prevention approaches are required to safeguard the public from infections. This review addresses the disease characteristics, reservoirs, the source of infections, the transmission of the disease, and major outbreaks associated with the six serogroups ("big six") of non-O157 STEC encountered all over the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona G. Alharbi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rashad R. Al-Hindi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Esmael
- Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim A. Alotibi
- Health Information Technology Department, Applied College, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sheren A. Azhari
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mazen S. Alseghayer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Monitoring and Risk Assessment Department, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh 13513, Saudi Arabia
| | - Addisu D. Teklemariam
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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Whole-genome sequencing analysis of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O22:H8 isolated from cattle prediction pathogenesis and colonization factors and position in STEC universe phylogeny. J Microbiol 2022; 60:689-704. [DOI: 10.1007/s12275-022-1616-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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14
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Comparative Genomics Applied to Systematically Assess Pathogenicity Potential in Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O145:H28. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10050866. [PMID: 35630311 PMCID: PMC9144400 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O145:H28 can cause severe disease in humans and is a predominant serotype in STEC O145 environmental isolates. Here, comparative genomics was applied to a set of clinical and environmental strains to systematically evaluate the pathogenicity potential in environmental strains. While the core genes-based tree separated all O145:H28 strains from the non O145:H28 reference strains, it failed to segregate environmental strains from the clinical. In contrast, the accessory genes-based tree placed all clinical strains in the same clade regardless of their genotypes or serotypes, apart from the environmental strains. Loss-of-function mutations were common in the virulence genes examined, with a high frequency in genes related to adherence, autotransporters, and the type three secretion system. Distinct differences in pathogenicity islands LEE, OI-122, and OI-57, the acid fitness island, and the tellurite resistance island were detected between the O145:H28 and reference strains. A great amount of genetic variation was detected in O145:H28, which was mainly attributed to deletions, insertions, and gene acquisition at several chromosomal “hot spots”. Our study demonstrated a distinct virulence gene repertoire among the STEC O145:H28 strains originating from the same geographical region and revealed unforeseen contributions of loss-of-function mutations to virulence evolution and genetic diversification in STEC.
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15
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Hu B, Yang X, Liu Q, Zhang Y, Jiang D, Jiao H, Yang Y, Xiong Y, Bai X, Hou P. High prevalence and pathogenic potential of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains in raw mutton and beef in Shandong, China. Curr Res Food Sci 2022; 5:1596-1602. [PMID: 36161222 PMCID: PMC9493282 DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2022.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a foodborne pathogen that can cause severe human diseases such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Human STEC infections are frequently caused through consumption of contaminated foods, especially raw meats. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of STEC in raw meats and to characterize the meat-derived STEC strains using whole genome sequencing. Our study showed that 26.6% of raw mutton, and 7.5% of raw beef samples were culture-positive for STEC. Thirteen serotypes were identified in 22 meat-derived isolates in this study, including the virulent serotypes O157:H7 and O26:H11. Seven Shiga toxin (Stx) subtypes were found in 22 isolates, of these, stx1c and stx1c + stx2b were predominant. The recently-reported stx2k subtype was found in three mutton-sourced isolates. A number of other virulence genes such as genes encoding intimin (eae), enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) hemolysin (ehxA), EHEC factor for adherence (efa1), heat-stable enterotoxin 1 (astA), type III secretion system effectors, were detected in meat-derived STEC strains. One mutton-sourced isolate was resistant to three antibiotics, i.e., tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Whole-genome phylogeny indicated the genomic diversity of meat-derived strains in this study. O157:H7 and O26:H11 isolates in this study were phylogenetically grouped together with strains from HUS patients, suggesting their pathogenic potential. To conclude, our study reported high STEC contaminations in retail raw meats, particularly raw mutton, genomic characterization indicated pathogenic potential of meat-derived STEC strains. These findings highlight the critical need for increased monitoring of STEC in retail raw meats in China. High prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) was detected in raw mutton, compared to beef. Virulent serotypes O157:H7 and O26:H11 were found in meat-sourced STEC isolates. Meat-sourced STEC isolates in the same region exhibited genetic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Hu
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Xi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yuanqing Zhang
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Deshui Jiang
- Lanling Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lanling, 277700, Shandong, China
| | - Hongbo Jiao
- Lanling Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lanling, 277700, Shandong, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Yanwen Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xiangning Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, 141 52, Stockholm, Sweden
- Corresponding author. State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Peibin Hou
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, China
- Corresponding author. Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, China.
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Angappan M, Ghatak S, Milton AAP, Verma AK, Inbaraj S, Chaudhuri P, Agarwal RK, Thomas P. Detection of novel sequence types and zoonotic transmission potentiality among strains of Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) from dairy calves, animal handlers and associated environments. Braz J Microbiol 2021; 52:2541-2546. [PMID: 34241826 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-021-00561-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) is one of the most important food-borne zoonotic bacterial pathogens responsible for causing gastrointestinal infections, haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uremic syndrome. The present study was aimed to isolate and characterize STEC from neonatal dairy calves, animal handlers and their surrounding environment and to establish the genetic relationship among isolates by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). A total number of 115 samples were collected and processed for the isolation of E. coli. The occurrence rate of E. coli was 92.2% (106/115), of which, 18 were typed as STEC. Antibacterial susceptibility analysis revealed 11 (61.1%) strains as multiple drug-resistant (MDR). MLST analysis has delineated 16 sequence types (STs) including nine novel STs. Among STs, ST58 dominated with three strains and was recovered from the environment and neonatal calves. Strains from neonatal calves and humans showed genetic relatedness with significant bootstrap support values indicative of zoonotic transmission potentiality. Analysis of 211 global isolates belonging to 61 STs indicated predominant STs (ST 21, ST 33 and ST 3416) that can be either host-specific (ST 33 and ST 3416) or can be shared among human and bovine hosts (ST 21). The MLST analysis indicates genetic relatedness among isolates and the results predispose inter-host transmission and zoonotic spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madesh Angappan
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
- Division of Animal Health, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, 793103, India
| | - Sandeep Ghatak
- Division of Animal Health, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, 793103, India
| | | | - Asha Kumari Verma
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
| | - Sophia Inbaraj
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
| | - Pallab Chaudhuri
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar Agarwal
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India.
| | - Prasad Thomas
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India.
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Galarce N, Sánchez F, Escobar B, Lapierre L, Cornejo J, Alegría-Morán R, Neira V, Martínez V, Johnson T, Fuentes-Castillo D, Sano E, Lincopan N. Genomic Epidemiology of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Isolated from the Livestock-Food-Human Interface in South America. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071845. [PMID: 34206206 PMCID: PMC8300192 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are zoonotic pathogens that cause food-borne diseases in humans, where cattle and derived products play a key role as reservoirs and vehicles. We analyzed the genomic data of STEC strains circulating at the livestock-food-human interface in South America, extracting clinically and epidemiologically relevant information (serotypes, virulome, resistance genes, sequence types, and phylogenomics). This study included 130 STEC genomes obtained from cattle (n = 51), beef (n = 48), and human (n = 31) samples. The successful expansion of O157:H7 (ST11) and non-O157 (ST16, ST21, ST223, ST443, ST677, ST679, ST2388) clones is highlighted, suggesting common activities, such as multilateral trade and travel. Circulating STEC strains analyzed exhibit high genomic diversity and harbor several genetic determinants associated with severe illness in humans, highlighting the need to establish official surveillance of this pathogen that should be focused on detecting molecular determinants of virulence and clonal relatedness, in the whole beef production chain. Abstract Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are zoonotic pathogens responsible for causing food-borne diseases in humans. While South America has the highest incidence of human STEC infections, information about the genomic characteristics of the circulating strains is scarce. The aim of this study was to analyze genomic data of STEC strains isolated in South America from cattle, beef, and humans; predicting the antibiotic resistome, serotypes, sequence types (STs), clonal complexes (CCs) and phylogenomic backgrounds. A total of 130 whole genome sequences of STEC strains were analyzed, where 39.2% were isolated from cattle, 36.9% from beef, and 23.8% from humans. The ST11 was the most predicted (20.8%) and included O-:H7 (10.8%) and O157:H7 (10%) serotypes. The successful expansion of non-O157 clones such as ST16/CC29-O111:H8 and ST21/CC29-O26:H11 is highlighted, suggesting multilateral trade and travel. Virulome analyses showed that the predominant stx subtype was stx2a (54.6%); most strains carried ehaA (96.2%), iha (91.5%) and lpfA (77.7%) genes. We present genomic data that can be used to support the surveillance of STEC strains circulating at the livestock-food-human interface in South America, in order to control the spread of critical clones “from farm to table”.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Galarce
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile; (F.S.); (B.E.); (L.L.); (J.C.); (R.A.-M.); (V.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Fernando Sánchez
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile; (F.S.); (B.E.); (L.L.); (J.C.); (R.A.-M.); (V.N.)
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Silvoagropecuarias y Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile
| | - Beatriz Escobar
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile; (F.S.); (B.E.); (L.L.); (J.C.); (R.A.-M.); (V.N.)
| | - Lisette Lapierre
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile; (F.S.); (B.E.); (L.L.); (J.C.); (R.A.-M.); (V.N.)
| | - Javiera Cornejo
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile; (F.S.); (B.E.); (L.L.); (J.C.); (R.A.-M.); (V.N.)
| | - Raúl Alegría-Morán
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile; (F.S.); (B.E.); (L.L.); (J.C.); (R.A.-M.); (V.N.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Ambientales, Universidad Pedro de Valdivia, Santiago 8370007, Chile
| | - Víctor Neira
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile; (F.S.); (B.E.); (L.L.); (J.C.); (R.A.-M.); (V.N.)
| | - Víctor Martínez
- Departamento de Fomento de la Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile;
| | - Timothy Johnson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA;
| | - Danny Fuentes-Castillo
- Departamento de Patología, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil;
| | - Elder Sano
- Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (E.S.); (N.L.)
| | - Nilton Lincopan
- Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (E.S.); (N.L.)
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Sánchez F, Fuenzalida V, Ramos R, Escobar B, Neira V, Borie C, Lapierre L, López P, Venegas L, Dettleff P, Johnson T, Fuentes-Castillo D, Lincopan N, Galarce N. Genomic features and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains isolated from food in Chile. Zoonoses Public Health 2021; 68:226-238. [PMID: 33619864 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes severe illness in humans, often associated with foodborne outbreaks. Antimicrobial resistance among foodborne E. coli has increased over the last decades becoming a public health issue. In this study, the presence and features of STEC were investigated in samples of meat, seafood, vegetables and ready-to-eat street-vended food collected in Chile, using a genomic and microbiological approach. Phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles were determined, and serotype, phylogroup, sequence type (ST) and phylogenomics were predicted using bioinformatic tools. Three thousand three hundred samples collected in 2019 were screened, of which 18 were positive for STEC strains (0.5%), with stx2a (61.1%) being the predominant stx subtype. The presence of the virulence genes lpfA (100%), iha and ehaA (94.4%), and ehxA, hlyA and saa (83.3%) was confirmed among the STEC strains; the Locus of adhesion and autoaggregation (LAA) was predicted in 14 (77.8%) strains. Strains displayed resistance to colistin (100%), and intermediate resistance to enrofloxacin (11.1%) and chloramphenicol (5.6%). In this regard, mutations in the two-component regulatory system genes pmrA (S29G), pmrB (D283G) and phoP (I44L), and the presence of the qnrB19 gene were confirmed. STEC strains belonged to ST11231 (38.9%), ST297 and ST58 (16.7% each), and ST1635, ST11232, ST446, ST442 and ST54 (5.6% each), and the most frequently detected serotypes were O113:H21 (44.4%), O130:H11 and O116:H21 (16.7% each), and O174:H21 (11.1%). Strains belonging to the international ST58 showed genomic relatedness with worldwide strains from human and non-human sources. Our study reports for the first time the genomic profile of STEC strains isolated from food in Chile, highlighting the presence of international clones and sequence types commonly associated with human infections in different geographical regions, as well as the convergence of virulence and resistance in STEC lineages circulating in this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Sánchez
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Programa de Magíster en Ciencias Animales y Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Verónica Fuenzalida
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Romina Ramos
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Beatriz Escobar
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Víctor Neira
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Consuelo Borie
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lisette Lapierre
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paulina López
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lucas Venegas
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Phillip Dettleff
- Laboratorio FAVET-INBIOGEN, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Departamento de Fomento de la Producción Animal, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Recursos Naturales y Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Santo Tomás, Santiago, Chile
| | - Timothy Johnson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, MI, USA
| | - Danny Fuentes-Castillo
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Patología, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nilton Lincopan
- Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nicolás Galarce
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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19
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Cortimiglia C, Borney MF, Bassi D, Cocconcelli PS. Genomic Investigation of Virulence Potential in Shiga Toxin Escherichia coli (STEC) Strains From a Semi-Hard Raw Milk Cheese. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:629189. [PMID: 33597935 PMCID: PMC7882498 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.629189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) represents a significant cause of foodborne disease. In the last years, an increasing number of STEC infections associated with the consumption of raw and pasteurized milk cheese have been reported, contributing to raise the public awareness. The aim of this study is to evaluate the main genomic features of STEC strains isolated from a semi-hard raw milk cheese, focusing on their pathogenic potential. The analysis of 75 cheese samples collected during the period between April 2019 and January 2020 led to the isolation of seven strains from four stx-positive enrichment. The genome investigation evidenced the persistence of two serotypes, O174:H2 and O116:H48. All strains carried at least one stx gene and were negative for eae gene. The virulence gene pattern was homogeneous among the serogroup/ST and included adherence factors (lpfA, iha, ompT, papC, saa, sab, hra, and hes), enterohemolysin (ehxA), serum resistance (iss, tra), cytotoxin-encoding genes like epeA and espP, and the Locus of Adhesion and Autoaggregation Pathogenicity Islands (LAA PAIs) typically found in Locus of Enterocyte Effacement (LEE)-negative STEC. Genome plasticity indicators, namely, prophagic sequences carrying stx genes and plasmid replicons, were detected, leading to the possibility to share virulence determinants with other strains. Overall, our work adds new knowledge on STEC monitoring in raw milk dairy products, underlining the fundamental role of whole genome sequencing (WGS) for typing these unknown isolates. Since, up to now, some details about STEC pathogenesis mechanism is lacking, the continuous monitoring in order to protect human health and increase knowledge about STEC genetic features becomes essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cortimiglia
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Alimentari per una Filiera Agro-Alimentare Sostenibile (DISTAS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Borney
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Alimentari per una Filiera Agro-Alimentare Sostenibile (DISTAS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Daniela Bassi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Alimentari per una Filiera Agro-Alimentare Sostenibile (DISTAS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Pier Sandro Cocconcelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Alimentari per una Filiera Agro-Alimentare Sostenibile (DISTAS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
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20
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McMAHON T, Bastian J, Alshawa I, Gill A. PCR Primers for Screening Food for Verotoxin-Producing Escherichia coli, Inclusive of Three vt1 and Seven vt2 Subtypes. J Food Prot 2021; 84:296-302. [PMID: 32977337 DOI: 10.4315/jfp-20-233] [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: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC; also known as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli) is a significant cause of foodborne illnesses around the world. Due to the serological and genomic diversity of VTEC, methods of detection for VTEC in food samples require detection of verotoxin or its gene vt (also known as stx). The current taxonomy of vt identifies three vt1 (a, c, d) and seven vt2 (a to g) subtypes. PCR detection of vt is convenient and rapid, but protocols may not detect all currently identified variants or subtypes of vt. The Health Canada Compendium of Analytical Methods protocol for the analysis of food for VTEC is MFLP-52. MFLP-52 includes a VT Screening PCR that is used to determine the presumptive presence of VTEC by the detection of vt in food enrichments and to differentiate VTEC from other isolates. The VT Screening PCR was developed prior to the establishment of the current vt taxonomy. An evaluation of VT Screening PCR for detection of the 10 established vt subtypes was performed, and it was discovered that the method could not detect subtypes vt1d and vt2f. Additional primers and a modified protocol were developed, and the modified VT Screening PCR was tested against an inclusivity panel of 50 VTEC strains, including representatives of 10 vt subtypes, and an exclusivity panel of 30 vt-negative E. coli from various sources, to ensure specificity. The reliability of MFLP-52 with the modified VT Screening PCR was assessed by analysis of four priority food matrices (ground beef, lettuce, cheese, and apple cider) inoculated with a VTEC strain at 2 to 5 CFU/25 g. The modified VT Screening PCR was determined to be able to detect all 10 vt subtypes and reliably detect the presence of VTEC in all tested food enrichments. HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanis McMAHON
- Health Canada, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0K9
| | - Jillian Bastian
- Health Canada, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0K9
| | - Inas Alshawa
- Health Canada, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0K9
| | - Alexander Gill
- Health Canada, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0K9.,(ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2380-2148 [A.G.])
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21
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Su Z, Zhang L, Sun H, Hu Y, Fanning S, Du P, Cui S, Bai L. Characterization of Non-O157 Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Cultured from Cattle Farms in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, During 2016-2017. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2021; 18:761-770. [PMID: 33524305 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2020.2843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Most outbreaks of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are attributed to consumption of contaminated foodstuffs including beef and dairy products. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of non-O157 STEC cultured from beef and dairy cattle and collected in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China. Results identified 67 non-O157 STEC recovered from the 793 samples including beef cattle (10.28%, 43/418) and dairy cattle (6.40%, 24/375). A total of 67 non-O157 STEC was sequenced allowing for in silico analyses of their serotypes, virulence genes, and identification of the corresponding multilocus sequence types (STs). Twenty-one O serogroups and nine H serotypes were identified and the dominant serotype identified was O22:H8. One stx1 subtype (stx1a) and four stx2 subtypes (2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d) were found in the 67 non-O157 STEC isolates. The results revealed that stx1a+stx2a-positive STEC isolates were predominant (32.83%, 22/67), followed by stx1a+stx2d (29.85%, 20/67) and stx2a alone (17.91%, 12/67). Non-O157 STEC isolates carried virulence genes ehxA (98.51%), subA (53.73%), and cdtB (17.91%). Of the four adherence-associated genes tested, eaeA was absent, whereas lpfA and iha were present in 67 and 55 non-O157 STEC isolates, respectively. The STEC isolates were divided into 48 pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns and 10 STs, and ST446 (O22:H8) was the dominant clone (22.38%). Our results revealed that there was a high genetic diversity among non-O157 STEC isolated from beef and dairy cattle, some of which have potential to cause human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanqiang Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Food Safety Research Unit (2019RU014) of Chinese Academy of Medical Science, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
| | - Honghu Sun
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Food Safety Research Unit (2019RU014) of Chinese Academy of Medical Science, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China.,Food Microbiology Lab, Chengdu Institute for Food and Drug Control, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Hu
- Department of Food Science, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China.,School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Séamus Fanning
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Food Safety Research Unit (2019RU014) of Chinese Academy of Medical Science, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China.,UCD-Centre for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Pengcheng Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shenghui Cui
- Department of Food Science, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Li Bai
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Food Safety Research Unit (2019RU014) of Chinese Academy of Medical Science, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
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22
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Nehoya KN, Hamatui N, Shilangale RP, Onywera H, Kennedy J, Mwapagha LM. Characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in raw beef from informal and commercial abattoirs. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243828. [PMID: 33332397 PMCID: PMC7746290 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli are foodborne pathogens that are mostly associated with beef products and have been implicated in human illness. E.coli-associated illness range from asymptomatic conditions of mild diarrhoea to haemorrhagic colitis which can progress into life threatening haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Beef from cattle are regarded as the main reservoir of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) pathogen. The aim of this study was to assess the level and sources of contamination of raw beef with STEC, and determine the incidences of STEC strains in raw beef from informal and commercial abattoirs in Windhoek, Namibia. A total of 204 raw beef samples, 37 equipment and 29 hand swabs were collected and tested for STEC. The meat samples were first enriched with pre-warmed buffered peptone water, cultured on Tryptone Bile X-Glucuronide and CHROMagar STEC, and then sub-cultured on nutrient agar. The presence of E.coli in the samples was confirmed by using VITEK 2 E.coli identification cards and PCR. The overall prevalence of STEC in the meat samples from both the abattoirs was 41.66% raw beef samples; 5.40% equipment swabs; and none of the hand swabs was STEC positive. From the STEC positive meat samples 29.41% contained one of the major STEC strains. Moreover, 52% of the 25 samples that contained the major STECs were characterised by eae and stx1, 8% characterised by eae and stx2 while 40% were characterised by eae, stx1 and stx2 virulence genes. This study has revealed the necessity for proper training on meat safety (for meat handlers) as well as the development, implementation and maintenance of effective sanitary dressing procedures at abattoirs to eliminate beef contamination by STECs thereby ensuring the production of wholesome meat, and to prevent the occurrences of STEC infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaarina N. Nehoya
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture Water and Forestry, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Ndinomholo Hamatui
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Renatus P. Shilangale
- Central Veterinary Laboratory, Ministry of Agriculture Water and Forestry, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Harris Onywera
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jeya Kennedy
- Department of Natural and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Lamech M. Mwapagha
- Department of Natural and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia
- * E-mail:
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23
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Meza-Segura M, Zaidi MB, Vera-Ponce de León A, Moran-Garcia N, Martinez-Romero E, Nataro JP, Estrada-Garcia T. New Insights Into DAEC and EAEC Pathogenesis and Phylogeny. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:572951. [PMID: 33178627 PMCID: PMC7593697 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.572951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diarrheagenic E. coli can be separated into six distinct pathotypes, with enteroaggregative (EAEC) and diffusely-adherent E. coli (DAEC) among the least characterized. To gain additional insights into these two pathotypes we performed whole genome sequencing of ten DAEC, nine EAEC strains, isolated from Mexican children with diarrhea, and one EAEC plus one commensal E. coli strains isolated from an adult with diarrhea and a healthy child, respectively. These genome sequences were compared to 85 E. coli genomes available in public databases. The EAEC and DAEC strains segregated into multiple different clades; however, six clades were heavily or exclusively comprised of EAEC and DAEC strains, suggesting a phylogenetic relationship between these two pathotypes. EAEC strains harbored the typical virulence factors under control of the activator AggR, but also several toxins, bacteriocins, and other virulence factors. DAEC strains harbored several iron-scavenging systems, toxins, adhesins, and complement resistance or Immune system evasion factors that suggest a pathogenic paradigm for this poorly understood pathotype. Several virulence factors for both EAEC and DAEC were associated with clinical presentations, not only suggesting the importance of these factors, but also potentially indicating opportunities for intervention. Our studies provide new insights into two distinct but related diarrheagenic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Meza-Segura
- Molecular Biomedicine Department, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mussaret B Zaidi
- Infectious Diseases Research Unit, Hospital General O'Horan, Mérida, Mexico.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, United States
| | | | - Nadia Moran-Garcia
- Molecular Biomedicine Department, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - James P Nataro
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VI, United States
| | - Teresa Estrada-Garcia
- Molecular Biomedicine Department, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
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24
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Desvaux M, Dalmasso G, Beyrouthy R, Barnich N, Delmas J, Bonnet R. Pathogenicity Factors of Genomic Islands in Intestinal and Extraintestinal Escherichia coli. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:2065. [PMID: 33101219 PMCID: PMC7545054 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.02065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli is a versatile bacterial species that includes both harmless commensal strains and pathogenic strains found in the gastrointestinal tract in humans and warm-blooded animals. The growing amount of DNA sequence information generated in the era of "genomics" has helped to increase our understanding of the factors and mechanisms involved in the diversification of this bacterial species. The pathogenic side of E. coli that is afforded through horizontal transfers of genes encoding virulence factors enables this bacterium to become a highly diverse and adapted pathogen that is responsible for intestinal or extraintestinal diseases in humans and animals. Many of the accessory genes acquired by horizontal transfers form syntenic blocks and are recognized as genomic islands (GIs). These genomic regions contribute to the rapid evolution, diversification and adaptation of E. coli variants because they are frequently subject to rearrangements, excision and transfer, as well as to further acquisition of additional DNA. Here, we review a subgroup of GIs from E. coli termed pathogenicity islands (PAIs), a concept defined in the late 1980s by Jörg Hacker and colleagues in Werner Goebel's group at the University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. As with other GIs, the PAIs comprise large genomic regions that differ from the rest of the genome by their G + C content, by their typical insertion within transfer RNA genes, and by their harboring of direct repeats (at their ends), integrase determinants, or other mobility loci. The hallmark of PAIs is their contribution to the emergence of virulent bacteria and to the development of intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the structure and functional features of PAIs, on PAI-encoded E. coli pathogenicity factors and on the role of PAIs in host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickaël Desvaux
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, MEDiS, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Guillaume Dalmasso
- UMR Inserm 1071, USC-INRAE 2018, M2iSH, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Racha Beyrouthy
- UMR Inserm 1071, USC-INRAE 2018, M2iSH, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nicolas Barnich
- UMR Inserm 1071, USC-INRAE 2018, M2iSH, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Julien Delmas
- UMR Inserm 1071, USC-INRAE 2018, M2iSH, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Richard Bonnet
- UMR Inserm 1071, USC-INRAE 2018, M2iSH, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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25
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Carter MQ, Pham A, He X, Hnasko R. Genomic Insight into Natural Inactivation of Shiga Toxin 2 Production in an EnvironmentalEscherichia coliStrain Producing Shiga Toxin 1. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2020; 17:555-567. [DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2019.2767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Qiu Carter
- Produce Safety and Microbiology Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Albany, California
| | - Antares Pham
- Produce Safety and Microbiology Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Albany, California
| | - Xiaohua He
- Foodborne Toxin Prevention and Detection Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Albany, California
| | - Robert Hnasko
- Produce Safety and Microbiology Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Albany, California
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26
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Antibiotic Resistance in Vibrio cholerae: Mechanistic Insights from IncC Plasmid-Mediated Dissemination of a Novel Family of Genomic Islands Inserted at trmE. mSphere 2020; 5:5/4/e00748-20. [PMID: 32848007 PMCID: PMC7449626 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00748-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing association of the etiological agent of cholera, Vibrio cholerae serogroup O1 and O139, with multiple antibiotic resistance threatens to deprive health practitioners of this effective tool. Drug resistance in cholera results mainly from acquisition of mobile genetic elements. Genomic islands conferring multidrug resistance and mobilizable by IncC conjugative plasmids were reported to circulate in non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae clinical strains isolated from the 2010 Haitian cholera outbreak. As these genomic islands can be transmitted to pandemic V. cholerae serogroups, their mechanism of transmission needed to be investigated. Our research revealed plasmid- and genomic island-encoded factors required for the resistance island excision, mobilization, and integration, as well as regulation of these functions. The discovery of related genomic islands carrying diverse phage resistance genes but lacking antibiotic resistance-conferring genes in a wide range of marine dwelling bacteria suggests that these elements are ancient and recently acquired drug resistance genes. Cholera remains a formidable disease, and reports of multidrug-resistant strains of the causative agent Vibrio cholerae have become common during the last 3 decades. The pervasiveness of resistance determinants has largely been ascribed to mobile genetic elements, including SXT/R391 integrative conjugative elements, IncC plasmids, and genomic islands (GIs). Conjugative transfer of IncC plasmids is activated by the master activator AcaCD whose regulatory network extends to chromosomally integrated GIs. MGIVchHai6 is a multidrug resistance GI integrated at the 3′ end of trmE (mnmE or thdF) in chromosome 1 of non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae clinical isolates from the 2010 Haitian cholera outbreak. In the presence of an IncC plasmid expressing AcaCD, MGIVchHai6 excises from the chromosome and transfers at high frequency. Herein, the mechanism of mobilization of MGIVchHai6 GIs by IncC plasmids was dissected. Our results show that AcaCD drives expression of GI-borne genes, including xis and mobIM, involved in excision and mobilization. A 49-bp fragment upstream of mobIM was found to serve as the minimal origin of transfer (oriT) of MGIVchHai6. The direction of transfer initiated at oriT was determined using IncC plasmid-driven mobilization of chromosomal markers via MGIVchHai6. In addition, IncC plasmid-encoded factors, including the relaxase TraI, were found to be required for GI transfer. Finally, in silico exploration of Gammaproteobacteria genomes identified 47 novel related and potentially AcaCD-responsive GIs in 13 different genera. Despite sharing conserved features, these GIs integrate at trmE, yicC, or dusA and carry a diverse cargo of genes involved in phage resistance. IMPORTANCE The increasing association of the etiological agent of cholera, Vibrio cholerae serogroup O1 and O139, with multiple antibiotic resistance threatens to deprive health practitioners of this effective tool. Drug resistance in cholera results mainly from acquisition of mobile genetic elements. Genomic islands conferring multidrug resistance and mobilizable by IncC conjugative plasmids were reported to circulate in non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae clinical strains isolated from the 2010 Haitian cholera outbreak. As these genomic islands can be transmitted to pandemic V. cholerae serogroups, their mechanism of transmission needed to be investigated. Our research revealed plasmid- and genomic island-encoded factors required for the resistance island excision, mobilization, and integration, as well as regulation of these functions. The discovery of related genomic islands carrying diverse phage resistance genes but lacking antibiotic resistance-conferring genes in a wide range of marine dwelling bacteria suggests that these elements are ancient and recently acquired drug resistance genes.
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27
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Deciphering Additional Roles for the EF-Tu, l-Asparaginase II and OmpT Proteins of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8081184. [PMID: 32759661 PMCID: PMC7464798 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) causes outbreaks and sporadic cases of gastroenteritis. STEC O157:H7 is the most clinically relevant serotype in the world. The major virulence determinants of STEC O157:H7 are the Shiga toxins and the locus of enterocyte effacement. However, several accessory virulence factors, mainly outer membrane proteins (OMPs) that interact with the host cells may contribute to the virulence of this pathogen. Previously, the elongation factor thermo unstable (EF-Tu), l-asparaginase II and OmpT proteins were identified as antigens in OMP extracts of STEC. The known subcellular location of EF-Tu and l-asparaginase II are the cytoplasm and periplasm, respectively. Therefore, we investigate whether these two proteins may localize on the surface of STEC and, if so, what roles they have at this site. On the other hand, the OmpT protein, a well characterized protease, has been described as participating in the adhesion of extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli strains. Thus, we investigate whether OmpT has this role in STEC. Our results show that the EF-Tu and l-asparaginase II are secreted by O157:H7 and may also localize on the surface of this bacterium. EF-Tu was identified in outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), suggesting it as a possible export mechanism for this protein. Notably, we found that l-asparaginase II secreted by O157:H7 inhibits T-lymphocyte proliferation, but the role of EF-Tu at the surface of this bacterium remains to be elucidated. In the case of OmpT, we show its participation in the adhesion of O157:H7 to human epithelial cells. Thus, this study extends the knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms of STEC.
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28
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Vélez MV, Colello R, Etcheverría AI, Vidal RM, Montero DA, Acuña P, Guillén Fretes RM, Toro M, Padola NL. Distribution of Locus of Adhesion and Autoaggregation and hes Gene in STEC Strains from Countries of Latin America. Curr Microbiol 2020; 77:2111-2117. [DOI: 10.1007/s00284-020-02062-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Montero DA, Del Canto F, Salazar JC, Céspedes S, Cádiz L, Arenas-Salinas M, Reyes J, Oñate Á, Vidal RM. Immunization of mice with chimeric antigens displaying selected epitopes confers protection against intestinal colonization and renal damage caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. NPJ Vaccines 2020; 5:20. [PMID: 32194997 PMCID: PMC7067774 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-020-0168-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cause diarrhea and dysentery, which may progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Vaccination has been proposed as a preventive approach against STEC infection; however, there is no vaccine for humans and those used in animals reduce but do not eliminate the intestinal colonization of STEC. The OmpT, Cah and Hes proteins are widely distributed among clinical STEC strains and are recognized by serum IgG and IgA in patients with HUS. Here, we develop a vaccine formulation based on two chimeric antigens containing epitopes of OmpT, Cah and Hes proteins against STEC strains. Intramuscular and intranasal immunization of mice with these chimeric antigens elicited systemic and local long-lasting humoral responses. However, the class of antibodies generated was dependent on the adjuvant and the route of administration. Moreover, while intramuscular immunization with the combination of the chimeric antigens conferred protection against colonization by STEC O157:H7, the intranasal conferred protection against renal damage caused by STEC O91:H21. This preclinical study supports the potential use of this formulation based on recombinant chimeric proteins as a preventive strategy against STEC infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Montero
- 1Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,2Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Del Canto
- 1Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan C Salazar
- 1Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sandra Céspedes
- 1Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Leandro Cádiz
- 1Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio Arenas-Salinas
- 3Centro de Bioinformática y Simulación Molecular, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
| | - José Reyes
- 4Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ángel Oñate
- 4Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Roberto M Vidal
- 1Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,5Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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30
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Interactions of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli with leafy green vegetables. Braz J Microbiol 2020; 51:797-803. [PMID: 32125677 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-020-00251-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are important foodborne pathogens responsible for a wide spectrum of diseases including diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). A considerable number of outbreaks and sporadic cases of HUS have been associated with ingestion of fresh ready-to-eat products. Maintenance and persistence of STEC in the environment and foods can be related to its ability to form biofilm. A non-O157 STEC strain isolated from bovine feces was distinguished by its great ability to form biofilm in abiotic surfaces. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the ability of this strain to adhere to rocket leaves (Eruca sativa). Adherence assays were carried out for 3 h at 28 °C and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The non-O157 STEC strain adhered to leaf surface and inside the stomata forming several bacterial aggregates. The number of adherent bacteria per square millimeter of leaf was eightfold higher compared with an O157 STEC strain. Deletion of the STEC autotransporter protein contributing to biofilm (Sab) reduced the adherence ability of the non-O157 strain in almost 50%, and deletion of antigen 43 (Ag43) almost abolished this interaction. Very few bacteria were seen on the leaf surface, and these differences were statistically significant, suggesting the role of both proteins and especially Ag43 in the interaction of the non-O157 STEC strain with leaves. The risk posed by non-O157 STEC adherence to leaves on fresh produce contamination should not be neglected, and measures that effectively control adherence should be included in strategies to control non-O157 STEC.
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Arteaga M, Velasco J, Rodriguez S, Vidal M, Arellano C, Silva F, Carreño LJ, Vidal R, Montero DA. Genomic characterization of the non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae strain that caused a gastroenteritis outbreak in Santiago, Chile, 2018. Microb Genom 2020; 6:e000340. [PMID: 32100707 PMCID: PMC7200058 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vibrio cholerae is a human pathogen, which is transmitted by the consumption of contaminated food or water. V. cholerae strains belonging to the serogroups O1 and O139 can cause cholera outbreaks and epidemics, a severe life-threatening diarrheal disease. In contrast, serogroups other than O1 and O139, denominated as non-O1/non-O139, have been mainly associated with sporadic cases of moderate or mild diarrhea, bacteremia and wound infections. Here we investigated the virulence determinants and phylogenetic origin of a non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae strain that caused a gastroenteritis outbreak in Santiago, Chile, 2018. We found that this outbreak strain lacks the classical virulence genes harboured by O1 and O139 strains, including the cholera toxin (CT) and the toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP). However, this strain carries genomic islands (GIs) encoding Type III and Type VI secretion systems (T3SS/T6SS) and antibiotic resistance genes. Moreover, we found these GIs are wide distributed among several lineages of non-O1/non-O139 strains. Our results suggest that the acquisition of these GIs may enhance the virulence of non-O1/non-O139 strains that lack the CT and TCP-encoding genes. Our results highlight the pathogenic potential of these V. cholerae strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Arteaga
- Servicio de Urgencia Infantil, Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile “Dr. José Joaquín Aguirre”, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juliana Velasco
- Servicio de Urgencia Infantil, Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile “Dr. José Joaquín Aguirre”, Santiago, Chile
| | - Shelly Rodriguez
- Servicio de Urgencia Infantil, Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile “Dr. José Joaquín Aguirre”, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maricel Vidal
- Laboratorio de Salud Pública Ambiental y Laboral, Secretaría Regional Ministerial de Salud Región Metropolitana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolina Arellano
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco Silva
- Servicio de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile “Dr. José Joaquín Aguirre”, Santiago, Chile
| | - Leandro J. Carreño
- Programa de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Roberto Vidal
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - David A. Montero
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Programa de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Identification and detection of iha subtypes in LEE-negative Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains isolated from humans, cattle and food. Heliyon 2019; 5:e03015. [PMID: 31879713 PMCID: PMC6920203 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e03015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
LEE-negative Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains are important cause of infection in humans and they should be included in the public health surveillance systems. Some isolates have been associated with haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) but the mechanisms of pathogenicity are is a field continuos broadening of knowledge. The IrgA homologue adhesin (Iha), encoded by iha, is an adherence-conferring protein and also a siderophore receptor distributed among LEE-negative STEC strains. This study reports the presence of different subtypes of iha in LEE-negative STEC strains. We used genomic analyses to design PCR assays for detecting each of the different iha subtypes and also, all the subtypes simultaneously. LEE-negative STEC strains were designed and different localizations of this gene in STEC subgroups were examinated. Genomic analysis detected iha in a high percentage of LEE-negative STEC strains. These strains generally carried iha sequences similar to those harbored by the Locus of Adhesion and Autoaggregation (LAA) or by the plasmid pO113. Besides, almost half of the strains carried both subtypes. Similar results were observed by PCR, detecting iha LAA in 87% of the strains (117/135) and iha pO113 in 32% of strains (43/135). Thus, we designed PCR assays that allow rapid detection of iha subtypes harbored by LEE-negative strains. These results highlight the need to investigate the individual and orchestrated role of virulence genes that determine the STEC capacity of causing serious disease, which would allow for identification of target candidates to develop therapies against HUS.
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Koutsoumanis K, Allende A, Alvarez-Ordóñez A, Bolton D, Bover-Cid S, Chemaly M, Davies R, De Cesare A, Hilbert F, Lindqvist R, Nauta M, Peixe L, Ru G, Simmons M, Skandamis P, Suffredini E, Jenkins C, Malorny B, Ribeiro Duarte AS, Torpdahl M, da Silva Felício MT, Guerra B, Rossi M, Herman L. Whole genome sequencing and metagenomics for outbreak investigation, source attribution and risk assessment of food-borne microorganisms. EFSA J 2019; 17:e05898. [PMID: 32626197 PMCID: PMC7008917 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This Opinion considers the application of whole genome sequencing (WGS) and metagenomics for outbreak investigation, source attribution and risk assessment of food‐borne pathogens. WGS offers the highest level of bacterial strain discrimination for food‐borne outbreak investigation and source‐attribution as well as potential for more precise hazard identification, thereby facilitating more targeted risk assessment and risk management. WGS improves linking of sporadic cases associated with different food products and geographical regions to a point source outbreak and can facilitate epidemiological investigations, allowing also the use of previously sequenced genomes. Source attribution may be favoured by improved identification of transmission pathways, through the integration of spatial‐temporal factors and the detection of multidirectional transmission and pathogen–host interactions. Metagenomics has potential, especially in relation to the detection and characterisation of non‐culturable, difficult‐to‐culture or slow‐growing microorganisms, for tracking of hazard‐related genetic determinants and the dynamic evaluation of the composition and functionality of complex microbial communities. A SWOT analysis is provided on the use of WGS and metagenomics for Salmonella and Shigatoxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serotyping and the identification of antimicrobial resistance determinants in bacteria. Close agreement between phenotypic and WGS‐based genotyping data has been observed. WGS provides additional information on the nature and localisation of antimicrobial resistance determinants and on their dissemination potential by horizontal gene transfer, as well as on genes relating to virulence and biological fitness. Interoperable data will play a major role in the future use of WGS and metagenomic data. Capacity building based on harmonised, quality controlled operational systems within European laboratories and worldwide is essential for the investigation of cross‐border outbreaks and for the development of international standardised risk assessments of food‐borne microorganisms.
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