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Kubelkova K, Macela A. Francisella and Antibodies. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9102136. [PMID: 34683457 PMCID: PMC8538966 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune responses to intracellular pathogens depend largely upon the activation of T helper type 1-dependent mechanisms. The contribution of B cells to establishing protective immunity has long been underestimated. Francisella tularensis, including a number of subspecies, provides a suitable model for the study of immune responses against intracellular bacterial pathogens. We previously demonstrated that Francisella infects B cells and activates B-cell subtypes to produce a number of cytokines and express the activation markers. Recently, we documented the early production of natural antibodies as a consequence of Francisella infection in mice. Here, we summarize current knowledge on the innate and acquired humoral immune responses initiated by Francisella infection and their relationships with the immune defense systems.
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Wild Small Mammals and Ticks in Zoos-Reservoir of Agents with Zoonotic Potential? Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060777. [PMID: 34205547 PMCID: PMC8235793 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild small mammals and ticks play an important role in maintaining and spreading zoonoses in nature, as well as in captive animals. The aim of this study was to monitor selected agents with zoonotic potential in their reservoirs and vectors in a zoo, and to draw attention to the risk of possible contact with these pathogens. In total, 117 wild small mammals (rodents) and 166 ticks were collected in the area of Brno Zoo. Antibodies to the bacteria Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, and Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. were detected by a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 19% (19/99), 4% (4/99), and 15% (15/99) of rodents, respectively. Antibodies to Leptospira spp. bacteria were detected by the microscopic agglutination test in 6% (4/63) of rodents. Coinfection (antibodies to more than two agents) were proved in 14.5% (15/97) of animals. The prevalence of C. burnetii statistically differed according to the years of trapping (p = 0.0241). The DNAs of B. burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia sp., and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were detected by PCR in 16%, 6%, and 1% of ticks, respectively, without coinfection and without effect of life stage and sex of ticks on positivity. Sequencing showed homology with R. helvetica and A. phagocytophilum in four and one positive samples, respectively. The results of our study show that wild small mammals and ticks in a zoo could serve as reservoirs and vectors of infectious agents with zoonotic potential and thus present a risk of infection to zoo animals and also to keepers and visitors to a zoo.
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Žákovská A, Bártová E, Pittermannová P, Budíková M. Antibodies Related to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii, and Francisella tularensis Detected in Serum and Heart Rinses of Wild Small Mammals in the Czech Republic. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040419. [PMID: 33916002 PMCID: PMC8066200 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild small mammals are the most common reservoirs of pathogenic microorganisms that can cause zoonotic diseases. The aim of the study was to detect antibodies related to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii, and Francisella tularensis in wild small mammals from the Czech Republic. In total, sera or heart rinses of 211 wild small mammals (168 Apodemus flavicollis, 28 Myodes glareolus, 9 A. sylvaticus, and 6 Sorex araneus) were examined by modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antibodies related to B.burgdorferi s.l., C. burnetii, and F. tularensis were detected in 15%, 19%, and 20% of animals, respectively. The prevalence of B. burgdorferi and F. tularensis statistically differed in localities and F. tularensis also differed in sex. Antibodies against 2-3 pathogens were found in 17% of animals with a higher prevalence in M. glareolus. This study brings new data about the prevalence of the above-mentioned pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Žákovská
- Department of Comparative Animal Physiology and General Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic;
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Bártová
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-541-562-633
| | - Pavlína Pittermannová
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Marie Budíková
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic;
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Linde J, Homeier-Bachmann T, Dangel A, Riehm JM, Sundell D, Öhrman C, Forsman M, Tomaso H. Genotyping of Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica from Hares in Germany. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8121932. [PMID: 33291395 PMCID: PMC7761992 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121932] [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: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is the causative agent of the zoonotic disease tularemia. In Germany, most human infections are caused by contact with infected hares. The aim of this study was to characterize Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica strains isolated from hares in Germany and to develop bioinformatics tools to analyze their genetic relatedness. In total, 257 German isolates-obtained mainly from hares (n = 233), other vertebrate animals, and ticks, but also from humans (n = 3)-were analyzed within this study. Publically available sequence data from 49 isolates were used to put our isolates into an epidemiological context and to compare isolates from natural foci and humans. Whole-genome sequences were analyzed using core-genome Multi-Locus-Sequence-Typing, canonical Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) typing and whole-genome SNP typing. An overall conformity of genotype clustering between the typing methods was found, albeit with a lower resolution for canonical single SNP typing. The subclade distribution, both on local and national levels, among strains from humans and hares was similar, suggesting circulation of the same genotypes both in animals and humans. Whilst close to identical isolates of the same subclade were found distributed over large areas, small geographical foci often harbored members of different subclades. In conclusion, although genomic high-resolution typing was shown to be robust, reproducible and allowed the identification of highly closely related strains, genetic profiling alone is not always conclusive for epidemiological linkage of F. tularensis strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Linde
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 07743 Jena, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-3641-804-2320
| | - Timo Homeier-Bachmann
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany;
| | - Alexandra Dangel
- Bayerisches Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (A.D.); (J.M.R.)
| | - Julia M. Riehm
- Bayerisches Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (A.D.); (J.M.R.)
| | - David Sundell
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), SE-901 82 Umeå, Sweden; (D.S.); (C.Ö.); (M.F.)
| | - Caroline Öhrman
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), SE-901 82 Umeå, Sweden; (D.S.); (C.Ö.); (M.F.)
| | - Mats Forsman
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), SE-901 82 Umeå, Sweden; (D.S.); (C.Ö.); (M.F.)
| | - Herbert Tomaso
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 07743 Jena, Germany;
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Appelt S, Faber M, Köppen K, Jacob D, Grunow R, Heuner K. Francisella tularensis Subspecies holarctica and Tularemia in Germany. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8091448. [PMID: 32971773 PMCID: PMC7564102 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Tularemia is a zoonotic disease caused by Francisella tularensis a small, pleomorphic, facultative intracellular bacterium. In Europe, infections in animals and humans are caused mainly by Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica. Humans can be exposed to the pathogen directly and indirectly through contact with sick animals, carcasses, mosquitoes and ticks, environmental sources such as contaminated water or soil, and food. So far, F. tularensis subsp. holarctica is the only Francisella species known to cause tularemia in Germany. On the basis of surveillance data, outbreak investigations, and literature, we review herein the epidemiological situation-noteworthy clinical cases next to genetic diversity of F. tularensis subsp. holarctica strains isolated from patients. In the last 15 years, the yearly number of notified cases of tularemia has increased steadily in Germany, suggesting that the disease is re-emerging. By sequencing F. tularensis subsp. holarctica genomes, knowledge has been added to recent findings, completing the picture of genotypic diversity and geographical segregation of Francisella clades in Germany. Here, we also shortly summarize the current knowledge about a new Francisella species (Francisella sp. strain W12-1067) that has been recently identified in Germany. This species is the second Francisella species discovered in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Appelt
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (S.A.); (D.J.); (R.G.)
| | - Mirko Faber
- Gastrointestinal Infections, Zoonoses and Tropical Infections (Division 35), Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Kristin Köppen
- Cellular Interactions of Bacterial Pathogens, ZBS 2, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Daniela Jacob
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (S.A.); (D.J.); (R.G.)
| | - Roland Grunow
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (S.A.); (D.J.); (R.G.)
| | - Klaus Heuner
- Cellular Interactions of Bacterial Pathogens, ZBS 2, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-301-8754-2226
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[Ulceroglandular tularemia after contact with a wild boar : Risk of infection for medical personnel by aerosol inhalation during lymph node resection]. Unfallchirurg 2020; 123:740-743. [PMID: 32399651 DOI: 10.1007/s00113-020-00817-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This article presents a case of ulceroglandular tularemia with local lymph node manifestation in a hobby hunter. An adequate diagnosis and early treatment of tularemia is of crucial importance not only for the patient, as when a surgical intervention is necessary there are also substantial risks for medical personnel. In the diagnosis of tularemia, which is rare but with an increasing incidence in Germany, the anamnesis provides the most important clues. A surgical intervention should only be performed after adequate treatment and duration of treatment.
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Jacob D, Köppen K, Radonić A, Haldemann B, Zanger P, Heuner K, Grunow R. Molecular identification of the source of an uncommon tularaemia outbreak, Germany, autumn 2016. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 24. [PMID: 31064636 PMCID: PMC6505183 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2019.24.18.1800419] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background In 2016, an uncommon outbreak of oropharyngeal tularaemia involving six human cases occurred in Germany, caused by drinking contaminated fresh must after a grape harvest. Aim We describe the details of laboratory investigations leading to identification of the outbreak strain, its characterisation by next generation sequencing (NGS) and the finding of the possible source of contamination. Methods We incubated wine samples in different media and on agar plates. NGS was performed on DNA isolated from young wine, sweet reserve and an outbreak case’s lymph node. A draft genome of the outbreak strain was generated. Vertebrate-specific PCRs using primers targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and product analyses by blast search were used to identify the putative source of must contamination. Results No bacterial isolate could be obtained. Analysis of the draft genome sequence obtained from the sweet reserve attributed this sequence to Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica, belonging to the B.12/B.34 phylogenetic clade (erythromycin-resistant biovar II). In addition, the DNA sequence obtained from the case’s isolate supported our hypothesis that infection was caused by drinking contaminated must. The vertebrate-specific cytochrome b sequence derived from the young wine and the sweet reserve could be assigned to Apodemus sylvaticus (wood mouse), suggesting that a wood mouse infected with F. tularensis may have contaminated the must. Conclusion The discovered source of infection and the transmission scenario of F. tularensis in this outbreak have not been observed previously and suggest the need for additional hygienic precautionary measures when processing and consuming freshly pressed must.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Jacob
- These authors contributed equally to this work.,Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristin Köppen
- Cellular Interactions of Bacterial Pathogens, ZBS 2, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Aleksandar Radonić
- Genome Sequencing (MF 2), Methodology and Research Infrastructure, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Berit Haldemann
- Bioinformatics (MF 1), Methodology and Research Infrastructure, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Zanger
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Unit of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospitals, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospitals, Heidelberg, Germany.,Federal State Agency for Consumer & Health Protection Rhineland-Palatinate, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Klaus Heuner
- Cellular Interactions of Bacterial Pathogens, ZBS 2, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Roland Grunow
- Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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Bártová E, Kučerová HL, Žákovská A, Budíková M, Nejezchlebová H. Coxiella burnetii and Francisella tularensis in wild small mammals from the Czech Republic. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101350. [PMID: 31848075 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Wild rodents are an important source of the tick-borne pathogens Coxiella burnetii and Francisella tularensis. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of antibodies and possible coexistence of these pathogens in wild small mammals from three localities in the Czech Republic. A total of 614 wild small mammals (324 Apodemus flavicollis, 145 Myodes glareolus, 50 Sorex araneus, 48 A. sylvaticus, 40 A. agrarius, six Microtus arvalis and one Talpa europaea) were trapped between 2012 and 2015. Their sera or heart extracts were examined by modified indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, with the detection of antibodies against C. burnetii and F. tularensis in 12 % and 7 % of animals, respectively; coinfection was identified in 4.4 % of animals. The prevalence of C. burnetii and F. tularensis antibodies statistically differed according to animal species and sex (p < 0.05); the seroprevalence of C. burnetii (p < 0.05) also differed in the sampling period. The highest prevalence of antibodies against C. burnetii and F. tularensis was detected in the case of M. glareolus (24 % and 14 %, respectively).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Bártová
- University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno, 612 42, Czech Republic.
| | - Hana Lya Kučerová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Comparative Animal Physiology and General Zoology, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Žákovská
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Comparative Animal Physiology and General Zoology, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic; Masaryk University, Faculty of Education, Department of Biology, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Budíková
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Kotlářská 2, Brno, 611 37, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Nejezchlebová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Comparative Animal Physiology and General Zoology, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
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Appelt S, Köppen K, Radonić A, Drechsel O, Jacob D, Grunow R, Heuner K. Genetic Diversity and Spatial Segregation of Francisella tularensis Subspecies holarctica in Germany. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:376. [PMID: 31781515 PMCID: PMC6851236 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is an intracellular pleomorphic bacterium and the causative agent of tularemia, a zoonotic disease with a wide host range. Among the F. tularensis subspecies, especially F. tularensis subsp. holarctica is of clinical relevance for European countries. The study presented herein focuses namely on genetic diversity and spatial segregation of F. tularensis subsp. holarctica in Germany, as still limited information is available. The investigation is based on the analysis of 34 F. tularensis subsp. holarctica isolates and one draft genome from an outbreak strain. The isolates were cultured from sample material being that of primarily human patients (n = 25) and free-living animals (n = 9). For six of 25 human isolates, epidemiological links between disease onset and tick bites could be established, confirming the importance of arthropod linked transmission of tularemia in Germany. The strains were assigned to three of four major F. tularensis subsp. holarctica clades: B.4, B.6, and B.12. Thereby, B.6 and B.12 clade members were predominantly found; only one human isolate was assigned to clade B.4. Also, it turned out that eight isolates which caused pneumonia in patients clustered into the B.6 clade. Altogether, eight different final subclades were assigned to clade B.6 (biovar I, erythromycin sensitive) and six to B.12 (biovar II, erythromycin resistant) in addition to one new final B.12 subclade. Moreover, for 13 human and 3 animal isolates, final subclade subdivisions were not assigned (B.12 subdivisions B.33 and B.34, and B.6 subdivision B.45) because official nomenclatures are not available yet. This gives credit to the genetic variability of F. tularensis subsp. holarctica strains in Germany. The results clearly point out that the given genetic diversity in Germany seems to be comparably high to that found in other European countries including Scandinavian regions. A spatial segregation of B.6 and B.12 strains was found and statistically confirmed, and B.12 clade members were predominantly found in eastern parts and B.6 members more in western to southern parts of Germany. The portion of B.12 clade members in northeastern parts of Germany was 78.5% and in southwestern parts 1.9%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Appelt
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens (ZBS2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristin Köppen
- Working Group Cellular Interactions of Bacterial Pathogens, ZBS2, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Aleksandar Radonić
- Methodology and Research Infrastructure Genome Sequencing (MF2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Drechsel
- Bioinformatics (MF1), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniela Jacob
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens (ZBS2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roland Grunow
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens (ZBS2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Heuner
- Working Group Cellular Interactions of Bacterial Pathogens, ZBS2, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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Abstract
Tularaemia is a zoonotic disease, in Europe caused by Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica. Many lagomorphs and a variety of small rodents are wildlife species prone to develop clinical disease, while predators and scavengers are relatively resistant and may serve as sentinels. Blood samples from 656 Swedish wild predators and scavengers were serologically investigated using slide agglutination and microagglutination. In the slide agglutination test, 34 seropositive animals were detected, and they were found among all species investigated: brown bear (Ursus arctos), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), wild boar (Sus scrofa), wolf (Canis lupus) and wolverine (Gulo gulo). Due to haemolysis the microagglutination test was more difficult to read at low titres, and only 12 animals were classified as seropositive. F. tularensis subsp. holarctica was detected by a polymerase chain reaction in lymphatic tissues of the head in one brown bear, one red fox and one wolf. The significance of this finding regarding possible latency of infection is not clear. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that all predator and scavenger species included in this study may serve as sentinels for tularaemia in Sweden. Their role as reservoirs is unclear.
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Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. (FU98) and Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato in Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Serbia. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2019-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and environmental pollution lead to a reduction in the spatial boundary between wild animals, domestic animals and humans. These activities increase the risk for the emergence of pathogens from the sylvatic cycle in the population of domestic animals and humans. Foxes are recognized as potential reservoirs for a number of bacterial pathogens of medical and public health concern. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and spatial distribution of bacterial tick-borne pathogens from the Anaplasmataceae family, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, Bartonella spp., in the red fox population from Serbia and to discuss the obtained results from the epidemiological point of view. Legally hunted red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from 14 localities in Serbia were included in the study and spleen samples from 129 animals were tested with conventional PCR assays for the presence of bacterial tick-borne pathogens. DNA of Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. (FU98), Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia lusitaniae, and Borrelia garinii was detected in 6 (4.7%), 1 (0.8%), 2 (1.6%) and 1 (0.8%) animals, respectively. Co-infection by Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. (FU98) and B. garinii was detected in one animal. All samples were negative for other tested bacterial tick-borne pathogens. The results of the present study indicate the potential role of foxes in natural cycles of Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. (FU98) and causative agents of Lyme borreliosis in the investigated areas. Further research is required to elucidate the role of foxes in the epidemiology of these and other tick-borne zoonotic pathogens in the Republic of Serbia.
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Bielawska-Drózd A, Cieślik P, Żakowska D, Głowacka P, Wlizło-Skowronek B, Zięba P, Zdun A. Detection of Coxiella burnetii and Francisella tularensis in Tissues of Wild-living Animals and in Ticks of North-west Poland. Pol J Microbiol 2019; 67:529-534. [PMID: 30550240 PMCID: PMC7256700 DOI: 10.21307/pjm-2018-059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This work presents results of the research on the occurrence of Coxiella burnetii and Francisella tularensis in the tissues of wild-living animals and ticks collected from Drawsko County, West Pomeranian Voivodeship. The real-time PCR testing for the pathogens comprised 928 samples of animal internal organs and 1551 ticks. The presence of C. burnetii was detected in 3% of wild-living animals and in 0.45–3.45% (dependent on collection areas) of ticks. The genetic sequences of F. tularensis were present in 0.49 % of ticks (only in one location – Drawa) and were not detected in animal tissues. The results indicate respectively low proportion of animals and ticks infected with C. burnetii and F. tularensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Bielawska-Drózd
- Biological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Center, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology , Puławy , Poland
| | - Piotr Cieślik
- Biological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Center, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology , Puławy , Poland
| | - Dorota Żakowska
- Biological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Center, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology , Puławy , Poland
| | - Patrycja Głowacka
- Biological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Center, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology , Puławy , Poland
| | - Bożena Wlizło-Skowronek
- Biological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Center, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology , Puławy , Poland
| | | | - Arkadiusz Zdun
- Environmental Protection Regional Directorate, Field Department , Złocieniec , Poland
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Tomaso H, Hotzel H, Otto P, Myrtennäs K, Forsman M. Antibiotic susceptibility in vitro of Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica isolates from Germany. J Antimicrob Chemother 2018; 72:2539-2543. [PMID: 28605439 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkx182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tularaemia is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. In Germany, the disease is still rare (e.g. 34 human cases reported in 2015). There is a lack of data about the susceptibility of F. tularensis strains to antibiotics, because many cases are diagnosed using serological assays only. Objectives The antibiotic susceptibility in vitro of F. tularensis subsp. holarctica strains isolated in Germany was assessed to determine whether the currently recommended empirical therapy is still adequate. Methods A total of 128 F. tularensis strains were investigated that were collected between 2005 and 2014 in Germany from wild animals, ticks and humans. All isolates were genotyped using real-time PCR assays targeting canonical SNPs, and antibiotic susceptibility was tested using MIC test strips on agar plates. MIC values were interpreted using CLSI breakpoints. Results The strains were susceptible to antibiotics commonly recommended for tularaemia therapy, i.e. aminoglycosides (MIC90 values: gentamicin 1 mg/L; streptomycin 4.0 mg/L), tetracyclines (MIC90 values: tetracycline 0.5 mg/L; doxycycline 1.5 mg/L) and quinolones (MIC90 value: ciprofloxacin 0.064 mg/L). Chloramphenicol (MIC90 value: 3.0 mg/L) may be of value in treatment of tularaemia meningitis. Ninety-four isolates were susceptible to erythromycin, which defines biovar I (genotypes B.4 and B.6); 34 were resistant (biovar II; genotype B.12). Conclusions The F. tularensis isolates investigated in this study showed the typical antibiotic susceptibility pattern that was previously observed in other countries. Therefore, recommendations for empirical antibiotic therapy of tularaemia can remain unchanged. However, antibiotic susceptibility testing of clinical isolates should be performed whenever possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert Tomaso
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Helmut Hotzel
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Otto
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Kerstin Myrtennäs
- Department of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mats Forsman
- Department of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), Umeå, Sweden
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Faber M, Heuner K, Jacob D, Grunow R. Tularemia in Germany-A Re-emerging Zoonosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:40. [PMID: 29503812 PMCID: PMC5821074 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tularemia, also known as “rabbit fever,” is a zoonosis caused by the facultative intracellular, gram-negative bacterium Francisella tularensis. Infection occurs through contact with infected animals (often hares), arthropod vectors (such as ticks or deer flies), inhalation of contaminated dust or through contaminated food and water. In this review, we would like to provide an overview of the current epidemiological situation in Germany using published studies and case reports, an analysis of recent surveillance data and our own experience from the laboratory diagnostics, and investigation of cases. While in Germany tularemia is a rarely reported disease, there is evidence of recent re-emergence. We also describe some peculiarities that were observed in Germany, such as a broad genetic diversity, and a recently discovered new genus of Francisella and protracted or severe clinical courses of infections with the subspecies holarctica. Because tularemia is a zoonosis, we also touch upon the situation in the animal reservoir and one-health aspects of this disease. Apparently, many pieces of the puzzle need to be found and put into place before the complex interaction between wildlife, the environment and humans are fully understood. Funding for investigations into rare diseases is scarce. Therefore, combining efforts in several countries in the framework of international projects may be necessary to advance further our understanding of this serious but also scientifically interesting disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Faber
- Gastrointestinal Infections, Zoonoses and Tropical Infections (Division 35), Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Heuner
- Working Group, Cellular Interactions of Bacterial Pathogens, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Division 2 (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.,Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Division 2 (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniela Jacob
- Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Division 2 (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roland Grunow
- Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Division 2 (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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16
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SCHULZE C, HEUNER K, MYRTENNÄS K, KARLSSON E, JACOB D, KUTZER P, GROßE K, FORSMAN M, GRUNOW R. High and novel genetic diversity of Francisella tularensis in Germany and indication of environmental persistence. Epidemiol Infect 2016; 144:3025-3036. [PMID: 27356883 PMCID: PMC9150394 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268816001175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In Germany tularemia is a re-emerging zoonotic disease. Therefore, we investigated wild animals and environmental water samples for the presence and phylogenetic diversity of Francisella tularensis in the poorly studied Berlin/Brandenburg region. The phylogenomic analysis of three isolates from wild animals revealed three new subclades within the phylogenetic tree of F. tularensis [B.71 from a raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides); B.74 from a red fox (Vulpes vulpes), and B.75 from a Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber albicus)]. The results from histological, PCR, and genomic investigations on the dead beaver showed that the animal suffered from a systemic infection. Indications were found that the bacteria were released from the beaver carcass into the surrounding environment. We demonstrated unexpectedly high and novel phylogenetic diversity of F. tularensis in Germany and the fact that the bacteria persist in the environment for at least one climatic season. These findings support a broader host species diversity than previously known regarding Germany. Our data further support the assumption derived from previous serological studies of an underestimated frequency of occurrence of the pathogen in the environment and in wild animals. F. tularensis was isolated from animal species not previously reported as natural hosts in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. SCHULZE
- Landeslabor Berlin-Brandenburg, Frankfurt (Oder), Germany
| | - K. HEUNER
- Robert Koch Institute, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Division 2 (ZBS 2), Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms, Berlin, Germany
| | - K. MYRTENNÄS
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), Umeå, Sweden
| | - E. KARLSSON
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), Umeå, Sweden
| | - D. JACOB
- Robert Koch Institute, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Division 2 (ZBS 2), Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms, Berlin, Germany
| | - P. KUTZER
- Landeslabor Berlin-Brandenburg, Frankfurt (Oder), Germany
| | - K. GROßE
- Stadt Brandenburg an der Havel, Veterinär- und Lebensmittelüberwachungsamt, Germany
| | - M. FORSMAN
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), Umeå, Sweden
| | - R. GRUNOW
- Robert Koch Institute, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Division 2 (ZBS 2), Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms, Berlin, Germany
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Moinet M, Decors A, Mendy C, Faure E, Durand B, Madani N. Spatio-temporal dynamics of tularemia in French wildlife: 2002-2013. Prev Vet Med 2016; 130:33-40. [PMID: 27435644 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Tularemia, caused by Francisella tularensis, is endemic in France. The surveillance of this disease in wildlife is operated by the SAGIR Network and by the National Reference Laboratory for Tularemia. Wild animals found dead or dying collected by the SAGIR network are necropsied and when tularemia is suspected culture and/or PCR are performed to confirm the diagnosis. The aim of this study was to present the results of tularemia surveillance in wildlife and to investigate the spatial and temporal pattern of tularemia observed between the 2002-2003 and 2012-2013 hunting seasons in French wildlife. Fourty-one to 121 cases were collected each hunting season for a total of 693 confirmed cases and 46 additional suspected cases. The main species affected was the European Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus) but 4 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), 2 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and one wild boar (Sus scrofa) were also found positive. The Standard Mortality Ratio was mapped and Kulldorff's retrospective space-time scan statistic was implemented and allowed the detection of several clusters: the nationwide outbreak of 2007-2008; 2 clusters in northern and central-western France in high hare-abundance areas and another in North-eastern France where the abundance of hares is low. Our results confirm the usefulness of brown hare as a sentinel of environmental risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Moinet
- Anses, Laboratoire Rage et Faune Sauvage de Nancy, Unité Surveillance et Eco-Epidémiologie des Animaux Sauvages, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire - Bâtiment H, Domaine de Pixérécourt, CS 40009, 54220 Malzéville, France.
| | - Anouk Decors
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Auffargis, France
| | - Christiane Mendy
- University Paris Est, Anses, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Unité Zoonoses Bactériennes, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Eva Faure
- Fédération Nationale des Chasseurs, Issy-Les-Moulineaux, France
| | - Benoit Durand
- University Paris Est, Anses, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Unité Epidémiologie, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nora Madani
- University Paris Est, Anses, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Unité Zoonoses Bactériennes, Maisons-Alfort, France
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Nordstoga A, Handeland K, Johansen TB, Iversen L, Gavier-Widén D, Mattsson R, Wik-Larssen K, Afset JE, Næverdal R, Lund A. Tularaemia in Norwegian dogs. Vet Microbiol 2014; 173:318-22. [PMID: 25150161 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2014.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Revised: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/28/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We describe tularaemia in a Norwegian dog caused by Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica. A Hamilton Hound and his owner developed tulaeremia after hunting an infected mountain hare (Lepus timidus). The dog showed signs of lethargy, anorexia and fever during a period two to four days after hunting and thereafter fully recovered. Its antibody titers increased 32-fold from one to three weeks post exposure. Thereafter, the titer declined and leveled off at moderate positive values up to one year after exposure (end of study). This is believed to be the first case report of clinical F. tularensis subspecies holarctica infection in a European dog. In 2011, enormous numbers of Norway lemmings (Lemmus lemmus) occurred in Finnmark, the northernmost county of Norway and many dogs caught and swallowed lemmings. Some of these dogs developed non-specific signs of disease and the owners consulted a veterinary surgeon, who suspected tularaemia. In order to investigate this hypothesis, serum samples from 33 dogs were examined for antibodies to F. tularensis. The dogs were allocated into three groups: Dogs from Finnmark that became sick (Group 1) or remained healthy following contact with lemmings (Group 2), and healthy control dogs from Oslo without known contact with lemmings (Group 3). All the serum samples were analyzed with a tube agglutination assay. Among dogs exposed to lemmings, 10/11 and 3/12 were antibody positive in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively, whereas none of the control dogs (n=10) were positive for antibodies against F. tularensis. These results strongly indicate that the non-specific disease seen in the dogs in Finnmark was linked to F. tularensis infection acquired through contact with lemmings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Nordstoga
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Department of Laboratory Services, Immunology Section, Pb 750 Sentrum, N-0106 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Kjell Handeland
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Department of Health Surveillance, Pb 750 Sentrum, N-0106 Oslo, Norway
| | - Tone Bjordal Johansen
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Department of Laboratory Services, Bacteriology Section, Pb 750 Sentrum, N-0106 Oslo, Norway
| | - Lena Iversen
- Alta Veterinary Clinic, Altahøyden 2, 9513 Alta, Norway
| | - Dolores Gavier-Widén
- National Veterinary Institute, Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Box 7028, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Roland Mattsson
- National Veterinary Institute, Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kjersti Wik-Larssen
- St. Olavs Hospital, Department of Medical Microbiology, Postbox 3250 Sluppen, NO-7006 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jan Egil Afset
- St. Olavs Hospital, Department of Medical Microbiology, Postbox 3250 Sluppen, NO-7006 Trondheim, Norway; Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Olav Kyrres gate 9, NO-7489 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Rune Næverdal
- Skedsmo Veterinary Clinic, Riisveien 7, 2007 Kjeller, Norway
| | - Arve Lund
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Department of Health Surveillance, Pb 750 Sentrum, N-0106 Oslo, Norway
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Genome sequence and phenotypic analysis of a first German Francisella sp. isolate (W12-1067) not belonging to the species Francisella tularensis. BMC Microbiol 2014; 14:169. [PMID: 24961323 PMCID: PMC4230796 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-14-169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Francisella isolates from patients suffering from tularemia in Germany are generally strains of the species F. tularensis subsp. holarctica. To our knowledge, no other Francisella species are known for Germany. Recently, a new Francisella species could be isolated from a water reservoir of a cooling tower in Germany. RESULTS We identified a Francisella sp. (isolate W12-1067) whose 16S rDNA is 99% identical to the respective nucleotide sequence of the recently published strain F. guangzhouensis. The overall sequence identity of the fopA, gyrA, rpoA, groEL, sdhA and dnaK genes is only 89%, indicating that strain W12-1067 is not identical to F. guangzhouensis. W12-1067 was isolated from a water reservoir of a cooling tower of a hospital in Germany. The growth optimum of the isolate is approximately 30°C, it can grow in the presence of 4-5% NaCl (halotolerant) and is able to grow without additional cysteine within the medium. The strain was able to replicate within a mouse-derived macrophage-like cell line. The whole genome of the strain was sequenced (~1.7 mbp, 32.2% G + C content) and the draft genome was annotated. Various virulence genes common to the genus Francisella are present, but the Francisella pathogenicity island (FPI) is missing. However, another putative type-VI secretion system is present within the genome of strain W12-1067. CONCLUSIONS Isolate W12-1067 is closely related to the recently described F. guangzhouensis species and it replicates within eukaryotic host cells. Since W12-1067 exhibits a putative new type-VI secretion system and F. tularensis subsp. holarctica was found not to be the sole species in Germany, the new isolate is an interesting species to be analyzed in more detail. Further research is needed to investigate the epidemiology, ecology and pathogenicity of Francisella species present in Germany.
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Dulay SB, Julich S, Tomaso H, O’Sullivan CK. Development of an immunosensor for the detection of Francisella tularensis antibodies. Anal Bioanal Chem 2014; 406:4685-90. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-014-7860-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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