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Kuhlmann FM, Grigura V, Vickers TJ, Prouty MG, Iannotti LL, Dulience SJL, Fleckenstein JM. Seroprevalence Study of Conserved Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Antigens in Globally Diverse Populations. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2221. [PMID: 37764065 PMCID: PMC10536235 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) are common causes of infectious diarrhea among young children of low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) and travelers to these regions. Despite their significant contributions to the morbidity and mortality associated with childhood and traveler's diarrhea, no licensed vaccines are available. Current vaccine strategies may benefit from the inclusion of additional conserved antigens, which may contribute to broader coverage and enhanced efficacy, given their key roles in facilitating intestinal colonization and effective enterotoxin delivery. EatA and EtpA are widely conserved in diverse populations of ETEC, but their immunogenicity has only been studied in controlled human infection models and a population of children in Bangladesh. Here, we compared serologic responses to EatA, EtpA and heat-labile toxin in populations from endemic regions including Haitian children and subjects residing in Egypt, Cameroon, and Peru to US children and adults where ETEC infections are sporadic. We observed elevated IgG and IgA responses in individuals from endemic regions to each of the antigens studied. In a cohort of Haitian children, we observed increased immune responses following exposure to each of the profiled antigens. These findings reflect the wide distribution of ETEC infections across multiple endemic regions and support further evaluation of EatA and EtpA as candidate ETEC vaccine antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Matthew Kuhlmann
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; (F.M.K.); (V.G.); (T.J.V.)
| | - Vadim Grigura
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; (F.M.K.); (V.G.); (T.J.V.)
| | - Timothy J. Vickers
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; (F.M.K.); (V.G.); (T.J.V.)
| | | | - Lora L. Iannotti
- Institute for Public Health, Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; (L.L.I.); (S.J.L.D.)
| | - Sherlie Jean Louis Dulience
- Institute for Public Health, Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; (L.L.I.); (S.J.L.D.)
| | - James M. Fleckenstein
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; (F.M.K.); (V.G.); (T.J.V.)
- Medicine Service, Infectious Diseases, Saint Louis VA Health Care System, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Fleckenstein JM, Sheikh A. Emerging Themes in the Molecular Pathogenesis of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. J Infect Dis 2021; 224:S813-S820. [PMID: 34273153 PMCID: PMC8687053 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) are ubiquitous diarrheal pathogens that thrive in areas lacking basic human needs of clean water and sanitation. These genetically plastic organisms cause tremendous morbidity among disadvantaged young children, in the form of both acute diarrheal illness and sequelae of malnutrition and growth impairment. The recent discovery of additional plasmid-encoded virulence factors and elucidation of their critical role in the molecular pathogenesis of ETEC may inform new approaches to the development of broadly protective vaccines. Although the pathogens have been closely linked epidemiologically with nondiarrheal sequelae, these conditions remain very poorly understood. Similarly, while canonical effects of ETEC toxins on cellular signaling promoting diarrhea are clear, emerging data suggest that these toxins may also drive changes in intestinal architecture and associated sequelae. Elucidation of molecular events underlying these changes could inform optimal approaches to vaccines that prevent acute diarrhea and ETEC-associated sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Fleckenstein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in St Louis, School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
- Infectious Disease Section, Medicine Service, St Louis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alaullah Sheikh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in St Louis, School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
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Fleckenstein JM. Confronting challenges to enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli vaccine development. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2021; 2:709907. [PMID: 35937717 PMCID: PMC9355458 DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.709907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) are a diverse and genetically plastic pathologic variant (pathovar) of E. coli defined by their production of heat-labile (LT) and heat-stable (ST) enterotoxins. These pathogens, which came to recognition more than four decades ago in patients presenting with severe cholera-like diarrhea, are now known to cause hundreds of millions of cases of symptomatic infection annually. Children in low-middle income regions of the world lacking access to clean water and basic sanitation are disproportionately affected by ETEC. In addition to acute diarrheal morbidity, these pathogens remain a significant cause of mortality in children under the age of five years and have also been linked repeatedly to sequelae of childhood malnutrition and growth stunting. Vaccines that could prevent ETEC infections therefore remain a high priority. Despite several decades of effort, a licensed vaccine that protects against the breadth of these pathogens remains an aspirational goal, and the underlying genetic plasticity of E. coli has posed a fundamental challenge to development of a vaccine that can encompass the complete antigenic spectrum of ETEC. Nevertheless, novel strategies that include toxoids, a more complete understanding of ETEC molecular pathogenesis, structural details of target immunogens, and the discovery of more highly conserved antigens essential for virulence should accelerate progress and make a broadly protective vaccine feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. Fleckenstein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Medicine Service, Infectious Diseases, John Cochran Saint Louis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
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Abstract
Acute bacterial gastroenteritis is among the most common infections worldwide, with millions of infections annually in the United States. Much of the illness is foodborne, occurring as both sporadic cases and large multistate outbreaks. Pathogen evolution through genetic exchange of virulence traits and antibiotic resistance determinants poses challenges for empiric therapy. Culture-independent diagnostic tests in clinical laboratories afford rapid diagnosis and expanded identification of pathogens. However, cultures remain important to generate sensitivity data and strain archiving for outbreak investigations. Most infections are self-limited, permitting judicious selection of antibiotic use in more severe forms of illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Fleckenstein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Campus Box 8051, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; Infectious Disease Section, Medicine Service, Veterans Affairs Saint Louis Health Care System, 915 North Grand Boulevard, Saint Louis, MO 63106, USA.
| | - F Matthew Kuhlmann
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Campus Box 8051, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Alaullah Sheikh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Campus Box 8051, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Abstract
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a well-established cause of traveller's diarrhoea and occasional domestic foodborne illness outbreaks in the USA. Although ETEC are not detected by conventional stool culture methods used in clinical laboratories, syndromic culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs) capable of detecting ETEC have become increasingly prevalent in the last decade. This study describes the epidemiology of ETEC infections reported to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) during 2016–2017. ETEC-positive stool specimens were submitted to MDH to confirm the presence of ETEC DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Cases were interviewed to ascertain illness and exposures. Contemporaneous Salmonella cases were used as a comparison group in a case-case comparison analysis of risk factors. Of 222 ETEC-positive specimens received by MDH, 108 (49%) were concordant by PCR. ETEC was the sixth most frequently reported bacterial enteric pathogen among a subset of CIDT-positive specimens. Sixty-nine (64%) laboratory-confirmed cases had an additional pathogen codetected with ETEC, including enteroaggregative E. coli (n = 40) and enteropathogenic E. coli (n = 39). Although travel is a risk factor for ETEC infection, only 43% of cases travelled internationally, providing evidence for ETEC as an underestimated source of domestically acquired enteric illness in the USA.
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Beczkiewicz A, Cebelinski E, Decuir M, Lappi V, Wang X, Smith K, Boxrud D, Medus C. High Relative Frequency of Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli Among Patients With Reportable Enteric Pathogens, Minnesota, 2016-2017. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 69:473-479. [PMID: 30321302 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) is increasingly recognized as an enteric pathogen as clinical laboratories transition to culture-independent diagnostic tests that detect EAEC. To date, epidemiological studies have focused on children aged <5 years, and information on EAEC incidence, illness outcomes, and transmission avenues is limited. METHODS Enteric disease surveillance data in Minnesota were used to describe EAEC illnesses reported to the Minnesota Department of Health from September 2016 through August 2017. We determined laboratory characteristics of EAEC using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and next-generation sequencing. Frequency of EAEC illness, demographic profile of cases, clinical characteristics of illness, and plausible food or environmental exposures leading to EAEC transmission were assessed. RESULTS During the study period, 329 EAEC cases were reported. Among a subset of health systems able to detect EAEC over the entire study, EAEC was the second most common reportable enteric pathogen detected after Campylobacter and the most detected diarrheagenic E. coli pathotype. No other reportable enteric pathogens were detected among 75.3% of EAEC cases, and 68% of cases reported no international travel before onset. Several virulence genes were associated with clinical characteristics. CONCLUSIONS We provide evidence that EAEC is a likely causative agent of diarrheal illness in the United States. Our study contributes to criteria development for identification of pathogenic EAEC and proposes potential exposure avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Beczkiewicz
- Foodborne, Waterborne, Vectorborne, and Zoonotic Diseases Section.,Public Health Laboratory, Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul
| | | | - Marijke Decuir
- Foodborne, Waterborne, Vectorborne, and Zoonotic Diseases Section
| | - Victoria Lappi
- Public Health Laboratory, Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul
| | - Xiong Wang
- Public Health Laboratory, Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul
| | - Kirk Smith
- Foodborne, Waterborne, Vectorborne, and Zoonotic Diseases Section
| | - Dave Boxrud
- Public Health Laboratory, Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul
| | - Carlota Medus
- Foodborne, Waterborne, Vectorborne, and Zoonotic Diseases Section
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Hara-Kudo Y, Ohtsuka K, Konishi N, Yoshida T, Iwabuchi K, Hiratsuka T, Nagai Y, Kimata K, Wada H, Yamazaki T, Tsuchiya A, Mori T, Inagaki S, Shiraishi S, Terajima J. An interlaboratory study on the detection methods for enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in vegetables using enterotoxin gene screening and selective agars for ETEC-specific isolation. Int J Food Microbiol 2020; 334:108832. [PMID: 32823166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2020.108832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) causes acute diarrhea and is transmitted through contaminated food and water; however, systematic procedures for its specific detection in foods have not been established. To establish an efficient detection method for ETEC in food, an interlaboratory study using ETEC O148 and O159 as representative serogroups was first conducted with 13 participating laboratories. A series of tests including enrichment, real-time PCR assays, plating on selective agars, and concentration by immunomagnetic separation followed by plating onto selective agar (IMS-plating methods) were employed. This study particularly focused on the detection efficiencies of real-time PCR assays for enterotoxin genes (sth, stp, and lt), IMS-plating methods, and direct plating onto sorbitol MacConkey agar and CHROMagar STEC medium, supplemented with tobramycin, which is a novel modification in the preparation of a selective agar. Cucumber and leek samples inoculated with ETEC O148 and O159, either at 4-7 CFU/25 g (low levels) or at 21-37 CFU/25 g (high levels) were used as samples with uninoculated samples used as controls. At high inoculation levels, the sensitivities of sth, stp, and lt detection, direct-plating, and IMS-plating methods in cucumber inoculated with O148 and in both foods inoculated with O159 were 100%. In leek inoculated with high levels of O148, the sensitivities of sth, stp, and lt detection, direct-plating, and the IMS-plating method were 76.9%, 64.1%, and 74.4%, respectively. At low inoculation levels, the sensitivities of sth, stp, and lt detection, direct plating, and IMS-plating method in cucumber inoculated with O148 and in both foods inoculated with O159 were in the range of 87.2-97.4%. In leek inoculated with low levels of O148, the sensitivities of sth, stp, and lt detection, direct plating, and the IMS-plating method were 59.0%, 33.3%, and 38.5%, respectively. Thus, ETEC in food contaminated with more than 21 CFU/25 g were detected at high rate (over 74%) using real-time PCR assays and IMS-plating onto selective agar. Therefore, screening sth, stp, and lt genes followed by isolation of STEC using the IMS-plating method may be an efficient method for ETEC detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Hara-Kudo
- Division of Microbiology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-9501, Japan.
| | - Kayoko Ohtsuka
- Saitama Institute of Public Health, 410-1 Ewai, Yoshimi-machi, Hiki-gun, Saitama 355-0133, Japan
| | - Noriko Konishi
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, 3-24-1 Hyakunin-cho, Shinju-ku, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
| | - Takako Yoshida
- Nara Prefectural Institute of Health, 1000, Odono, Sakurai 633-0062, Japan
| | - Kaori Iwabuchi
- Research Institute for Environmental Sciences and Public Health of Iwate Prefecture, 1-11-16 Kitaiioka, Morioka 020-0857, Japan
| | - Takahiro Hiratsuka
- Hiroshima Prefectural Technology Research Institute, Public Health and Environment Center, 1-6-29 Minami-machi, Minami, Hiroshima 734-0007, Japan
| | - Yuhki Nagai
- Mie Prefecture Health and Environment Research Institute, 3684-11 Sakura-cho, Yokkaichi 512-1211, Japan
| | - Keiko Kimata
- Toyama Institute of Health, 17-1 Nakataikoyama, Imizu 939-0363, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Wada
- Shizuoka City Institute of Environmental Sciences and Public Health, 1-4-7 Oguro, Suruga, Shizuoka 422-8072, Japan
| | - Takumiko Yamazaki
- Suginami City Institute of the Public Health, 3-20-3 Takaidohigashi, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 168-0072, Japan
| | - Akihiko Tsuchiya
- Saitama City Institute of Health Science and Research, 7-5-12 Suzuya, Chuo-ku, Saitama 338-0013, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Mori
- Institute for Food and Environment Sciences Tokyo Kenbikyo-in Foundation, 5-1 Toyomi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0055, Japan
| | - Shunichi Inagaki
- Center of Inspection of Imported Foods and Infectious Diseases, Yokohama Quarantine Station, 107-8 Nagahama, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0011, Japan
| | - Shogo Shiraishi
- Center of Inspection of Imported Foods and Infectious Diseases, Kobe Quarantine Station, 1-1 Toyahama-cho, Kobe 652-0866, Japan
| | - Jun Terajima
- Division of Microbiology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-9501, Japan
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Kuhlmann FM, Martin J, Hazen TH, Vickers TJ, Pashos M, Okhuysen PC, Gómez-Duarte OG, Cebelinski E, Boxrud D, del Canto F, Vidal R, Qadri F, Mitreva M, Rasko DA, Fleckenstein JM. Conservation and global distribution of non-canonical antigens in Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007825. [PMID: 31756188 PMCID: PMC6897418 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) cause significant diarrheal morbidity and mortality in children of resource-limited regions, warranting development of effective vaccine strategies. Genetic diversity of the ETEC pathovar has impeded development of broadly protective vaccines centered on the classical canonical antigens, the colonization factors and heat-labile toxin. Two non-canonical ETEC antigens, the EtpA adhesin, and the EatA mucinase are immunogenic in humans and protective in animal models. To foster rational vaccine design that complements existing strategies, we examined the distribution and molecular conservation of these antigens in a diverse population of ETEC isolates. METHODS Geographically diverse ETEC isolates (n = 1159) were interrogated by PCR, immunoblotting, and/or whole genome sequencing (n = 46) to examine antigen conservation. The most divergent proteins were purified and their core functions assessed in vitro. RESULTS EatA and EtpA or their coding sequences were present in 57.0% and 51.5% of the ETEC isolates overall, respectively; and were globally dispersed without significant regional differences in antigen distribution. These antigens also exhibited >93% amino acid sequence identity with even the most divergent proteins retaining the core adhesin and mucinase activity assigned to the prototype molecules. CONCLUSIONS EtpA and EatA are well-conserved molecules in the ETEC pathovar, suggesting that they serve important roles in virulence and that they could be exploited for rational vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Matthew Kuhlmann
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - John Martin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Tracy H. Hazen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tim J. Vickers
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Madeline Pashos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Pablo C. Okhuysen
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Oscar G. Gómez-Duarte
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Dave Boxrud
- Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Felipe del Canto
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, 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 Inmunonología e Inmunoterapia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Firdausi Qadri
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Makedonka Mitreva
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - David A. Rasko
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - James M. Fleckenstein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Medicine Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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Ohtsuka K, Hoshino K, Kadowaki N, Ohsaka M, Konishi N, Obata H, Kai A, Terajima J, Hara-Kudo Y. Selective media and real-time PCR assays for the effective detection of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in vegetables. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2019.108409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Review recent developments pertaining to the epidemiology, molecular pathogenesis, and sequelae of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infections in addition to discussion of challenges for vaccinology. RECENT FINDINGS ETEC are a major cause of diarrheal illness in resource poor areas of the world where they contribute to unacceptable morbidity and continued mortality particularly among young children; yet, precise epidemiologic estimates of their contribution to death and chronic disease have been difficult to obtain. Although most pathogenesis studies, and consequently vaccine development have focused intensively on canonical antigens, more recently identified molecules unique to the ETEC pathovar may inform our understanding of ETEC virulence, and the approach to broadly protective vaccines. ETEC undeniably continue to have a substantial impact on global health; however, further studies are needed to clarify the true impact of these infections, particularly in regions where access to care may be limited. Likewise, our present understanding of the relationship of ETEC infection to non-diarrheal sequelae is presently limited, and additional effort will be required to achieve a mechanistic understanding of these diseases and to fulfill Koch's postulates on a molecular level. Precise elucidation of the role played by novel virulence factors, the global burden of acute illness, and the contribution of these pathogens and/or their toxins to non-diarrheal morbidity remain important imperatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Fleckenstein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Medicine Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
| | - F Matthew Kuhlmann
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
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11
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Zhu Y, Luo Q, Davis SM, Westra C, Vickers TJ, Fleckenstein JM. Molecular Determinants of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Heat-Stable Toxin Secretion and Delivery. Infect Immun 2018; 86:e00526-18. [PMID: 30126899 PMCID: PMC6204697 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00526-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), a heterogeneous diarrheal pathovar defined by production of heat-labile (LT) and/or heat-stable (ST) toxins, causes substantial morbidity among young children in the developing world. Studies demonstrating a major burden of ST-producing ETEC have focused interest on ST toxoids for ETEC vaccines. We examined fundamental aspects of ST biology using ETEC strain H10407, which carries estH and estP genes encoding STh and STp, respectively, in addition to eltAB genes responsible for LT. Here, we found that deletion of estH significantly diminished cyclic GMP (cGMP) activation in target epithelia, while deletion of estP had a surprisingly modest impact, and a dual estH estP mutant was not appreciably different from the estH mutant. However, we noted that either STh or STp recombinant peptides stimulated cGMP production and that the loss of estP was compensated by enhanced estH transcription. We also found that the TolC efflux protein was essential for toxin secretion and delivery, providing a potential avenue for efflux inhibitors in treatment of acute diarrheal illness. In addition, we demonstrated that the EtpA adhesin is required for optimal delivery of ST and that antibodies against either the adhesin or STh significantly impaired toxin delivery and cGMP activation in target T84 cells. Finally, we used FLAG epitope fusions to demonstrate that the STh propeptide sequence is secreted by ETEC, potentially providing additional epitopes for antibody neutralization. These studies collectively extend our understanding of ETEC pathogenesis and potentially inform additional avenues to mitigate disease by these common diarrheal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehui Zhu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Qingwei Luo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sierra M Davis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Chase Westra
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Tim J Vickers
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - James M Fleckenstein
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Medicine Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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12
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Gu W, Dutta V, Patrick M, Bruce BB, Geissler A, Huang J, Fitzgerald C, Henao O. Statistical adjustment of culture-independent diagnostic tests for trend analysis in the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet), USA. Int J Epidemiol 2018; 47:1613-1622. [PMID: 29562259 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyy041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs) are increasingly used to diagnose Campylobacter infection in the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet). Because CIDTs have different performance characteristics compared with culture, which has been used historically and is still used to diagnose campylobacteriosis, adjustment of cases diagnosed by CIDT is needed to compare with culture-confirmed cases for monitoring incidence trends. Methods We identified the necessary parameters for CIDT adjustment using culture as the gold standard, and derived formulas to calculate positive predictive values (PPVs). We conducted a literature review and meta-analysis to examine the variability in CIDT performance and Campylobacter prevalence applicable to FoodNet sites. We then developed a Monte Carlo method to estimate test-type and site-specific PPVs with their associated uncertainties. Results The uncertainty in our estimated PPVs was largely derived from uncertainty about the specificity of CIDTs and low prevalence of Campylobacter in tested samples. Stable CIDT-adjusted incidences of Campylobacter cases from 2012 to 2015 were observed compared with a decline in culture-confirmed incidence. Conclusions We highlight the lack of data on the total numbers of tested samples as one of main limitations for CIDT adjustment. Our results demonstrate the importance of adjusting CIDTs for understanding trends in Campylobacter incidence in FoodNet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Gu
- Enteric Disease Epidemiology Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Vikrant Dutta
- Enteric Disease Laboratory Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mary Patrick
- Enteric Disease Epidemiology Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Beau B Bruce
- Enteric Disease Epidemiology Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Aimee Geissler
- Enteric Disease Epidemiology Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jennifer Huang
- Enteric Disease Epidemiology Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Collette Fitzgerald
- Enteric Disease Laboratory Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Olga Henao
- Enteric Disease Epidemiology Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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13
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Konishi N, Obata H, Kai A, Ohtsuka K, Nishikawa Y, Terajima J, Hara-Kudo Y. Major Vehicles and O-Serogroups in Foodborne Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Outbreaks in Japan, and Effective Detection Methods of the Pathogen in Food Associated with An Outbreak. Food Hygiene and Safety Science (Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi) 2018; 59:161-166. [DOI: 10.3358/shokueishi.59.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jun Terajima
- Division of Microbiology, National Institute of Health Sciences
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14
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Kumar P, Kuhlmann FM, Chakraborty S, Bourgeois AL, Foulke-Abel J, Tumala B, Vickers TJ, Sack DA, DeNearing B, Harro CD, Wright WS, Gildersleeve JC, Ciorba MA, Santhanam S, Porter CK, Gutierrez RL, Prouty MG, Riddle MS, Polino A, Sheikh A, Donowitz M, Fleckenstein JM. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli-blood group A interactions intensify diarrheal severity. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:3298-3311. [PMID: 29771685 DOI: 10.1172/jci97659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infections are highly prevalent in developing countries, where clinical presentations range from asymptomatic colonization to severe cholera-like illness. The molecular basis for these varied presentations, which may involve strain-specific virulence features as well as host factors, has not been elucidated. We demonstrate that, when challenged with ETEC strain H10407, originally isolated from a case of cholera-like illness, blood group A human volunteers developed severe diarrhea more frequently than individuals from other blood groups. Interestingly, a diverse population of ETEC strains, including H10407, secrete the EtpA adhesin molecule. As many bacterial adhesins also agglutinate red blood cells, we combined the use of glycan arrays, biolayer inferometry, and noncanonical amino acid labeling with hemagglutination studies to demonstrate that EtpA is a dominant ETEC blood group A-specific lectin/hemagglutinin. Importantly, we have also shown that EtpA interacts specifically with glycans expressed on intestinal epithelial cells from blood group A individuals and that EtpA-mediated bacterial-host interactions accelerate bacterial adhesion and effective delivery of both the heat-labile and heat-stable toxins of ETEC. Collectively, these data provide additional insight into the complex molecular basis of severe ETEC diarrheal illness that may inform rational design of vaccines to protect those at highest risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pardeep Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - F Matthew Kuhlmann
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Subhra Chakraborty
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - A Louis Bourgeois
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer Foulke-Abel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Brunda Tumala
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Tim J Vickers
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - David A Sack
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Barbara DeNearing
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Clayton D Harro
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - W Shea Wright
- Center for Cancer Research, Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Fredrick, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Gildersleeve
- Center for Cancer Research, Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Fredrick, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew A Ciorba
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Srikanth Santhanam
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Chad K Porter
- Enteric Disease Department, Infectious Disease Directorate, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Ramiro L Gutierrez
- Enteric Disease Department, Infectious Disease Directorate, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael G Prouty
- Enteric Disease Department, Infectious Disease Directorate, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark S Riddle
- Enteric Disease Department, Infectious Disease Directorate, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Alexander Polino
- Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alaullah Sheikh
- Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Mark Donowitz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - James M Fleckenstein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Medicine Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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15
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Randall LP, Horton RA, Lemma F, Martelli F, Duggett NAD, Smith RP, Kirchner MJ, Ellis RJ, Rogers JP, Williamson SM, Simons RRL, Brena CM, Evans SJ, Anjum MF, Teale CJ. Longitudinal study on the occurrence in pigs of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli carrying mcr-1 following the cessation of use of colistin. J Appl Microbiol 2018; 125:596-608. [PMID: 29741287 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS In 2015, colistin-resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella with the mcr-1 gene were isolated from a pig farm in Great Britain. Pigs were subsequently monitored over a ~20-month period for the occurrence of mcr-1-mediated colistin resistance and the risk of mcr-1 E. coli entering the food chain was assessed. METHODS AND RESULTS Pig faeces and slurry were cultured for colistin-resistant E. coli and Salmonella, tested for the mcr-1 gene by PCR and selected isolates were further analysed. Seventy-eight per cent of faecal samples (n = 275) from pigs yielded mcr-1 E. coli after selective culture, but in positive samples only 0·2-1·3% of the total E. coli carried mcr-1. Twenty months after the initial sampling, faecal samples (n = 59) were negative for E. coli carrying mcr-1. CONCLUSIONS The risk to public health from porcine E. coli carrying mcr-1 was assessed as very low. Twenty months after cessation of colistin use, E. coli carrying mcr-1 was not detected in pig faeces on a farm where it was previously present. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The results suggest that cessation of colistin use may help over time to reduce or possibly eliminate mcr-1 E. coli on pig farms where it occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- L P Randall
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - R A Horton
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - F Lemma
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - F Martelli
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - N A D Duggett
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - R P Smith
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - M J Kirchner
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - R J Ellis
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - J P Rogers
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Bury St Edmunds), Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, UK
| | - S M Williamson
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Bury St Edmunds), Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, UK
| | - R R L Simons
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - C M Brena
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Thirsk), Thirsk, North Yorkshire, UK
| | - S J Evans
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - M F Anjum
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - C J Teale
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Shrewsbury), Shrewsbury, UK
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16
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Characterization of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from the massive multi-pathogen gastroenteritis outbreak in the Antofagasta region following the Chilean earthquake, 2010. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 52:26-29. [PMID: 28442437 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In March 2010, a massive outbreak of gastroenteritis started in the region of Antofagasta (northern Chile). The outbreak was mainly attributed to Norovirus genogroup II although ETEC strains were also isolated with high frequency from clinical samples. We review this outbreak and determined that ETEC was an underestimated etiologic agent.
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17
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Huang JY, Henao OL, Griffin PM, Vugia DJ, Cronquist AB, Hurd S, Tobin-D’Angelo M, Ryan P, Smith K, Lathrop S, Zansky S, Cieslak PR, Dunn J, Holt KG, Wolpert BJ, Patrick ME. Infection with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food and the Effect of Increasing Use of Culture-Independent Diagnostic Tests on Surveillance — Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 10 U.S. Sites, 2012–2015. MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2016; 65:368-71. [DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6514a2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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