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Gassiep I, Chatfield MD, Permana B, Burnard D, Bauer MJ, Cuddihy T, Forde BM, Mayer-Coverdale J, Norton RE, Harris PNA. The Genomic Epidemiology of Clinical Burkholderia pseudomallei Isolates in North Queensland, Australia. Pathogens 2024; 13:584. [PMID: 39057811 PMCID: PMC11279585 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13070584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background:Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, is highly genetically recombinant, resulting in significant genomic diversity. Multiple virulence factors have been associated with specific disease presentations. To date, there are limited data relating to genomic diversity and virulence factors associated with melioidosis cases in North Queensland, Australia. Aim: To describe the genetic diversity of B. pseudomallei and identify virulence factors associated with clinical risk factors and patient outcomes. Methods: Whole genome sequencing of clinical isolates was performed and analysed with clinical data obtained from a retrospective melioidosis cohort study. Results: Fifty-nine distinct sequence types (STs) were identified from the 128 clinical isolates. Six STs comprised 64/128 (50%) isolates. Novel STs accounted for 38/59 (64%) STs, with ST TSV-13 as the most prevalent (n = 7), and were less likely to possess an LPS A genotype or YLF gene cluster (p < 0.001). These isolates were most likely to be found outside the inner city (aOR: 4.0, 95% CI: 1.7-9.0, p = 0.001). ST TSV-13 was associated with increased mortality (aOR: 6.1, 95% CI: 1.2-30.9, p = 0.03). Patients with a history of alcohol excess were less likely to be infected by fhaB3 (aOR 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1-0.7, p = 0.01) or YLF (aOR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-0.9, p = 0.04) positive isolates. Conclusions: There are a significant number of novel sequence types in Townsville, Australia. An emerging novel ST appears to have an association with geographic location and mortality. Ongoing investigation is required to further understand the impact of this ST on the Townsville region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Gassiep
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Campus, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (M.D.C.); (B.P.); (M.J.B.); (B.M.F.); (J.M.-C.); (P.N.A.H.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Mater Hospital Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
- Pathology Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Mark D. Chatfield
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Campus, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (M.D.C.); (B.P.); (M.J.B.); (B.M.F.); (J.M.-C.); (P.N.A.H.)
| | - Budi Permana
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Campus, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (M.D.C.); (B.P.); (M.J.B.); (B.M.F.); (J.M.-C.); (P.N.A.H.)
| | - Delaney Burnard
- Queensland Cyber Infrastructure Foundation, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia;
| | - Michelle J. Bauer
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Campus, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (M.D.C.); (B.P.); (M.J.B.); (B.M.F.); (J.M.-C.); (P.N.A.H.)
| | - Thom Cuddihy
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia;
| | - Brian M. Forde
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Campus, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (M.D.C.); (B.P.); (M.J.B.); (B.M.F.); (J.M.-C.); (P.N.A.H.)
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia;
| | - Johanna Mayer-Coverdale
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Campus, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (M.D.C.); (B.P.); (M.J.B.); (B.M.F.); (J.M.-C.); (P.N.A.H.)
- Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
- Herston Infectious Diseases Institute, Royal Brisbane and Woman’s Hospital, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Robert E. Norton
- Pathology Queensland, Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, QLD 4814, Australia;
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Patrick N. A. Harris
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Campus, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (M.D.C.); (B.P.); (M.J.B.); (B.M.F.); (J.M.-C.); (P.N.A.H.)
- Pathology Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
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Li X, Wang S, Wu P, Nan D, Chen D, Suo L, Lu X, Rao C, Li Q, Yue J, Xiang Y, Mao X, Yan J. Effect of O antigen glycosyl isomerase gene mutation on biological property and pathogenicity of Burkholderia pseudomallei strain BPC006. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 258:128922. [PMID: 38141699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei, an intracellular pathogen, is responsible for melioidosis, a zoonotic disease. Its pathogenesis involves several virulence factors, among which lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plays a crucial role. Our research reveals that the O antigen present within the LPS significantly regulates the host immune response. In a previous study, we obtained a B. pseudomallei mutant strain ΔwbiI. Here, the purification of LPS from ΔwbiI and a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis were conducted. The results confirmed the absence of specific sugar 6-deoxy-Talp, which is a typical component of the O antigen in the wild type B. pseudomallei. Our findings underscore the potent impact the O antigen exerts on the virulence of B. pseudomallei. The ΔwbiI strain displayed significantly increased invasiveness and cytotoxicity in vitro. This enhanced cytotoxicity seems to be related to the exposure of lipid A and an increased cell membrane hydrophobicity resulting from the deletion of the O antigen. Additionally, in mouse models, the ΔwbiI strain resulted in a heightened host lethality and an excessive inflammatory response in mice. These findings indicate that the O-antigenic polysaccharide moiety of B. pseudomallei plays a role in its pathogenicity in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Shiwei Wang
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Pan Wu
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Dongqi Nan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Liangpeng Suo
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xiaoxue Lu
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Chenglong Rao
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Juanjuan Yue
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xuhu Mao
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Jingmin Yan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.
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Jenkins CH, Scott AE, O’Neill PA, Norville IH, Prior JL, Ireland PM. The Arabinose 5-Phosphate Isomerase KdsD Is Required for Virulence in Burkholderia pseudomallei. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0003423. [PMID: 37458584 PMCID: PMC10448790 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00034-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis, which is endemic primarily in Southeast Asia and northern Australia but is increasingly being seen in other tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Melioidosis is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, which is mediated by the wide range of virulence factors encoded by B. pseudomallei. These virulence determinants include surface polysaccharides such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and capsular polysaccharides (CPS). Here, we investigated a predicted arabinose-5-phosphate isomerase (API) similar to KdsD in B. pseudomallei strain K96243. KdsD is required for the production of the highly conserved 3-deoxy-d-manno-octulosonic acid (Kdo), a key sugar in the core region of LPS. Recombinant KdsD was expressed and purified, and API activity was determined. Although a putative API paralogue (KpsF) is also predicted to be encoded, the deletion of kdsD resulted in growth defects, loss of motility, reduced survival in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages, and attenuation in a BALB/c mouse model of melioidosis. Suppressor mutations were observed during a phenotypic screen for motility, revealing single nucleotide polymorphisms or indels located in the poorly understood CPS type IV cluster. Crucially, suppressor mutations did not result in reversion of attenuation in vivo. This study demonstrates the importance of KdsD for B. pseudomallei virulence and highlights further the complex nature of the polysaccharides it produces. IMPORTANCE The intrinsic resistance of B. pseudomallei to many antibiotics complicates treatment. This opportunistic pathogen possesses a wide range of virulence factors, resulting in severe and potentially fatal disease. Virulence factors as targets for drug development offer an alternative approach to combat pathogenic bacteria. Prior to initiating early drug discovery approaches, it is important to demonstrate that disruption of the target gene will prevent the development of disease. This study highlights the fact that KdsD is crucial for virulence of B. pseudomallei in an animal model of infection and provides supportive phenotypic characterization that builds a foundation for future therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher H. Jenkins
- Chemical, Biological and Radiological Division, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew E. Scott
- Chemical, Biological and Radiological Division, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
| | - Paul A. O’Neill
- University of Exeter Sequencing Service, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Isobel H. Norville
- Chemical, Biological and Radiological Division, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
- Biosciences Department, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Joann L. Prior
- Chemical, Biological and Radiological Division, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
- Biosciences Department, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Philip M. Ireland
- Chemical, Biological and Radiological Division, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
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Nwadiugwu MC, Monteiro N. Applied genomics for identification of virulent biothreats and for disease outbreak surveillance. Postgrad Med J 2023; 99:403-410. [PMID: 37294718 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2021-139916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Fortifying our preparedness to cope with biological threats by identifying and targeting virulence factors may be a preventative strategy for curtailing infectious disease outbreak. Virulence factors evoke successful pathogenic invasion, and the science and technology of genomics offers a way of identifying them, their agents and evolutionary ancestor. Genomics offers the possibility of deciphering if the release of a pathogen was intentional or natural by observing sequence and annotated data of the causative agent, and evidence of genetic engineering such as cloned vectors at restriction sites. However, to leverage and maximise the application of genomics to strengthen global interception system for real-time biothreat diagnostics, a complete genomic library of pathogenic and non-pathogenic agents will create a robust reference assembly that can be used to screen, characterise, track and trace new and existing strains. Encouraging ethical research sequencing pathogens found in animals and the environment, as well as creating a global space for collaboration will lead to effective global regulation and biosurveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin C Nwadiugwu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Nelson Monteiro
- The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Gil CV, Rebocho AT, Esmail A, Sevrin C, Grandfils C, Torres CAV, Reis MAM, Freitas F. Characterization of the Thermostable Biosurfactant Produced by Burkholderia thailandensis DSM 13276. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14102088. [PMID: 35631971 PMCID: PMC9143496 DOI: 10.3390/polym14102088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Biosurfactants synthesized by microorganisms represent safe and sustainable alternatives to the use of synthetic surfactants, due to their lower toxicity, better biodegradability and biocompatibility, and their production from low-cost feedstocks. In line with this, the present study describes the physical, chemical, and functional characterization of the biopolymer secreted by the bacterium Burkholderia thailandensis DSM 13276, envisaging its validation as a biosurfactant. The biopolymer was found to be a glycolipopeptide with carbohydrate and protein contents of 33.1 ± 6.4% and 23.0 ± 3.2%, respectively. Galactose, glucose, rhamnose, mannose, and glucuronic acid were detected in the carbohydrate moiety at a relative molar ratio of 4:3:2:2:1. It is a high-molecular-weight biopolymer (1.0 × 107 Da) with low polydispersity (1.66), and forms aqueous solutions with shear-thinning behavior, which remained after autoclaving. The biopolymer has demonstrated a good emulsion-stabilizing capacity towards different hydrophobic compounds, namely, benzene, almond oil, and sunflower oil. The emulsions prepared with the biosurfactant, as well as with its autoclaved solution, displayed high emulsification activity (>90% and ~50%, respectively). Moreover, the almond and sunflower oil emulsions stabilized with the biosurfactant were stable for up to 4 weeks, which further supports the potential of this novel biopolymer for utilization as a natural bioemulsifier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia V. Gil
- Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 1099-085 Caparica, Portugal; (C.V.G.); (A.T.R.); (A.E.); (M.A.M.R.); (F.F.)
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829–516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Ana Teresa Rebocho
- Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 1099-085 Caparica, Portugal; (C.V.G.); (A.T.R.); (A.E.); (M.A.M.R.); (F.F.)
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829–516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Asiyah Esmail
- Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 1099-085 Caparica, Portugal; (C.V.G.); (A.T.R.); (A.E.); (M.A.M.R.); (F.F.)
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829–516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Chantal Sevrin
- Interfaculty Research Centre of Biomaterials (CEIB), University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (C.S.); (C.G.)
| | - Christian Grandfils
- Interfaculty Research Centre of Biomaterials (CEIB), University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (C.S.); (C.G.)
| | - Cristiana A. V. Torres
- Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 1099-085 Caparica, Portugal; (C.V.G.); (A.T.R.); (A.E.); (M.A.M.R.); (F.F.)
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829–516 Caparica, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-212948300
| | - Maria A. M. Reis
- Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 1099-085 Caparica, Portugal; (C.V.G.); (A.T.R.); (A.E.); (M.A.M.R.); (F.F.)
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829–516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Filomena Freitas
- Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 1099-085 Caparica, Portugal; (C.V.G.); (A.T.R.); (A.E.); (M.A.M.R.); (F.F.)
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829–516 Caparica, Portugal
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Behera B, Radhakrishnan A, Mohapatra S, Mishra B. Melioidosis in Children, Brazil, 1989–2019. Emerg Infect Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.3201/2805.211473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Behera B, Radhakrishnan A, Mohapatra S, Mishra B. Melioidosis in Children, Brazil, 1989-2019. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1081-1082. [PMID: 35450564 PMCID: PMC9045445 DOI: 10.3201/eid2805.211473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
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Abstract
Melioidosis is a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by the Gram-negative bacillus, Burkholderia pseudomallei following contact with a contaminated environmental source, normally soil or water in tropical and subtropical locations. The disease spectrum varies from rapidly progressive bacteraemic infection with or without pneumonia, to focal lesions in deep soft tissues and internal organs to superficial soft tissue infection and asymptomatic seroconversion with possible long-term dormancy. Most infections occur with a background of chronic illness such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease and alcoholic liver disease. Improvements in diagnosis, targeted antimicrobial treatment and long term follow up have improved clinical outcomes. Environmental controls following rare point source case clusters and heightened awareness of melioidosis appear to have reduced the disease burden in some parts of northern Australia. However, the impact of climate change on dispersal of environmental B. pseudomallei, and changing land use in tropical Australia is expected to change the epidemiology of melioidosis in future.
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Abstract
The causative agent of melioidosis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, a tier 1 select agent, is endemic in Southeast Asia and northern Australia, with increased incidence associated with high levels of rainfall. Increasing reports of this condition have occurred worldwide, with estimates of up to 165,000 cases and 89,000 deaths per year. The ecological niche of the organism has yet to be clearly defined, although the organism is associated with soil and water. The culture of appropriate clinical material remains the mainstay of laboratory diagnosis. Identification is best done by phenotypic methods, although mass spectrometric methods have been described. Serology has a limited diagnostic role. Direct molecular and antigen detection methods have limited availability and sensitivity. Clinical presentations of melioidosis range from acute bacteremic pneumonia to disseminated visceral abscesses and localized infections. Transmission is by direct inoculation, inhalation, or ingestion. Risk factors for melioidosis include male sex, diabetes mellitus, alcohol abuse, and immunosuppression. The organism is well adapted to intracellular survival, with numerous virulence mechanisms. Immunity likely requires innate and adaptive responses. The principles of management of this condition are drainage and debridement of infected material and appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Global mortality rates vary between 9% and 70%. Research into vaccine development is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Gassiep
- Pathology Queensland, Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - M Armstrong
- Pathology Queensland, Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - R Norton
- Pathology Queensland, Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Rachlin A, Shilton C, Webb JR, Mayo M, Kaestli M, Kleinecke M, Rigas V, Benedict S, Gurry I, Currie BJ. Melioidosis fatalities in captive slender-tailed meerkats (Suricata suricatta): combining epidemiology, pathology and whole-genome sequencing supports variable mechanisms of transmission with one health implications. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:458. [PMID: 31856823 PMCID: PMC6921467 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2198-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Melioidosis is a tropical infectious disease which is being increasingly recognised throughout the globe. Infection occurs in humans and animals, typically through direct exposure to soil or water containing the environmental bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. Case clusters of melioidosis have been described in humans following severe weather events and in exotic animals imported into melioidosis endemic zones. Direct transmission of B. pseudomallei between animals and/or humans has been documented but is considered extremely rare. Between March 2015 and October 2016 eight fatal cases of melioidosis were reported in slender-tailed meerkats (Suricata suricatta) on display at a Wildlife Park in Northern Australia. To further investigate the melioidosis case cluster we sampled the meerkat enclosure and adjacent park areas and performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on all culture-positive B. pseudomallei environmental and clinical isolates. Results WGS confirmed that the fatalities were caused by two different B. pseudomallei sequence types (STs) but that seven of the meerkat isolates were highly similar on the whole-genome level. Used concurrently with detailed pathology data, our results demonstrate that the seven cases originated from a single original source, but routes of infection varied amongst meerkats belonging to the clonal outbreak cluster. Moreover, in some instances direct transmission may have transpired through wounds inflicted while fighting. Conclusions Collectively, this study supports the use of high-resolution WGS to enhance epidemiological investigations into transmission modalities and pathogenesis of melioidosis, especially in the instance of a possible clonal outbreak scenario in exotic zoological collections. Such findings from an animal outbreak have important One Health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Rachlin
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Casuarina NT, 0811, Australia.
| | - Cathy Shilton
- Department of Primary Industry and Resources, Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory, Berrimah Farm, Makagon Road, Berrimah, Northern Territory, 0828, Australia
| | - Jessica R Webb
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Casuarina NT, 0811, Australia
| | - Mark Mayo
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Casuarina NT, 0811, Australia
| | - Mirjam Kaestli
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Casuarina NT, 0811, Australia.,Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, 0811, Australia
| | - Mariana Kleinecke
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Casuarina NT, 0811, Australia
| | - Vanessa Rigas
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Casuarina NT, 0811, Australia
| | - Suresh Benedict
- Department of Primary Industry and Resources, Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory, Berrimah Farm, Makagon Road, Berrimah, Northern Territory, 0828, Australia
| | - Ian Gurry
- Parap Veterinary Hospital, Parap, Darwin, Northern Territory, 0820, Australia
| | - Bart J Currie
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Casuarina NT, 0811, Australia.,Royal Darwin Hospital and Northern Territory Medical Program, Darwin, Northern Territory, 0811, Australia
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Amemiya K, Dankmeyer JL, Biryukov SS, Treviño SR, Klimko CP, Mou SM, Fetterer DP, Garnes PG, Cote CK, Worsham PL, DeShazer D. Deletion of Two Genes in Burkholderia pseudomallei MSHR668 That Target Essential Amino Acids Protect Acutely Infected BALB/c Mice and Promote Long Term Survival. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:E196. [PMID: 31779073 PMCID: PMC6963190 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7040196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Melioidosis is an emerging disease that is caused by the facultative intracellular pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is intrinsically resistant to many antibiotics and host risk factors play a major role in susceptibility to infection. Currently, there is no human or animal vaccine against melioidosis. In this study, multiple B. pseudomallei MSHR668 deletion mutants were evaluated as live attenuated vaccines in the sensitive BALB/c mouse model of melioidosis. The most efficacious vaccines after an intraperitoneal challenge with 50-fold over the 50% median lethal dose (MLD50) with B. pseudomallei K96243 were 668 ΔhisF and 668 ΔilvI. Both vaccines completely protected mice in the acute phase of infection and showed significant protection (50% survivors) during the chronic phase of infection. The spleens of the survivors that were examined were sterile. Splenocytes from mice vaccinated with 668 ΔhisF and 668 ΔilvI expressed higher amounts of IFN-γ after stimulation with B. pseudomallei antigens than splenocytes from mice vaccinated with less protective candidates. Finally, we demonstrate that 668 ΔhisF is nonlethal in immunocompromised NOD/SCID mice. Our results show that 668 ΔhisF and 668 ΔilvI provide protective cell-mediated immune responses in the acute phase of infection and promote long term survival in the sensitive BALB/c mouse model of melioidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Amemiya
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (K.A.); (J.L.D.); (S.S.B.); (S.R.T.); (C.P.K.); (S.M.M.); (C.K.C.); (P.L.W.)
| | - Jennifer L. Dankmeyer
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (K.A.); (J.L.D.); (S.S.B.); (S.R.T.); (C.P.K.); (S.M.M.); (C.K.C.); (P.L.W.)
| | - Sergei S. Biryukov
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (K.A.); (J.L.D.); (S.S.B.); (S.R.T.); (C.P.K.); (S.M.M.); (C.K.C.); (P.L.W.)
| | - Sylvia R. Treviño
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (K.A.); (J.L.D.); (S.S.B.); (S.R.T.); (C.P.K.); (S.M.M.); (C.K.C.); (P.L.W.)
| | - Christopher P. Klimko
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (K.A.); (J.L.D.); (S.S.B.); (S.R.T.); (C.P.K.); (S.M.M.); (C.K.C.); (P.L.W.)
| | - Sherry M. Mou
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (K.A.); (J.L.D.); (S.S.B.); (S.R.T.); (C.P.K.); (S.M.M.); (C.K.C.); (P.L.W.)
| | - David P. Fetterer
- Biostatistical Services, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (D.P.F.); (P.G.G.)
| | - Preston G. Garnes
- Biostatistical Services, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (D.P.F.); (P.G.G.)
| | - Christopher K. Cote
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (K.A.); (J.L.D.); (S.S.B.); (S.R.T.); (C.P.K.); (S.M.M.); (C.K.C.); (P.L.W.)
| | - Patricia L. Worsham
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (K.A.); (J.L.D.); (S.S.B.); (S.R.T.); (C.P.K.); (S.M.M.); (C.K.C.); (P.L.W.)
| | - David DeShazer
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (K.A.); (J.L.D.); (S.S.B.); (S.R.T.); (C.P.K.); (S.M.M.); (C.K.C.); (P.L.W.)
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12
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Kaestli M, O’Donnell M, Rose A, Webb JR, Mayo M, Currie BJ, Gibb K. Opportunistic pathogens and large microbial diversity detected in source-to-distribution drinking water of three remote communities in Northern Australia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007672. [PMID: 31487283 PMCID: PMC6728021 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the wet-dry tropics of Northern Australia, drinking water in remote communities is mostly sourced from bores accessing groundwater. Many aquifers contain naturally high levels of iron and some are shallow with surface water intrusion in the wet season. Therefore, environmental bacteria such as iron-cycling bacteria promoting biofilm formation in pipes or opportunistic pathogens can occur in these waters. An opportunistic pathogen endemic to northern Australia and Southeast Asia and emerging worldwide is Burkholderia pseudomallei. It causes the frequently fatal disease melioidosis in humans and animals. As we know very little about the microbial composition of drinking water in remote communities, this study aimed to provide a first snapshot of the microbiota and occurrence of opportunistic pathogens in bulk water and biofilms from the source and through the distribution system of three remote water supplies with varying iron levels. Using 16s-rRNA gene sequencing, we found that the geochemistry of the groundwater had a substantial impact on the untreated microbiota. Different iron-cycling bacteria reflected differences in redox status and nutrients. We cultured and sequenced B. pseudomallei from bores with elevated iron and from a multi-species biofilm which also contained iron-oxidizing Gallionella, nitrifying Nitrospira and amoebae. Gallionella are increasingly used in iron-removal filters in water supplies and more research is needed to examine these interactions. Similar to other opportunistic pathogens, B. pseudomallei occurred in water with low organic carbon levels and with low heterotrophic microbial growth. No B. pseudomallei were detected in treated water; however, abundant DNA of another opportunistic pathogen group, non-tuberculous mycobacteria was recovered from treated parts of one supply. Results from this study will inform future studies to ultimately improve management guidelines for water supplies in the wet-dry tropics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Kaestli
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Global and Tropical Health, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | | | - Alea Rose
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Jessica R. Webb
- Global and Tropical Health, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Mark Mayo
- Global and Tropical Health, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Bart J. Currie
- Global and Tropical Health, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Karen Gibb
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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13
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Rachlin A, Kleinecke M, Kaestli M, Mayo M, Webb JR, Rigas V, Shilton C, Benedict S, Dyrting K, Currie BJ. A cluster of melioidosis infections in hatchling saltwater crocodiles ( Crocodylus porosus) resolved using genome-wide comparison of a common north Australian strain of Burkholderia pseudomallei. Microb Genom 2019; 5. [PMID: 31433287 PMCID: PMC6755496 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei is a Gram-negative saprophytic bacillus and the aetiological agent of melioidosis, a disease of public-health importance throughout Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Infection can occur in humans and a wide array of animal species, though zoonotic transmission and case clusters are rare. Despite its highly plastic genome and extensive strain diversity, fine-scale investigations into the population structure of B. pseudomallei indicate there is limited geographical dispersal amongst sequence types (STs). In the ‘Top End’ of northern Australia, five STs comprise 90 % of the overall abundance, the most prevalent and widespread of which is ST-109. In May 2016, ST-109 was implicated in two fatal cases of melioidosis in juvenile saltwater crocodiles at a wildlife park near Darwin, Australia. To determine the probable source of infection, we sampled the crocodile enclosures and analysed the phylogenetic relatedness of crocodile and culture-positive ST-109 environmental park isolates against an additional 135 ST-109 B. pseudomallei isolates from the Top End. Collectively, our whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and pathology findings confirmed B. pseudomallei detected in the hatchling incubator as the likely source of infection, with zero SNPs identified between clinical and environmental isolates. Our results also demonstrate little variation across the ST-109 genome, with SNPs in recombinogenic regions and one suspected case of ST homoplasy accounting for nearly all observed diversity. Collectively, this study supports the use of WGS for outbreak source attribution in highly recombinogenic pathogens, and confirms the epidemiological and phylogenetic insights that can be gained from high-resolution sequencing platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Rachlin
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory 0811, Australia
- *Correspondence: Audrey Rachlin,
| | - Mariana Kleinecke
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory 0811, Australia
| | - Mirjam Kaestli
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory 0811, Australia
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory 0811, Australia
| | - Mark Mayo
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory 0811, Australia
| | - Jessica R. Webb
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory 0811, Australia
| | - Vanessa Rigas
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory 0811, Australia
| | - Cathy Shilton
- Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines, Berrimah Farm, Makagon Road, Berrimah, Northern Territory 0828, Australia
| | - Suresh Benedict
- Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines, Berrimah Farm, Makagon Road, Berrimah, Northern Territory 0828, Australia
| | - Kitman Dyrting
- Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines, Berrimah Farm, Makagon Road, Berrimah, Northern Territory 0828, Australia
| | - Bart J. Currie
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory 0811, Australia
- Royal Darwin Hospital and Northern Territory Medical Program, Darwin, Northern Territory 0811, Australia
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14
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Webb JR, Rachlin A, Rigas V, Sarovich DS, Price EP, Kaestli M, Ward LM, Mayo M, Currie BJ. Tracing the environmental footprint of the Burkholderia pseudomallei lipopolysaccharide genotypes in the tropical "Top End" of the Northern Territory, Australia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007369. [PMID: 31348781 PMCID: PMC6701815 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Tier 1 select agent Burkholderia pseudomallei is an environmental bacterium that causes melioidosis, a high mortality disease. Variably present genetic markers used to elucidate strain origin, relatedness and virulence in B. pseudomallei include the Burkholderia intracellular motility factor A (bimA) and filamentous hemagglutinin 3 (fhaB3) gene variants. Three lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O-antigen types in B. pseudomallei have been described, which vary in proportion between Australian and Asian isolates. However, it remains unknown if these LPS types can be used as genetic markers for geospatial analysis within a contiguous melioidosis-endemic region. Using a combination of whole-genome sequencing (WGS), statistical analysis and geographical mapping, we examined if the LPS types can be used as geographical markers in the Northern Territory, Australia. The clinical isolates revealed that LPS A prevalence was highest in the Darwin and surrounds (n = 660; 96% being LPS A and 4% LPS B) and LPS B in the Katherine and Katherine remote and East Arnhem regions (n = 79; 60% being LPS A and 40% LPS B). Bivariate logistics regression of 999 clinical B. pseudomallei isolates revealed that the odds of getting a clinical isolate with LPS B was highest in East Arnhem in comparison to Darwin and surrounds (OR 19.5, 95% CI 9.1-42.0; p<0.001). This geospatial correlation was subsequently confirmed by geographically mapping the LPS type from 340 environmental Top End strains. We also found that in the Top End, the minority bimA genotype bimABm has a similar remote region geographical footprint to that of LPS B. In addition, correlation of LPS type with multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) was strong, and where multiple LPS types were identified within a single sequence type, WGS confirmed homoplasy of the MLST loci. The clinical, sero-diagnostic and vaccine implications of geographically-based B. pseudomallei LPS types, and their relationships to regional and global dispersal of melioidosis, require global collaborations with further analysis of larger clinically and geospatially-linked datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R. Webb
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Audrey Rachlin
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Vanessa Rigas
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Derek S. Sarovich
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- GeneCology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Erin P. Price
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- GeneCology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mirjam Kaestli
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Linda M. Ward
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Mark Mayo
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Bart J. Currie
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Northern Territory Medical Program, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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