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Zhang X, Tang M, Zhou Q, Lu J, Zhang H, Tang X, Ma L, Zhang J, Chen D, Gao Y. A broad host phage, CP6, for combating multidrug-resistant Campylobacter prevalent in poultry meat. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103548. [PMID: 38442560 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103548] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter is a major cause of bacterial foodborne diarrhea worldwide. Consumption of raw or undercooked chicken meat contaminated with Campylobacter is the most common causative agent of human infections. Given the high prevalence of contamination in poultry meat and the recent rise of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Campylobacter strains, an effective intervention method of reducing bird colonization is needed. In this study, the Campylobacter-specific lytic phage CP6 was isolated from chicken feces. Phage CP6 exhibited a broad host range against different MDR Campylobacter isolates (97.4% of strains were infected). Some biological characteristics were observed, such as a good pH (3-9) stability and moderate temperature tolerance (<50 ℃). The complete genome sequence revealed a linear double-stranded DNA (178,350 bp, group II Campylobacter phage) with 27.51% GC content, including 209 predicted open reading frames, among which only 54 were annotated with known functions. Phylogenetic analysis of the phage major capsid protein demonstrated that phage CP6 was closely related to Campylobacter phage CPt10, CP21, CP20, IBB35, and CP220. CP6 phage exerted good antimicrobial effects on MDR Campylobacter in vitro culture and reduced CFUs of the host cells by up to 1-log compared with the control in artificially contaminated chicken breast meat. Our findings suggested the potential of CP6 phage as a promising antimicrobial agent for combating MDR Campylobacter in food processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhang
- Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Sciences, Supervision, Inspection & Testing Centre for Poultry Quality (Yangzhou), Ministry of Agriculture, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225125, China
| | - Mengjun Tang
- Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Sciences, Supervision, Inspection & Testing Centre for Poultry Quality (Yangzhou), Ministry of Agriculture, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225125, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Sciences, Supervision, Inspection & Testing Centre for Poultry Quality (Yangzhou), Ministry of Agriculture, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225125, China
| | - Junxian Lu
- Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Sciences, Supervision, Inspection & Testing Centre for Poultry Quality (Yangzhou), Ministry of Agriculture, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225125, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Xiujun Tang
- Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Sciences, Supervision, Inspection & Testing Centre for Poultry Quality (Yangzhou), Ministry of Agriculture, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225125, China
| | - Lina Ma
- Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Sciences, Supervision, Inspection & Testing Centre for Poultry Quality (Yangzhou), Ministry of Agriculture, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225125, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Sciences, Supervision, Inspection & Testing Centre for Poultry Quality (Yangzhou), Ministry of Agriculture, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225125, China
| | - Dawei Chen
- Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Sciences, Supervision, Inspection & Testing Centre for Poultry Quality (Yangzhou), Ministry of Agriculture, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225125, China
| | - Yushi Gao
- Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Sciences, Supervision, Inspection & Testing Centre for Poultry Quality (Yangzhou), Ministry of Agriculture, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225125, China.
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Bogun K, Peh E, Meyer-Kühling B, Hartmann J, Hirnet J, Plötz M, Kittler S. Investigating bacteriophages as a novel multiple-hurdle measure against Campylobacter: field trials in commercial broiler plants. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3182. [PMID: 38326411 PMCID: PMC10850366 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53365-w] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter mitigation along the food production chain is considered effective for minimizing the public health burden of human campylobacteriosis. This study is the first combining different measures in a multiple-hurdle approach, using drinking water additives and feed additives in single and combined application schemes in commercial broiler plants. Broiler chickens in the study groups were naturally contaminated with Campylobacter. Application of an organic acid blend via drinking water, consisting of sodium propionate, potassium sorbate, and sodium diacetate, resulted in significant reductions of up to 4.9 log10 CFU/mL in fecal samples and in cecal samples at slaughter. The application of a phage mixture, consisting of Fletchervirus phage NCTC 12673 and Firehammervirus phage vB_CcM-LmqsCPL1/1, resulted in reductions of up to 1.1 log10 CFU/mL in fecal samples 1 day after dosing. The sole administration of curcumin via feed resulted in small and inconsistent reductions. In the group receiving a combination of all tested measures, reductions of up to 1.1 log10 CFU/mL were observed. Based on the results of our field trials, it was shown that both the sole application and the combined application of mitigation measures in primary production can reduce the Campylobacter load in broiler chickens, while no synergism could be observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Bogun
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elisa Peh
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | - Juliane Hirnet
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Madeleine Plötz
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sophie Kittler
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany.
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3
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Natural Killers: Opportunities and Challenges for the Use of Bacteriophages in Microbial Food Safety from the One Health Perspective. Foods 2023; 12:foods12030552. [PMID: 36766081 PMCID: PMC9914193 DOI: 10.3390/foods12030552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ingestion of food or water contaminated with pathogenic bacteria may cause serious diseases. The One Health approach may help to ensure food safety by anticipating, preventing, detecting, and controlling diseases that spread between animals, humans, and the environment. This concept pays special attention to the increasing spread and dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which are considered one of the most important environment-related human and animal health hazards. In this context, the development of innovative, versatile, and effective alternatives to control bacterial infections in order to assure comprehensive food microbial safety is becoming an urgent issue. Bacteriophages (phages), viruses of bacteria, have gained significance in the last years due to the request for new effective antimicrobials for the treatment of bacterial diseases, along with many other applications, including biotechnology and food safety. This manuscript reviews the application of phages in order to prevent food- and water-borne diseases from a One Health perspective. Regarding the necessary decrease in the use of antibiotics, results taken from the literature indicate that phages are also promising tools to help to address this issue. To assist future phage-based real applications, the pending issues and main challenges to be addressed shortly by future studies are also taken into account.
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4
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Ávila M, Sánchez C, Calzada J, Mayer MJ, Berruga MI, López-Díaz TM, Narbad A, Garde S. Isolation and characterization of new bacteriophages active against Clostridium tyrobutyricum and their role in preventing the late blowing defect of cheese. Food Res Int 2023; 163:112222. [PMID: 36596151 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.112222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Lytic bacteriophages (phages) offer a great potential as biocontrol agents for spoilage Clostridium tyrobutyricum, responsible for butyric acid fermentation in semi-hard and hard ripened cheeses, resulting in late gas blowing defect. With this aim, we have isolated, identified and characterized new lytic phages of C. tyrobutyricum, and have evaluated their efficacy to control cheese late blowing by adding them to manufacture milk. Silage, soil, milk and cheese from dairy farms were screened for anti-clostridial phages, obtaining 96 isolates active against C. tyrobutyricum. According to host range, source and plaque morphology, we obtained 20 phage profiles, 8 of them (represented by phages FA3, FA21, FA29, FA52, FA58, FA67, FA70 and FA88) showing a wider host range and high quality lysis, which were further characterized. Selected isolates showed a non-contractile tail, belonging to the Siphoviridae family, and were grouped into 3 restriction profiles. Viable phages were detected after storage in sodium-magnesium buffer (SM buffer), skim milk and acidified skim milk (pH 5) for 7 d at 4 °C, 12 °C and 37 °C, although a decline in infectivity was observed in some cases. Good phage survival was also detected during semi-hard cheese manufacture and ripening (60 d), and cheese lactococci counts, pH, dry matter values, and volatile compounds were not affected by phage addition. In semi-hard cheese, phage FA67 impaired the early germination of C. tyrobutyricum spores and caused a significant decrease in clostridial vegetative cells counts at 14 d of ripening, delaying by 2 weeks the consumption of lactic acid, formation of butyric acid and appearance of late blowing symptoms, compared to the spoilt control cheese without the phage. This is the first report on the application of phage to control C. tyrobutyricum in cheese.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Ávila
- Departamento de Tecnología de Alimentos, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Carretera de La Coruña km 7, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Carmen Sánchez
- Departamento de Tecnología de Alimentos, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Carretera de La Coruña km 7, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Javier Calzada
- Departamento de Tecnología de Alimentos, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Carretera de La Coruña km 7, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Melinda J Mayer
- Gut Microbes and Health Institute Strategic Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Colney, Norwich NR4 7UA, UK.
| | - M Isabel Berruga
- Food Quality Research Group, Institute for Regional Development (IDR), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain.
| | - Teresa M López-Díaz
- Department of Food Hygiene and Food Technology, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain.
| | - Arjan Narbad
- Gut Microbes and Health Institute Strategic Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Colney, Norwich NR4 7UA, UK.
| | - Sonia Garde
- Departamento de Tecnología de Alimentos, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Carretera de La Coruña km 7, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Campylobacter jejuni Developed the Resistance to Bacteriophage CP39 by Phase Variable Expression of 06875 Encoding the CGPTase. Viruses 2022; 14:v14030485. [PMID: 35336892 PMCID: PMC8949473 DOI: 10.3390/v14030485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage (phage) is regarded as an antimicrobial alternative for Campylobacter in food production. However, the development of phage resistance to the host is a main concern for the phage application. This study characterized the phage CP39 and investigated the phage resistance of CP39 in Campylobacter jejuni NCTC12662. We determined that phage CP39 belonged to the Myoviridae family by the WGS and phylogenetic analysis. Phage CP39 was confirmed as a capsular polysaccharide (CPS)-dependent phage by primary C. jejuni phage typing. It was further confirmed that the phage could not be adsorbed by the acapsular mutant ΔkpsM but showed the same lytic ability in both the wild-type strain NCTC 12662 and the ΔmotA mutant lacking motile flagella filaments. We further determined that the 06875 gene encoding CDP-glycerol:poly (glycerophosphate) glycerophosphotransferase (CGPTase) in the CPS loci was related to phage CP39 adsorption by SNP analysis and observed a rapid development of phage resistance in NCTC 12662 during the phage infection. Furthermore, we observed a high mutation frequency of 06875 (32%), which randomly occurred in nine different sites in the gene according to colony PCR sequencing. The mutation of the 06875 gene could cause the phase variable expression of non-functional protein and allow the bacteria against the phage infection by modifying the CPS. Our study confirmed the 06875 gene responsible for the CPS-phage adsorption for the first time and demonstrated the phase variable expression as a main mechanism for the bacteria to defend phage CP39. Our study provided knowledge for the evolutionary adaption of bacteria against the bacteriophage, which could add more information to understand the phage resistance mechanism before applying in the industry.
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Campylobacter Bacteriophage Cocktail Design Based on an Advanced Selection Scheme. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11020228. [PMID: 35203830 PMCID: PMC8868561 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11020228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Campylobacteriosis is a worldwide-occurring disease and has been the most commonly reported zoonotic gastrointestinal infection in the European Union in recent years. The development of successful phage-based intervention strategies will require a better understanding of phage–bacteria interactions to facilitate advances in phage cocktail design. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of newly isolated group II and group III phages and their combinations on current Campylobacter field strains. A continuous workflow for host range and efficiency of plating (EOP) value determination was combined with a qPCR-based phage group identification and a liquid-based planktonic killing assay (PKA). An advanced analysis scheme allowed us to evaluate phage cocktails by their efficacy in inhibiting bacterial population growth and the resulting phage concentrations. The results of this study indicate that data obtained from PKAs are more accurate than host range data based on plaque formation (EOP). Planktonic killing assays with Campylobacter appear to be a useful tool for a straightforward cocktail design. Results show that a group II phage vB_CcM-LmqsCP218-2c2 and group III phage vB_CjM-LmqsCP1-1 mixture would be most promising for practical applications against Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni.
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7
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Olson EG, Micciche AC, Rothrock MJ, Yang Y, Ricke SC. Application of Bacteriophages to Limit Campylobacter in Poultry Production. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:458721. [PMID: 35069459 PMCID: PMC8766974 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.458721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter is a major foodborne pathogen with over a million United States cases a year and is typically acquired through the consumption of poultry products. The common occurrence of Campylobacter as a member of the poultry gastrointestinal tract microbial community remains a challenge for optimizing intervention strategies. Simultaneously, increasing demand for antibiotic-free products has led to the development of several alternative control measures both at the farm and in processing operations. Bacteriophages administered to reduce foodborne pathogens are one of the alternatives that have received renewed interest. Campylobacter phages have been isolated from both conventionally and organically raised poultry. Isolated and cultivated Campylobacter bacteriophages have been used as an intervention in live birds to target colonized Campylobacter in the gastrointestinal tract. Application of Campylobacter phages to poultry carcasses has also been explored as a strategy to reduce Campylobacter levels during poultry processing. This review will focus on the biology and ecology of Campylobacter bacteriophages in poultry production followed by discussion on current and potential applications as an intervention strategy to reduce Campylobacter occurrence in poultry production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena G Olson
- Meat Science and Animal Biologics Discovery Program, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Andrew C Micciche
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Michael J Rothrock
- Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Yichao Yang
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Steven C Ricke
- Meat Science and Animal Biologics Discovery Program, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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8
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Steffan SM, Shakeri G, Hammerl JA, Kehrenberg C, Peh E, Rohde M, Jackel C, Plotz M, Kittler S. Isolation and Characterization of Group III Campylobacter jejuni-Specific Bacteriophages From Germany and Their Suitability for Use in Food Production. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:761223. [PMID: 34956123 PMCID: PMC8696038 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.761223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter spp. are a major cause of bacterial foodborne diarrhea worldwide. While thermophilic Campylobacter species asymptomatically colonize the intestines of chickens, most human infections in industrial countries have been attributed to consumption of chicken meat or cross-contaminated products. Bacteriophages (phages) are natural predators of bacteria and their use at different stages of the food production chain has been shown to reduce the public health burden of human campylobacteriosis. However, regarding regulatory issues, the use of lytic phages in food is still under discussion and evaluation. This study aims to identify lytic phages suitable for reducing Campylobacter bacteria along the food production chain. Therefore, four of 19 recently recovered phages were further characterized in detail for their lytic efficacy against different Campylobacter field strains and their suitability under food production settings at different temperatures and pH values. Based on the results of this study, the phages vB_CjM-LmqsCP1-4 and vB_CjM-LmqsCP1-5 appear to be promising candidates for the reduction of Campylobacter jejuni in food production settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severin Michael Steffan
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, Foundation University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Golshan Shakeri
- Department of Food Hygiene and Aquaculture, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Jens Andre Hammerl
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Corinna Kehrenberg
- Institute for Veterinary Food Science, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Elisa Peh
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, Foundation University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Manfred Rohde
- Central Facility for Microscopy, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Claudia Jackel
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Madeleine Plotz
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, Foundation University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Sophie Kittler
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, Foundation University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
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Ramos-Vivas J, Elexpuru-Zabaleta M, Samano ML, Barrera AP, Forbes-Hernández TY, Giampieri F, Battino M. Phages and Enzybiotics in Food Biopreservation. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26175138. [PMID: 34500572 PMCID: PMC8433972 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Presently, biopreservation through protective bacterial cultures and their antimicrobial products or using antibacterial compounds derived from plants are proposed as feasible strategies to maintain the long shelf-life of products. Another emerging category of food biopreservatives are bacteriophages or their antibacterial enzymes called "phage lysins" or "enzybiotics", which can be used directly as antibacterial agents due to their ability to act on the membranes of bacteria and destroy them. Bacteriophages are an alternative to antimicrobials in the fight against bacteria, mainly because they have a practically unique host range that gives them great specificity. In addition to their potential ability to specifically control strains of pathogenic bacteria, their use does not generate a negative environmental impact as in the case of antibiotics. Both phages and their enzymes can favor a reduction in antibiotic use, which is desirable given the alarming increase in resistance to antibiotics used not only in human medicine but also in veterinary medicine, agriculture, and in general all processes of manufacturing, preservation, and distribution of food. We present here an overview of the scientific background of phages and enzybiotics in the food industry, as well as food applications of these biopreservatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Ramos-Vivas
- Research Group on Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain; (J.R.-V.); (M.E.-Z.); (M.L.S.)
- Department of Project Management, Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Campeche 24560, Mexico;
| | - María Elexpuru-Zabaleta
- Research Group on Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain; (J.R.-V.); (M.E.-Z.); (M.L.S.)
| | - María Luisa Samano
- Research Group on Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain; (J.R.-V.); (M.E.-Z.); (M.L.S.)
- Department of Project Management, Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Campeche 24560, Mexico;
| | - Alina Pascual Barrera
- Department of Project Management, Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Campeche 24560, Mexico;
| | | | - Francesca Giampieri
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (M.B.); Tel.: +339-071-220-4136 (F.G.); +339-071-220-4646 (M.B.)
| | - Maurizio Battino
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (M.B.); Tel.: +339-071-220-4136 (F.G.); +339-071-220-4646 (M.B.)
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10
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Kittler S, Steffan S, Peh E, Plötz M. Phage Biocontrol of Campylobacter: A One Health Approach. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2021; 431:127-168. [PMID: 33620651 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-65481-8_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human infections by Campylobacter species are among the most reported bacterial gastrointestinal diseases in the European Union and worldwide with severe outcomes in rare cases. Considering the transmission routes and farm animal reservoirs of these zoonotic pathogens, a comprehensive One Health approach will be necessary to reduce human infection rates. Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically infect certain bacterial genera, species, strains or isolates. Multiple studies have demonstrated the general capacity of phage treatments to reduce Campylobacter loads in the chicken intestine. However, phage treatments are not yet approved for extensive use in the agro-food industry in Europe. Technical inconvenience is mainly related to the efficacy of phages, depending on the optimal choice of phages and their combination, as well as application route, concentration and timing. Additionally, regulatory uncertainties have been a major concern for investment in commercial phage-based products. This review addresses the question as to how phages can be put into practice and can help to solve the issue of human campylobacteriosis in a sustainable One Health approach. By compiling the reported findings from the literature in a standardized manner, we enabled inter-experimental comparisons to increase our understanding of phage infection in Campylobacter spp. and practical on-farm studies. Further, we address some of the hurdles that still must be overcome before this new methodology can be adapted on an industrial scale. We envisage that phage treatment can become an integrated and standardized part of a multi-hurdle anti-bacterial strategy in food production. The last part of this chapter deals with some of the issues raised by legal authorities, bringing together current knowledge on Campylobacter-specific phages and the biosafety requirements for approval of phage treatment in the food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Kittler
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Severin Steffan
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elisa Peh
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Madeleine Plötz
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173, Hannover, Germany
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11
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Isolation, host specificity and genetic characterization of Campylobacter specific bacteriophages from poultry and swine sources. Food Microbiol 2021; 97:103742. [PMID: 33653521 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2021.103742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The isolation and characterization of 304 Campylobacter specific bacteriophage isolates from broiler and swine sources is reported in this study. Genome size characterization determined by PFGE classified these isolates,called CAM1-CAM304, within the campylophages group II (n = 18) and group III (n = 286). Host range analyses showed a high host specificity and similar lytic spectrum among isolates of the same group. Campylophages of group II infected C. jejuni, C. coli and even a C. fetus strain whereas those of group III only infected C. jejuni strains. The most promising 59 campylophage candidates were selected according to their lytic activity and their genetic diversity was analyzed by RFLP using SmiI and HhaI endonucleases for group II and III campylophages, respectively. Moreover, RAPD-PCR technique was for the first time assessed in the genetic characterization of campylophages and it was shown to be effective only for those of group II. Bacteriophage isolates grouped in a same genotype displayed different host ranges, therefore, 13 campylophages of group II and eight of group III were differentiated considering all the approaches assayed. An in-depth analysis of these bacteriophages will be performed to confirm their promising potential for the biocontrol of Campylobacter within the farm to fork process.
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Abstract
Thermophilic Campylobacter, in particular Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli and C. lari are the main relevant Campylobacter species for human infections. Due to their high capacity of genetic exchange by horizontal gene transfer (HGT), rapid adaptation to changing environmental and host conditions contribute to successful spreading and persistence of these foodborne pathogens. However, extensive HGT can exert dangerous side effects for the bacterium, such as the incorporation of gene fragments leading to disturbed gene functions. Here we discuss mechanisms of HGT, notably natural transformation, conjugation and bacteriophage transduction and limiting regulatory strategies of gene transfer. In particular, we summarize the current knowledge on how the DNA macromolecule is exchanged between single cells. Mechanisms to stimulate and to limit HGT obviously coevolved and maintained an optimal balance. Chromosomal rearrangements and incorporation of harmful mutations are risk factors for survival and can result in drastic loss of fitness. In Campylobacter, the restricted recognition and preferential uptake of free DNA from relatives are mediated by a short methylated DNA pattern and not by a classical DNA uptake sequence as found in other bacteria. A class two CRISPR-Cas system is present but also other DNases and restriction-modification systems appear to be important for Campylobacter genome integrity. Several lytic and integrated bacteriophages have been identified, which contribute to genome diversity. Furthermore, we focus on the impact of gene transfer on the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (resistome) and persistence factors. We discuss remaining open questions in the HGT field, supposed to be answered in the future by current technologies like whole-genome sequencing and single-cell approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Carolin Golz
- Department of Biological Safety, National Reference Laboratory for Campylobacter, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerstin Stingl
- Department of Biological Safety, National Reference Laboratory for Campylobacter, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277, Berlin, Germany.
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13
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Hooton S, D'Angelantonio D, Hu Y, Connerton PL, Aprea G, Connerton IF. Campylobacter bacteriophage DA10: an excised temperate bacteriophage targeted by CRISPR-cas. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:400. [PMID: 32532247 PMCID: PMC7291426 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-06808-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lytic bacteriophages that infect Campylobacter spp. have been utilized to develop therapeutic/decontamination techniques. However, the association of Campylobacter spp. and bacteriophages has been the focus of several strands of research aimed at understanding the complex relationships that have developed between predators and prey over evolutionary time. The activities of endogenous temperate bacteriophages have been used to evaluate genomic rearrangements and differential protein expression in host cells, and mechanisms of resistance to bacteriophage infection in campylobacters such as phase variation and CRISPR-mediated immunity. Results Temperate bacteriophage DA10 represents a novel excised and infective virus capable of replication in a restricted set of C. jejuni and C. coli hosts. Whole genome sequencing reveals that DA10 (35,379 bp) forms part of a novel group of temperate bacteriophages that have limited distribution among database host genome sequences. Analysis of potential host genomes reveals a robust response against DA10 and DA10-like bacteriophages is driven by CRISPR-mediated immunity with 75% of DA10 ORFs represented as ~ 30 bp spacer sequences in numerous Campylobacter Type II-C CRISPR arrays. Several DA10-like homologues have been identified in a small sub-set of C. jejuni and C. coli genome sequences (ranging from near complete integrated prophage sequences to fragments recognisable in the sequence read archive). Conclusions A complete intact DA10-like prophage in C. jejuni CJ677CC520 provides evidence that the associations between host and DA10-like bacteriophages are long-standing in evolutionary timescales. Extensive nucleotide substitution and loss can be observed in the integrated DA10-like prophage of CJ677CC520 compared to other relatives as observed through pairwise genome comparisons. Examining factors that have limited the population expansion of the prophage, while others appear to have thrived and prospered (Mu-like, CJIE-like, and lytic Campylobacter bacteriophages) will assist in identifying the underlying evolutionary processes in the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Hooton
- School of Biosciences, Division of Microbiology Brewing and Biotechnology, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Daniela D'Angelantonio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Yang Hu
- School of Biosciences, Division of Microbiology Brewing and Biotechnology, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Phillippa L Connerton
- School of Biosciences, Division of Microbiology Brewing and Biotechnology, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Giuseppe Aprea
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Ian F Connerton
- School of Biosciences, Division of Microbiology Brewing and Biotechnology, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK.
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14
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Efficient isolation of Campylobacter bacteriophages from chicken skin, analysis of several isolation protocols. Food Microbiol 2020; 90:103486. [PMID: 32336365 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2020.103486] [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: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The application of Campylobacter specific bacteriophages appears as a promising food safety tool for the biocontrol of this pathogen in the poultry meat production chain. However, their isolation is a complicated challenge since their occurrence appears to be low. This work assessed the efficiency of seven protocols for recovering Campylobacter phages from chicken skin samples inoculated at phage loads from 5.0 × 101 to 5.0 × 106 PFU/g. The enrichment of chicken skin in selective Bolton broth containing target isolates was the most efficient procedure, showing a low detection limit of 5.0 × 101 PFU/g and high recovery rates of up to 560%. This method's effectiveness increased as phage concentration decreased, showing its suitability for phage isolation. When this method was applied to isolate new Campylobacter phages from retail chicken skin, a total of 280 phages were recovered achieving an isolation success rate of 257%. From the 109 samples 68 resulted phage positive (62%). Chicken skin could be, therefore, considered a rich source in Campylobacter phages. This method is a simple, reproducible and efficient approach for the successful isolation of both group II and III Campylobacter specific bacteriophages, which could be helpful for the enhancement of food safety by reducing this pathogen contamination in broiler meat.
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15
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Ushanov L, Lasareishvili B, Janashia I, Zautner AE. Application of Campylobacter jejuni Phages: Challenges and Perspectives. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E279. [PMID: 32054081 PMCID: PMC7070343 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are the most abundant and diverse biological entities in the biosphere. Due to the rise of multi-drug resistant bacterial strains during the past decade, phages are currently experiencing a renewed interest. Bacteriophages and their derivatives are being actively researched for their potential in the medical and biotechnology fields. Phage applications targeting pathogenic food-borne bacteria are currently being utilized for decontamination and therapy of live farm animals and as a biocontrol measure at the post-harvest level. For this indication, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several phage products targeting Listeria sp., Salmonella sp. and Escherichia coli. Phage-based applications against Campylobacter jejuni could potentially be used in ways similar to those against Salmonella sp. and Listeria sp.; however, only very few Campylobacter phage products have been approved anywhere to date. The research on Campylobacter phages conducted thus far indicates that highly diverse subpopulations of C. jejuni as well as phage isolation and enrichment procedures influence the specificity and efficacy of Campylobacter phages. This review paper emphasizes conclusions from previous findings instrumental in facilitating isolation of Campylobacter phages and improving specificity and efficacy of the isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonid Ushanov
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Georgia, 0159 Tbilisi, Georgia; (L.U.); (B.L.)
| | - Besarion Lasareishvili
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Georgia, 0159 Tbilisi, Georgia; (L.U.); (B.L.)
| | - Irakli Janashia
- Institute of Entomology, Agricultural University of Georgia, 0159 Tbilisi, Georgia;
| | - Andreas E. Zautner
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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16
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Cordero-Bueso G, Moraga J, Ríos-Carrasco M, Ruiz-Muñoz M, Cantoral JM. Bacteriophages as an Up-and-Coming Alternative to the Use of Sulfur Dioxide in Winemaking. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:2931. [PMID: 32038510 PMCID: PMC6989489 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Certain acetic and lactic acid bacteria are major causes of quality defects in musts and wines, giving rise to defects such as a "vinegary," "sharp, like nail polish-remover" taste or preventing alcoholic and/or malolactic fermentation. Sulfur dioxide is the major tool currently used in the control of these bacteria in wine. The aim of this work was to isolate bacteriophages from musts and wine of different grape varieties that were able to eliminate lactic and acetic acid bacteria spoilages at the laboratory scale. Musts obtained from grape-berries of Vitis vinifera cv. Chardonnay and Moscatel and a red wine made with V. vinifera cv. Tintilla de Rota were used to isolate bacteriophages. Bacteriophages were obtained from each of the musts and the wine and belonged to the order Caudovirals and the family Tectivirals. They were isolated by classical virology methods and identified by electron microscopy. The host bacteria used in the study were lactic acid bacteria of the species Lactobacillus hilgardii, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Oenococcus oeni and the acetic bacteria Acetobacter aceti. A comparative study was performed by adding phage titrations and SO2 to musts and wines, which had been previously inoculated with bacteria, to study the effectiveness of bacteriophages against bacteria. The comparative study showed that some bacteriophages were as effective as sulfur dioxide at low concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Cordero-Bueso
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Javier Moraga
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - María Ríos-Carrasco
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Marina Ruiz-Muñoz
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Jesús Manuel Cantoral
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
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17
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Nowaczek A, Urban‐Chmiel R, Dec M, Puchalski A, Stępień‐Pyśniak D, Marek A, Pyzik E. Campylobacter spp. and bacteriophages from broiler chickens: Characterization of antibiotic susceptibility profiles and lytic bacteriophages. Microbiologyopen 2019; 8:e00784. [PMID: 30656847 PMCID: PMC6612548 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.784] [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] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria of the genus Campylobacter are the most common pathogens causing zoonotic diseases in humans. Therefore, the aim of the study was to isolate Campylobacter bacteria from broiler chickens and evaluate their susceptibility to selected antibiotics by determining minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), followed by isolation and characterization of bacteriophages specific for Campylobacter spp. The material for the study consisted of field isolates of Campylobacter spp. obtained from the gut (cecum) of broiler chickens directly after slaughter in slaughterhouses, and bacteriophages specific for these strains. We isolated 48 strains from poultry (140 broiler chickens): 31 strains of Campylobacter jejuni and 17 of Campylobacter coli. Identification of the strains was confirmed by multiplex PCR and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Over 83% of Campylobacter strains were resistant to ciprofloxacin, and over half the isolates were resistant to erythromycin, gentamicin, and tetracycline. Resistance to three or more antibiotics was observed in 91.6% of all strains. Four bacteriophages were obtained, and on the basis of their morphological structure, they were assigned to two families of the order Caudovirales: Myoviridae and Siphoviridae. A high percentage of the Campylobacter strains were resistant to at least three of the antibiotic groups tested. All of the phages exhibited lytic activity against the Campylobacter spp. isolates, but the antibacterial effect of the phages was not observed for all strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nowaczek
- Sub‐Department of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Biological Basis of Animal DiseasesUniversity of Life SciencesLublinPoland
| | - Renata Urban‐Chmiel
- Sub‐Department of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Biological Basis of Animal DiseasesUniversity of Life SciencesLublinPoland
| | - Marta Dec
- Sub‐Department of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Biological Basis of Animal DiseasesUniversity of Life SciencesLublinPoland
| | - Andrzej Puchalski
- Sub‐Department of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Biological Basis of Animal DiseasesUniversity of Life SciencesLublinPoland
| | - Dagmara Stępień‐Pyśniak
- Sub‐Department of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Biological Basis of Animal DiseasesUniversity of Life SciencesLublinPoland
| | - Agnieszka Marek
- Sub‐Department of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Biological Basis of Animal DiseasesUniversity of Life SciencesLublinPoland
| | - Ewelina Pyzik
- Sub‐Department of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Biological Basis of Animal DiseasesUniversity of Life SciencesLublinPoland
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18
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Akhwale JK, Rohde M, Rohde C, Bunk B, Spröer C, Boga HI, Klenk HP, Wittmann J. Isolation, characterization and analysis of bacteriophages from the haloalkaline lake Elmenteita, Kenya. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215734. [PMID: 31022240 PMCID: PMC6483233 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As a step towards better understanding of diversity and biology of phages and their hosts in haloalkaline Lake Elmenteita, phages were isolated from sediment samples and overlying water using indigenous bacteria as hosts. 17 seemingly different phages of diverse morphotypes with different dimensions and partly exhibiting remarkably unusual ultrastructures were revealed by transmission electron microscopy. 12 clonal phage isolates were further characterized. Infection capability of the phages was optimum at 30-35°C and in alkali condition with optimum at pH 10-12. Structural protein profiles and restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses patterns were distinct for each of the phage type. Complete nucleotide sequences of phages vB-VmeM-32, vB_EauS-123 and vB_BhaS-171 genomes varied in size from 30,926-199,912 bp and G + C content of between 36.25-47.73%. A range of 56-260 potential open reading frames were identified and annotated. The results showed that the 12 phages were distinct from each other and confirmed the presence and diversity of phages in extreme environment of haloalkaline Lake Elmenteita. The phages were deposited at the German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures and three of their genomes uploaded to NCBI GenBank.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliah Khayeli Akhwale
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
- Department of Zoology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
- * E-mail:
| | - Manfred Rohde
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Central Facility for Microscopy, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Christine Rohde
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Boyke Bunk
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Cathrin Spröer
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - Hans-Peter Klenk
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Johannes Wittmann
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
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19
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Richards PJ, Connerton PL, Connerton IF. Phage Biocontrol of Campylobacter jejuni in Chickens Does Not Produce Collateral Effects on the Gut Microbiota. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:476. [PMID: 30930877 PMCID: PMC6423408 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage biocontrol to reduce Campylobacter jejuni levels in chickens can reduce human exposure and disease acquired through the consumption of contaminated poultry products. Investigating changes in the chicken microbiota during phage treatment has not previously been undertaken but is crucial to understanding the system-wide effects of such treatments to establish a sustainable application. A phage cocktail containing two virulent Campylobacter phages was used to treat broiler chickens colonized with C. jejuni HPC5. Campylobacter counts from cecal contents were significantly reduced throughout the experimental period but were most effective 2 days post-treatment showing a reduction of 2.4 log10 CFU g-1 relative to mock-treated Campylobacter colonized controls. The administered phages replicated in vivo to establish stable populations. Bacteriophage predation of C. jejuni was not found to affect the microbiota structure but selectively reduced the relative abundance of C. jejuni without affecting other bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ian F. Connerton
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
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20
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Campylobacter Phage Isolation and Characterization: What We Have Learned So Far. Methods Protoc 2019; 2:mps2010018. [PMID: 31164600 PMCID: PMC6481058 DOI: 10.3390/mps2010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lytic Campylobacter phages, which can be used to combat this pathogen in animals and on food products, have been studied for more than 30 years. Though, due to some peculiarities of the phages, which hampered their isolation and particularly their molecular analysis for a long time, progress in this research field was rather slow. Meanwhile, the situation has changed and much more is known about the biology and genetics of those phages. In this article, we address specific issues that should be considered when Campylobacter phages are studied, starting with the isolation and propagation of the phages and ending with a thorough characterization including whole-genome sequencing. The basis for advice and recommendations given here is a careful review of the scientific literature and experiences that we have had ourselves with Campylobacter phages.
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21
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Liang L, Connerton IF. FlhF(T368A) modulates motility in the bacteriophage carrier state of Campylobacter jejuni. Mol Microbiol 2018; 110:616-633. [PMID: 30230632 PMCID: PMC6282759 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The carrier state is an alternative bacteriophage life cycle by which virulent bacteriophage can persist in association with host bacteria. Campylobacter jejuni carrier state strains exhibit growth phase dependent motility due to a truncated flagella phenotype. Genome sequencing identified a T368A substitution in the G3 domain of the SRP-like GTPase FlhF from C. jejuni PT14CP30A carrier state strains, which we hypothesized to be the cause of the complex motility phenotype. We have analyzed the role of this mutation in C. jejuni PT14 and demonstrated that flhF(T368A) leads to a large proportion of cells unable to synthesize flagella, while the remaining cells form a single flagellum at one pole leading to significantly reduced motility. The flhF(T368A) mutation causes a reduction in the phage adsorption constant, which leads to a decrease in infection efficiency. Down-regulation of σ28 and σ54 dependent flagellar genes were observed as responses to the flhF(T368A) mutation. FlhF(T368A) protein is impaired in GTPase activity and exhibits reduced stability. C. jejuni carrying flhF(T368A) are less sensitive to bacteriophage infection and formation of the carrier state. The acquisition of flhF(T368A) in carrier state strains acts to prevent super-infection and maintain association with the bacteriophage that provoked the interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liang
- Division of Food Sciences, School of BiosciencesUniversity of NottinghamSutton Bonington CampusLoughboroughLeicestershireLE12 5RDUK
| | - Ian F. Connerton
- Division of Food Sciences, School of BiosciencesUniversity of NottinghamSutton Bonington CampusLoughboroughLeicestershireLE12 5RDUK
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22
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O'Sullivan L, Lucid A, Neve H, Franz CMAP, Bolton D, McAuliffe O, Paul Ross R, Coffey A. Comparative genomics of Cp8viruses with special reference to Campylobacter phage vB_CjeM_los1, isolated from a slaughterhouse in Ireland. Arch Virol 2018; 163:2139-2154. [PMID: 29687158 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-018-3845-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Campylobacter phage vB_CjeM_Los1 was recently isolated from a slaughterhouse in the Republic of Ireland using the host Campylobacter jejuni subsp. jejuni PT14, and full-genome sequencing and annotation were performed. The genome was found to be 134,073 bp in length and to contain 169 predicted open reading frames. Transmission electron microscopy images of vB_CjeM_Los1 revealed that it belongs to the family Myoviridae, with tail fibres observed in both extended and folded conformations, as seen in T4. The genome size and morphology of vB_CjeM_Los1 suggest that it belongs to the genus Cp8virus, and seven other Campylobacter phages with similar size characteristics have also been fully sequenced. In this work, comparative studies were performed in relation to genomic rearrangements and conservation within each of the eight genomes. None of the eight genomes were found to have undergone internal rearrangements, and their sequences retained more than 98% identity with one another despite the widespread geographical distribution of each phage. Whole-genome phylogenetics were also performed, and clades were shown to be representative of the differing number of tRNAs present in each phage. This may be an indication of lineages within the genus, despite their striking homology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa O'Sullivan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland
- Teagasc, Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Co. Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alan Lucid
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland
| | - Horst Neve
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institut, Kiel, Germany
| | - Charles M A P Franz
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institut, Kiel, Germany
| | - Declan Bolton
- Teagasc, Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Co. Dublin, Ireland
| | - Olivia McAuliffe
- Teagasc, Moorepark Food Research Centre, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - R Paul Ross
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Aidan Coffey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland.
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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23
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Jäckel C, Hammerl JA, Rau J, Hertwig S. A multiplex real-time PCR for the detection and differentiation of Campylobacter phages. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0190240. [PMID: 29272305 PMCID: PMC5741259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli are important food-borne pathogens that are widespread in animal husbandry. To combat Campylobacter along the food chain, the application of lytic phages has been shown to be a promising tool. Campylobacter phages are currently classified into three groups, of which group II and group III phages are the most common. Members of each group are closely related, whereas the two groups share only little DNA similarity. Moreover, while group III phages are specific for C. jejuni, group II phages additionally infect C. coli. Phage cocktails intended to be used for applications should be composed of various phages that differ in their host range and growth kinetics. The isolation of phages is generally performed by plaque assays. This approach has the limitation that phages are merely identified by their lytic activity on certain indicator strains and that relatively high numbers of phages must be present in a tested sample. Therefore, a more sensitive molecular detection system would be beneficial, which allows a pre-screening of samples and the quick detection and discrimination of group II and group III phages. New phages can then be isolated by use of indicator strains that may be different from those typically applied. On the basis of available Campylobacter phage genome sequences, we developed a multiplex PCR system for group II and group III phages selecting the tail tube gene and the gene for the base plate wedge, respectively, as target. Phages of both groups could be identified with primers deduced from the putative tail fiber gene. Efficient release of phage DNA from capsids was achieved by an extended heat treatment or digestion of phage particles with proteinase K/SDS yielding a detection limit of 1 pfu/ml. Individual detection of group II phages, group III phages and of both groups was studied with artificially contaminated chicken skin. To recover phages that had strongly adhered to the skin, stomaching was the most efficient technique. The developed PCR protocol was employed to detect Campylobacter phages in food and environmental samples. In 50 out of 110 samples group II and/or group III phages were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Jäckel
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens A. Hammerl
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Rau
- Chemical and Veterinary Investigatory Office (CVUA) Stuttgart, Fellbach, Germany
| | - Stefan Hertwig
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
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24
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Efficacy of potential phage cocktails against Vibrio harveyi and closely related Vibrio species isolated from shrimp aquaculture environment in the south east coast of India. Vet Microbiol 2017; 207:83-96. [PMID: 28757045 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A diverse set of novel phages infecting the marine pathogenic Vibrio harveyi was isolated from shrimp aquaculture environments in the south east coast of India. Based on initial screening, three phages with a broad host range revealed that the growth inhibition of phage is relatively specific to V. harveyi. They were also able to infect V. alginolyticus and V. parahemolyticus that belonged to the Harveyi clade species from shrimp pond and sea coast environment samples. However, the impact of these phages on their host bacterium are well understood; a one-step growth curve experiment and transmission electron microscope (TEM) revealed three phages grouped under the Myoviridae (VHM1 and VHM2); Siphoviridae (VHS1) family. These phages were further molecular characterized with respect to phage genomic DNA isolates. The randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) digestion with HindIII, and major structural proteins were distinguished by sodium-dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) clearly indicated that all the phage isolates were different, even when they came from the same source, giving an insight into the diversity of phages. Evaluation of microcosm studies of Penaeus monodon larvae infected with V. harveyi (105 CFU mL-1) showed that larvae survival after 96 h in the presence of phage treatment at 109 PFU mL-1 was enhanced when compared with the control. The resolution in over survival highly recommended that this study provides the phage-based therapy which could be an innovative and eco-friendly solution against Vibrio disease in shrimp aquaculture and in the natural environment.
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25
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Zampara A, Sørensen MCH, Elsser-Gravesen A, Brøndsted L. Significance of phage-host interactions for biocontrol of Campylobacter jejuni in food. Food Control 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2016.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Firlieyanti AS, Connerton PL, Connerton IF. Campylobacters and their bacteriophages from chicken liver: The prospect for phage biocontrol. Int J Food Microbiol 2016; 237:121-127. [PMID: 27565524 PMCID: PMC5064024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2016.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Consumption of foods containing chicken liver has been associated with Campylobacter enteritis. Campylobacters can contaminate the surface of livers post-mortem but can also arise through systemic infection of colonising bacteria in live birds. The use of bacteriophage to reduce levels of Campylobacter entering the food chain is a promising intervention approach but most phages have been isolated from chicken excreta. This study examined the incidence and contamination levels of Campylobacter and their bacteriophage in UK retail chicken liver. Using enrichment procedures, 87% of 109 chicken livers were surface contaminated with Campylobacter and 83% contaminated within internal tissues. Direct plating on selective agar allowed enumeration of viable bacteria from 43% of liver samples with counts ranging from 1.8->3.8log10CFU/cm2 for surface samples, and 3.0->3.8log10CFU/g for internal tissue samples. Three C. jejuni isolates recovered from internal liver tissues were assessed for their ability to colonise the intestines and extra-intestinal organs of broiler chickens following oral infection. All isolates efficiently colonised the chicken intestines but were variable in their abilities to colonise extra-intestinal organs. One isolate, CLB104, could be recovered by enrichment from the livers and kidneys of three of seven chickens. Campylobacter isolates remained viable within fresh livers stored at 4°C over 72h and frozen livers stored at -20°C over 7days in atmospheric oxygen, and therefore constitute a risk to human health. Only three Campylobacter-specific bacteriophages were isolated, and these exhibited a limited host range against the Camplylobacter chicken liver isolates. All were identified as group III virulent bacteriophage based on their genome size of 140kb. The application of broad host range group II virulent phages (8log10PFU/g) to liver homogenates containing C. jejuni strains of diverse origin at 4°C resulted in modest but significant reductions in the viable counts ranging from 0.2 to 0.7log10CFU/g.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antung S Firlieyanti
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, United Kingdom; Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia
| | - Phillippa L Connerton
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Ian F Connerton
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, United Kingdom.
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Kalatzis PG, Bastías R, Kokkari C, Katharios P. Isolation and Characterization of Two Lytic Bacteriophages, φSt2 and φGrn1; Phage Therapy Application for Biological Control of Vibrio alginolyticus in Aquaculture Live Feeds. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151101. [PMID: 26950336 PMCID: PMC4780772 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections are a serious problem in aquaculture since they can result in massive mortalities in farmed fish and invertebrates. Vibriosis is one of the most common diseases in marine aquaculture hatcheries and its causative agents are bacteria of the genus Vibrio mostly entering larval rearing water through live feeds, such as Artemia and rotifers. The pathogenic Vibrio alginolyticus strain V1, isolated during a vibriosis outbreak in cultured seabream, Sparus aurata, was used as host to isolate and characterize the two novel bacteriophages φSt2 and φGrn1 for phage therapy application. In vitro cell lysis experiments were performed against the bacterial host V. alginolyticus strain V1 but also against 12 presumptive Vibrio strains originating from live prey Artemia salina cultures indicating the strong lytic efficacy of the 2 phages. In vivo administration of the phage cocktail, φSt2 and φGrn1, at MOI = 100 directly on live prey A. salina cultures, led to a 93% decrease of presumptive Vibrio population after 4 h of treatment. Current study suggests that administration of φSt2 and φGrn1 to live preys could selectively reduce Vibrio load in fish hatcheries. Innovative and environmental friendly solutions against bacterial diseases are more than necessary and phage therapy is one of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panos G. Kalatzis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Former American Base of Gournes, Heraklion 71003, Crete, Greece
- Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen, Helsingør, Denmark
| | - Roberto Bastías
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Former American Base of Gournes, Heraklion 71003, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Biology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Constantina Kokkari
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Former American Base of Gournes, Heraklion 71003, Crete, Greece
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Former American Base of Gournes, Heraklion 71003, Crete, Greece
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Anjum A, Brathwaite KJ, Aidley J, Connerton PL, Cummings NJ, Parkhill J, Connerton I, Bayliss CD. Phase variation of a Type IIG restriction-modification enzyme alters site-specific methylation patterns and gene expression in Campylobacter jejuni strain NCTC11168. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:4581-94. [PMID: 26786317 PMCID: PMC4889913 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Phase-variable restriction-modification systems are a feature of a diverse range of bacterial species. Stochastic, reversible switches in expression of the methyltransferase produces variation in methylation of specific sequences. Phase-variable methylation by both Type I and Type III methyltransferases is associated with altered gene expression and phenotypic variation. One phase-variable gene of Campylobacter jejuni encodes a homologue of an unusual Type IIG restriction-modification system in which the endonuclease and methyltransferase are encoded by a single gene. Using both inhibition of restriction and PacBio-derived methylome analyses of mutants and phase-variants, the cj0031c allele in C. jejuni strain NCTC11168 was demonstrated to specifically methylate adenine in 5'CCCGA and 5'CCTGA sequences. Alterations in the levels of specific transcripts were detected using RNA-Seq in phase-variants and mutants of cj0031c but these changes did not correlate with observed differences in phenotypic behaviour. Alterations in restriction of phage growth were also associated with phase variation (PV) of cj0031c and correlated with presence of sites in the genomes of these phages. We conclude that PV of a Type IIG restriction-modification system causes changes in site-specific methylation patterns and gene expression patterns that may indirectly change adaptive traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awais Anjum
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Kelly J Brathwaite
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Jack Aidley
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Phillippa L Connerton
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Nicola J Cummings
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Julian Parkhill
- The Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Ian Connerton
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
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Jäckel C, Hammerl JA, Reetz J, Kropinski AM, Hertwig S. Campylobacter group II phage CP21 is the prototype of a new subgroup revealing a distinct modular genome organization and host specificity. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:629. [PMID: 26296758 PMCID: PMC4546147 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1837-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The application of phages is a promising tool to reduce the number of Campylobacter along the food chain. Besides the efficacy against a broad range of strains, phages have to be safe in terms of their genomes. Thus far, no genes with pathogenic potential (e.g., genes encoding virulence factors) have been detected in Campylobacter phages. However, preliminary studies suggested that the genomes of group II phages may be diverse and prone to genomic rearrangements. RESULTS We determined and analysed the genomic sequence (182,761 bp) of group II phage CP21 that is closely related to the already characterized group II phages CP220 and CPt10. The genomes of these phages are comprised of four modules separated by very similar repeat regions, some of which harbouring open reading frames (ORFs). Though, the arrangement of the modules and the location of some ORFs on the genomes are different in CP21 and in CP220/CPt10. In this work, a PCR system was established to study the modular genome organization of other group II phages demonstrating that they belong to different subgroups of the CP220-like virus genus, the prototypes of which are CP21 and CP220. The subgroups revealed different restriction patterns and, interestingly enough, also distinct host specificities, tail fiber proteins and tRNA genes. We additionally analysed the genome of group II phage vB_CcoM-IBB_35 (IBB_35) for which to date only five individual contigs could be determined. We show that the contigs represent modules linked by long repeat regions enclosing some yet not identified ORFs (e.g., for a head completion protein). The data suggest that IBB_35 is a member of the CP220 subgroup. CONCLUSION Campylobacter group II phages are diverse regarding their genome organization. Since all hitherto characterized group II phages contain numerous genes for transposases and homing endonucleases as well as similar repeat regions, it cannot be excluded that these phages are genetically unstable. To answer this question, further experiments and sequencing of more group II phages should be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Jäckel
- ᅟ, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jens A Hammerl
- ᅟ, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jochen Reetz
- ᅟ, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Andrew M Kropinski
- Departments of Food Science & Molecular and Cellular Biology & Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Stefan Hertwig
- ᅟ, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety, Berlin, Germany.
- Abteilung Biologische Sicherheit, Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, Diagnostik und Erregercharakterisierung, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, D-12277, Berlin, Germany.
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Sørensen MCH, Gencay YE, Birk T, Baldvinsson SB, Jäckel C, Hammerl JA, Vegge CS, Neve H, Brøndsted L. Primary isolation strain determines both phage type and receptors recognised by Campylobacter jejuni bacteriophages. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116287. [PMID: 25585385 PMCID: PMC4293142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study we isolated novel bacteriophages, infecting the zoonotic bacterium Campylobacter jejuni. These phages may be used in phage therapy of C. jejuni colonized poultry to prevent spreading of the bacteria to meat products causing disease in humans. Many C. jejuni phages have been isolated using NCTC12662 as the indicator strain, which may have biased the selection of phages. A large group of C. jejuni phages rely on the highly diverse capsular polysaccharide (CPS) for infection and recent work identified the O-methyl phosphoramidate modification (MeOPN) of CPS as a phage receptor. We therefore chose seven C. jejuni strains each expressing different CPS structures as indicator strains in a large screening for phages in samples collected from free-range poultry farms. Forty-three phages were isolated using C. jejuni NCTC12658, NCTC12662 and RM1221 as host strains and 20 distinct phages were identified based on host range analysis and genome restriction profiles. Most phages were isolated using C. jejuni strains NCTC12662 and RM1221 and interestingly phage genome size (140 kb vs. 190 kb), host range and morphological appearance correlated with the isolation strain. Thus, according to C. jejuni phage grouping, NCTC12662 and NCTC12658 selected for CP81-type phages, while RM1221 selected for CP220-type phages. Furthermore, using acapsular ∆kpsM mutants we demonstrated that phages isolated on NCTC12658 and NCTC12662 were dependent on the capsule for infection. In contrast, CP220-type phages isolated on RM1221 were unable to infect non-motile ∆motA mutants, hence requiring motility for successful infection. Hence, the primary phage isolation strain determines both phage type (CP81 or CP220) as well as receptors (CPS or flagella) recognised by the isolated phages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yilmaz Emre Gencay
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Tina Birk
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Søborg, Denmark
| | - Signe Berg Baldvinsson
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Claudia Jäckel
- Department Biological Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens A. Hammerl
- Department Biological Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christina S. Vegge
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Horst Neve
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max-Rubner Institut, Federal Research Institute for Nutrition and Food, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lone Brøndsted
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- * E-mail:
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31
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Hammerl JA, Jäckel C, Alter T, Janzcyk P, Stingl K, Knüver MT, Hertwig S. Reduction of Campylobacter jejuni in broiler chicken by successive application of group II and group III phages. PLoS One 2014; 9:e114785. [PMID: 25490713 PMCID: PMC4260947 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacteriophage treatment is a promising tool to reduce Campylobacter in chickens. Several studies have been published where group II or group III phages were successfully applied. However, these two groups of phages are different regarding their host ranges and host cell receptors. Therefore, a concerted activity of group II and group III phages might enhance the efficacy of a treatment and decrease the number of resistant bacteria. RESULTS In this study we have compared the lytic properties of some group II and group III phages and analysed the suitability of various phages for a reduction of C. jejuni in broiler chickens. We show that group II and group III phages exhibit different kinetics of infection. Two group III and one group II phage were selected for animal experiments and administered in different combinations to three groups of chickens, each containing ten birds. While group III phage CP14 alone reduced Campylobacter counts by more than 1 log10 unit, the concomitant administration of a second group III phage (CP81) did not yield any reduction, probably due to the development of resistance induced by this phage. One group of chickens received phage CP14 and, 24 hours later, group II phage CP68. In this group of animals, Campylobacter counts were reduced by more than 3 log10 units. CONCLUSION The experiments illustrated that Campylobacter phage cocktails have to be carefully composed to achieve the best results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefan Hertwig
- Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
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32
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Campylobacter jejuni motility is required for infection of the flagellotropic bacteriophage F341. Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 80:7096-106. [PMID: 25261508 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02057-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have identified a specific modification of the capsular polysaccharide as receptor for phages that infect Campylobacter jejuni. Using acapsular kpsM mutants of C. jejuni strains NCTC11168 and NCTC12658, we found that bacteriophage F341 infects C. jejuni independently of the capsule. In contrast, phage F341 does not infect C. jejuni NCTC11168 mutants that either lack the flagellar filaments (ΔflaAB) or that have paralyzed, i.e., nonrotating, flagella (ΔmotA and ΔflgP). Complementing flgP confirmed that phage F341 requires rotating flagella for successful infection. Furthermore, adsorption assays demonstrated that phage F341 does not adsorb to these nonmotile C. jejuni NCTC11168 mutants. Taken together, we propose that phage F341 uses the flagellum as a receptor. Phage-host interactions were investigated using fluorescence confocal and transmission electron microscopy. These data demonstrate that F341 binds to the flagellum by perpendicular attachment with visible phage tail fibers interacting directly with the flagellum. Our data are consistent with the movement of the C. jejuni flagellum being required for F341 to travel along the filament to reach the basal body of the bacterium. The initial binding to the flagellum may cause a conformational change of the phage tail that enables DNA injection after binding to a secondary receptor.
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Janež N, Kokošin A, Zaletel E, Vranac T, Kovač J, Vučković D, Smole Možina S, Čurin Šerbec V, Zhang Q, Accetto T, Podgornik A, Peterka M. Identification and characterisation of newCampylobactergroup III phages of animal origin. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2014; 359:64-71. [DOI: 10.1111/1574-6968.12556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nika Janež
- Center of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control; Center for Biotechnology; Ajdovščina Slovenia
| | - Andreja Kokošin
- Center of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control; Center for Biotechnology; Ajdovščina Slovenia
| | - Eva Zaletel
- Center of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control; Center for Biotechnology; Ajdovščina Slovenia
| | - Tanja Vranac
- Department for Production of Diagnostic Reagents and Research; Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia; Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Jasna Kovač
- Department of Food Science and Technology; Biotechnical Faculty; University of Ljubljana; Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Darinka Vučković
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology; School of Medicine; University of Rijeka; Rijeka Croatia
| | - Sonja Smole Možina
- Department of Food Science and Technology; Biotechnical Faculty; University of Ljubljana; Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Vladka Čurin Šerbec
- Department for Production of Diagnostic Reagents and Research; Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia; Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Qijing Zhang
- Departments of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine; Iowa State University; Ames IA USA
| | - Tomaž Accetto
- Animal Sciences Department; Biotechnical Faculty; University of Ljubljana; Domžale Slovenia
| | - Aleš Podgornik
- Center of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control; Center for Biotechnology; Ajdovščina Slovenia
| | - Matjaž Peterka
- Center of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control; Center for Biotechnology; Ajdovščina Slovenia
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Kittler S, Fischer S, Abdulmawjood A, Glünder G, Klein G. Effect of bacteriophage application on Campylobacter jejuni loads in commercial broiler flocks. Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 79:7525-33. [PMID: 24077703 PMCID: PMC3837725 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02703-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Campylobacteriosis is the most frequent food-borne human enteritis. The major source for infection with Campylobacter spp. is broiler meat. Risk assessments consider the reduction of Campylobacter in primary production to be most beneficial for human health. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a bacteriophage application under commercial conditions which had proved to be effective in previous noncommercial studies under controlled experimental conditions. A phage cocktail for Campylobacter reduction was tested on three commercial broiler farms each with a control and an experimental group. Colonization of Campylobacter was confirmed prior to phage application in fecal samples. Subsequently, a phage cocktail was applied via drinking water in the experimental group (log10 5.8 to 7.5 PFU/bird). One day after phage application, Campylobacter counts of one experimental group were reduced under the detection limit (<50 CFU/g, P=0.0140) in fecal samples. At slaughter, a significant reduction of >log10 3.2 CFU/g cecal content compared to the control was still detected (P=0.0011). No significant reduction was observed in the experimental groups of the other trials. However, a significant drop in cecal Campylobacter counts occurred in a phage-contaminated control. These results suggest that maximum reduction of Campylobacter at the slaughterhouse might be achieved by phage application 1 to 4 days prior to slaughter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Kittler
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Samuel Fischer
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Amir Abdulmawjood
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gerhard Glünder
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Günter Klein
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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35
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A suggested classification for two groups of Campylobacter myoviruses. Arch Virol 2013; 159:181-90. [DOI: 10.1007/s00705-013-1788-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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36
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Janež N, Loc-Carrillo C. Use of phages to control Campylobacter spp. J Microbiol Methods 2013; 95:68-75. [PMID: 23830848 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2013.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Revised: 06/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The use of phages to control pathogenic bacteria has been investigated since they were first discovered in the beginning of the 1900s. Over the last century we have slowly gained an in-depth understanding of phage biology including which phage properties are desirable when considering phage as biocontrol agents and which phage characteristics to potentially avoid. Campylobacter infections are amongst the most frequently encountered foodborne bacterial infections around the world. Handling and consumption of raw or undercooked poultry products have been determined to be the main route of transmission. The ability to use phages to target these bacteria has been studied for more than a decade and although we have made progress towards deciphering how best to use phages to control Campylobacter associated with poultry production, there is still much work to be done. This review outlines methods to improve the isolation of these elusive phages, as well as methods to identify desirable characteristics needed for a successful outcome. It also highlights the body of research undertaken so far and what criteria to consider when doing in-vivo studies, especially because some in-vitro studies have not been found to translate into to phage efficacy in-vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nika Janež
- Laboratory of Bio-Analytics, Center of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control, Solkan, Slovenia
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37
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The isolation and characterization of Campylobacter jejuni bacteriophages from free range and indoor poultry. Vet Microbiol 2013; 162:144-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2012.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Revised: 08/21/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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38
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Orquera S, Gölz G, Hertwig S, Hammerl J, Sparborth D, Joldic A, Alter T. Control of Campylobacter spp. and Yersinia enterocolitica by virulent bacteriophages. J Mol Genet Med 2012; 6:273-8. [PMID: 22872802 PMCID: PMC3410378 DOI: 10.4172/1747-0862.1000049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of the Campylobacter (C.) phages NCTC12684 (group II) and CP81 (group III) and of the Yersinia (Y.) phage PY100 to reduce the numbers of Campylobacter and Y. enterocolitica in meat at 4oC applying different Multiplicities of Infection (MOIs) was analyzed. Initial experiments were carried out in broth at 4oC and 37oC to compare cell number reductions under chilling and optimized growth conditions, respectively. The results showed a 1 log10 unit reduction of Campylobacter cell numbers at 37oC in broth. However, no reduction was observed in broth and meat at 4oC. In contrast, Y. enterocolitica cell numbers were reduced in broth at 4oC (up to 3 log10 units after 24hr) and 37oC (5 log10 units after 1.5hr) and also in meat at 4oC (2 log10 units after 48hr). The highest cell number reductions were obtained at the highest MOIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Orquera
- Institute of Food Hygiene, Free University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence to: Stefanie Orquera, , Tel: +49 30 838 62553, Fax: +49 30 838 62643
| | - Greta Gölz
- Institute of Food Hygiene, Free University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Jens Hammerl
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Alma Joldic
- Frankenfoerder Forschungsgesellschaft, Luckenwalde, Germany
| | - Thomas Alter
- Institute of Food Hygiene, Free University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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39
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Holst Sørensen MC, van Alphen LB, Fodor C, Crowley SM, Christensen BB, Szymanski CM, Brøndsted L. Phase variable expression of capsular polysaccharide modifications allows Campylobacter jejuni to avoid bacteriophage infection in chickens. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2012; 2:11. [PMID: 22919603 PMCID: PMC3417653 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2012.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages are estimated to be the most abundant entities on earth and can be found in every niche where their bacterial hosts reside. The initial interaction between phages and Campylobacter jejuni, a common colonizer of poultry intestines and a major source of foodborne bacterial gastroenteritis in humans, is not well understood. Recently, we isolated and characterized a phage F336 resistant variant of C. jejuni NCTC11168 called 11168R. Comparisons of 11168R with the wildtype lead to the identification of a novel phage receptor, the phase variable O-methyl phosphoramidate (MeOPN) moiety of the C. jejuni capsular polysaccharide (CPS). In this study we demonstrate that the 11168R strain has gained cross-resistance to four other phages in our collection (F198, F287, F303, and F326). The reduced plaquing efficiencies suggested that MeOPN is recognized as a receptor by several phages infecting C. jejuni. To further explore the role of CPS modifications in C. jejuni phage recognition and infectivity, we tested the ability of F198, F287, F303, F326, and F336 to infect different CPS variants of NCTC11168, including defined CPS mutants. These strains were characterized by high-resolution magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy. We found that in addition to MeOPN, the phase variable 3-O-Me and 6-O-Me groups of the NCTC11168 CPS structure may influence the plaquing efficiencies of the phages. Furthermore, co-infection of chickens with both C. jejuni NCTC11168 and phage F336 resulted in selection of resistant C. jejuni bacteria, which either lack MeOPN or gain 6-O-Me groups on their surface, demonstrating that resistance can be acquired in vivo. In summary, we have shown that phase variable CPS structures modulate phage infectivity in C. jejuni and suggest that the constant phage predation in the avian gut selects for changes in these structures leading to a continuing phage-host co-evolution.
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Coffey B, Mills S, Coffey A, McAuliffe O, Ross RP. Phage and their lysins as biocontrol agents for food safety applications. Annu Rev Food Sci Technol 2012; 1:449-68. [PMID: 22129344 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.food.102308.124046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Bacteriophage (phage) are bacterial viruses and are considered to be the most widely distributed and diverse natural biological entities. Soon after their discovery, bacteriophage were found to have antimicrobial properties that were exploited in many early anti-infection trials. However, the subsequent discovery of antibiotics led to a decline in the popularity of bacteriophage in much of the Western world, although work continued in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. As a result of the emergence of antibiotic resistance in a number of bacterial pathogens, focus has been redirected back to bacteriophage and bacteriophage lysins as a means of pathogen control. Although bacteriophage have certain limitations, significant progress has been made toward their applications in food and has resulted in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approving the use of a bacteriophage-based additive for the control of Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Furthermore, a number of animal studies have revealed the potential of bacteriophage for the control of various foodborne pathogens within the animal gastrointestinal tract and to subsequently decrease the likelihood of foodborne outbreaks. From a biopreservative perspective, phage have a number of key properties, including relative stability during storage, an ability to self-replicate, and a nontoxic nature. The purpose of this review is to highlight the recent developments in the use of phages and their lysins for biocontrol and to address their potential future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brid Coffey
- Teagasc, Biotechnology Center, Moorepark Food Research Center, Fermoy, Cork, Ireland
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Bacteriophage F336 recognizes the capsular phosphoramidate modification of Campylobacter jejuni NCTC11168. J Bacteriol 2011; 193:6742-9. [PMID: 21965558 DOI: 10.1128/jb.05276-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages infecting the food-borne human pathogen Campylobacter jejuni could potentially be exploited to reduce bacterial counts in poultry prior to slaughter. This bacterium colonizes the intestinal tract of poultry in high numbers, and contaminated poultry meat is regarded as the major source of human campylobacteriosis. In this study, we used phage F336 belonging to the Myoviridae family to select a C. jejuni NCTC11168 phage-resistant strain, called 11168R, with the aim of investigating the mechanisms of phage resistance. We found that phage F336 has reduced adsorption to 11168R, thus indicating that the receptor is altered. While proteinase K-treated C. jejuni cells did not affect adsorption, periodate treatment resulted in reduced adsorption, suggesting that the phage binds to a carbohydrate moiety. Using high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, we found that 11168R lacks an O-methyl phosphoramidate (MeOPN) moiety attached to the GalfNAc on the capsular polysaccharide (CPS), which was further confirmed by mass spectroscopy. Sequence analysis of 11168R showed that the potentially hypervariable gene cj1421, which encodes the GalfNAc MeOPN transferase, contains a tract of 10 Gs, resulting in a nonfunctional gene product. However, when 11168R reverted back to phage sensitive, cj1421 contained 9 Gs, and the GalfNAc MeOPN was regained in this strain. In summary, we have identified the phase-variable MeOPN moiety, a common component of the diverse capsular polysaccharides of C. jejuni, as a novel receptor of phages infecting this bacterium.
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Genome and proteome of Campylobacter jejuni bacteriophage NCTC 12673. Appl Environ Microbiol 2011; 77:8265-71. [PMID: 21965409 DOI: 10.1128/aem.05562-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni continues to be the leading cause of bacterial food-borne illness worldwide, so improvements to current methods used for bacterial detection and disease prevention are needed. We describe here the genome and proteome of C. jejuni bacteriophage NCTC 12673 and the exploitation of its receptor-binding protein for specific bacterial detection. Remarkably, the 135-kb Myoviridae genome of NCTC 12673 differs greatly from any other proteobacterial phage genome described (including C. jejuni phages CP220 and CPt10) and instead shows closest homology to the cyanobacterial T4-related myophages. The phage genome contains 172 putative open reading frames, including 12 homing endonucleases, no visible means of packaging, and a putative trans-splicing intein. The phage DNA appears to be strongly associated with a protein that interfered with PCR amplification and estimation of the phage genome mass by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Identification and analyses of the receptor-binding protein (Gp48) revealed features common to the Salmonella enterica P22 phage tailspike protein, including the ability to specifically recognize a host organism. Bacteriophage receptor-binding proteins may offer promising alternatives for use in pathogen detection platforms.
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Campylobacter jejuni group III phage CP81 contains many T4-like genes without belonging to the T4-type phage group: implications for the evolution of T4 phages. J Virol 2011; 85:8597-605. [PMID: 21697478 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00395-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
CP81 is a virulent Campylobacter group III phage whose linear genome comprises 132,454 bp. At the nucleotide level, CP81 differs from other phages. However, a number of its structural and replication/recombination proteins revealed a relationship to the group II Campylobacter phages CP220/CPt10 and to T4-type phages. Unlike the T4-related phages, the CP81 genome does not contain conserved replication and virion modules. Instead, the respective genes are scattered throughout the phage genome. Moreover, most genes for metabolic enzymes of CP220/CPt10 are lacking in CP81. On the other hand, the CP81 genome contains nine similar genes for homing endonucleases which may be involved in the attrition of the conserved gene order for the virion core genes of T4-type phages. The phage apparently possesses an unusual modification of C or G bases. Efficient cleavage of its DNA was only achieved with restriction enzymes recognizing pure A/T sites. Uncommonly, phenol extraction leads to a significant loss of CP81 DNA from the aqueous layer, a property not yet described for other phages belonging to the T4 superfamily.
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Connerton PL, Timms AR, Connerton IF. Campylobacter bacteriophages and bacteriophage therapy. J Appl Microbiol 2011; 111:255-65. [PMID: 21447013 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2011.05012.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Members of the genus Campylobacter are frequently responsible for human enteric disease with occasionally very serious outcomes. Much of this disease burden is thought to arise from consumption of contaminated poultry products. More than 80% of poultry in the UK harbour Campylobacter as a part of their intestinal flora. To address this unacceptably high prevalence, various interventions have been suggested and evaluated. Among these is the novel approach of using Campylobacter-specific bacteriophages, which are natural predators of the pathogen. To optimize their use as therapeutic agents, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the bacteriophages that infect Campylobacter, and how they can affect their host bacteria. This review will focus on many aspects of Campylobacter-specific bacteriophages including: their first isolation in the 1960s, their use in bacteriophage typing schemes, their isolation from the different biological sources and genomic characterization. As well as their use as therapeutic agents to reduce Campylobacter in poultry their future potential, including their use in bio-sanitization of food, will be explored. The evolutionary consequences of naturally occurring bacteriophage infection that have come to light through investigations of bacteriophages in the poultry ecosystem will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Connerton
- School of Biosciences, Division of Food Sciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough Leics, UK
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Carvalho CM, Gannon BW, Halfhide DE, Santos SB, Hayes CM, Roe JM, Azeredo J. The in vivo efficacy of two administration routes of a phage cocktail to reduce numbers of Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni in chickens. BMC Microbiol 2010; 10:232. [PMID: 20809975 PMCID: PMC2940857 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-10-232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2010] [Accepted: 09/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poultry meat is one of the most important sources of human campylobacteriosis, an acute bacterial enteritis which is a major problem worldwide. Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni are the most common Campylobacter species associated with this disease. These pathogens live in the intestinal tract of most avian species and under commercial conditions they spread rapidly to infect a high proportion of the flock, which makes their treatment and prevention very difficult. Bacteriophages (phages) are naturally occurring predators of bacteria with high specificity and also the capacity to evolve to overcome bacterial resistance. Therefore phage therapy is a promising alternative to antibiotics in animal production. This study tested the efficacy of a phage cocktail composed of three phages for the control of poultry infected with C. coli and C. jejuni. Moreover, it evaluated the effectiveness of two routes of phage administration (by oral gavage and in feed) in order to provide additional information regarding their future use in a poultry unit. RESULTS The results indicate that experimental colonisation of chicks was successful and that the birds showed no signs of disease even at the highest dose of Campylobacter administered. The phage cocktail was able to reduce the titre of both C. coli and C. jejuni in faeces by approximately 2 log10 cfu/g when administered by oral gavage and in feed. This reduction persisted throughout the experimental period and neither pathogen regained their former numbers. The reduction in Campylobacter titre was achieved earlier (2 days post-phage administration) when the phage cocktail was incorporated in the birds' feed. Campylobacter strains resistant to phage infection were recovered from phage-treated chickens at a frequency of 13%. These resistant phenotypes did not exhibit a reduced ability to colonize the chicken guts and did not revert to sensitive types. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide further evidence of the efficacy of phage therapy for the control of Campylobacter in poultry. The broad host range of the novel phage cocktail enabled it to target both C. jejuni and C. coli strains. Moreover the reduction of Campylobacter by approximately 2 log10cfu/g, as occurred in our study, could lead to a 30-fold reduction in the incidence of campylobacteriosis associated with consumption of chicken meals (according to mathematical models). To our knowledge this is the first report of phage being administered in feed to Campylobacter-infected chicks and our results show that it lead to an earlier and more sustainable reduction of Campylobacter than administration by oral gavage. Therefore the present study is of extreme importance as it has shown that administering phages to poultry via the food could be successful on a commercial scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla M Carvalho
- IBB - Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Ben W Gannon
- University of Bristol, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Langford, North Somerset, BS40 5DU, UK
| | - Deborah E Halfhide
- University of Bristol, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Langford, North Somerset, BS40 5DU, UK
| | - Silvio B Santos
- IBB - Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Christine M Hayes
- University of Bristol, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Langford, North Somerset, BS40 5DU, UK
| | - John M Roe
- University of Bristol, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Langford, North Somerset, BS40 5DU, UK
| | - Joana Azeredo
- IBB - Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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Timms AR, Cambray-Young J, Scott AE, Petty NK, Connerton PL, Clarke L, Seeger K, Quail M, Cummings N, Maskell DJ, Thomson NR, Connerton IF. Evidence for a lineage of virulent bacteriophages that target Campylobacter. BMC Genomics 2010; 11:214. [PMID: 20353581 PMCID: PMC2853527 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-11-214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2009] [Accepted: 03/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Our understanding of the dynamics of genome stability versus gene flux within bacteriophage lineages is limited. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in the use of bacteriophages as 'therapeutic' agents; a prerequisite for their use in such therapies is a thorough understanding of their genetic complement, genome stability and their ecology to avoid the dissemination or mobilisation of phage or bacterial virulence and toxin genes. Campylobacter, a food-borne pathogen, is one of the organisms for which the use of bacteriophage is being considered to reduce human exposure to this organism. Results Sequencing and genome analysis was performed for two Campylobacter bacteriophages. The genomes were extremely similar at the nucleotide level (≥ 96%) with most differences accounted for by novel insertion sequences, DNA methylases and an approximately 10 kb contiguous region of metabolic genes that were dissimilar at the sequence level but similar in gene function between the two phages. Both bacteriophages contained a large number of radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) genes, presumably involved in boosting host metabolism during infection, as well as evidence that many genes had been acquired from a wide range of bacterial species. Further bacteriophages, from the UK Campylobacter typing set, were screened for the presence of bacteriophage structural genes, DNA methylases, mobile genetic elements and regulatory genes identified from the genome sequences. The results indicate that many of these bacteriophages are related, with 10 out of 15 showing some relationship to the sequenced genomes. Conclusions Two large virulent Campylobacter bacteriophages were found to show very high levels of sequence conservation despite separation in time and place of isolation. The bacteriophages show adaptations to their host and possess genes that may enhance Campylobacter metabolism, potentially advantaging both the bacteriophage and its host. Genetic conservation has been shown to extend to other Campylobacter bacteriophages, forming a highly conserved lineage of bacteriophages that predate upon campylobacters and indicating that highly adapted bacteriophage genomes can be stable over prolonged periods of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Timms
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK.
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Hwang S, Yun J, Kim KP, Heu S, Lee S, Ryu S. Isolation and characterization of bacteriophages specific forCampylobacter jejuni. Microbiol Immunol 2009; 53:559-66. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1348-0421.2009.00163.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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El-Shibiny A, Scott A, Timms A, Metawea Y, Connerton P, Connerton I. Application of a group II Campylobacter bacteriophage to reduce strains of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli colonizing broiler chickens. J Food Prot 2009; 72:733-40. [PMID: 19435220 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x-72.4.733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Members of the genus Campylobacter are frequently responsible for human enteric disease worldwide. Persistent Campylobacter contamination of poultry meat is a common problem that represents a significant food safety risk through the consumption of undercooked poultry meat or through cross-contamination of other foods during the preparation of poultry. Bacteriophage therapy is one possible means by which this colonization of poultry could be controlled, thus limiting the entry of Campylobacter into the human food chain. Previously group III phages with genome sizes of approximately 140 kb had been administered to Campylobacter jejuni-colonized poultry. The application of a group II Campylobacter phage, CP220, with a genome size of 197 kb is described here. Phage CP220 was administered to both C. jejuni- and C. coli-colonized birds. A 2-log CFU/g decline in cecal Campylobacter counts was observed after 48 h in birds colonized with C. jejuni HPC5 and administered with a single 7-log PFU dose of CP220. The incidence of phage resistance developing in Campylobacter-colonized chickens upon exposure to virulent phages was determined to be 2%, and the resistant types remained a minor component of the population. To achieve a similar reduction in Campylobacter numbers in C. coli OR12-colonized birds, a 9-log PFU dose of CP220 was required. Using phage to reduce Campylobacter colonization in poultry offers the prospect of a sustainable intervention measure that may limit the entry of these pathogens into the human food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman El-Shibiny
- Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire LEI2 5RD, UK
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Characterization of a new plasmid-like prophage in a pandemic Vibrio parahaemolyticus O3:K6 strain. Appl Environ Microbiol 2009; 75:2659-67. [PMID: 19286788 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02483-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a common food-borne pathogen that is normally associated with seafood. In 1996, a pandemic O3:K6 strain abruptly appeared and caused the first pandemic of this pathogen to spread throughout many Asian countries, America, Europe, and Africa. The role of temperate bacteriophages in the evolution of this pathogen is of great interest. In this work, a new temperate phage, VP882, from a pandemic O3:K6 strain of V. parahaemolyticus was purified and characterized after mitomycin C induction. VP882 was a Myoviridae bacteriophage with a polyhedral head and a long rigid tail with a sheath-like structure. It infected and lysed high proportions of V. parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, and Vibrio cholerae strains. The genome of phage VP882 was sequenced and was 38,197 bp long, and 71 putative open reading frames were identified, of which 27 were putative functional phage or bacterial genes. VP882 had a linear plasmid-like genome with a putative protelomerase gene and cohesive ends. The genome does not integrate into the host chromosome but was maintained as a plasmid in the lysogen. Analysis of the reaction sites of the protelomerases in different plasmid-like phages revealed that VP882 and PhiHAP-1 were highly similar, while N15, PhiKO2, and PY54 made up another closely related group. The presence of DNA adenine methylase and quorum-sensing transcriptional regulators in VP882 may play a specific role in this phage or regulate physiological or virulence-associated traits of the hosts. These genes may also be remnants from the bacterial chromosome following transduction.
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