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Huete SG, Leyva A, Kornobis E, Cokelaer T, Lechat P, Monot M, Duran R, Picardeau M, Benaroudj N. Revisiting oxygen toxicity: evolution and adaptation to superoxide in a SOD-deficient bacterial pathogen. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.25.614947. [PMID: 39386525 PMCID: PMC11463549 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.25.614947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
Defenses against oxidants are crucial for the virulence of pathogens, with superoxide scavenging enzymes (SOSEs) playing a vital role for most aerobes. However, our knowledge of superoxide adaptation primarily stems from the study of SOSE-encoding bacteria. Here, we investigated the evolution of a naturally SOSE-deficient pathogen ( Leptospira spp.), along with the alternative mechanisms it recruits to combat superoxide stress. We demonstrate that emergence of pathogenic Leptospira correlated with SOD loss, but that a long-lasting adaptation to superoxide remains possible. We reveal that cysteine and leucine biosynthesis are the most induced pathways in response to superoxide and demonstrate the importance of sulfur metabolism in superoxide adaptation in this SOSE-deficient model. We also propose cysteine oxidation as a key mediator of superoxide toxicity in the absence of SOSEs. This study challenges our conventional understanding of the oxygen toxicity theory and proposes a new model of superoxide adaptation through metabolic rewiring in bacteria.
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Pineda S, Martínez Garro JM, Salazar Flórez JE, Agudelo-Pérez S, Monroy FP, Peláez Sánchez RG. Detection of Genes Related to Antibiotic Resistance in Leptospira. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:203. [PMID: 39330892 PMCID: PMC11435864 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9090203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 08/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by the bacteria of the Leptospira genus, which can usually be acquired by humans through contact with urine from infected animals; it is also possible for this urine to contaminate soils and bodies of water. The disease can have deadly consequences in some extreme cases. Fortunately, until now, patients with leptospirosis have responded adequately to treatment with doxycycline and azithromycin, and no cases of antibiotic resistance have been reported. However, with the extensive use of such medications, more bacteria, such as Staphylococci and Enterococci, are becoming resistant. The purpose of this study is to determine the presence of genes related to antibiotic resistance in the Leptospira genus using bioinformatic tools, which have not been undertaken in the past. Whole genomes from the 69 described Leptospira species were downloaded from NCBI's GeneBank and analyzed using CARD (The Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistant Database) and RAST (Rapid Annotations using Subsystem Technology). After a detailed genomic search, 12 genes associated with four mechanisms were found: resistance to beta-lactamases, vancomycin, aminoglycoside adenylyltransferases, as well as multiple drug efflux pumps. Some of these genes are highly polymorphic among different species, and some of them are present in multiple copies in the same species. In conclusion, this study provides evidence of the presence of genes related to antibiotic resistance in the genomes of some species of the genus Leptospira, and it is the starting point for future experimental evaluation to determine whether these genes are transcriptionally active in some species and serovars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Pineda
- CES Biology, Science and Biotechnology School, CES University, Medellin 050021, Colombia; (S.P.); (J.M.M.G.)
| | | | - Jorge Emilio Salazar Flórez
- Medicine Program, GEINCRO Research Group, School of Health Sciences, San Martín University Foundation, Sabaneta 055450, Colombia;
| | - Sergio Agudelo-Pérez
- Department of Pediatrics, Medicine School, Universidad de La Sabana, Chía 025001, Colombia;
| | - Fernando P. Monroy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA;
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Steinrigl A, Willixhofer D, Schindler M, Richter S, Unterweger C, Ahmed AA, van der Linden H, Mende DR, Pucci N, Steinparzer R. Isolation and characterization of Leptospira licerasiae in Austrian swine - a first-time case report in Europe. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:348. [PMID: 39113014 PMCID: PMC11304667 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04213-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptospiraceae comprise a diverse family of spirochetal bacteria, of which many are involved in infectious diseases of animals and humans. Local leptospiral diversity in domestic animals is often poorly understood. Here we describe the incidental detection of Leptospira (L.) licerasiae in an Austrian pig. CASE PRESENTATION During an experiment to characterize the pathogenesis of L. interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae in pigs, cultivation of a urine sample from a non-challenged contact pig resulted in growth of a spirochetal bacterium that tested negative for pathogenic Leptospira (LipL32 gene). PCR, Sanger sequencing and standard serotyping further confirmed that the recovered isolate was clearly different from the challenge strain L. interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae used in the animal experiment. Whole genome sequencing revealed that the isolate belongs to the species L. licerasiae, a tropical member of the Leptospiraceae, with no prior record of detection in Europe. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report describing the occurrence of L. licerasiae in Europe. Since L. licerasiae is considered to have intermediate pathogenicity, it will be important to follow the geographical distribution of this species and its pathogenic and zoonotic potential in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Steinrigl
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Institute for Veterinary Disease Control Moedling, Robert Koch Gasse 17, Mödling, 2340, Austria.
| | - Denise Willixhofer
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Institute for Veterinary Disease Control Moedling, Robert Koch Gasse 17, Mödling, 2340, Austria
| | - Martin Schindler
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Institute for Veterinary Disease Control Moedling, Robert Koch Gasse 17, Mödling, 2340, Austria
| | - Susanne Richter
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Institute for Veterinary Disease Control Moedling, Robert Koch Gasse 17, Mödling, 2340, Austria
| | - Christine Unterweger
- Clinical Centre for Farm Animals and Food System Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna, 1221, Austria
| | - Ahmed A Ahmed
- Expertise Centre for Reference and Research On Leptospirosis/WOAH Reference Laboratory for Leptospirosis, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 39, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Hans van der Linden
- Expertise Centre for Reference and Research On Leptospirosis/WOAH Reference Laboratory for Leptospirosis, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 39, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel R Mende
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Nicholas Pucci
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Romana Steinparzer
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Institute for Veterinary Disease Control Moedling, Robert Koch Gasse 17, Mödling, 2340, Austria
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Ca Ferreira L, de Fa Ferreira Filho L, V Cosate MR, Sakamoto T. Genetic structure and diversity of the rfb locus of pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302478. [PMID: 38514188 PMCID: PMC10958091 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic strains of the genus Leptospira and is considered the most widespread zoonotic bacterial disease. The genus is characterized by the large number of serology variants, which challenges developing effective serotyping methods and vaccines with a broad spectrum. Because knowledge on the genetic basis of the serological diversity among leptospires is still limited, we aimed to explore the genetic structure and patterns of the rfb locus, which is involved in the biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharides, the major surface antigen that defines the serovar in leptospires. Here, we used genomic data of 722 pathogenic samples and compared the gene composition of their rfb locus by hierarchical clustering. Clustering analysis showed that the rfb locus gene composition is species-independent and strongly associated with the serological classification. The samples were grouped into four well-defined classes, which cluster together samples either belonging to the same serogroup or from different serogroups but sharing serological affinity. Our findings can assist in the development of new strategies based on molecular methods, which can lead to better tools for serological identification in this zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Ca Ferreira
- https://ror.org/04wn09761 Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment (BioME), Instituto Metrópole Digital (IMD), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Luiz de Fa Ferreira Filho
- https://ror.org/04wn09761 Departamento de Engenharia de Computação e Automação (DCA), Centro de Tecnologia (CT), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Maria Raquel V Cosate
- UMass Chain Medical School, Nonhuman Primates Reagent Resources, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Tetsu Sakamoto
- https://ror.org/04wn09761 Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment (BioME), Instituto Metrópole Digital (IMD), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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Hamond C, Adam EN, Stone NE, LeCount K, Anderson T, Putz EJ, Camp P, Hicks J, Stuber T, van der Linden H, Bayles DO, Sahl JW, Schlater LK, Wagner DM, Nally JE. Identification of equine mares as reservoir hosts for pathogenic species of Leptospira. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1346713. [PMID: 38784659 PMCID: PMC11112012 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1346713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Equine leptospirosis can result in abortion, stillbirth, neonatal death, placentitis, and uveitis. Horses can also act as subclinical reservoir hosts of infection, which are characterized as asymptomatic carriers that persistently excrete leptospires and transmit disease. In this study, PCR and culture were used to assess urinary shedding of pathogenic Leptospira from 37 asymptomatic mares. Three asymptomatic mares, designated as H2, H8, and H9, were PCR-positive for lipL32, a gene specific for pathogenic species of Leptospira. One asymptomatic mare, H9, was culture-positive, and the recovered isolate was classified as L. kirschneri serogroup Australis serovar Rushan. DNA capture and enrichment of Leptospira genomic DNA from PCR-positive, culture-negative samples determined that asymptomatic mare H8 was also shedding L. kirschneri serogroup Australis, whereas asymptomatic mare H2 was shedding L. interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae. Sera from all asymptomatic mares were tested by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and 35 of 37 (94.6%) were seropositive with titers ranging from 1:100 to 1:3200. In contrast to asymptomatic mares, mare H44 presented with acute spontaneous abortion and a serum MAT titer of 1:102,400 to L. interrogans serogroup Pomona serovar Pomona. Comparison of L. kirschneri serogroup Australis strain H9 with that of L. interrogans serogroup Pomona strain H44 in the hamster model of leptospirosis corroborated differences in virulence of strains. Since lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a protective antigen in bacterin vaccines, the LPS of strain H9 (associated with subclinical carriage) was compared with strain H44 (associated with spontaneous abortion). This revealed different LPS profiles and immunoreactivity with reference antisera. It is essential to know what species and serovars of Leptospira are circulating in equine populations to design efficacious vaccines and diagnostic tests. Our results demonstrate that horses in the US can act as reservoir hosts of leptospirosis and shed diverse pathogenic Leptospira species via urine. This report also details the detection of L. kirschneri serogroup Australis serovar Rushan, a species and serotype of Leptospira, not previously reported in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Hamond
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
- National Centers for Animal Health Leptospira Working Group, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Emma N. Adam
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Nathan E. Stone
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
| | - Karen LeCount
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
- National Centers for Animal Health Leptospira Working Group, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Tammy Anderson
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
- National Centers for Animal Health Leptospira Working Group, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Ellie J. Putz
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Patrick Camp
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jessica Hicks
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Tod Stuber
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Hans van der Linden
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Darrell O. Bayles
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jason W. Sahl
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
| | - Linda K. Schlater
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
- National Centers for Animal Health Leptospira Working Group, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - David M. Wagner
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
| | - Jarlath E. Nally
- National Centers for Animal Health Leptospira Working Group, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
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de Oliveira NR, Maia MAC, Santos FDS, Seixas Neto ACP, Oliveira Bohn TL, Dellagostin OA. Evaluation of protective efficacy, serological responses, and cytokine modulation induced by polyvalent Leptospira vaccines in hamsters. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 108:102159. [PMID: 38490118 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2024.102159] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Whole-cell inactivated vaccines (bacterins) are the only licensed vaccines available for leptospirosis prevention and control, especially in domestic and farm animals. However, despite their widespread use, inconsistencies in their efficacy have been reported. Because immunity induced by bacterins is mainly mediated by antibodies against leptospiral lipopolysaccharides, the involvement of cellular responses is not well-known. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and characterize the humoral and cellular immune responses induced by whole-cell inactivated leptospirosis bacterin formulations containing serovars Bratislava, Canicola, Copenhageni, Grippotyphosa, Hardjoprajitno, and Pomona. For the potency test, hamsters were immunized with one dose of polyvalent bacterins (either commercial or experimental) and then challenged with a virulent Pomona strain. Serological (MAT and IgM and IgG-ELISA) and cellular (cytokine transcription in blood evaluated by RT-qPCR) analyses were performed. The results revealed that vaccination with either bacterin formulation was able to protect 90-100% of the hamsters infected with the Pomona serovar, although most of the surviving animals remained as renal carriers. Specific agglutinating antibodies and significant levels of IgM, IgG, and IgG2 (P < 0.05) that were able to react with the six serovars present in the vaccine formulations were produced, indicating that the vaccines can potentially provide immunity against all strains. The protective immunity of these vaccines was mainly mediated by balanced a Th1/Th2 response, characterized by increased IFN-γ, IL-10 and IL-α transcription. These data support the importance of characterizing immunological responses involved in bacterin efficacy and investing in the improvement of these vaccine formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
| | - Mara Andrade Colares Maia
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Francisco Denis Souza Santos
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Thaís Larré Oliveira Bohn
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Odir Antônio Dellagostin
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
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Putz EJ, Fernandes LGV, Sarlo Davila KM, Whitelegge J, Lippolis JD, Nally JE. Proteomic profiles of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo strains JB197 and HB203 cultured at different temperatures. J Proteomics 2024; 295:105106. [PMID: 38320623 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a global zoonotic disease affecting humans, domestic, and wild animals. Leptospira are typically shed in the urine of reservoir hosts which persist in suitable environments where incidental host transmission occurs after direct contact with infected urine or contaminated environments. Interestingly, serologically identical L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo strains JB197 and HB203 show divergent disease severity in the hamster model; JB197 causes severe acute infection while HB203 causes persistent chronic infection. Historically, serovar Hardjo was limited to culture at 29 °C, but utilization of HAN media allows propagation from host tissues at 37 °C. Here, the proteome of strains JB197 and HB203 were characterized after culture from experimentally challenged hamsters at 29 °C and 37 °C. Comparative analyses of JB197 and HB203 samples cultured at 29 °C yielded 425 significantly differentially expressed (DE) proteins, while strains at 37 °C yielded 613 DE proteins including prominent outer membrane proteins and known virulence factors. In agreement, membrane protein GO terms were identified by STRING network analyses along with numerous metabolic KEGG pathways consistent with condition differences. Within strain, JB197 cultured at 29 °C vs 37 °C identified 529 DE proteins, while HB203 identified 524 DE proteins. Investigating differential protein profiles provide insights into strain specific behaviors with implications for better understanding host-pathogen interactions, disease transmission, and response to environmental conditions which can contribute to vaccine development, diagnostic improvement, and ultimately leptospirosis control. SIGNIFICANCE: Leptospirosis is a devastating zoonotic disease affecting humans, wild and domestic animals around the globe. Different species and serovars of Leptospira can affect various animal host species differently; for instance, a serovar that is asymptomatic in the rat may cause severe disease in a dog or human. These differences in host response are not only found at the species and serovar level for Leptospira, but also at the strain level. A prime example comes from strains JB197 and HB203, both species L. borgpetersenii, both serovar Hardjo. Interestingly, JB197 causes a severe acute infection in the hamster while HB203 causes an asymptomatic chronic infection. Understanding these unique relationships between pathogen and host species is important, especially in the context of prevention technologies such as vaccine design, where the strain of Leptospira used as a bacterin might have different efficiencies in different hosts. In this study, proteomic profiles of strains JB197 and HB203 were analyzed, and results revealed diverse protein expression profiles of outer membrane proteins, as well as proteins functioning in motility and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie J Putz
- Infectious Bacterial Disease Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, USA.
| | - Luis G V Fernandes
- Infectious Bacterial Disease Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Kaitlyn M Sarlo Davila
- Infectious Bacterial Disease Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Julian Whitelegge
- The Pasarow Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, NPI-Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - John D Lippolis
- Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Jarlath E Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Disease Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, USA
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Alinaitwe L, Aturinda CJ, Lubega A, Kivali V, Bugeza J, Wainaina M, Richter MH, Hoona JJ, Roesel K, Mayer-Scholl A, Cook EAJ, Kankya C, Dürr S. Cross-sectional serosurvey of Leptospira species among slaughter pigs, goats, and sheep in Uganda. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012055. [PMID: 38489377 PMCID: PMC10971767 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Leptospira are a group of bacteria, including pathogenic types that cause leptospirosis. In Uganda, Leptospira exposure has been reported in humans, with domesticated animals being speculated as the source. However, comparable evidence of Leptospira prevalence and circulating serovars/serogroups in animals is only documented for cattle, and dogs. Our study determined Leptospira seroprevalence, associated risk factors and serogroups circulating among slaughtered pigs, goats, and sheep in Uganda. METHODS During an 11-month cross-sectional survey in selected slaughter facilities in three regions of Uganda, we collected blood from 926 pigs, 347 goats, and 116 sheep. The age, sex, breed, and origin of each sampled animal were noted. The samples were tested for anti-Leptospira antibodies using the microscopic agglutination test, based on a panel of 12 serovars belonging to 12 serogroups. RESULTS Leptospira seroprevalence was 26.67% (247/926, 95%CI 23.92-29.61) among pigs, and 21.81% (101/463, 95%CI 18.29-25.80) in goats and sheep (small ruminants). L. interrogans Australis and L. kirschneri Grippotyphosa were the commonest serovars among pigs, as was L. borgpetersenii Tarassovi in small ruminants. Pigs sourced from the Eastern (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.82, 95%CI 1.84-4.30) and Northern (OR = 3.56, 95%CI 2.52-5.02) regions were more likely to be seropositive, compared to those from the Central region. For small ruminants, being female (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.69-4.57) and adult (OR 4.47, 95% CI 1.57-18.80) was significantly more associated with Leptospira seropositivity. Conclusion/significance: Detection of a moderate seroprevalence, and several Leptospira serogroups among pigs, sheep, and goats from all regions of Uganda, supports existing reports in cattle and dogs, and implies widespread Leptospira exposure in domestic animals in Uganda. These findings may inform future programs for the control of leptospirosis in livestock in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lordrick Alinaitwe
- Human and Animal Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christopher Joshua Aturinda
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ashiraf Lubega
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Velma Kivali
- Human and Animal Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - James Bugeza
- Human and Animal Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Vaccinology Research Program, National Livestock Resources Research Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Martin Wainaina
- Department of Biological Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin H. Richter
- Department of Biological Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jolly Justine Hoona
- Department of Animal Production, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Kristina Roesel
- Human and Animal Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anne Mayer-Scholl
- Department of Biological Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Clovice Kankya
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Salome Dürr
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Wilkinson DA, Edwards M, Shum C, Moinet M, Anderson NE, Benschop J, Nisa S. Molecular typing of Leptospira spp. in farmed and wild mammals reveals new host-serovar associations in New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2024; 72:1-9. [PMID: 37589061 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2023.2248930] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To apply molecular typing to DNA isolated from historical samples to determine Leptospira spp. infecting farmed and wild mammals in New Zealand. MATERIALS AND METHODS DNA samples used in this study were extracted from urine, serum or kidney samples (or Leptospira spp. cultures isolated from them) collected between 2007 and 2017 from a range of domestic and wildlife mammalian species as part of different research projects at Massey University. Samples were included in the study if they met one of three criteria: samples that tested positive with a lipL32 PCR for pathogenic Leptospira; samples that tested negative by lipL32 PCR but were recorded as positive to PCR for pathogenic Leptospira in the previous studies; or samples that were PCR-negative in all studies but were from animals with positive agglutination titres against serogroup Tarassovi. DNA samples were typed using PCR that targeted either the glmU or gyrB genetic loci. The resulting amplicons were sequenced and typed relative to reference sequences. RESULTS We identified several associations between mammalian hosts and Leptospira strains/serovars that had not been previously reported in New Zealand. Leptospira borgpetersenii strain Pacifica was found in farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) samples, L. borgpetersenii serovars Balcanica and Ballum were found in wild red deer samples, Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni was found in stoats (Mustela erminea) and brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), and L. borgpetersenii was found in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo). Furthermore, we reconfirmed previously described associations including dairy cattle with L. interrogans serovars Copenhageni and Pomona and L. borgpetersenii serovars Ballum, Hardjo type bovis and strain Pacifica, sheep with L. interrogans serovar Pomona and L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo type bovis, brushtail possum with L. borgpetersenii serovar Balcanica, farmed deer with L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo type bovis and hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) with L. borgpetersenii serovar Ballum. CONCLUSIONS This study provides an updated summary of host-Leptospira associations in New Zealand and highlights the importance of molecular typing. Furthermore, strain Pacifica, which was first identified as Tarassovi using serological methods in dairy cattle in 2016, has circulated in animal communities since at least 2007 but remained undetected as serology is unable to distinguish the different genotypes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE To date, leptospirosis in New Zealand has been diagnosed with serological typing, which is deficient in typing all strains in circulation. Molecular methods are necessary to accurately type strains of Leptospira spp. infecting mammals in New Zealand.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Wilkinson
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - M Edwards
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, UK
| | - C Shum
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - M Moinet
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - N E Anderson
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, UK
| | - J Benschop
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - S Nisa
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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10
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Lynch MJ, Deshpande M, Kurniyati K, Zhang K, James M, Miller M, Zhang S, Passalia FJ, Wunder EA, Charon NW, Li C, Crane BR. Lysinoalanine cross-linking is a conserved post-translational modification in the spirochete flagellar hook. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad349. [PMID: 38047041 PMCID: PMC10691653 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Spirochetes cause Lyme disease, leptospirosis, syphilis, and several other human illnesses. Unlike other bacteria, spirochete flagella are enclosed within the periplasmic space where the filaments distort and push the cell body by the action of the flagellar motors. We previously demonstrated that the oral pathogen Treponema denticola (Td) and Lyme disease pathogen Borreliella burgdorferi (Bb) form covalent lysinoalanine (Lal) cross-links between conserved cysteine and lysine residues of the FlgE protein that composes the flagellar hook. In Td, Lal is unnecessary for hook assembly but is required for motility, presumably due to the stabilizing effect of the cross-link. Herein, we extend these findings to other, representative spirochete species across the phylum. We confirm the presence of Lal cross-linked peptides in recombinant and in vivo-derived samples from Treponema spp., Borreliella spp., Brachyspira spp., and Leptospira spp. As was observed with Td, a mutant strain of Bb unable to form the cross-link has greatly impaired motility. FlgE from Leptospira spp. does not conserve the Lal-forming cysteine residue which is instead substituted by serine. Nevertheless, Leptospira interrogans FlgE also forms Lal, with several different Lal isoforms being detected between Ser-179 and Lys-145, Lys-148, and Lys-166, thereby highlighting species or order-specific differences within the phylum. Our data reveal that the Lal cross-link is a conserved and necessary posttranslational modification across the spirochete phylum and may thus represent an effective target for the development of spirochete-specific antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Lynch
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Maithili Deshpande
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Kurni Kurniyati
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Kai Zhang
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Milinda James
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Michael Miller
- Department of Biochemistry, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Institute of Biotechnology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Felipe J Passalia
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Elsio A Wunder
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Nyles W Charon
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Chunhao Li
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Brian R Crane
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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11
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Picardeau M. International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes Subcommittee on the taxonomy of Leptospiraceae. Minutes of the closed meeting, 14 November 2022, Bangkok, Thailand. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2023; 73. [PMID: 37917541 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.006131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Picardeau
- Biology of Spirochetes Unit, Institut Pasteur,, 28 rue du Dr Roux, Paris, France
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12
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Dos Santos Ribeiro P, Carvalho NB, Aburjaile F, Sousa T, Veríssimo G, Gomes T, Neves F, Blanco L, Lima JA, de Oliveira D, Jaiswal AK, Brenig B, Soares S, Ramos R, Matiuzzi M, Góes-Neto A, Figueira CP, Costa F, Ristow P, Azevedo V. Environmental Biofilms from an Urban Community in Salvador, Brazil, Shelter Previously Uncharacterized Saprophytic Leptospira. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 86:2488-2501. [PMID: 37326636 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02253-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are complex microecosystems with valuable ecological roles that can shelter a variety of microorganisms. Spirochetes from the genus Leptospira have been observed to form biofilms in vitro, in rural environments, and in the kidneys of reservoir rats. The genus Leptospira is composed of pathogenic and non-pathogenic species, and the description of new species is ongoing due to the advent of whole genome sequencing. Leptospires have increasingly been isolated from water and soil samples. To investigate the presence of Leptospira in environmental biofilms, we collected three distinct samples of biofilms formed in an urban setting with poor sanitation: Pau da Lima, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. All biofilm samples were negative for the presence of pathogenic leptospires via conventional PCR, but cultures containing saprophytic Leptospira were identified. Whole genomes were generated and analyzed for twenty isolates obtained from these biofilms. For species identification, we used digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis. The obtained isolates were classified into seven presumptive species from the saprophytic S1 clade. ANI and dDDH analysis suggest that three of those seven species were new. Classical phenotypic tests confirmed the novel isolated bacteria as saprophytic Leptospira. The isolates presented typical morphology and ultrastructure according to scanning electron microscopy and formed biofilms under in vitro conditions. Our data indicate that a diversity of saprophytic Leptospira species survive in the Brazilian poorly sanitized urban environment, in a biofilm lifestyle. We believe our results contribute to a better understanding of Leptospira biology and ecology, considering biofilms as natural environmental reservoirs for leptospires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscyla Dos Santos Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (INCT IN-TREE), Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Natália Barbosa Carvalho
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (INCT IN-TREE), Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Flávia Aburjaile
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thiago Sousa
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Graciete Veríssimo
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Talita Gomes
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (INCT IN-TREE), Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fábio Neves
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Luiza Blanco
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - João Antonio Lima
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Daiana de Oliveira
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Arun Kumar Jaiswal
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bertram Brenig
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Burckhardt Weg, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Siomar Soares
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rommel Ramos
- Center of Genomics and Systems Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Mateus Matiuzzi
- Federal University of Vale Do São Francisco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Aristóteles Góes-Neto
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Federico Costa
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK
| | - Paula Ristow
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (INCT IN-TREE), Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Vasco Azevedo
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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13
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Moinet M, Oosterhof H, Nisa S, Haack N, Wilkinson DA, Aberdein D, Russell JC, Vallée E, Collins-Emerson J, Heuer C, Benschop J. A cross-sectional investigation of Leptospira at the wildlife-livestock interface in New Zealand. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011624. [PMID: 37672535 PMCID: PMC10506710 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been a recent upsurge in human cases of leptospirosis in New Zealand, with wildlife a suspected emerging source, but up-to-date knowledge on this topic is lacking. We conducted a cross-sectional study in two farm environments to estimate Leptospira seroprevalence in wildlife and sympatric livestock, PCR/culture prevalence in wildlife, and compare seroprevalence and prevalence between species, sex, and age groups. Traps targeting house mice (Mus musculus), black rats (Rattus rattus), hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) and brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) were set for 10 trap-nights in March-April 2017 on a dairy (A) and a beef and sheep (B) farm. Trapped wild animals and an age-stratified random sample of domestic animals, namely cattle, sheep and working dogs were blood sampled. Sera were tested by microagglutination test for five serogroups and titres compared using a Proportional Similarity Index (PSI). Wildlife kidneys were sampled for culture and qPCR targeting the lipL32 gene. True prevalence in mice was assessed using occupancy modelling by collating different laboratory results. Infection profiles varied by species, age group and farm. At the MAT cut-point of ≥ 48, up to 78% of wildlife species, and 16-99% of domestic animals were seropositive. Five of nine hedgehogs, 23/105 mice and 1/14 black rats reacted to L. borgpetersenii sv Ballum. The sera of 4/18 possums and 4/9 hedgehogs reacted to L. borgpetersenii sv Hardjobovis whilst 1/18 possums and 1/9 hedgehogs reacted to Tarassovi. In ruminants, seroprevalence for Hardjobovis and Pomona ranged 0-90% and 0-71% depending on the species and age group. Titres against Ballum, Tarassovi and Copenhageni were also observed in 4-20%, 0-25% and 0-21% of domestic species, respectively. The PSI indicated rodents and livestock had the most dissimilar serological responses. Three of nine hedgehogs, 31/105 mice and 2/14 rats were carrying leptospires (PCR and/or culture positive). True prevalence estimated by occupancy modelling in mice was 38% [95% Credible Interval 26, 51%] on Farm A and 22% [11, 40%] on Farm B. In the same environment, exposure to serovars found in wildlife species was commonly detected in livestock. Transmission pathways between and within species should be assessed to help in the development of efficient mitigation strategies against Leptospira.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Moinet
- Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Hedwich Oosterhof
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Shahista Nisa
- Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Neville Haack
- Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - David A. Wilkinson
- Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- New Zealand Food Safety Science & Research Centre, Hopkirk Research Institute, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Danielle Aberdein
- Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - James C. Russell
- School of Biological Sciences and Department of Statistics, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Emilie Vallée
- Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Julie Collins-Emerson
- Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Cord Heuer
- Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Jackie Benschop
- Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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14
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Di Azevedo MIN, Aymée L, Borges ALDSB, Lilenbaum W. Molecular Epidemiology of Pathogenic Leptospira spp. Infecting Dogs in Latin America. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2422. [PMID: 37570231 PMCID: PMC10417440 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. Infections can vary from asymptomatic and chronic infections to clinical acute diseases. The disease is endemic in tropical areas, such as Latin American countries, but a broad understanding of the dynamics of circulation of strains, based on molecular data, has not yet been performed. Based on in silico analyses, the present study aims to analyze the genetic diversity and circulation patterns of haplotypes from pathogenic leptospires infecting dogs in Latin America. DNA sequences were obtained from GenBank platform, curated, and aligned. Genetic distances were calculated, and a maximum likelihood tree and haplotype network were constructed. According to the inclusion criteria adopted, a total of 148 sequences were identified. Most of the records were from Brazil, including sequences from L. interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae. Phylogenetic analysis showed a genetically closely related cluster, consisting of a larger haplogroup that includes the reference strain Fiocruz L1-130, known to be the major circulating strain in humans. Moreover, no genetic variations were observed according to clinical history and/or geographical localization. We described the molecular epidemiology of leptospires circulating among dogs in Latin America and demonstrated a very genetically homogeneous group, elucidating its ubiquitous circulation pattern and drawing attention to the important role of dogs in the One Health transmission dynamics of leptospirosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Walter Lilenbaum
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro 24020-150, Brazil; (M.I.N.D.A.); (L.A.); (A.L.d.S.B.B.)
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15
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Lynch MJ, Deshpande M, Kyrniyati K, Zhang K, James M, Miller M, Zhang S, Passalia FJ, Wunder EA, Charon NW, Li C, Crane BR. Lysinoalanine crosslinking is a conserved post-translational modification in the spirochete flagellar hook. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.13.544825. [PMID: 37398457 PMCID: PMC10312707 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.13.544825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Spirochete bacteria cause Lyme disease, leptospirosis, syphilis and several other human illnesses. Unlike other bacteria, spirochete flagella are enclosed within the periplasmic space where the filaments distort and push the cell body by action of the flagellar motors. We previously demonstrated that the oral pathogen Treponema denticola (Td) catalyzes the formation of covalent lysinoalanine (Lal) crosslinks between conserved cysteine and lysine residues of the FlgE protein that composes the flagellar hook. Although not necessary for hook assembly, Lal is required for motility of Td, presumably due to the stabilizing effect of the crosslink. Herein, we extend these findings to other, representative spirochete species across the phylum. We confirm the presence of Lal crosslinked peptides in recombinant and in vivo -derived samples from Treponema spp., Borreliella spp., Brachyspira spp., and Leptospira spp.. Like with Td, a mutant strain of the Lyme disease pathogen Borreliella burgdorferi unable to form the crosslink has impaired motility. FlgE from Leptospira spp. does not conserve the Lal-forming cysteine residue which is instead substituted by serine. Nevertheless, Leptospira interrogans also forms Lal, with several different Lal isoforms being detected between Ser-179 and Lys-145, Lys-148, and Lys-166, thereby highlighting species or order-specific differences within the phylum. Our data reveals that the Lal crosslink is a conserved and necessary post-translational modification across the spirochete phylum and may thus represent an effective target for spirochete-specific antimicrobials. Significance Statement The phylum Spirochaetota contains bacterial pathogens responsible for a variety of diseases, including Lyme disease, syphilis, periodontal disease, and leptospirosis. Motility of these pathogens is a major virulence factor that contributes to infectivity and host colonization. The oral pathogen Treponema denticola produces a post-translational modification (PTM) in the form of a lysinoalanine (Lal) crosslink between neighboring subunits of the flagellar hook protein FlgE. Herein, we demonstrate that representative spirochetes species across the phylum all form Lal in their flagellar hooks. T. denticola and B. burgdorferi cells incapable of forming the crosslink are non-motile, thereby establishing the general role of the Lal PTM in the unusual type of flagellar motility evolved by spirochetes.
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16
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Nisa S, Vallee E, Marshall J, Collins-Emerson J, Yeung P, Prinsen G, Douwes J, Baker MG, Wright J, Quin T, Holdaway M, Wilkinson DA, Fayaz A, Littlejohn S, Benschop J. Leptospirosis in Aotearoa New Zealand: Protocol for a Nationwide Case-Control Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e47900. [PMID: 37289491 DOI: 10.2196/47900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Aotearoa New Zealand, 90% of patients with notified leptospirosis (a zoonotic bacterial disease) have been men working in agricultural industries. However, since 2008, the epidemiology of notified cases has been gradually changing, that is, more women are affected; there are more cases associated with occupations traditionally not considered high risk in New Zealand; infecting serovars have changed; and many patients experience symptoms long after infection. We hypothesized that there is a shift in leptospirosis transmission patterns with substantial burden on affected patients and their families. OBJECTIVE In this paper, we aimed to describe the protocols used to conduct a nationwide case-control study to update leptospirosis risk factors and follow-up studies to assess the burden and sources of leptospirosis in New Zealand. METHODS This study used a mixed methods approach, comprising a case-control study and 4 substudies that involved cases only. Cases were recruited nationwide, and controls were frequency matched by sex and rurality. All participants were administered a case-control questionnaire (study 1), with cases being interviewed again at least 6 months after the initial survey (study 2). A subset of cases from two high-risk populations, that is, farmers and abattoir workers, were further engaged in a semistructured interview (study 3). Some cases with regular animal exposure had their in-contact animals (livestock for blood and urine and wildlife for kidney) and environment (soil, mud, and water) sampled (study 4). Patients from selected health clinics suspected of leptospirosis also had blood and urine samples collected (study 5). In studies 4 and 5, blood samples were tested using the microscopic agglutination test to test for antibody titers against Leptospira serovars Hardjo type bovis, Ballum, Tarassovi, Pomona, and Copenhageni. Blood, urine, and environmental samples were also tested for pathogenic Leptospira DNA using polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Participants were recruited between July 22, 2019, and January 31, 2022, and data collection for the study has concluded. In total, 95 cases (July 25, 2019, to April 13, 2022) and 300 controls (October 19, 2019, to January 26, 2022) were interviewed for the case-control study; 91 cases participated in the follow-up interviews (July 9, 2020, to October 25, 2022); 13 cases participated in the semistructured interviews (January 26, 2021, to January 19, 2022); and 4 cases had their in-contact animals and environments sampled (October 28, 2020, and July 29, 2021). Data analysis for study 3 has concluded and 2 manuscripts have been drafted for review. Results of the other studies are being analyzed and the specific results of each study will be published as individual manuscripts.. CONCLUSIONS The methods used in this study may provide a basis for future epidemiological studies of infectious diseases. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/47900.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahista Nisa
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Emilie Vallee
- EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan Marshall
- School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Julie Collins-Emerson
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Polly Yeung
- School of Social Work, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Gerard Prinsen
- School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Jeroen Douwes
- Research Centre for Hauora and Health, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Michael G Baker
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jackie Wright
- Enteric and Leptospira Reference Laboratory, Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Tanya Quin
- Goodfellow Unit, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Maureen Holdaway
- College of Health, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - David A Wilkinson
- Unité Mixte de Recherche, Animal, Santé, Territoires, Risques et Ecosystèmes, Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement, Institut national de la recherche agronomique, University of Montpellier, Plateforme Technologique Cyclotron Réunion Océan Indien, Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Ahmed Fayaz
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Stuart Littlejohn
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Jackie Benschop
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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17
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de Oliveira NR, Santos FDS, Dos Santos VAC, Maia MAC, Oliveira TL, Dellagostin OA. Challenges and Strategies for Developing Recombinant Vaccines against Leptospirosis: Role of Expression Platforms and Adjuvants in Achieving Protective Efficacy. Pathogens 2023; 12:787. [PMID: 37375478 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The first leptospiral recombinant vaccine was developed in the late 1990s. Since then, progress in the fields of reverse vaccinology (RV) and structural vaccinology (SV) has significantly improved the identification of novel surface-exposed and conserved vaccine targets. However, developing recombinant vaccines for leptospirosis faces various challenges, including selecting the ideal expression platform or delivery system, assessing immunogenicity, selecting adjuvants, establishing vaccine formulation, demonstrating protective efficacy against lethal disease in homologous challenge, achieving full renal clearance using experimental models, and reproducibility of protective efficacy against heterologous challenge. In this review, we highlight the role of the expression/delivery system employed in studies based on the well-known LipL32 and leptospiral immunoglobulin-like (Lig) proteins, as well as the choice of adjuvants, as key factors to achieving the best vaccine performance in terms of protective efficacy against lethal infection and induction of sterile immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil
| | - Francisco Denis Souza Santos
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Mara Andrade Colares Maia
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil
| | - Thaís Larré Oliveira
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil
| | - Odir Antônio Dellagostin
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil
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18
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Pětrošová H, Mikhael A, Culos S, Giraud-Gatineau A, Gomez AM, Sherman ME, Ernst RK, Cameron CE, Picardeau M, Goodlett DR. Lipid A structural diversity among members of the genus Leptospira. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1181034. [PMID: 37303810 PMCID: PMC10248169 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1181034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid A is the hydrophobic component of bacterial lipopolysaccharide and an activator of the host immune system. Bacteria modify their lipid A structure to adapt to the surrounding environment and, in some cases, to evade recognition by host immune cells. In this study, lipid A structural diversity within the Leptospira genus was explored. The individual Leptospira species have dramatically different pathogenic potential that ranges from non-infectious to life-threatening disease (leptospirosis). Ten distinct lipid A profiles, denoted L1-L10, were discovered across 31 Leptospira reference species, laying a foundation for lipid A-based molecular typing. Tandem MS analysis revealed structural features of Leptospira membrane lipids that might alter recognition of its lipid A by the host innate immune receptors. Results of this study will aid development of strategies to improve diagnosis and surveillance of leptospirosis, as well as guide functional studies on Leptospira lipid A activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Pětrošová
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- University of Victoria Genome British Columbia Proteomics Center, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Abanoub Mikhael
- University of Victoria Genome British Columbia Proteomics Center, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Sophie Culos
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Alloysius M. Gomez
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Matthew E. Sherman
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Robert K. Ernst
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Caroline E. Cameron
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Mathieu Picardeau
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 6047, Biology of Spirochetes Unit, Paris, France
| | - David R. Goodlett
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- University of Victoria Genome British Columbia Proteomics Center, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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19
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Wilking H, Beermann S, Boone I, Dreesman J, Fingerle V, Gethmann J, Lachmann R, Lamparter M, Mayer-Scholl A, Meinen A, Schöl M, Suwono B. [Bacterial zoonoses of public health importance in Germany-incidence, distribution, and modes of transmission]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023:10.1007/s00103-023-03703-6. [PMID: 37221263 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03703-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial zoonotic pathogens are often the cause of diseases, sometimes with severe outcomes. They are mutually transferable between animals (both wild and domestic) and humans. The transmission paths are very variable and include oral intake via food, respiratory infection via droplets and aerosols, or infections via vectors such as tick bites or rodent contact. Furthermore, the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens is of paramount public health concern.The likelihood of further spread is influenced by various factors. These include the increase in international trade, the endangerment of animal habitats, and the increasingly closer contact between humans and wild animals. Additionally, changes in livestock and climate change may also contribute. Therefore, research into zoonoses serves to protect human and animal health and is of particular social, political, and economic importance.The aim of this review article is to present the range of infectious diseases caused by bacterial zoonotic pathogens in order to provide a better understanding of the important work in public health services, animal health services, and food safety control. The different transmission routes, epidemic potentials, and epidemiological measures of the exemplary selected diseases show the challenges for the public health system to monitor and control the spread of these bacterial pathogens in order to protect the population from disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Wilking
- Fachgebiet Gastrointestinale Infektionen, Zoonosen und tropische Infektionen, Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut, Seestr. 10, 13353, Berlin, Deutschland.
| | - Sandra Beermann
- Abteilung Öffentliche Gesundheit, Bundesministerium für Gesundheit, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Ides Boone
- Fachgebiet Nosokomiale Infektionen, Surveillance von Antibiotikaresistenz und -verbrauch, Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Deutschland
| | | | - Volker Fingerle
- Bayerisches Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit, Nationales Referenzzentrum für Borrelien, Oberschleißheim, Deutschland
| | - Jörn Gethmann
- Institut für Epidemiologie, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut - Bundesforschungsinstitut für Tiergesundheit, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Deutschland
| | - Raskit Lachmann
- Fachgebiet Gastrointestinale Infektionen, Zoonosen und tropische Infektionen, Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut, Seestr. 10, 13353, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Marina Lamparter
- Nationales Referenzlabor (NRL) für Salmonella, Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Anne Mayer-Scholl
- Konsiliarlabor für Leptospiren, Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Anika Meinen
- Fachgebiet Gastrointestinale Infektionen, Zoonosen und tropische Infektionen, Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut, Seestr. 10, 13353, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Meike Schöl
- ÖGD-Kontaktstelle | Krisenmanagement, Ausbruchsuntersuchungen und Trainingsprogramme, Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Beneditta Suwono
- Fachgebiet Nosokomiale Infektionen, Surveillance von Antibiotikaresistenz und -verbrauch, Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Deutschland
- Fachgebiet Surveillance und elektronisches Melde- und Informationssystem (DEMIS) | ÖGD Kontaktstelle, Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Deutschland
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20
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Vasconcelos L, Aburjaile F, Andrade L, Cancio AF, Seyffert N, Aguiar ERGR, Ristow P. Genomic insights into the c-di-GMP signaling and biofilm development in the saprophytic spirochete Leptospira biflexa. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:180. [PMID: 37031284 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03519-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
C-di-GMP is a bacterial second messenger with central role in biofilm formation. Spirochete bacteria from Leptospira genus present a wide diversity, with species of medical importance and environmental species, named as saprophytic. Leptospira form biofilms in the rat's reservoir kidneys and in the environment. Here, we performed genomic analyses to identify enzymatic and effector c-di-GMP proteins in the saprophytic biofilm-forming species Leptospira biflexa serovar Patoc. We identified 40 proteins through local alignments. Amongst them, 16 proteins are potentially functional diguanylate cyclases, phosphodiesterases, or hybrid proteins. We also identified nine effectors, including PilZ proteins. Enrichment analyses suggested that c-di-GMP interacts with cAMP signaling system, CsrA system, and flagella assembly regulation during biofilm development of L. biflexa. Finally, we identified eight proteins in the pathogen Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni that share high similarity with L. biflexa c-di-GMP-related proteins. This work revealed proteins related to c-di-GMP turnover and cellular response in Leptospira and their potential roles during biofilm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Vasconcelos
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Flávia Aburjaile
- Preventive Veterinary Medicine Department, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lara Andrade
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Núbia Seyffert
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Eric R G R Aguiar
- Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Department of Biological Science, Center of Biotechnology and Genetics, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Paula Ristow
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (INCT IN-TREE), Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
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21
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Nieves C, Vincent AT, Zarantonelli L, Picardeau M, Veyrier FJ, Buschiazzo A. Horizontal transfer of the rfb cluster in Leptospira is a genetic determinant of serovar identity. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:6/2/e202201480. [PMID: 36622346 PMCID: PMC9736851 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospira bacteria comprise numerous species, several of which cause serious disease to a broad range of hosts including humans. These spirochetes exhibit large intraspecific variation, resulting in complex tabulations of serogroups/serovars that crisscross the species classification. Serovar identity, linked to biological/clinical phenotypes, depends on the structure of surface-exposed LPS. Many LPS biosynthesis-encoding genes reside within the chromosomic rfb gene cluster. However, the genetic basis of intraspecies variability is not fully understood, constraining diagnostics/typing methods to cumbersome serologic procedures. We now show that the gene content of the rfb cluster strongly correlates with Leptospira serovar designation. Whole-genome sequencing of pathogenic L. noguchii, including strains of different serogroups, reveals that the rfb cluster undergoes extensive horizontal gene transfer. The rfb clusters from several Leptospira species disclose a univocal correspondence between gene composition and serovar identity. This work paves the way to genetic typing of Leptospira serovars, and to pinpointing specific genes within the distinct rfb clusters, encoding host-specific virulence traits. Further research shall unveil the molecular mechanism of rfb transfer among Leptospira strains and species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Nieves
- Bacterial Symbionts Evolution, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université du Québec, Laval, Canada
| | - Antony T Vincent
- Bacterial Symbionts Evolution, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université du Québec, Laval, Canada.,Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Leticia Zarantonelli
- Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Microbiology, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mathieu Picardeau
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 6047, Biology of Spirochetes Unit, Paris, France.,Integrative Microbiology of Zoonotic Agents, Pasteur International Joint Research Unit, Paris/Montevideo, France/Uruguay
| | - Frédéric J Veyrier
- Bacterial Symbionts Evolution, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université du Québec, Laval, Canada
| | - Alejandro Buschiazzo
- Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Microbiology, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay .,Integrative Microbiology of Zoonotic Agents, Pasteur International Joint Research Unit, Paris/Montevideo, France/Uruguay
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22
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Ochoa-Valencia JL, Cruz-Romero A, Sánchez-Montes S, Esparza-González SC, Romero-Salas D, Domínguez-Mancera B, Ramos-Vázquez JR, Becker I, Torres-Castro M. Serological and Molecular evidence of pathogenic Leptospira species in cattle from slaughterhouses in Veracruz State, Mexico. REVISTA CIENTÍFICA DE LA FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS VETERINARIAS 2022. [DOI: 10.52973/rcfcv-e33201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cattle raising is the most important livestock activity in Mexico, highlighting the fact that the Country is eight place worldwide in the production of bovine meat. However, cattle can be affected by leptospirosis (a bacterial disease caused by 17 species of spirochetes of the genus Leptospira), which cause reproductive problems that translate into great economic losses. Additionally, these zoonotic agents can cause a rapidly evolving febrile condition in humans, which can be solved after the first week of symptoms or could progress to develop a severe late-phase manifestations. Despite the great impact of these agents on the economy and Public Health, epidemiological surveillance against the infectious disease that cause is not present in municipal slaughterhouses (MS). Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify, using serological and molecular methods, the circulating Leptospira species in three MS in Veracruz State. The frequency of anti-Leptospira antibodies was 67.5%. Additionally, five sequences were recovered that were 99% similar to L. interrogans. This work represents the first national effort for the evaluation of MS as sentinel units, that allow establishing the diversity of species of the genus Leptospira that circulate in cattle and establishing intervention measures for workers risk mitigation, who come into contact with the fluids and organs of infected animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Luis Ochoa-Valencia
- Universidad Veracruzana, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, región Veracruz. Veracruz, México
| | - Anabel Cruz-Romero
- Universidad Veracruzana, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, región Veracruz. Veracruz, México
| | - Sokani Sánchez-Montes
- Universidad Veracruzana, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, región Tuxpan. Veracruz, México -Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental. Ciudad de México, México
| | - Sandra Cecilia Esparza-González
- Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Facultad de Odontología, Laboratorio de Cultivo Celular, Unidad Saltillo. Saltillo, México
| | - Dora Romero-Salas
- Universidad Veracruzana, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, región Veracruz. Veracruz, México
| | | | - Jose Rodrigo Ramos-Vázquez
- Universidad Veracruzana, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, región Veracruz. Veracruz, México
| | - Ingeborg Becker
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental. Ciudad de México, México
| | - Marco Torres-Castro
- Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Laboratorio de Enfermedades Emergentes y Reemergentes.Yucatán, México
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23
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Lekhal L, Harran E, Aragon A, Groud K, Le Guyader M, Kaidi R, Khelef D, Djelouadji Z. First Molecular Detection of Pathogens Leptospira in Common Rodent Captured in North Algeria Urban Areas. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:335. [PMID: 36355878 PMCID: PMC9693108 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7110335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is an anthropozoonosis disease of worldwide distribution caused by mobile spirochetes of the genus Leptospira and rodents, mainly rats, are described as its primary reservoir. In Algeria, there is limited data about the prevalence of Leptospira spp. in humans and animals, as well as Leptospira carriage in wild rodents. The study aimed to highlight the importance of rodents as a reservoir of Leptospira bacterium in Blida city in Algeria by detecting and identifying circulating Leptospira species in the rodent population. A total of 101 rodents, 95 Rattus Norvegicus, 5 Rattus Rattus, and 1 Mus Musculus were captured and tested for pathogenic Leptospira spp. byreal-time PCR targeting the Leptospira 16S rRNA (rrs) gene, revealing a total prevalence of 40.6%, 95% IC [30.9-50.8%]. Positive samples were subjected to species-specific real-time PCR assays targeting L. interrogans, L. noguchii, L. borgpetersenii, and L. kirschneri for species identification. However, positive samples for which Leptospira-species could not be determined were subjected to conventional PCR targeting the partial 16S rRNA (rrs) gene, and amplified DNA was subjected to sequencing. Leptospira spp. was detected in 36 kidney, 16 urine, and three lung specimens. L. interrogans was identified in 39 rodents and L. borpetersenii in one rodent; however, one rodent with renal carriage could not be typed due to poor DNA quality. This study provides the first description of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in wild rodents in Algeria. These findings suggest a high potential risk of leptospirosis transmission from rodents to humans and animals in Algeria and therefore imply the adoption of prophylactic measures. In addition, further studies, including different animals and rodent species, should be conducted to clarify the epidemiology of this disease in Algeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lila Lekhal
- Laboratoroire des Biotechnologies Liées à la Reproduction Animale, Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Univerité Saad Dahlab Blida1, P.B. 270, Route de Soumaa, Blida 09000, Algeria
- Départment des Sciences Vétérinaires, Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Saad Dahlab Blid1, Blida 09000, Algeria
| | - Elena Harran
- USC1233-INRAe Rongeurs Sauvages, Risque Sanitaire et Gestion des Populations, VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 69280 Marcy l’Etoile, France
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
| | - Anaïs Aragon
- USC1233-INRAe Rongeurs Sauvages, Risque Sanitaire et Gestion des Populations, VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 69280 Marcy l’Etoile, France
| | - Karine Groud
- USC1233-INRAe Rongeurs Sauvages, Risque Sanitaire et Gestion des Populations, VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 69280 Marcy l’Etoile, France
| | - Marine Le Guyader
- USC1233-INRAe Rongeurs Sauvages, Risque Sanitaire et Gestion des Populations, VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 69280 Marcy l’Etoile, France
| | - Rachid Kaidi
- Laboratoroire des Biotechnologies Liées à la Reproduction Animale, Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Univerité Saad Dahlab Blida1, P.B. 270, Route de Soumaa, Blida 09000, Algeria
- Départment des Sciences Vétérinaires, Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Saad Dahlab Blid1, Blida 09000, Algeria
| | - Djamel Khelef
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire, Oued Smar, Alger 16000, Algeria
- Laboratoire de Santé et Production Animale, Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire, Oued Smar, Alger 16000, Algeria
| | - Zouheira Djelouadji
- USC1233-INRAe Rongeurs Sauvages, Risque Sanitaire et Gestion des Populations, VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 69280 Marcy l’Etoile, France
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24
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Fernandes LGV, Stone NE, Roe CC, Goris MGA, van der Linden H, Sahl JW, Wagner DM, Nally JE. Leptospira sanjuanensis sp. nov., a pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira isolated from soil in Puerto Rico. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2022; 72. [DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Two spirochetes (designated strains LGVF01 and LGVF02T) were isolated from soil samples in San Juan, Puerto Rico in HAN media after selection using a combination of ELISA, agar plating, and colony screening by Fluorescent Antibody Testing (FAT) and PCR for lipL32 and secY. Isolates were helix-shaped, aerobic, fast-growing, and highly motile. Genome sequence analysis indicated that both strains should be classified as members of a novel species within the pathogenic (P1) clade of the genus
Leptospira
. The average nucleotide identity between the two strains was 99.2 %, but below 93.2 % when compared to any previously described leptospiral species. Serotyping of strain LGVF02T indicates that it does not belong within any serogroup of
Leptospira
suggesting it also represents a new serovar. Collectively, strains LGVF01 and LGVF02T represent a new species of pathogenic leptospires for which the name Leptospira sanjuanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LGVF02T (=NVSL-LGVF02T=KIT0302T).
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis G. V. Fernandes
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, ARS, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Nathan E. Stone
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Chandler C. Roe
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Marga G. A. Goris
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, OIE and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans van der Linden
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, OIE and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jason W. Sahl
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - David M. Wagner
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Jarlath E. Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, ARS, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
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25
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Rees EM, Lau CL, Kama M, Reid S, Lowe R, Kucharski AJ. Estimating the duration of antibody positivity and likely time of Leptospira infection using data from a cross-sectional serological study in Fiji. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010506. [PMID: 35696427 PMCID: PMC9232128 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease prevalent throughout the world, but with particularly high burden in Oceania (including the Pacific Island Countries and Territories). Leptospirosis is endemic in Fiji, with outbreaks often occurring following heavy rainfall and flooding. As a result of non-specific clinical manifestation and diagnostic challenges, cases are often misdiagnosed or under-ascertained. Furthermore, little is known about the duration of persistence of antibodies to leptospirosis, which has important clinical and epidemiological implications. Methodology and principal findings Using the results from a serosurvey conducted in Fiji in 2013, we fitted serocatalytic models to estimate the duration of antibody positivity and the force of infection (FOI, the rate at which susceptible individuals acquire infection or seroconversion), whilst accounting for seroreversion. Additionally, we estimated the most likely timing of infection. Using the reverse catalytic model, we estimated the duration of antibody persistence to be 8.33 years (4.76–12.50; assuming constant FOI) and 7.25 years (3.36–11.36; assuming time-varying FOI), which is longer than previous estimates. Using population age-structured seroprevalence data alone, we were not able to distinguish between these two models. However, by bringing in additional longitudinal data on antibody kinetics we were able to estimate the most likely time of infection, lending support to the time-varying FOI model. We found that most individuals who were antibody-positive in the 2013 serosurvey were likely to have been infected within the previous two years, and this finding is consistent with surveillance data showing high numbers of cases reported in 2012 and 2013. Conclusions This is the first study to use serocatalytic models to estimate the FOI and seroreversion rate for Leptospira infection. As well as providing an estimate for the duration of antibody positivity, we also present a novel method to estimate the most likely time of infection from seroprevalence data. These approaches can allow for richer, longitudinal information to be inferred from cross-sectional studies, and could be applied to other endemic diseases where antibody waning occurs. Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease that occurs in almost all regions of the world, with a particularly high burden of disease in Oceania. It is widely considered to be a Neglected Zoonotic Disease, and it is often mis-diagnosed and under-ascertained. Very little information exists about the persistence of antibodies to leptospirosis, which is important for understanding how long individuals may have partial protection against reinfection. In this study, we show how data collected from a large population survey of leptospirosis antibodies can be used to estimate the duration of antibody persistence. Knowledge of the duration of antibody persistence enables an estimation of the duration of immunity to re-infection, which is most likely antibody-mediated. We also estimate the rate at which susceptible individuals acquire infection (force of infection), whilst accounting for antibody waning. This provides more accurate estimates of population-wide disease burden. Finally, we show how the results from a cross-sectional population survey can be used to estimate when infections may have occurred. This is particularly useful in areas with limited surveillance. This approach could be applied to other neglected diseases for which data are limited and where antibody waning occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor M. Rees
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Colleen L. Lau
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mike Kama
- Fiji Centre for Communicable Disease Control, Suva, Fiji
- The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
| | - Simon Reid
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rachel Lowe
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adam J. Kucharski
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Xu G, Qiu H, Liu W, Jiang X, Chang YF, Wang J, Li Z, Zhu Y, Zhang C, Xiao F. Serological and molecular characteristics of pathogenic Leptospira in rodent populations in Fujian Province, China, 2018-2020. BMC Microbiol 2022; 22:151. [PMID: 35672661 PMCID: PMC9171958 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-022-02566-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leptospirosis is a significant emerging infectious disease worldwide. Rodents are considered to be the most critical hosts of Leptospira spp. Fujian Province is a region highly endemic for leptospirosis in China. However, the genetic diversity of leptospires circulating among rodents in Fujian is limited. Results The carrier status of rodents for Leptospira spp. was investigated by culture and serological detection in Fujian during 2018–2020. A total of 710 rodents, including 11 species, were trapped, with Rattus losea being the dominant trapped species (50.56%). Fourteen pathogenic Leptospira strains were obtained. Seven L. borgpetersenii serogroup Javanica strains belonging to ST143, 4 L. interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae strains belonging to ST1 and ST17, 2 L. interrogans serogroup Bataviae strains belonging to ST96 and ST333, and 1 L. interrogans serogroup Pyrogenes strains belonging to ST332 were identified using 16S rDNA gene sequencing, microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and Multilocus sequence typing (MLST). L. borgpetersenii serogroup Javanica belonging to ST143 was the dominant type (50.00%). A total of 387 rodent serum samples were tested by MAT. Serum were considered positive for seroreactivity at a titer ≥ 1:160 against at least one serovar. A total of 90 (23.26%) serum samples tested positive, and four serogroups were identified, with Javanica being the dominant serogroup (87.78%), which was similar to the dominant serogroup isolated from rodents. This study demonstrates a high prevalence of leptospirosis in rodents and public health education among high-risk workers is highly recommended. Conclusions R. losea was the dominant trapped rodent, and L. borgpetersenii serogroup Javanica ST143 was widely distributed among rodents in Fujian from 2018 to 2020. Despite the low number of isolates obtained from rodents, this study suggests that continuous epidemiological surveillance of the aetiological characteristics of pathogenic Leptospira in wild animal reservoirs may help reduce the possible risk of disease transmission. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-022-02566-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoying Xu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, China.,College of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weijun Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiugao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yung-Fu Chang
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jiaxiong Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhenpeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongzhang Zhu
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cuicai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Fangzhen Xiao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, China. .,College of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
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Comparison of the Serion IgM ELISA and Microscopic Agglutination Test for diagnosis of Leptospira spp. infections in sera from different geographical origins and estimation of Leptospira seroprevalence in the Wiwa indigenous population from Colombia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0009876. [PMID: 35666764 PMCID: PMC9223614 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is among the most important zoonotic diseases in (sub-)tropical countries. The research objective was to evaluate the accuracy of the Serion IgM ELISA EST125M against the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT = imperfect reference test); to assess its ability to diagnose acute leptospirosis infections and to detect previous exposure to leptospires in an endemic setting. In addition, to estimate the overall Leptospira spp. seroprevalence in the Wiwa indigenous population in North-East Colombia. We analysed serum samples from confirmed leptospirosis patients from the Netherlands (N = 14), blood donor sera from Switzerland (N = 20), and sera from a cross-sectional study in Colombia (N = 321). All leptospirosis ELISA-positive, and a random of negative samples from Colombia were tested by the MAT for confirmation. The ELISA performed with a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 77% - 100%) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI 83% - 100%) based on MAT confirmed Leptospira spp. positive and negative samples. In the cross-sectional study in Colombia, the ELISA performed with a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 2–100%) and a specificity of 21% (95% CI 15–28%). Assuming a 5% Leptospira spp. seroprevalence in this population, the positive predictive value was 6% and the negative predictive value 100%. The Leptospira spp. seroprevalence in the Wiwas tested by the ELISA was 39%; however, by MAT only 0.3%. The ELISA is suitable to diagnose leptospirosis in acutely ill patients in Europe several days after onset of disease. For cross-sectional studies it is not recommended due to its low specificity. Despite the evidence of a high leptospirosis prevalence in other study areas and populations in Colombia, the Wiwa do not seem to be highly exposed to Leptospira spp.. Nevertheless, leptospirosis should be considered and tested in patients presenting with febrile illness. Leptospirosis is among the most important zoonotic diseases in (sub-)tropical countries. The correct diagnosis of leptospirosis is very important to take a medical or public health decision. Therefore, we tested a serological test (ELISA) for its ability to correctly diagnose a negative sample as truly negative and a positive sample as truly positive. We tested the ELISA with European acute leptospirosis confirmed positive and negative samples and compared results with another serological test (microscopic agglutination test), which is the recognized reference test. Further, the ELISA was assessed for its ability to detect previous exposure to leptospires in serum samples from the indigenous Wiwa population from Colombia, where leptospirosis is expected to be endemic. The ELISA performed very well with sera from patients with acute leptospirosis, however had difficulties to diagnose negative samples as truly negative in the Colombian field samples; hence unexposed persons were falsely diagnosed to be positive. Therefore, we recommend using the ELISA to detect acute leptospirosis several days after onset of illness in a non-endemic environment, but are not convinced of its usefulness to screen a population for previous Leptospira spp. exposure.
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