1
|
Ma J, Wu H, Ma Z, Wu Z. Bacterial and host factors involved in zoonotic Streptococcal meningitis. Microbes Infect 2024:105335. [PMID: 38582147 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105335] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Zoonotic streptococci cause several invasive diseases with high mortality rates, especially meningitis. Numerous studies elucidated the meningitis pathogenesis of zoonotic streptococci, some specific to certain bacterial species. In contrast, others are shared among different bacterial species, involving colonization and invasion of mucosal barriers, survival in the bloodstream, breaching the blood-brain and/or blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier to access the central nervous system, and triggering inflammation of the meninges. This review focuses on the recent advancements in comprehending the molecular and cellular events of five major zoonotic streptococci responsible for causing meningitis in humans or animals, including Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus, Streptococcus suis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, and Streptococcus iniae. The underlying mechanism was summarized into four themes, including 1) bacterial survival in blood, 2) brain microvascular endothelial cell adhesion and invasion, 3) penetration of the blood-brain barrier, and 4) activation of the immune system and inflammatory reaction within the brain. This review may contribute to developing therapeutics to prevent or mitigate injury of streptococcal meningitis and improve risk stratification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiale Ma
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210014, China; Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210014, China; WOAH Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Huizhen Wu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210014, China; Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210014, China; WOAH Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Zhe Ma
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210014, China; Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210014, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China.
| | - Zongfu Wu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210014, China; Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210014, China; WOAH Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing 210014, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research on the Technology of Pig-breeding and Pig-disease Prevention, Guangzhou 511400, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pan F, Zhu M, Liang Y, Yuan C, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Fan H, Waldor MK, Ma Z. Membrane vesicle delivery of a streptococcal M protein disrupts the blood-brain barrier by inducing autophagic endothelial cell death. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2219435120. [PMID: 37276410 PMCID: PMC10268326 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2219435120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
M family proteins are critical virulence determinants of Streptococci. Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) are Group C streptococci that cause meningitis in animals and humans. SzM, the M protein of SEZ, has been linked to SEZ brain invasion. Here, we demonstrate that SzM is important in SEZ disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). SEZ release SzM-bound membrane vesicles (MVs), and endocytosis of these vesicles by human brain endothelial microvascular cells (hBMECs) results in SzM-dependent cytotoxicity. Furthermore, administration of SzM-bound MVs disrupted the murine BBB. A CRISPR screen revealed that SzM cytotoxicity in hBMECs depends on PTEN-related activation of autophagic cell death. Pharmacologic inhibition of PTEN activity prevented SEZ disruption of the murine BBB and delayed mortality. Our data show that MV delivery of SzM to host cells plays a key role in SEZ pathogenicity and suggests that MV delivery of streptococcal M family proteins is likely a common streptococcal virulence mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Pan
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, the International Joint Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu210095, China
| | - Mingli Zhu
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, the International Joint Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu210095, China
| | - Ying Liang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, the International Joint Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu210095, China
| | - Chen Yuan
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, the International Joint Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu210095, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, the International Joint Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu210095, China
| | - Yuchang Wang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, the International Joint Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu210095, China
| | - Hongjie Fan
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, the International Joint Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu210095, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou225009, China
| | - Matthew K. Waldor
- HHMI, Boston, MA02115
- Brigham and Women’s HospitalDivision of Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA02115
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Zhe Ma
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, the International Joint Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu210095, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou225009, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Azpiroz MF, Burger N, Mazza M, Rodríguez G, Camou T, García Gabarrot G. Characterization of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus isolates containing lnuB gene responsible for the L phenotype. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284869. [PMID: 37115801 PMCID: PMC10146458 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the framework of the β-hemolytic streptococci surveillance carried out by the National Reference Laboratory from Uruguay, three putative Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) were received from different health centers. Being these the first reports associated with human infections in Uruguay, the objective of this work was to confirm their identification, to determine their genetic relationship and to study their antibiotic susceptibility. Using four different methods, they were identified as SEZ, a subspecies which has been described as the etiologic agent of rare and severe zoonosis in a few cases in other countries. The three isolates presented different pulsotypes by PFGE; however, two of them appeared to be related and were confirmed as ST431 by MLST, while the remaining isolate displayed ST72. Their resistance profile exhibited an unexpected feature: despite all of them were susceptible to macrolides, they showed different levels of resistance to clindamycin, i.e. they had the so-called "L phenotype". This rare trait is known to be due to a nucleotidyl-transferase, encoded by genes of the lnu family. Although this phenotype was previously described in a few SEZ isolates, its genetic basis has not been studied yet. This was now analyzed by PCR in the three isolates and they were found to contain a lnuB gene. The lnuB sequence was identical among the three isolates and with many lnuB sequences deposited in data banks. In conclusion, for the first time in Uruguay, three SEZ isolates recovered from non-epidemiologically related cases of human invasive infection were identified. Moreover, this is the first report about the presence of a lnu gene in the S. equi species, revealing the active lateral spread of the lnuB in a new streptococcal host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María F Azpiroz
- Facultad de Ciencias, Fisiología y Genética Bacterianas, UdelaR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | | | | | - Teresa Camou
- Departamento de Laboratorios de Salud Pública, Ministerio de Salud Pública, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shikina E, Kovalevsky R, Shirkovskaya A, Toukach P. Prospective bacterial and fungal sources of hyaluronic acid: A review. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:6214-6236. [PMID: 36420162 PMCID: PMC9676211 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique biological and rheological properties make hyaluronic acid a sought-after material for medicine and cosmetology. Due to very high purity requirements for hyaluronic acid in medical applications, the profitability of streptococcal fermentation is reduced. Production of hyaluronic acid by recombinant systems is considered a promising alternative. Variations in combinations of expressed genes and fermentation conditions alter the yield and molecular weight of produced hyaluronic acid. This review is devoted to the current state of hyaluronic acid production by recombinant bacterial and fungal organisms.
Collapse
|
5
|
Sevilla-Acosta F, Ballestero-Pernudi A, Jiménez-Cruz E, Álvarez-Cabalceta H, Naranjo-Zuñiga G. Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus Meningitis, Septicemia, and Brain Infarcts in a Costa Rican Infant. Cureus 2021; 13:e17286. [PMID: 34552827 PMCID: PMC8448576 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.17286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus equi, an equine commensal bacterium, is a rare etiology of septicemia and meningoencephalitis in humans and is extremely infrequent in children. Scarce literature has been published about its clinical presentation, treatment and outcomes in infants. Here, we describe a case of S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus septicemia and meningoencephalitis in a five-month-old Costa Rican infant that was confirmed by peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures in a regional hospital of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica who developed multiple ischemic cerebral infarcts secondary to infectious vasculitis, a subdural empyema and serious neurological sequelae. We also reviewed the literature on S. equi meningitis in infants under one year of age. This is the first reported case in our country, the fourth reported in infants under one year of age and the second describing multiple cerebral infarcts and subdural empyema in an infant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabricio Sevilla-Acosta
- Pediatrics, Hospital Nacional De Niños "Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera", San José, CRI
- Pediatrics, Hospital La Anexión, Nicoya, CRI
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Torpiano P, Nestorova N, Vella C. Streptococcus equi subsp. equi meningitis, septicemia and subdural empyema in a child. IDCases 2020; 21:e00808. [PMID: 32489871 PMCID: PMC7256365 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2020.e00808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subsp. equi is a rare cause of meningitis in human hosts. Infection may lead to important suppurative complications such as subdural empyema. Infection often follows reported contact with horses. Outcome is often poor following S. equi subsp. equi meningitis.
Streptococcus equi subsp. equi is a group C β-hemolytic streptococcus, and is an invasive pathogen with a very restricted host, causing the equine infection known as ‘strangles’. It is a poor colonizer in horses, preferentially causing invasion and infection, compared with its ancestor Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, which is considered an opportunistic commensal of the equine upper respiratory tract. In humans, S. equi subsp. equi causes invasive infections in immunocompromised hosts, often following close contact with horses. Such infections are associated with a high mortality, as well as a poor neurological outcome in survivors. Beta-lactam antimicrobials form the mainstay of treatment, while neurosurgical intervention is occasionally required. We present the case of a 13-year old boy with systemic lupus erythematosus being treated with hydroxychloroquine, who presented with S. equi subsp. equi meningitis and sepsis after contact with a sick pony. Although he recovered fully following eight weeks of intravenous ceftriaxone and oral rifampin, the clinical course was complicated by subdural empyema requiring neurosurgical evacuation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Torpiano
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Health, Mater Dei Hospital, Triq id-Donaturitad-Demm, MSD2090 Tal-Qroqq, Malta
| | - Nina Nestorova
- Department of Pathology, Mater Dei Hospital, Triq id-Donaturitad-Demm, MSD2090 Tal-Qroqq, Malta
| | - Cecil Vella
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Health, Mater Dei Hospital, Triq id-Donaturitad-Demm, MSD2090 Tal-Qroqq, Malta
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kutsukutsa J, Rankhethoa N, Pillay JS, De Jager JF, Dangor Z, Mahabeer Y. Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus and 'Neighbourhood syndrome' -extra-orbitocranial rhinosinusitis with reversible sudden loss of vision- a case report. BMC Ophthalmol 2019; 19:117. [PMID: 31109307 PMCID: PMC6528227 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-019-1126-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rhinosinusitis is a common condition which may present with complications commonly involving the orbit and the intracranial space. Loss of vision in the absence of clinical or radiological signs of involvement of the orbit and intracranium is rare and carries a high morbidity rate. Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus is not a well-documented cause of paranasal sinus infection. Case presentation We present a case of a 16 year old female patient who had unilateral loss of vision with signs of retrobulbar optic neuritis and no other neurological signs. We isolated an unusual organism- Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus from the maxillary sinus. Emergency endoscopic sinus surgery and antibiotic treatment resulted in complete reversal of the loss of vision. Conclusion The presence of paranasal sinus disease in association with loss of vision even in the absence of a clear link between the two should be treated as an emergency with surgical drainage and or appropriate antibiotic therapy. In patients presenting with suspected inflammatory orbital involvement, imaging of the orbit and paranasal sinuses should be considered early.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Kutsukutsa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa.
| | - Nthabeleng Rankhethoa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Jaivani Sharvani Pillay
- Department of Radiology, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Mayville, Durban, 4058, South Africa
| | | | - Zaynah Dangor
- Department of Neurology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Yesholata Mahabeer
- Department of Medical microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal and National Health Laboratory Services, Durban, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Steward KF, Robinson C, Holden MTG, Harris SR, Ros AF, Pérez GC, Baselga R, Waller AS. Diversity of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus strains isolated from the Spanish sheep and goat population and the identification, function and prevalence of a novel arbutin utilisation system. Vet Microbiol 2017; 207:231-238. [PMID: 28757029 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2017.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The zoonotic bacterium Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) is a diverse, opportunistic pathogen that can cause mastitis in dairy sheep and goats. We used multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to define the genetic diversity of 60 isolates of S. zooepidemicus, which were recovered from sheep and goats in Spain between 2003 and 2010. We identify a novel clonal complex based on sequence type (ST), ST-236, which accounted for 39 of the 60 isolates. A representative ST-236 strain, S. zooepidemicus strain C7 (SzC7), was sequenced and interrogated for the presence of novel nutritional uptake or utilisation systems, the acquisition of which have previously been shown to be important for environmental adaptation in other streptococcal pathogens. A novel phosphoenolpyruvate sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS), which enabled the utilisation of arbutin, was identified. Functionality of the PTS was confirmed following deletion of the PTS from SzC7. Arbutin is found in multiple animal foodstuffs and we propose that the ability to utilise arbutin may have conferred a selective advantage to strains infecting animals, the diet of which contains this sugar.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen F Steward
- Centre for Preventative Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, United Kingdom
| | - Carl Robinson
- Centre for Preventative Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, United Kingdom.
| | - Matthew T G Holden
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Simon R Harris
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Fernández Ros
- Microbiology Department, Exopol, 50840 San Mateo de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Gema Chacón Pérez
- Microbiology Department, Exopol, 50840 San Mateo de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rafael Baselga
- Microbiology Department, Exopol, 50840 San Mateo de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Andrew S Waller
- Centre for Preventative Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhe M, Jie P, Hui Z, Bin X, Xiaomeng P, Huixing L, Chengping L, Hongjie F. SILAC and LC-MS/MS identification of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus proteins that contribute to mouse brain microvascular endothelial cell infection. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 100:7125-36. [PMID: 27178179 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7579-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) causes meningitis in both humans and animals. Some dissociative proteins of SEZ are cytotoxic to mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (mBMECs) and may contribute to the penetration of SEZ across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In this study, the ability of SEZ to penetrate across an in vitro BBB model was confirmed. We used stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) to label SEZ proteins with heavy or light isotope-tagged amino acids, along with LC-MS/MS to determine which SEZ proteins were involved in interactions with mBMECs. The efficiency of SEZ protein isotope labeling was 94.7 %, which was sufficient for further analysis. Forty-nine labeled peptides were identified as binding to mBMECs, which matched to 25 SEZ proteins. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that most of these proteins were cytoplasmic. These proteins may have functions in breaching the host BBB, and some of them are known virulence factors in other bacteria. Indirect immunofluorescence results indicated that SEZ enolase had binding activity toward mBMECs. Protective test results showed that enolase was a protective antigen against SEZ infection. This research is the first application of SILAC combined with LC-MS/MS to identify SEZ proteins that may contribute to the infection of mBMECs and potentially show functions related to breaching the BBB. The outcomes provide many future avenues for research into the mechanism of SEZ-induced meningitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ma Zhe
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Peng Jie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Zhang Hui
- China Animal Health and Epidemiology Center, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Xu Bin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Pei Xiaomeng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Lin Huixing
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Lu Chengping
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Fan Hongjie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Acke E, Midwinter AC, Lawrence K, Gordon SJG, Moore S, Rasiah I, Steward K, French N, Waller A. Prevalence of Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis and S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus in a sample of healthy dogs, cats and horses. N Z Vet J 2015; 63:265-71. [PMID: 25695401 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2015.1016133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To estimate the prevalence of β-haemolytic Lancefield group C streptococci in healthy dogs, cats and horses; to determine if frequent contact with horses was associated with isolation of these species from dogs and cats; and to characterise recovered S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus isolates by multilocus sequence typing. METHODS Oropharyngeal swabs were collected from 197 dogs and 72 cats, and nasopharyngeal swabs from 93 horses. Sampling was carried out at the Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, on sheep and beef farms or on premises where horses were present. All animals were healthy and were categorised as Urban dogs and cats (minimal contact with horses or farm livestock), Farm dogs (minimal contact with horses) and Stable dogs and cats (frequent contact with horses). Swabs were cultured for β-haemolytic Streptococcus spp. and Lancefield group C streptococcal subspecies were confirmed by phenotypic and molecular techniques. RESULTS Of the 197 dogs sampled, 21 (10.7 (95% CI= 4.0-25.4)%) tested positive for S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis and 4 (2.0 (95% CI=0.7-5.5)%) tested positive for S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus. All these isolates, except for one S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis isolate in an Urban dog, were from Stable dogs. S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis was isolated from one Stable cat. Of the 93 horses, 22 (23.7 (95% CI=12.3-40.6)%) and 6 (6.5 (95% CI=2.8-14.1)%) had confirmed S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis and S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus isolation respectively. Isolation of S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis from dogs was associated with frequent contact with horses (OR=9.8 (95% CI=2.6-72.8)). Three different multilocus sequence type profiles of S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus that have not been previously reported in dogs were recovered. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Subclinical infection or colonisation by S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus and S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis occurs in dogs and further research on inter-species transmission and the pathogenic potential of these Lancefield group C streptococci is needed. Complete speciation of β-haemolytic streptococci should be recommended in clinical cases and the possible exposure to horses and their environment should be considered in epidemiological investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Acke
- a Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences , Massey University , Palmerston North , New Zealand
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Scientific Opinion on the public health risks related to the consumption of raw drinking milk. EFSA J 2015. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2015.3940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
|
12
|
Rash NL, Robinson C, DeSouza N, Nair S, Hodgson H, Steward K, Waller AS, Paillot R. Prevalence and disease associations of superantigens szeF, szeN and szeP in the S. zooepidemicus population and possible functional redundancy of szeF. Res Vet Sci 2014; 97:481-7. [PMID: 25267286 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Revised: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) causes a variety of infections in a broad range of species. This study broadens prevalence data for three recently identified novel superantigens (szeF, szeN, and szeP) to define links between their presence and disease type. Screening of 437 strains across 190 sequence types (STs) revealed that 50% of strains contained superantigen genes. Results confirmed that the presence of S. zooepidemicus superantigen genes is significantly associated with non-Strangles lymph node abscessation in the horse (p-value = 0.003) and their absence is associated with uterine infection/abortion (p-value = 0.006). This study also investigated the lack of mitogenicity observed in szeF only. Results show that szeF is polymorphic, with 23 different alleles, and mutations altering the protein sequence. Gene expression differences are not responsible for lack of mitogenic activity in these strains. Taken together, these findings suggest that superantigens are important for S. zooepidemicus pathogenesis but SzeF probably has little involvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N L Rash
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK
| | - C Robinson
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK
| | - N DeSouza
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK
| | - S Nair
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK
| | - H Hodgson
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK
| | - K Steward
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK
| | - A S Waller
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK
| | - R Paillot
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mori N, Guevara JM, Tilley DH, Briceno JA, Zunt JR, Montano SM. Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus meningitis in Peru. J Med Microbiol 2012; 62:335-337. [PMID: 23105024 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.050245-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A 59-year-old man with a history of fever, unsteadiness, hemiparesis, motor aphasia and consciousness disturbance was hospitalized for Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus meningitis. He denied contact with farm animals, but had a practice of consuming unpasteurized goats' cheese from an uncertain source.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicanor Mori
- Bacteriology Department, US Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Drake H Tilley
- Bacteriology Department, US Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, Lima, Peru
| | | | | | - Silvia M Montano
- Bacteriology Department, US Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, Lima, Peru
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ma Z, Zhang H, Yi L, Fan H, Lu C. Microarray analysis of the effect of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus M-like protein in infecting porcine pulmonary alveolar macrophage. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36452. [PMID: 22567158 PMCID: PMC3342272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus), which belongs to Lancefield group C streptococci, is an important pathogen of domesticated species, causing septicemia, meningitis and mammitis. M-like protein (SzP) is an important virulence factor of S. zooepidemicus and contributes to bacterial infection and antiphagocytosis. To increase our knowledge of the mechanism of SzP in infection, we profiled the response of porcine pulmonary alveolar macrophage (PAM) to infection with S. zooepidemicus ATCC35246 wild strain (WD) and SzP-knockout strain (KO) using the Roche NimbleGen Porcine Genome Expression Array. We found SzP contributed to differential expression of 446 genes, with upregulation of 134 genes and downregulation of 312 genes. Gene Ontology category and KEGG pathway were analyzed for relationships among differentially expressed genes. These genes were represented in a variety of functional categories, including genes involved in immune response, regulation of chemokine production, signal transduction and regulation of apoptosis. The reliability of the data obtained from the microarray was verified by performing quantitative real-time PCR on 12 representative genes. The data will contribute to understanding of SzP mediated mechanisms of S. zooepidemicus pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Yi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongjie Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Chengping Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Preziuso S, Cuteri V. A Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for Direct Detection and Differentiation of β-Hemolytic Streptococci in Clinical Samples from Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2011.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
16
|
Yamaguchi R, Nakamura S, Hori H, Kato Y, Une Y. Purulent meningoventriculitis caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus in a snow leopard (Panthera uncia). J Comp Pathol 2012; 147:397-400. [PMID: 22516084 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2012.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Revised: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (SEZ) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes respiratory tract infections in man and animals. SEZ infections are very rare in felids. This report describes purulent meningoventriculitis caused by SEZ in an approximately 16-year-old male snow leopard (Panthera uncia). The animal exhibited neurological signs and died 1 month after their onset. On necropsy examination, the surface blood vessels of the brain were swollen and there was an increased volume and turbidity of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Microscopically, suppurative inflammation accompanied by gram-positive cocci was observed in the meninges and near the ventricles. SEZ was isolated from the brain tissue and CSF. This is the first report of infection with SEZ in a felid other than a domestic cat. This animal had not had direct contact with horses, but it had been fed horse flesh that may have been the source of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Yamaguchi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Complete genome sequence of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus strain ATCC 35246. J Bacteriol 2011; 193:5583-4. [PMID: 21914890 DOI: 10.1128/jb.05700-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus is an opportunistic pathogen. It has caused a very large economic loss in the swine industry of China and has become a threat to human health. We announce the complete genome sequence of S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus strain ATCC 35246, which provides opportunities to understand its pathogenesis mechanism and genetic basis.
Collapse
|
18
|
Rajasekhar A, Clancy CJ. Meningitis due to group C Streptococcus: a case report and review of the literature. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 42:571-8. [PMID: 20632899 DOI: 10.3109/00365541003754428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Group C streptococci (GCS) are common causes of veterinary diseases and may colonize humans. Human diseases due to GCS are uncommon and generally occur in the elderly and persons exposed to animals or animal products. We report a case of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus meningitis in a horse trainer and review 36 cases of GCS meningitis reported in the literature. The median age was 48 y and the majority of patients were previously healthy. Thirty-one percent (11/36) of the reported cases followed equine exposure and 19% (7/36) ingestion of dairy products. Sixty-seven percent (24/36) were found to have concomitant bacteraemia. The case fatality rate was 31% (11/36), and 28% (7/25) of survivors were reported to have residual neurological impairments. At least 4 days of antibiotics were typically required before symptoms improved. Isolates were generally susceptible to beta-lactams. In conclusion, it is important to consider GCS in the differential of bacterial meningitis, in particular in elderly patients exposed to horses or dairy products. Beta-lactams are first-line therapy, but outcomes are poor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita Rajasekhar
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus meningitis--a case report and review of the literature. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2010; 29:1459-63. [PMID: 20820836 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-010-1037-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2010] [Accepted: 08/01/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A case is described of a 79-year-old man, trampled by his horses, who subsequently developed a wound infection and, later, meningitis. Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus was isolated as the causative organism. S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus, which carries the Lancefield Group C antigen, is an uncommon human pathogen but is commonly isolated from bacterial infections in animals, particularly horses. It is most commonly acquired by humans following animal contact. A review of the literature identified 20 previously described cases of S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus meningitis. Crude mortality following infection was 24%. All of the patients who died were over 70 years of age and the ingestion of unpasteurised dairy products was associated with all but one of the fatal cases. Hearing loss was a frequent complication, occurring in 19% of cases. Only 38% of patients made a complete recovery. Treatment regimes commonly included benzylpenicillin or a third-generation cephalosporin, with a mean treatment duration in survivors of 23 days.
Collapse
|
20
|
Human meningitis from Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus acquired as zoonoses. Epidemiol Infect 2010; 139:406-10. [PMID: 20492747 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268810001184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus rarely causes meningitis in humans by contact with domestic animals or their unpasteurized products. In this paper we reviewed the literature pertaining to the epidemiological and clinical aspects relating to this infection on previously reported cases of human disease. Additionally, the case of a 51-year-old female who acquired meningitis with this organism after contact with a horse is described. This patient was successfully treated with ceftriaxone, yet penicillin remains the treatment of choice. This aetiological agent should be considered in the proper epidemiological context.
Collapse
|
21
|
Britton AP, Davies JL. Rhinitis and meningitis in two shelter cats caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus. J Comp Pathol 2010; 143:70-4. [PMID: 20106485 PMCID: PMC7094740 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2009.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2009] [Revised: 10/08/2009] [Accepted: 12/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the past 6 years there have been increasing reports describing outbreaks of a severe fatal respiratory disease associated with Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (SEZ) in dogs maintained in shelters, research facilities and kennels. Although SEZ appears to be an emerging pathogen of dogs kept in intensively housed environments, this bacterium has not been reported as a cause of death in intensively housed cats. This report describes fatal SEZ infection in two adult cats housed in separate animal shelter facilities. Both cats had acute onset of illness, which progressed to death in less than 24h. Post-mortem examination revealed rhinitis and meningitis and SEZ was demonstrated in the nasal cavity and brain. Polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis of a 500 base pair region of the 16S rRNA gene confirmed the identity of the bacterium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A P Britton
- Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, 1767 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford, British Columbia V3G 2M3, Canada.
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abbott Y, Acke E, Khan S, Muldoon EG, Markey BK, Pinilla M, Leonard FC, Steward K, Waller A. Zoonotic transmission of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus from a dog to a handler. J Med Microbiol 2010; 59:120-123. [PMID: 19745031 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.012930-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first case report to describe the apparent transmission of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus from an infected dog to a handler who subsequently developed severe systemic infection. Characterization of the haemolytic streptococci isolated from both the patient and the dog, by phenotypic and molecular analysis, confirmed the canine and human isolates were identical.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Abbott
- Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Sciences Centre, School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - E Acke
- Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Sciences Centre, School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - S Khan
- Beacon Hospital, Sandyford, Dublin 18, Ireland
| | - E G Muldoon
- St James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - B K Markey
- Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Sciences Centre, School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - M Pinilla
- Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Sciences Centre, School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - F C Leonard
- Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Sciences Centre, School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - K Steward
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, UK
| | - A Waller
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
|
24
|
Jones M, Miesner M, Grondin T. Outbreak ofStreptococcus equissp.zooepidemicusPolyserositis in an Alpaca Herd. J Vet Intern Med 2009; 23:220-3. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2008.0219.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
|