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Scholz HC, Heckers KO, Appelt S, Geier-Dömling D, Schlegel P, Wattam AR. Isolation of Brucella inopinata from a White's tree frog ( Litoria caerulea): pose exotic frogs a potential risk to human health? Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1173252. [PMID: 37362939 PMCID: PMC10285381 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1173252] [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: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cold-blooded hosts, particularly exotic frogs, have become a newly recognized reservoir for atypical Brucella species and strains worldwide, but their pathogenicity to humans remains largely unknown. Here we report the isolation and molecular characterization of a B. inopinata strain (FO700662) cultured from clinical samples taken from a captive diseased White's Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea) in Switzerland. The isolation of B. inopinata from a frog along with other reports of human infection by atypical Brucella raises the question of whether atypical Brucella could pose a risk to human health and deserves further attention. Methods The investigations included histopathological analysis of the frog, bacterial culture and in-depth molecular characterization of strain FO700662 based on genome sequencing data. Results and Discussion Originally identified as Ochrobactrum based on its rapid growth and biochemical profile, strain FO700622 was positive for the Brucella- specific markers bcsp31 and IS711. It showed the specific banding pattern of B. inopinata in conventional Bruce-ladder multiplex PCR and also had identical 16S rRNA and recA gene sequences as B. inopinata. Subsequent genome sequencing followed by core genome-based MLST (cgMLST) analysis using 2704 targets (74% of the total chromosome) revealed only 173 allelic differences compared to the type strain of B. inopinata BO1T, while previously considered the closest related strain BO2 differed in 2046 alleles. The overall average nucleotide identity (ANI) between the type strain BO1T and FO700622 was 99,89%, confirming that both strains were almost identical. In silico MLST-21 and MLVA-16 also identified strain FO700662 as B. inopinata. The nucleotide and amino acid-based phylogenetic reconstruction and comparative genome analysis again placed the isolate together with B. inopinata with 100% support. In conclusion, our data unequivocally classified strain FO700622, isolated from an exotic frog, as belonging to B. inopinata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger C. Scholz
- Department of Bacteriology and Toxinology, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Kim O. Heckers
- LABOklin GmbH and Co KG, Labor für klinische Diagnostik, Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - Sandra Appelt
- Department of Bacteriology and Toxinology, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Patrick Schlegel
- Kleintierpraxis Dr. med vet. Patrick Schlegel, Sargans, Switzerland
| | - Alice R. Wattam
- Biocomplexity Institute, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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2
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de Carvalho TP, da Silva LA, Castanheira TLL, de Souza TD, da Paixão TA, Lazaro-Anton L, Tsolis RM, Santos RL. Cell and Tissue Tropism of Brucella spp. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0006223. [PMID: 37129522 PMCID: PMC10187126 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00062-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Brucella spp. are facultatively intracellular bacteria that can infect, survive, and multiply in various host cell types in vivo and/or in vitro. The genus Brucella has markedly expanded in recent years with the identification of novel species and hosts, which has revealed additional information about the cell and tissue tropism of these pathogens. Classically, Brucella spp. are considered to have tropism for organs that contain large populations of phagocytes such as lymph nodes, spleen, and liver, as well as for organs of the genital system, including the uterus, epididymis, testis, and placenta. However, experimental infections of several different cultured cell types indicate that Brucella may actually have a broader cell tropism than previously thought. Indeed, recent studies indicate that certain Brucella species in particular hosts may display a pantropic distribution in vivo. This review discusses the available knowledge on cell and tissue tropism of Brucella spp. in natural infections of various host species, as well as in experimental animal models and cultured cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaynara Parente de Carvalho
- Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California – Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Laice Alves da Silva
- Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thaís Larissa Lourenço Castanheira
- Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia do Norte de Minas Gerais, Salinas, Brazil
| | - Tayse Domingues de Souza
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Tatiane Alves da Paixão
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Leticia Lazaro-Anton
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California – Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Renee M. Tsolis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California – Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Renato Lima Santos
- Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California – Davis, Davis, California, USA
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The Retrospective on Atypical Brucella Species Leads to Novel Definitions. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10040813. [PMID: 35456863 PMCID: PMC9025488 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10040813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Brucella currently comprises twelve species of facultative intracellular bacteria with variable zoonotic potential. Six of them have been considered as classical, causing brucellosis in terrestrial mammalian hosts, with two species originated from marine mammals. In the past fifteen years, field research as well as improved pathogen detection and typing have allowed the identification of four new species, namely Brucella microti, Brucella inopinata, Brucella papionis, Brucella vulpis, and of numerous strains, isolated from a wide range of hosts, including for the first time cold-blooded animals. While their genome sequences are still highly similar to those of classical strains, some of them are characterized by atypical phenotypes such as higher growth rate, increased resistance to acid stress, motility, and lethality in the murine infection model. In our review, we provide an overview of state-of-the-art knowledge about these novel Brucella sp., with emphasis on their phylogenetic positions in the genus, their metabolic characteristics, acid stress resistance mechanisms, and their behavior in well-established in cellulo and in vivo infection models. Comparison of phylogenetic classification and phenotypical properties between classical and novel Brucella species and strains finally lead us to propose a more adapted terminology, distinguishing between core and non-core, and typical versus atypical brucellae, respectively.
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Moreno E. The one hundred year journey of the genus Brucella (Meyer and Shaw 1920). FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:5917985. [PMID: 33016322 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Brucella, described by Meyer and Shaw in 1920, comprises bacterial pathogens of veterinary and public health relevance. For 36 years, the genus came to include three species that caused brucellosis in livestock and humans. In the second half of the 20th century, bacteriologists discovered five new species and several 'atypical' strains in domestic animals and wildlife. In 1990, the Brucella species were recognized as part of the Class Alphaproteobacteria, clustering with pathogens and endosymbionts of animals and plants such as Bartonella, Agrobacterium and Ochrobactrum; all bacteria that live in close association with eukaryotic cells. Comparisons with Alphaproteobacteria contributed to identify virulence factors and to establish evolutionary relationships. Brucella members have two circular chromosomes, are devoid of plasmids, and display close genetic relatedness. A proposal, asserting that all brucellae belong to a single species with several subspecies debated for over 70 years, was ultimately rejected in 2006 by the subcommittee of taxonomy, based on scientific, practical, and biosafety considerations. Following this, the nomenclature of having multiples Brucella species prevailed and defined according to their molecular characteristics, host preference, and virulence. The 100-year history of the genus corresponds to the chronicle of scientific efforts and the struggle for understanding brucellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgardo Moreno
- Programa de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Campues Benjamín Nuñez, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 40104, Costa Rica
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Glabman RA, Thompson KA, Mani R, Colburn R, Agnew DW. Atypical Brucella inopinata-Like Species in 2 Marine Toads. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:1748-1750. [PMID: 34014155 PMCID: PMC8153883 DOI: 10.3201/eid2706.204001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the isolation of atypical Brucella inopinata–like species and unique clinicopathologic findings in 2 adult marine toads (Rhinella marina), including oophoritis in 1 toad. These findings represent a novel emerging disease in toads and a possible zoonotic pathogen.
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Whatmore AM, Foster JT. Emerging diversity and ongoing expansion of the genus Brucella. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 92:104865. [PMID: 33872784 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Remarkable genetic diversity and breadth of host species has been uncovered in the Brucella genus over the past decade, fundamentally changing our concept of what it means to be a Brucella. From ocean fishes and marine mammals, to pond dwelling amphibians, forest foxes, desert rodents, and cave-dwelling bats, Brucella have revealed a variety of previously unknown niches. Classical microbiological techniques have been able to help us classify many of these new strains but at times have limited our ability to see the true relationships among or within species. The closest relatives of Brucella are soil bacteria and the adaptations of Brucella spp. to live intracellularly suggest that the genus has evolved to live in vertebrate hosts. Several recently discovered species appear to have phenotypes that are intermediate between soil bacteria and core Brucella, suggesting that they may represent ancestral traits that were subsequently lost in the traditional species. Remarkably, the broad relationships among Brucella species using a variety of sequence and fragment-based approaches have been upheld when using comparative genomics with whole genomes. Nonetheless, genomes are required for fine-scale resolution of many of the relationships and for understanding the evolutionary history of the genus. We expect that the coming decades will reveal many more hosts and previously unknown diversity in a wide range of environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian M Whatmore
- OIE and FAO Brucellosis Reference Laboratory, Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom.
| | - Jeffrey T Foster
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
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7
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González-Espinoza G, Arce-Gorvel V, Mémet S, Gorvel JP. Brucella: Reservoirs and Niches in Animals and Humans. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020186. [PMID: 33572264 PMCID: PMC7915599 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Brucella is an intracellular bacterium that causes abortion, reproduction failure in livestock and leads to a debilitating flu-like illness with serious chronic complications if untreated in humans. As a successful intracellular pathogen, Brucella has developed strategies to avoid recognition by the immune system of the host and promote its survival and replication. In vivo, Brucellae reside mostly within phagocytes and other cells including trophoblasts, where they establish a preferred replicative niche inside the endoplasmic reticulum. This process is central as it gives Brucella the ability to maintain replicating-surviving cycles for long periods of time, even at low bacterial numbers, in its cellular niches. In this review, we propose that Brucella takes advantage of the environment provided by the cellular niches in which it resides to generate reservoirs and disseminate to other organs. We will discuss how the favored cellular niches for Brucella infection in the host give rise to anatomical reservoirs that may lead to chronic infections or persistence in asymptomatic subjects, and which may be considered as a threat for further contamination. A special emphasis will be put on bone marrow, lymph nodes, reproductive and for the first time adipose tissues, as well as wildlife reservoirs.
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8
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Dadar M, Shahali Y, Fakhri Y, Godfroid J. The global epidemiology of Brucella infections in terrestrial wildlife: A meta-analysis. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:715-729. [PMID: 32679611 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Brucellosis is a widespread zoonotic disease with serious consequences on human and animal health. Brucella infections were reported in many terrestrial wild animals, from subtropical and temperate regions to arctic regions. In many areas, the epidemiology of brucellosis in wildlife is closely associated with the occurrence of the disease in livestock. Some wild species may contribute to the re-introduction of Brucella infections in livestock (spillback), even in officially brucellosis-free (OBF) regions. Through meta-regression analysis, this study draws a global picture of the prevalence of Brucella spp. in terrestrial wild animals, trying to determine most affected subgroups as well as preferential sampling and screening methods. For this purpose, a literature search was carried out among publications published from 1983 to 2019. Different subgroups were compared according to animal species, feeding, gender, age as well as the method used for sampling and for brucellosis diagnostic. To determine heterogeneity of studies, chi-squared test was used and a random-effects model (REM) estimated the pooled prevalence among subgroups. A total of 68 publications, comprising 229 data reports/studies, were selected. The most-reported Brucella species in wildlife was Brucella abortus, and the highest prevalence rate was found in American bison, Bison bison (39.9%) followed by Alpine ibex, Capra ibex (33%). Serology was the most widely applied diagnostic approach (66%), while PCR appeared to be highly sensitive (36.62% of positive results). The gender of animals showed no significant association with the prevalence of brucellosis (p > .05). Blood samples and visceral organs constituted the great majority of specimen used for the detection of Brucella spp., while lymph nodes showed a high prevalence of positive samples (94.6%). The present study provides insight into the global epidemiology and enzootic potential of brucellosis in wild terrestrial animals worldwide, aiming at helping the appropriate authorities to strengthen prevention, surveillance and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Dadar
- Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI), Karaj, Iran
| | - Youcef Shahali
- Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI), Karaj, Iran
| | - Yadolah Fakhri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Food Health Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Jacques Godfroid
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics, Tromsø, Norway
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Ashford RT, Muchowski J, Koylass M, Scholz HC, Whatmore AM. Application of Whole Genome Sequencing and Pan-Family Multi-Locus Sequence Analysis to Characterize Relationships Within the Family Brucellaceae. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1329. [PMID: 32760355 PMCID: PMC7372191 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial family Brucellaceae is currently composed of seven genera, including species of the genus Brucella, a number of which are significant veterinary and zoonotic pathogens. The bacteriological identification of pathogenic Brucella spp. may be hindered by their close phenotypic similarity to other members of the Brucellaceae, particularly of the genus Ochrobactrum. Additionally, a number of novel atypical Brucella taxa have recently been identified, which exhibit greater genetic diversity than observed within the previously described species, and which share genomic features with organisms outside of the genus. Furthermore, previous work has indicated that the genus Ochrobactrum is polyphyletic, raising further questions regarding the relationship between the genus Brucella and wider Brucellaceae. We have applied whole genome sequencing (WGS) and pan-family multi-locus sequence analysis (MLSA) approaches to a comprehensive panel of Brucellaceae type strains, in order to characterize relationships within the family. Phylogenies based on WGS core genome alignments were able to resolve phylogenetic relationships of 31 non-Brucella spp. type strains from within the family, alongside type strains of twelve Brucella species. A phylogeny based on concatenated pan-family MLSA data was largely consistent with WGS based analyses. Notably, recently described atypical Brucella isolates were consistently placed in a single clade with existing species, clearly distinct from all members of the genus Ochrobactrum and wider family. Both WGS and MLSA methods closely grouped Brucella spp. with a sub-set of Ochrobactrum species. However, results also confirmed that the genus Ochrobactrum is polyphyletic, with seven species forming a separate grouping. The pan-family MLSA scheme was subsequently applied to a panel of 50 field strains of the family Brucellaceae, isolated from a wide variety of sources. This analysis confirmed the utility of the pan-Brucellaceae MLSA scheme in placing field isolates in relation to recognized type strains. However, a significant number of these isolates did not cluster with currently identified type strains, suggesting the existence of additional taxonomic diversity within some members of the Brucellaceae. The WGS and pan-family MLSA approaches applied here provide valuable tools for resolving the identity and phylogenetic relationships of isolates from an expanding bacterial family containing a number of important pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland T Ashford
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jakub Muchowski
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Koylass
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, United Kingdom
| | - Holger C Scholz
- Department of Bacteriology and Toxinology, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Adrian M Whatmore
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, United Kingdom
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Jaÿ M, Freddi L, Mick V, Durand B, Girault G, Perrot L, Taunay B, Vuilmet T, Azam D, Ponsart C, Zanella G. Brucella microti-like prevalence in French farms producing frogs. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 67:617-625. [PMID: 31574213 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the last 10 years, many atypical novel members of Brucella species have been reported, including several Brucella inopinata-like strains in wild-caught and "exotic" amphibians from various continents. In 2017, a strain of Brucella was isolated for the first time in animals from a French farm producing frogs-Pelophylax ridibundus-for human consumption and identified as B. microti-like. Following this first isolation, investigations were performed in this farm as well as in the farm of the research unit that provided the domestic frog strain to estimate the prevalence of B. microti-like infection and its presence in the surrounding environment. Farming practices were investigated and samples including frogs at different development stages, surface tank swabs, water, feed and soil were analysed by real-time PCR and bacteriological methods. High B. microti-like prevalence values (higher than 90%) were obtained in frog samples in the commercial farm, and its presence was highlighted in the environmental samples except feed. In the research unit farm, B. microti-like species was also isolated and detected in frog and environmental samples. These results show that B. microti-like organisms are able to colonize amphibians and persist in their environment. Its presence could constitute a possible risk for consumers and workers proving the importance of assessing the zoonotic and pathogenic potentials of these new and atypical Brucella species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryne Jaÿ
- EU/OIE/FAO & National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, Paris-Est University, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Luca Freddi
- EU/OIE/FAO & National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, Paris-Est University, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Virginie Mick
- EU/OIE/FAO & National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, Paris-Est University, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Benoit Durand
- Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory for Animal Health, ANSES, University Paris Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Guillaume Girault
- EU/OIE/FAO & National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, Paris-Est University, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Ludivine Perrot
- EU/OIE/FAO & National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, Paris-Est University, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Benoit Taunay
- EU/OIE/FAO & National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, Paris-Est University, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Thomas Vuilmet
- EU/OIE/FAO & National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, Paris-Est University, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Didier Azam
- U3E, Ecologie et Ecotoxicologie aquatique, INRA, pôle Gest'Aqua, Rennes, France
| | - Claire Ponsart
- EU/OIE/FAO & National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, Paris-Est University, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Gina Zanella
- Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory for Animal Health, ANSES, University Paris Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
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CLINICOPATHOLOGIC FEATURES OF INFECTION WITH NOVEL BRUCELLA ORGANISMS IN CAPTIVE WAXY TREE FROGS ( PHYLLOMEDUSA SAUVAGII) AND COLORADO RIVER TOADS ( INCILIUS ALVARIUS). J Zoo Wildl Med 2019. [PMID: 29517430 DOI: 10.1638/2017-0026r1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Two novel and distinct Brucella strains were recovered from 5 of 10 adult, sex undetermined, captive waxy tree frogs ( Phyllomedusa sauvagii) and two of five adult, sex undetermined, captive Colorado river toads ( Incilius alvarius) held in a zoologic collection with clinical and pathologic findings of bacterial disease. These amphibians originated from three separate private breeding facilities over several years and exhibited disease 9-49 mo following release from quarantine. Common presenting signs were vague but included focal abscessation, weight loss, change in coloration, anorexia, and decreased perching. Two waxy tree frogs and one Colorado river toad recovered with supportive care and antimicrobial treatment based on susceptibility testing. Microgranulomatosis, subcutaneous and renal abscessation, femoral osteomyelitis, and multicentric infection were the most common histologic findings. The organisms were identified antemortem in samples from subcutaneous abscesses, cloaca, and skin and from a variety of organ systems postmortem, and demonstrated a consistent susceptibility pattern. Initial isolates were misidentified as Ochrobactrum anthropi. Polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene identified the two organisms as novel Brucella strains similar to Brucella inopinata-like sp. and other novel organisms within the emerging "BO clade." Brucella strain oaks (isolated from waxy tree frogs) and Brucella strain leathers (isolated from Colorado river toads) differed from each other by 16 of 571 base pairs in a region of chromosome 2, and did not closely match any previous GenBank entries. This report describes the clinicopathologic features of infection by these bacteria in two amphibian species and expands the range of novel Brucella organisms from amphibian reservoirs.
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12
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Jaý M, Girault G, Perrot L, Taunay B, Vuilmet T, Rossignol F, Pitel PH, Picard E, Ponsart C, Mick V. Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of Brucella microti-Like Bacteria From a Domestic Marsh Frog ( Pelophylax ridibundus). Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:283. [PMID: 30498697 PMCID: PMC6249338 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several Brucella isolates have been described in wild-caught and "exotic" amphibians from various continents and identified as B. inopinata-like strains. On the basis of epidemiological investigations conducted in June 2017 in France in a farm producing domestic frogs (Pelophylax ridibundus) for human consumption of frog's legs, potentially pathogenic bacteria were isolated from adults showing lesions (joint and subcutaneous abscesses). The bacteria were initially misidentified as Ochrobactrum anthropi using a commercial identification system, prior to being identified as Brucella spp. by MALDI-TOF assay. Classical phenotypic identification confirmed the Brucella genus, but did not make it possible to conclude unequivocally on species determination. Conventional and innovative bacteriological and molecular methods concluded that the investigated strain was very close to B. microti species, and not B. inopinata-like strains, as expected. The methods included growth kinetic, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, RT-PCR, Bruce-Ladder, Suis-Ladder, RFLP-PCR, AMOS-ERY, MLVA-16, the ectoine system, 16S rRNA and recA sequence analyses, the LPS pattern, in silico MLST-21, comparative whole-genome analyses (including average nucleotide identity ANI and whole-genome SNP analysis) and HRM-PCR assays. Minor polyphasic discrepancies, especially phage lysis and A-dominant agglutination patterns, as well as, small molecular divergences suggest the investigated strain should be considered a B. microti-like strain, raising concerns about its environmental persistence and unknown animal pathogenic and zoonotic potential as for other B. microti strains described to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryne Jaý
- ANSES/Paris-Est University, EU/OIE/FAO and National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Guillaume Girault
- ANSES/Paris-Est University, EU/OIE/FAO and National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Ludivine Perrot
- ANSES/Paris-Est University, EU/OIE/FAO and National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Benoit Taunay
- ANSES/Paris-Est University, EU/OIE/FAO and National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Thomas Vuilmet
- ANSES/Paris-Est University, EU/OIE/FAO and National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | | | | | - Claire Ponsart
- ANSES/Paris-Est University, EU/OIE/FAO and National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Virginie Mick
- ANSES/Paris-Est University, EU/OIE/FAO and National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France
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13
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Hull NC, Schumaker BA. Comparisons of brucellosis between human and veterinary medicine. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2018; 8:1500846. [PMID: 30083304 PMCID: PMC6063340 DOI: 10.1080/20008686.2018.1500846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucellosis is the world's most widespread zoonosis, but also ranks as one of the seven most neglected diseases, according to the World Health Organization. Additionally, it is recognized as the world's most common laboratory-acquired infection. There are a reported 500,000 incident cases of human brucellosis per year. However, true incidence is estimated to be 5,000,000 to 12,500,000 cases annually. Once diagnosed, focus is directed at treating individual patients with antibiotic regimes, yet overall neglecting the animal reservoir of disease. Countries with the highest incidence of human brucellosis are Syria (1,603.4 cases per 1,000,000 individuals), Mongolia (391.0), and Tajikistan (211.9). Surveillance on animal populations is lacking in many developed and developing countries. According to the World Animal Health Information Database, Mexico had the largest number of reported outbreaks, 5,514 in 2014. Mexico is followed by China (2,138), Greece (1,268), and Brazil (1,142). The majority of these outbreaks is Brucella abortus, the etiologic agent of bovine brucellosis. Brucellosis is an ancient disease that still plagues the world. There are still knowledge gaps and a need for better diagnostics and vaccines to make inroads towards control and eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah C. Hull
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - Brant A. Schumaker
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
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14
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Nymo IH, Rødven R, Beckmen K, Larsen AK, Tryland M, Quakenbush L, Godfroid J. Brucella Antibodies in Alaskan True Seals and Eared Seals-Two Different Stories. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:8. [PMID: 29445729 PMCID: PMC5797734 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucella pinnipedialis was first isolated from true seals in 1994 and from eared seals in 2008. Although few pathological findings have been associated with infection in true seals, reproductive pathology including abortions, and the isolation of the zoonotic strain type 27 have been documented in eared seals. In this study, a Brucella enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the Rose Bengal test (RBT) were initially compared for 206 serum samples and a discrepancy between the tests was found. Following removal of lipids from the serum samples, ELISA results were unaltered while the agreement between the tests was improved, indicating that serum lipids affected the initial RBT outcome. For the remaining screening, we used ELISA to investigate the presence of Brucella antibodies in sera of 231 eared and 1,412 true seals from Alaskan waters sampled between 1975 and 2011. In eared seals, Brucella antibodies were found in two Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) (2%) and none of the 107 Northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus). The low seroprevalence in eared seals indicate a low level of exposure or lack of susceptibility to infection. Alternatively, mortality due to the Brucella infection may remove seropositive animals from the population. Brucella antibodies were detected in all true seal species investigated; harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) (25%), spotted seals (Phoca largha) (19%), ribbon seals (Histriophoca fasciata) (16%), and ringed seals (Pusa hispida hispida) (14%). There was a low seroprevalence among pups, a higher seroprevalence among juveniles, and a subsequent decreasing probability of seropositivity with age in harbor seals. Similar patterns were present for the other true seal species; however, solid conclusions could not be made due to sample size. This pattern is in accordance with previous reports on B. pinnipedialis infections in true seals and may suggest environmental exposure to B. pinnipedialis at the juvenile stage, with a following clearance of infection. Furthermore, analyses by region showed minor differences in the probability of being seropositive for harbor seals from different regions regardless of the local seal population trend, signifying that the Brucella infection may not cause significant mortality in these populations. In conclusion, the Brucella infection pattern is very different for eared and true seals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingebjørg H Nymo
- Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Rolf Rødven
- Bioscience, Fishery and Economy, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kimberlee Beckmen
- Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Anett K Larsen
- Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Morten Tryland
- Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Lori Quakenbush
- Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Jacques Godfroid
- Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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15
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Krams IA, Rumvolt K, Saks L, Krams R, Elferts D, Vrublevska J, Rantala MJ, Kecko S, Cīrule D, Luoto S, Krama T. Reproduction compromises adaptive immunity in a cyprinid fish. Ecol Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11284-017-1467-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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16
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Al Dahouk S, Köhler S, Occhialini A, Jiménez de Bagüés MP, Hammerl JA, Eisenberg T, Vergnaud G, Cloeckaert A, Zygmunt MS, Whatmore AM, Melzer F, Drees KP, Foster JT, Wattam AR, Scholz HC. Brucella spp. of amphibians comprise genomically diverse motile strains competent for replication in macrophages and survival in mammalian hosts. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44420. [PMID: 28300153 PMCID: PMC5353553 DOI: 10.1038/srep44420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Twenty-one small Gram-negative motile coccobacilli were isolated from 15 systemically diseased African bullfrogs (Pyxicephalus edulis), and were initially identified as Ochrobactrum anthropi by standard microbiological identification systems. Phylogenetic reconstructions using combined molecular analyses and comparative whole genome analysis of the most diverse of the bullfrog strains verified affiliation with the genus Brucella and placed the isolates in a cluster containing B. inopinata and the other non-classical Brucella species but also revealed significant genetic differences within the group. Four representative but molecularly and phenotypically diverse strains were used for in vitro and in vivo infection experiments. All readily multiplied in macrophage-like murine J774-cells, and their overall intramacrophagic growth rate was comparable to that of B. inopinata BO1 and slightly higher than that of B. microti CCM 4915. In the BALB/c murine model of infection these strains replicated in both spleen and liver, but were less efficient than B. suis 1330. Some strains survived in the mammalian host for up to 12 weeks. The heterogeneity of these novel strains hampers a single species description but their phenotypic and genetic features suggest that they represent an evolutionary link between a soil-associated ancestor and the mammalian host-adapted pathogenic Brucella species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Al Dahouk
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Biological Safety, Berlin, Germany.,RWTH Aachen University, Department of Internal Medicine III, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stephan Köhler
- Université Montpellier, Centre d'études d'agents Pathogènes et Biotechnologies pour la Santé (CPBS), Montpellier, France.,CNRS, FRE3689, CPBS, Montpellier, France
| | - Alessandra Occhialini
- Université Montpellier, Centre d'études d'agents Pathogènes et Biotechnologies pour la Santé (CPBS), Montpellier, France.,CNRS, FRE3689, CPBS, Montpellier, France
| | - María Pilar Jiménez de Bagüés
- Unidad de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón - IA2 (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jens Andre Hammerl
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Biological Safety, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Gilles Vergnaud
- I2BC, CNRS, CEA, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Axel Cloeckaert
- ISP, INRA, Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282, Nouzilly, France
| | - Michel S Zygmunt
- ISP, INRA, Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Falk Melzer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, German National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, Jena, Germany
| | - Kevin P Drees
- University of New Hampshire, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, Durham, NH, USA
| | - Jeffrey T Foster
- University of New Hampshire, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, Durham, NH, USA
| | - Alice R Wattam
- Biocomplexity Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Holger C Scholz
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology and German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Germany
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17
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Hammerl JA, Göllner C, Jäckel C, Scholz HC, Nöckler K, Reetz J, Al Dahouk S, Hertwig S. Genetic Diversity of Brucella Reference and Non-reference Phages and Its Impact on Brucella-Typing. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:408. [PMID: 28360895 PMCID: PMC5350156 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Virulent phages have been used for many years to type Brucella isolates, but until recently knowledge about the genetic makeup of these phages remains limited. In this work the host specificity and genomic sequences of the original set (deposited in 1960) of VLA Brucella reference phages Tb, Fi, Wb, Bk2, R/C, and Iz were analyzed and compared with hitherto described brucellaphages. VLA phages turned out to be different from homonymous phages in other laboratories. The host range of the phages was defined by performing plaque assays with a wide selection of Brucella strains. Propagation of the phages on different strains did not alter host specificity. Sequencing of the phages TbV, FiV, WbV, and R/CV revealed nucleotide variations when compared to same-named phages previously described by other laboratories. The phages Bk2V and IzV were sequenced for the first time. While Bk2V exhibited the same deletions as WbV, IzV possesses the largest genome of all Brucella reference phages. The duplication of a 301 bp sequence in this phage and the large deletion in Bk2V, WbV, and R/CV may be a result of recombination caused by repetitive sequences located in this DNA region. To identify new phages as potential candidates for lysotyping, the host range and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) of 22 non-reference Brucella phages were determined. The phages showed lysis patterns different from those of the reference phages and thus represent novel valuable candidates in the typing set.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens A. Hammerl
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk AssessmentBerlin, Germany
| | - Cornelia Göllner
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk AssessmentBerlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Jäckel
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk AssessmentBerlin, Germany
| | - Holger C. Scholz
- German Center for Infection Research, Bundeswehr Institute of MicrobiologyMunich, Germany
| | - Karsten Nöckler
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk AssessmentBerlin, Germany
| | - Jochen Reetz
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk AssessmentBerlin, Germany
| | - Sascha Al Dahouk
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk AssessmentBerlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Hertwig
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk AssessmentBerlin, Germany
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18
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Kimura M, Une Y, Suzuki M, Park ES, Imaoka K, Morikawa S. Isolation of Brucella inopinata-Like Bacteria from White's and Denny's Tree Frogs. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 17:297-302. [PMID: 28437181 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.2027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucella inopinata strain BO1 and B. sp. strain BO2 isolated from human patients, respectively, are genetically different from classical Brucella species. We isolated bacteria of the genus Brucella from two species of wild-caught tropical frogs kept in the facilities in Japan: White's tree frog, which inhabits Oceania, and Denny's tree frog, which inhabits Southeast Asia. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA and recA gene sequences and multilocus sequence analysis showed that two isolates of Brucella spp. showed significant similarity to BO1, BO2, and the isolates from other wild-caught frogs. These results suggest that a variety of frog species are susceptible to a novel clade of Brucella bacteria, including B. inopinata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanobu Kimura
- 1 Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumi Une
- 2 Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Azabu University , Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Michio Suzuki
- 1 Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eun-Sil Park
- 1 Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Imaoka
- 1 Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeru Morikawa
- 1 Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases , Tokyo, Japan
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19
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Whatmore AM, Koylass MS, Muchowski J, Edwards-Smallbone J, Gopaul KK, Perrett LL. Extended Multilocus Sequence Analysis to Describe the Global Population Structure of the Genus Brucella: Phylogeography and Relationship to Biovars. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:2049. [PMID: 28066370 PMCID: PMC5174110 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.02049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
An extended multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) scheme applicable to the Brucella, an expanding genus that includes zoonotic pathogens that severely impact animal and human health across large parts of the globe, was developed. The scheme, which extends a previously described nine locus scheme by examining sequences at 21 independent genetic loci in order to increase discriminatory power, was applied to a globally and temporally diverse collection of over 500 isolates representing all 12 known Brucella species providing an expanded and detailed understanding of the population genetic structure of the group. Over 100 sequence types (STs) were identified and analysis of data provided insights into both the global evolutionary history of the genus, suggesting that early emerging Brucella abortus lineages might be confined to Africa while some later lineages have spread worldwide, and further evidence of the existence of lineages with restricted host or geographical ranges. The relationship between biovar, long used as a crude epidemiological marker, and genotype was also examined and showed decreasing congruence in the order Brucella suis > B. abortus > Brucella melitensis. Both the previously described nine locus scheme and the extended 21 locus scheme have been made available at http://pubmlst.org/brucella/ to allow the community to interrogate existing data and compare with newly generated data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian M. Whatmore
- FAO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research in Brucellosis and OIE Brucellosis Reference Laboratory, Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health AgencyAddlestone, UK
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20
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Eisenberg T, Riße K, Schauerte N, Geiger C, Blom J, Scholz HC. Isolation of a novel ‘atypical’ Brucella strain from a bluespotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma). Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 2016; 110:221-234. [DOI: 10.1007/s10482-016-0792-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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21
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Soler-Lloréns PF, Quance CR, Lawhon SD, Stuber TP, Edwards JF, Ficht TA, Robbe-Austerman S, O'Callaghan D, Keriel A. A Brucella spp. Isolate from a Pac-Man Frog ( Ceratophrys ornata) Reveals Characteristics Departing from Classical Brucellae. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2016; 6:116. [PMID: 27734009 PMCID: PMC5040101 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2016.00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucella are highly infectious bacterial pathogens responsible for brucellosis, a frequent worldwide zoonosis. The Brucella genus has recently expanded from 6 to 11 species, all of which were associated with mammals; The natural host range recently expanded to amphibians after some reports of atypical strains from frogs. Here we describe the first in depth phenotypic and genetic characterization of a Brucella strains isolated from a frog. Strain B13-0095 was isolated from a Pac-Man frog (Ceratophyrus ornate) at a veterinary hospital in Texas and was initially misidentified as Ochrobactrum anthropi. We found that B13-0095 belongs to a group of early-diverging brucellae that includes Brucella inopinata strain BO1 and the B. inopinata-like strain BO2, with traits that depart significantly from those of the "classical" Brucella spp. Analysis of B13-0095 genome sequence revealed several specific features that suggest that this isolate represents an intermediate between a soil associated ancestor and the host adapted "classical" species. Like strain BO2, B13-0095 does not possess the genes required to produce the perosamine based LPS found in classical Brucella, but has a set of genes that could encode a rhamnose based O-antigen. Despite this, B13-0095 has a very fast intracellular replication rate in both epithelial cells and macrophages. Finally, another major finding in this study is the bacterial motility observed for strains B13-0095, BO1, and BO2, which is remarkable for this bacterial genus. This study thus highlights several novel characteristics in strains belonging to an emerging group within the Brucella genus. Accurate identification tools for such atypical Brucella isolates and careful evaluation of their zoonotic potential, are urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro F. Soler-Lloréns
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1047, UFR de MédecineNîmes, France
- Université de Montpellier, U1047Nîmes, France
| | - Chris R. Quance
- Mycobacteria and Brucella Section, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of AgricultureAmes, IA, USA
| | - Sara D. Lawhon
- Clinical Microbiology, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, Texas A&M UniversityCollege Station, TX, USA
| | - Tod P. Stuber
- Mycobacteria and Brucella Section, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of AgricultureAmes, IA, USA
| | - John F. Edwards
- Clinical Microbiology, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, Texas A&M UniversityCollege Station, TX, USA
| | - Thomas A. Ficht
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M UniversityCollege Station, TX, USA
| | - Suelee Robbe-Austerman
- Mycobacteria and Brucella Section, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of AgricultureAmes, IA, USA
| | - David O'Callaghan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1047, UFR de MédecineNîmes, France
- Université de Montpellier, U1047Nîmes, France
| | - Anne Keriel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1047, UFR de MédecineNîmes, France
- Université de Montpellier, U1047Nîmes, France
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22
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Nymo IH, Seppola M, Al Dahouk S, Bakkemo KR, Jiménez de Bagüés MP, Godfroid J, Larsen AK. Experimental Challenge of Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) with a Brucella pinnipedialis Strain from Hooded Seal (Cystophora cristata). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159272. [PMID: 27415626 PMCID: PMC4944957 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathology has not been observed in true seals infected with Brucella pinnipedialis. A lack of intracellular survival and multiplication of B. pinnipedialis in hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) macrophages in vitro indicates a lack of chronic infection in hooded seals. Both epidemiology and bacteriological patterns in the hooded seal point to a transient infection of environmental origin, possibly through the food chain. To analyse the potential role of fish in the transmission of B. pinnipedialis, Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) were injected intraperitoneally with 7.5 x 107 bacteria of a hooded seal field isolate. Samples of blood, liver, spleen, muscle, heart, head kidney, female gonads and feces were collected on days 1, 7, 14 and 28 post infection to assess the bacterial load, and to determine the expression of immune genes and the specific antibody response. Challenged fish showed an extended period of bacteremia through day 14 and viable bacteria were observed in all organs sampled, except muscle, until day 28. Neither gross lesions nor mortality were recorded. Anti-Brucella antibodies were detected from day 14 onwards and the expression of hepcidin, cathelicidin, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10, and interferon (IFN)-γ genes were significantly increased in spleen at day 1 and 28. Primary mononuclear cells isolated from head kidneys of Atlantic cod were exposed to B. pinnipedialis reference (NCTC 12890) and hooded seal (17a-1) strain. Both bacterial strains invaded mononuclear cells and survived intracellularly without any major reduction in bacterial counts for at least 48 hours. Our study shows that the B. pinnipedialis strain isolated from hooded seal survives in Atlantic cod, and suggests that Atlantic cod could play a role in the transmission of B. pinnipedialis to hooded seals in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingebjørg Helena Nymo
- Arctic Infection Biology, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT–The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Marit Seppola
- Department of Medical Biology, UiT–The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Sascha Al Dahouk
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
- RWTH Aachen University, Department of Internal Medicine III, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - María Pilar Jiménez de Bagüés
- Unidad de Tecnología en Producción y Sanidad Animal, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria (CITA), Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón–IA2 (CITA–Universidad de Zaragoza), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jacques Godfroid
- Arctic Infection Biology, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT–The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anett Kristin Larsen
- Arctic Infection Biology, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT–The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- * E-mail:
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23
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Scholz HC, Revilla-Fernández S, Dahouk SA, Hammerl JA, Zygmunt MS, Cloeckaert A, Koylass M, Whatmore AM, Blom J, Vergnaud G, Witte A, Aistleitner K, Hofer E. Brucella vulpis sp. nov., isolated from mandibular lymph nodes of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2016; 66:2090-2098. [DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.000998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Holger C. Scholz
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology and German Center for Infection Research (DZIF),Neuherbergstrasse 11, D-80937 Munich,Germany
| | | | - Sascha Al Dahouk
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety,Diedersdorfer Weg 1, D-12277 Berlin,Germany
| | - Jens A. Hammerl
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety,Diedersdorfer Weg 1, D-12277 Berlin,Germany
| | - Michel S. Zygmunt
- INRA, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique,F-37380 Nouzilly,France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique,F-37000 Tours,France
| | - Axel Cloeckaert
- INRA, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique,F-37380 Nouzilly,France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique,F-37000 Tours,France
| | - Mark Koylass
- OIE/WHO/FAO Brucellosis Reference Laboratory, Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA),Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB,UK
| | - Adrian M. Whatmore
- OIE/WHO/FAO Brucellosis Reference Laboratory, Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA),Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB,UK
| | - Jochen Blom
- Center for Biotechnology, CeBiTec, Universität Bielefeld,Bielefeld,Germany
| | - Gilles Vergnaud
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay,Orsay,France
- ENSTA ParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay,Palaiseau,France
| | - Angela Witte
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, MFPL Laboratories, University of Vienna,Vienna,Austria
| | - Karin Aistleitner
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology and German Center for Infection Research (DZIF),Neuherbergstrasse 11, D-80937 Munich,Germany
| | - Erwin Hofer
- AGES, Institute for Veterinary Disease Control,Robert Koch-Gasse 17, A-2340 Mödling,Austria
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24
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First isolation and characterization of Brucella microti from wild boar. BMC Vet Res 2015; 11:147. [PMID: 26163135 PMCID: PMC4499207 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0456-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brucella microti was first isolated from common vole (Microtus arvalis) in the Czech Republic in Central Europe in 2007. As B. microti is the only Brucella species known to live in soil, its distribution, ecology, zoonotic potential, and genomic organization is of particular interest. The present paper is the first to report the isolation of B. microti from a wild boar (Sus scrofa), which is also the first isolation of this bacterial species in Hungary. RESULTS The B. microti isolate was cultured, after enrichment in Brucella-selective broth, from the submandibular lymph node of a female wild boar that was taken by hunters in Hungary near the Austrian border in September 2014. Histological and immunohistological examinations of the lymph node sections with B. abortus-, B. suis- and B. canis-specific sera gave negative results. The isolate did not require CO2 for growth, was oxidase, catalase, and urease positive, H2S negative, grew well in the presence of 20 μg/ml basic fuchsin and thionin, and had brownish pigmentation after three days of incubation. It gave strong positive agglutination with anti-A and anti-M but had a negative reaction with anti-R monospecific sera. The API 20 NE test identified it as Ochrobactrum anthropi with 99.9% identity, and it showed B. microti-specific banding pattern in the Bruce- and Suis-ladder multiplex PCR systems. Whole genome re-sequencing identified 30 SNPs in orthologous loci when compared to the B. microti reference genome available in GenBank, and the MLVA analysis yielded a unique profile. CONCLUSIONS Given that the female wild boar did not develop any clinical disease, we hypothesize that this host species only harboured the bacterium, serving as a possible reservoir capable of maintaining and spreading this pathogen. The infectious source could have been either a rodent, a carcass that had been eaten or infection occurred via the boar rooting in soil. The low number of discovered SNPs suggests an unexpectedly high level of genetic homogeneity in this Brucella species.
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