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Rifatbegović M, Nicholas RAJ, Mutevelić T, Hadžiomerović M, Maksimović Z. Pathogens Associated with Bovine Mastitis: The Experience of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Vet Sci 2024; 11:63. [PMID: 38393081 PMCID: PMC10891550 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11020063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
To obtain improved insights into the complex microbial aetiology of bovine mastitis, this study investigated the pathogens involved in cattle mastitis in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A total of 179 milk samples from cows with clinical mastitis (CM) and subclinical mastitis (SCM), as well as eight bulk tank milk (BTM) samples from 48 dairy farms, were analysed by standard bacteriological and mycological methods. Mycoplasma detection and identification were performed using culture techniques and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 88 (49.2%) mastitis samples were positive for known mastitis pathogens at 32 of 47 farms (68.1%). Mycoplasma bovis was a predominant pathogen (25/187; 13.4%) in the majority of herds (14/48; 29.2%) and accounted for 48.9% of positive CM samples. Escherichia coli was the second most dominant CM pathogen (34%), followed by Streptococcus agalactiae (10.6%), whereas Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most common in SCM samples (17.1%). Other mastitis pathogens included Candida spp. and Prototheca zopfii. Two BTM samples were positive for M. bovis only, and one was positive for a mixed culture of S. aureus and Streptococcus uberis. The finding of various causative agents of bovine mastitis, with M. bovis emerging as the main pathogen, emphasizes the significance of comprehensive testing that includes not only common mastitis pathogens but also mycoplasmas, fungi, and algae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maid Rifatbegović
- Department of Pathobiology and Epidemiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (M.R.); (Z.M.)
| | | | - Tarik Mutevelić
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Mithat Hadžiomerović
- Cantonal Administration of Civil Protection of Bosnian-Podrinje Canton, 1. Slavne Višegradske Brigade 2a, 73000 Goražde, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Zinka Maksimović
- Department of Pathobiology and Epidemiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (M.R.); (Z.M.)
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2
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Rivelli Zea SM, Itoh M, Toyotome T. Development of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for the Detection of Prototheca bovis Directly from Milk Samples of Dairy Cattle. Mycopathologia 2024; 189:1. [PMID: 38217777 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00806-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Prototheca bovis is an algal emerging pathogen in dairy farms causing refractory protothecal mastitis with increasing incidence worldwide and significant economic impact. P. bovis infects cows throughout the lactation cycle, including dry periods, and can persist in the udder and the environment for a long time. Since P. bovis does not respond to treatments with antibiotics, the suggested sanitary measure to restrict the spread is culling infected animals. A point-of-care test for early detection of the causative agent is critically needed to guide farm management and the appropriate treatment of mastitis. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a highly specific molecular method, time-saving, cost-effective and easy to perform in limited settings. This study aimed to develop a LAMP assay for P. bovis detection directly from milk samples; it was employed in conjunction with a commercial DNA extraction kit which was previously used to extract DNA from milk specimens containing microbes. The LAMP assay detected P. bovis DNA within 1 h in milk samples spiked with P. bovis at a concentration of 50 cells/μL, enabling on-farm disease monitoring and decision-making based on a reliable diagnosis. The LAMP method will contribute to the accurate and rapid identification of P. bovis in asymptomatic or recurrent mastitis cases and consequently aid the implementation of targeted control measures and the reduction of losses in milk production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia M Rivelli Zea
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Megumi Itoh
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takahito Toyotome
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan.
- Diagnostic Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan.
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.
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Arabe Filho MF, Jagielski T, Proskurnicka A, dos Santos MV, Fidelis CE, Guimarães FF, Guerra ST, Joaquim SF, Mioni MDSR, Pantoja JCDF, Langoni H, Sanchez LFG, Ribeiro MG. In Vitro Activity of Quaternary Ammonium in Prototheca Isolated from Clinical Bovine Mastitis Identified by Mass Spectrometry and PCR Sequencing of the cytb Gene Marker. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3286. [PMID: 37894008 PMCID: PMC10603881 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The in vitro algaecide activity of quaternary ammonium (QA) against Prototheca isolated from bovine clinical mastitis was investigated, in which the clinical severity was scored, milk samples were subjected to microbiological culture, and algal species were identified by molecular typing. A total of 4275 milk clinical samples of different cows from ten large dairy farms were used. Forty-four (1%) samples of cows from three dairy farms yielded growth of Prototheca, of which 88.6% (39/44) were identified as Prototheca bovis and 11.3% (5/44) as Prototheca sp. by MALDI-TOF MS, whereas 100% of the isolates were identified as P. bovis using PCR sequencing of the cytb gene. Among cows for which clinical severity scoring was available, 78.8% (26/33) and 21.2% (7/33) had mild and moderate infections, respectively, whereas no animal showed severe clinical signs. The algaecide activity of QA in Prototheca was observed in low concentrations among all isolates, in 20.4% (9/44) at 35 ppm, 36.4% (16/44) at 17 ppm, and 43.2% (19/44) at an 8 ppm, in addition to activity on three reference Prototheca strains. Overall, the study highlights the predominance of P. bovis as the causative agent of algal mastitis in bovines. Prototheca induced abnormalities preponderantly in the milk and mammary gland tissue of cows, and to our knowledge, our study is the first to apply clinical severity scoring in protothecal mastitis. In addition, the study underlines the activity of QA in low concentrations against Prototheca, indicating its potential use as an antiseptic/disinfectant in milking facilities and dairy environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Fagali Arabe Filho
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University—UNESP, Botucatu 19806-900, SP, Brazil; (M.F.A.F.); (F.F.G.); (S.T.G.); (S.F.J.); (J.C.d.F.P.); (H.L.); (L.F.G.S.)
| | - Tomasz Jagielski
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 00-927 Warsaw, Poland; (T.J.); (A.P.)
| | - Angelika Proskurnicka
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 00-927 Warsaw, Poland; (T.J.); (A.P.)
| | - Marcos Veiga dos Santos
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo—USP, Pirassununga 05508-220, SP, Brazil; (M.V.d.S.); (C.E.F.)
| | - Carlos Eduardo Fidelis
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo—USP, Pirassununga 05508-220, SP, Brazil; (M.V.d.S.); (C.E.F.)
| | - Felipe Freitas Guimarães
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University—UNESP, Botucatu 19806-900, SP, Brazil; (M.F.A.F.); (F.F.G.); (S.T.G.); (S.F.J.); (J.C.d.F.P.); (H.L.); (L.F.G.S.)
| | - Simony Trevizan Guerra
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University—UNESP, Botucatu 19806-900, SP, Brazil; (M.F.A.F.); (F.F.G.); (S.T.G.); (S.F.J.); (J.C.d.F.P.); (H.L.); (L.F.G.S.)
| | - Sâmea Fernandes Joaquim
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University—UNESP, Botucatu 19806-900, SP, Brazil; (M.F.A.F.); (F.F.G.); (S.T.G.); (S.F.J.); (J.C.d.F.P.); (H.L.); (L.F.G.S.)
| | - Mateus de Souza Ribeiro Mioni
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, Sao Paulo State University—UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - José Carlos de Figueiredo Pantoja
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University—UNESP, Botucatu 19806-900, SP, Brazil; (M.F.A.F.); (F.F.G.); (S.T.G.); (S.F.J.); (J.C.d.F.P.); (H.L.); (L.F.G.S.)
| | - Helio Langoni
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University—UNESP, Botucatu 19806-900, SP, Brazil; (M.F.A.F.); (F.F.G.); (S.T.G.); (S.F.J.); (J.C.d.F.P.); (H.L.); (L.F.G.S.)
| | - Luísa Fernanda García Sanchez
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University—UNESP, Botucatu 19806-900, SP, Brazil; (M.F.A.F.); (F.F.G.); (S.T.G.); (S.F.J.); (J.C.d.F.P.); (H.L.); (L.F.G.S.)
| | - Marcio Garcia Ribeiro
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University—UNESP, Botucatu 19806-900, SP, Brazil; (M.F.A.F.); (F.F.G.); (S.T.G.); (S.F.J.); (J.C.d.F.P.); (H.L.); (L.F.G.S.)
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Haider MJA, Shave CD, Onyishi CU, Jagielski T, Lara-Reyna S, Frickel EM, May RC. Species- and strain-specific differences in the phagocytosis of Prototheca: insights from live-cell imaging. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0006623. [PMID: 37594276 PMCID: PMC10501220 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00066-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Prototheca is an extremely unusual group of achlorophyllic, obligately heterotrophic algae. Six species have been identified as pathogens of vertebrates, including cattle and humans. In cattle, P. bovis is the main infectious pathogen and is associated with bovine mastitis. In contrast, human infections typically involve P. wickerhamii and are associated with a spectrum of varying clinical presentations. Prototheca spp. enter the host from the environment and are therefore likely to be initially recognized by cells of the innate immune system. However, little is known about the nature of the interaction between Prototheca spp. and host phagocytes. In the present study, we adopt a live-cell imaging approach to investigate these interactions over time. Using environmental and clinical strains, we show that P. bovis cells are readily internalized and processed by macrophages, whereas these immune cells struggle to internalize P. wickerhamii. Serum opsonization of P. wickerhamii only marginally improves phagocytosis, suggesting that this species (but not P. bovis) may have evolved mechanisms to evade phagocytosis. Furthermore, we show that inhibition of the kinases Syk or PI3K, which are both critical for innate immune signaling, drastically reduces the uptake of P. bovis. Finally, we show that genetic ablation of MyD88, a signaling adaptor critical for Toll-like receptor signaling, has little impact on uptake but significantly prolongs phagosome maturation once P. bovis is internalized. Together, our data suggest that these two pathogenic Prototheca spp. have very different host-pathogen interactions which have potential therapeutic implications for the treatment of human and animal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed J. A. Haider
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher D. Shave
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Chinaemerem U. Onyishi
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Tomasz Jagielski
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, I. Miecznikowa, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Samuel Lara-Reyna
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Eva-Maria Frickel
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Robin C. May
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Vasco-Julio D, Huilca-Ibarra M, Ledesma Y, Echeverria G, Guerrero-Freire S, Jagielski T, Bastidas-Caldes C, de Waard JH. The Development of a Multiplex PCR Assay for Fast and Cost-Effective Identification of the Five Most Significant Pathogenic Prototheca Species. Pathogens 2023; 12:1018. [PMID: 37623978 PMCID: PMC10459208 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12081018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A multiplex PCR system (m-PCR) has been developed to accurately differentiate the five most important pathogenic Prototheca species, including the three species associated with infection in dairy cattle (P. ciferrii, P. blaschkeae, and P. bovis) and the two species associated with human infections (P. wickerhamii and P. cutis). The method is low-cost since it employs a simple "heat-shock" method in a TE buffer for DNA extraction. Furthermore, it requires only primers, a Taq polymerase, an agarose gel, and a molecular weight marker for identification. The method was based on published Prototheca cytochrome B sequences and was evaluated using reference strains from each of the five Prototheca species. The validity of the method was confirmed by identifying 50 strains isolated from milk samples. The specificity was tested in silico and with experimental PCR trials, showing no cross-reactions with other Prototheca species, as well as with bacteria, fungi, cows, algae, animals, or humans. The method could detect mixed infections involving two or three Prototheca species, providing a rapid test that delivers results within three hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Vasco-Julio
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170530, Ecuador; (D.V.-J.); (M.H.-I.); (Y.L.); (C.B.-C.)
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Unidad de Posgrado, Edificio D, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán C.P. 04510, Mexico
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca C.P. 62050, Mexico
| | - María Huilca-Ibarra
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170530, Ecuador; (D.V.-J.); (M.H.-I.); (Y.L.); (C.B.-C.)
| | - Yanua Ledesma
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170530, Ecuador; (D.V.-J.); (M.H.-I.); (Y.L.); (C.B.-C.)
| | - Gustavo Echeverria
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170518, Ecuador;
- División Investigación y Desarrollo, BioGENA, Quito 170509, Ecuador
- Programa de Doctorado, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1063ACV, Argentina;
| | - Salome Guerrero-Freire
- Programa de Doctorado, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1063ACV, Argentina;
- Group of Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Ecoepidemiology and Biodiversity, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | - Tomasz Jagielski
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Carlos Bastidas-Caldes
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170530, Ecuador; (D.V.-J.); (M.H.-I.); (Y.L.); (C.B.-C.)
- INABIO—Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad, Parque La Carolina, Quito 170135, Ecuador
| | - Jacobus H. de Waard
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170530, Ecuador; (D.V.-J.); (M.H.-I.); (Y.L.); (C.B.-C.)
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Guo J, Chen J, Li T, Gao L, Jiang C, Wu W. Integration of transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data for the detection of the human pathogenic Prototheca wickerhamii from a One Health perspective. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1152198. [PMID: 37216181 PMCID: PMC10196235 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1152198] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Prototheca species are the only microalgae known to cause opportunistic infections in vertebrates and humans. Most cases of protothecosis in humans are caused by Prototheca wickerhamii, but knowledge of the pathogenicity and biology of Prototheca is limited. Globally, the diagnostic rate of Prototheca species infection is much lower than the actual rate of P. wickerhamii. The precise mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of Prototheca infections remain unclear. In this study, we identified a strain of P. wickerhamii with atypical colony morphology. To reveal the morphological differences between P. wickerhamii S1 (mucous) and the molecular basis of its pathogenicity, the transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics of two pathogenic P. wickerhamii strains and one environmental strain were analysed. Interestingly, mannan endo-1,4-β-mannosidase was significantly downregulated in P. wickerhamii S1, which contributes to a thinner cell wall in S1 compared to strains with typical colony morphology, and the toxicity of macrophages is reduced. Metabolite analysis revealed that the mucoid appearance of P. wickerhamii S1 may have been caused by an increase in linoleic acid, glycerol, and other metabolites. There is still a need to better understand the ecology, aetiology, and pathogenesis of P. wickerhamii, and in particular, its transmission between humans, animals, and the environment, from a One Health perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Teng Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Microscopy Core Facility, Biomedical Research Core Facilities, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cizhong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjuan Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Fidelis CE, de Freitas Leite R, Garcia BLN, Gonçalves JL, Good L, Dos Santos MV. Antimicrobial activities of polyhexamethylene biguanide against biofilm-producing Prototheca bovis causing bovine mastitis. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:1383-1393. [PMID: 36526458 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Prototheca spp. is a frequent cause of bovine mastitis and is highly resistant to commonly used disinfectants. This study aimed to: (1) evaluate the antimicrobial activity of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) against mastitis-causing Prototheca spp., and (2) evaluate the biofilm production ability of Prototheca spp. A total of 85 Prototheca bovis and 2 Prototheca blaschkeae isolates from bovine mastitis cases were submitted to biofilm production assays and antimicrobial susceptibility tests against PHMB and disinfectants commonly used in dairy herds (chlorhexidine digluconate, povidone-iodine, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, and sodium hypochlorite). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal algicidal concentration (MAC) were determined by microdilution assays. We observed that PHMB (MIC90: ≥2 µg/mL and MAC90: ≥4 µg/mL) and chlorhexidine gluconate (MIC90 and MAC90: ≥2 µg/mL) presented the highest antimicrobial activity against P. bovis isolates, followed by sodium dichloroisocyanurate (MIC90 and MAC90: ≥1,400 µg/mL), sodium hypochlorite (MIC90 and MAC90: ≥2,800 µg/mL), and povidone-iodine (MIC90 and MAC90: ≥3,200 µg/mL). Concerning P. blaschkeae isolates, PHMB (MIC and MAC ≥1 µg/mL) and chlorhexidine gluconate (MIC and MAC ≥1 µg/mL) were the disinfectants that presented the lowest concentration values required to inhibit the isolates. Regarding biofilms formation, 63.5% (n = 54/85) of the P. bovis isolates were classified as strong, 28.3% (n = 24/85) moderate, and 8.2% (n = 7/85) weak biofilm producers. In contrast, the P. blaschkeae isolates were classified as weak and moderate biofilm producers. These findings suggest that PHMB has the potential to be used for teat and milking-equipment disinfection for the prevention of mastitis-causing Prototheca spp. in dairy herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Eduardo Fidelis
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil 13635
| | - Renata de Freitas Leite
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil 13635
| | - Breno Luis Nery Garcia
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil 13635
| | - Juliano Leonel Gonçalves
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1046
| | - Liam Good
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, NW1 0TU, United Kingdom
| | - Marcos Veiga Dos Santos
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil 13635.
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Tashakkori N, Rahmani HK, Khoramian B. Genotypic and phenotypic diversity of Prototheca spp. recovered from bovine mastitis in terms of antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation ability. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:452. [PMID: 36572871 PMCID: PMC9791747 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03546-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Prototheca algae have recently emerged as an important cause of bovine mastitis globally. Isolates from bovine mastitis in several countries were nearly all identified as P. bovis, suggesting that it was the main causative agent of bovine protothecal mastitis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence and isolation of Prototheca spp. in dairy farms, detect the genetic diversity among strains, determine the capacity of producing biofilm and their resistance to antifungal and antimicrobial drugs. RESULTS A total of 48 Prototheca isolates from four different farms were randomly selected to be investigated. Multiplex PCR showed all isolated colonies were Prototheca bovis. Performing RAPD-PCR by using OPA-4 primer, it was revealed that there was a clear amplification pattern. Different levels of biofilm production were observed among strains. Among 48 isolates, only 4 of them (8.33%) showed strong biofilm production. By using E-test strips, amphotericin B was able to inhibit the growth of all the strains tested. Disc diffusion method used for antimicrobial sensitivity test showed that the highest activity was demonstrated by gentamicin and colistin with 95.83% (46/48) and 89.58% (43/48) of sensitive strains, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The present study showed that RAPD-PCR was a rapid tool for discriminating P. bovis strains. Also, gentamicin and colistin can be considered as potential antimicrobial drugs which can prevent the growth of the mentioned strains in vitro, although there is no effective clinical treatment yet. Further studies are needed in order to detect an effective clinical therapy considering biofilm production by Prototheca spp. and their probable role in Prototheca pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloufar Tashakkori
- grid.411301.60000 0001 0666 1211Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Azadi Sq., P.O. Box: 9177948974, Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi Iran
| | - Hamideh Kalateh Rahmani
- grid.411301.60000 0001 0666 1211Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Babak Khoramian
- grid.411301.60000 0001 0666 1211Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Azadi Sq., P.O. Box: 9177948974, Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi Iran
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Huilca-Ibarra MP, Vasco-Julio D, Ledesma Y, Guerrero-Freire S, Zurita J, Castillejo P, Barceló Blasco F, Yanez L, Changoluisa D, Echeverría G, Bastidas-Caldes C, de Waard JH. High Prevalence of Prototheca bovis Infection in Dairy Cattle with Chronic Mastitis in Ecuador. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9120659. [PMID: 36548820 PMCID: PMC9784310 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9120659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Prototheca, a unicellular, non-photosynthetic, yeast-like microalgae, is a pathogen of concern for the dairy industry. It causes bovine mastitis that currently cannot be cured, and hence generates significant economic losses in milk production. In this study, for the first time in Ecuador, we identify Prototheca bovis as the etiologic agent of chronic mastitis in dairy cattle. Milk samples (n = 458) of cows with chronic mastitis were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). Microscopy and cytB gene sequencing were used to identify Prototheca, whereby Prototheca bovis was isolated from 15.1% (n = 69) of the milk samples, one of the highest infection rates that can be found in the literature in a "non-outbreak" situation. No other Prototheca species were found. We were unable to isolate the alga from environmental samples. We showed that P. bovis was relatively resistant to disinfectants used to sterilize milking equipment on the cattle farms where it was isolated. We discuss how to avoid future infection and also hypothesize that the real prevalence of Prototheca infection in bovine mastitis is probably much higher than what was detected. We recommend a protocol to increase the diagnostic yield in the bacteriology laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- María P. Huilca-Ibarra
- Facultad de Ingenierías y Ciencias Aplicadas, Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170124, Ecuador
| | - David Vasco-Julio
- Facultad de Ingenierías y Ciencias Aplicadas, Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170124, Ecuador
| | - Yanua Ledesma
- Facultad de Ingenierías y Ciencias Aplicadas, Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170124, Ecuador
| | - Salome Guerrero-Freire
- Facultad de Ingenierías y Ciencias Aplicadas, Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170124, Ecuador
| | - Jeannete Zurita
- Unidad de Investigación en Biomedicina, Zurita & Zurita Laboratorios, Quito 170104, Ecuador
| | - Pablo Castillejo
- Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Salud (BIOMAS), Universidad de las Américas, Quito 170124, Ecuador
| | - Francisco Barceló Blasco
- Instituto de Investigación en Salud Pública y Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | - Lisseth Yanez
- Instituto de Investigación en Salud Pública y Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | - Darwin Changoluisa
- Instituto de Investigación en Salud Pública y Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | - Gustavo Echeverría
- Instituto de Investigación en Salud Pública y Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | - Carlos Bastidas-Caldes
- Facultad de Ingenierías y Ciencias Aplicadas, Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170124, Ecuador
- Programa de Doctorado en Salud Pública y Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170124, Ecuador
| | - Jacobus H. de Waard
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170124, Ecuador
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +593-4168052488
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10
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Occurrence of
Prototheca
Microalgae in Aquatic Ecosystems with a Description of Three New Species, Prototheca fontanea, Prototheca lentecrescens, and Prototheca vistulensis. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0109222. [DOI: 10.1128/aem.01092-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The study investigates the occurrence of very rare and poorly studied microalgae of the genus
Prototheca
, potentially pathogenic to humans and animals, in different water environments. Given the potential hazard to human and animal health from exposure to water-inhabiting protothecae, the prevalence of the algae in aquatic habitats deserves an insightful examination.
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11
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Zhao W, Xu M, Barkema HW, Xie X, Lin Y, Khan S, Kastelic JP, Wang D, Deng Z, Han B. Prototheca bovis induces autophagy in bovine mammary epithelial cells via the HIF-1α and AMPKα/ULK1 pathway. Front Immunol 2022; 13:934819. [PMID: 36148236 PMCID: PMC9486811 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.934819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Prototheca bovis, a highly contagious pathogen, causes bovine mastitis, resulting in premature culling of affected cows and severe economic losses. Infection with P. bovis caused oxidative stress and apoptosis in bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs); however, mechanisms underlying P. bovis-induced autophagy remain unclear. Therefore, the autophagy flux induced by P. bovis in bMECs was analyzed by Western blot and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Expression levels of proteins in the HIF-1α and AMPKα/ULK1 pathway, including HIF-1α, AMPKα, p-AMPKα, ULK1, p-ULK1, mTOR, and p-mTOR, plus expression of autophagy-related genes including SQSTM1/p62, Atg5, Beclin1, and LC3II/LC3I, were quantified with Western blot. Infection with P. bovis induced autophagosomes and LC3 puncta in bMECs that were detected using transmission electron microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy, respectively. In addition, lysosome-associated proteins Rab7 and LAMP2a, and lysosomal activity were measured with Western blot and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Infection with P. bovis induced an unobstructed autophagic flux, increased protein expression of LC3II/LC3I, and decreased SQSTM1/p62 protein expression at 6 hpi. Furthermore, P. bovis upregulated protein expression in the HIF-1α and AMPKα/ULK1 pathway and increased the ratio of LC3II/LC3I, implying autophagy was activated in bMECs. However, deletion of AMPKα or ULK1 decreased LC3II/LC3I expression levels and LC3 puncta numbers, suggesting that autophagy was inhibited in bMECs. Additionally, deficiency of HIF-1α decreased protein expression of AMPKα and ULK1 as well as LC3 puncta numbers, and autophagy induced by P. bovis was also inhibited in bMECs. At 6 hpi, lysosome-associated protein Rab7 was decreased and LAMP2a was increased, indicating normal autophagy. In contrast, at 12 hpi, expression of Rab7 and LAMP2a proteins indicated that autophagy was inhibited in bMECs at that time. Therefore, we confirmed that P. bovis infection induced autophagy in bMECs via the HIF-1α and AMPKα/ULK1 pathway, with involvement of lysosome-associated protein Rab7 and LAMP2a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenpeng Zhao
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Maolin Xu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Herman W. Barkema
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Xiaochen Xie
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yushan Lin
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Sohrab Khan
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - John P. Kastelic
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Dong Wang
- College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Zhaoju Deng
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaoju Deng, ; Bo Han,
| | - Bo Han
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaoju Deng, ; Bo Han,
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12
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Toyotome T, Matsui S. Analysis of Prototheca and yeast species isolated from bulk tank milk collected in Tokachi District, Japan. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:8364-8370. [PMID: 35965121 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-21781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Bovine mastitis, a major infectious disease affecting milking cows, leads to reduced milk yield and quality, reduced animal welfare, and an increased need for culling. Although its major causative agents are bacteria, yeast species and achlorophyllous algae of the Prototheca genus are well known as causative agents of bovine refractory mastitis. Nevertheless, few studies have analyzed specific yeasts and Prototheca in this context. Herein, we present survey data of yeast species and Prototheca species isolated from bulk tank milk in the Tokachi district of Japan from April 2020 through March 2021. The species of 276 isolates were determined. Yeast species accounted for 184 isolates, of which Pichia kudriavzevii was the most prevalent species. Regarding Prototheca species, only Prototheca bovis was isolated (92 isolates). Prototheca bovis and Pichia kudriavzevii were detected throughout the year and were detected repeatedly on the same farm. Kluyveromyces marxianus was the second most frequently isolated yeast species after Pichia kudriavzevii. Candida parapsilosis, the fourth most frequently isolated yeast species, was found discontinuously. Analysis of monthly data indicated that Kluyveromyces marxianus and Candida parapsilosis were mainly found during the winter and summer months, respectively. Candida akabanensis and Pichia cactophila were the third and fifth most frequently isolated yeast species, respectively. They were detected repeatedly in bulk tank milk samples from the same farms. Results obtained from bulk tank milk underscore the prevalence of these species. These study results are expected to contribute to the elucidation of problematic yeast and Prototheca species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahito Toyotome
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Diagnostic Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8673, Japan.
| | - Shihori Matsui
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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13
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Bozzo G, Dimuccio MM, Casalino G, Ceci E, Corrente M. New Approaches for risk assessment and management of bovine protothecosis. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:103368. [PMID: 35846387 PMCID: PMC9283663 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2022.103368] [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: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Protothecosis is a potential zoonosis related to bovine mastitis. In several countries, a higher incidence of protothecal bovine mastitis that is being recorded and the resistance of Prototheca species to various factors (chlorine, high temperatures, antimicrobial and antiseptic treatments, pH variations), make it difficult to control its spread among farms. The authors aim to describe the infection caused by microalgae, focusing on the problems within cattle farms and proposing new approaches to farm management, based on Regulation (EU) No 2016/429 on transmissible animal diseases. This new flexible approach, based on risk analysis, is a further tool in protecting against Prototheca species. The list of transmissible animal diseases under Regulation (EU) No 2016/429 includes those caused by microorganisms resistant to antimicrobials, which can have important implications for human and animal health, feed and food safety. This approach would involve a series of changes to the rules used for Official Controls (Regulation (EU) No 2017/625) moving from the concept of the food chain to that of the agri-food chain.
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14
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Libisch B, Picot C, Ceballos-Garzon A, Moravkova M, Klimesová M, Telkes G, Chuang ST, Le Pape P. Prototheca Infections and Ecology from a One Health Perspective. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10050938. [PMID: 35630382 PMCID: PMC9144699 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Prototheca microalgae were only recognized as pathogens of both humans and animals in the 1960s; however, since then, these microbes have been drawing increasing interest in both human and veterinary medicine. The first human outbreak of protothecosis in a tertiary care chemotherapy ward in 2018 further highlighted the need to understand in more depth and detail their ecology, etiology, pathogenesis and routes of transmission between different hosts, environments and habitats from a One Health perspective. Protothecal infections have been reported in a growing number of cattle herds around the world in recent decades, and Prototheca has become an important bovine mastitis pathogen in certain countries and regions. The survival of Prototheca in the environment and its ability to spread in the herd pose a serious challenge to the management of infected dairy farms. Prevention of the disease is particularly important, as there is no effective and reliable treatment for it and the chances of self-healing are minimal. Therefore, the development of more effective drugs is needed for the treatment of human and animal protothecosis. The prudent use of antibiotics and their replacement by alternative or preventive measures, when possible, may further contribute to the control of protothecal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Libisch
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (P.L.P.)
| | - Carine Picot
- EA 1155 IICiMed—Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et du Cancer, Université de Nantes, F-44000 Nantes, France; (C.P.); (A.C.-G.)
| | - Andrés Ceballos-Garzon
- EA 1155 IICiMed—Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et du Cancer, Université de Nantes, F-44000 Nantes, France; (C.P.); (A.C.-G.)
| | | | | | - Gábor Telkes
- Department of Surgery, Transplantation and Gastroenterology, Semmelweis University, 1082 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Shih-Te Chuang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan;
| | - Patrice Le Pape
- EA 1155 IICiMed—Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et du Cancer, Université de Nantes, F-44000 Nantes, France; (C.P.); (A.C.-G.)
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (P.L.P.)
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15
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Vitenberga-Verza Z, Pilmane M, Šerstņova K, Melderis I, Gontar Ł, Kochański M, Drutowska A, Maróti G, Prieto-Simón B. Identification of Inflammatory and Regulatory Cytokines IL-1α-, IL-4-, IL-6-, IL-12-, IL-13-, IL-17A-, TNF-α-, and IFN-γ-Producing Cells in the Milk of Dairy Cows with Subclinical and Clinical Mastitis. Pathogens 2022; 11:372. [PMID: 35335696 PMCID: PMC8954094 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In naturally occurring bovine mastitis, effects of infection depend on the host inflammatory response, including the effects of secreted cytokines. Knowledge about the inflammatory and regulatory cytokines in milk cells of free-stall barn dairy cows and in naturally occurring mastitis is lacking as most studies focus on induced mastitis. Hereby, the aim of the study was to determine inflammatory and regulatory cytokines in the milk of dairy cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis. The following examinations of milk samples were performed: differential counting of somatic cells (SCC), bacteriological examination, and immunocytochemical analysis. Mean SCC increased in subclinical and clinical mastitis cases. The number of pathogenic mastitis-causing bacteria on plates increased in subclinical mastitis cases but decreased in clinical mastitis. The inflammatory and regulatory markers in the milk cells of healthy cows showed the highest mean cell numbers (%). In mastitis cases, immunoreactivity was more pronounced for IL-4, IL-6, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17A, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. Data about subclinical and clinical mastitis demonstrate inflammatory responses to intramammary infection driven by IL-1α, IL-4, and IL-17A. Moreover, the host defense response in mastitis is characterized by continuation or resolution of initial inflammation. IL-12 and INF-γ immunoreactivity was recognized to differ mastitis cases from the relative health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zane Vitenberga-Verza
- The Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Rīga Stradiņš University, 1010 Rīga, Latvia; (M.P.); (K.Š.); (I.M.)
| | - Māra Pilmane
- The Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Rīga Stradiņš University, 1010 Rīga, Latvia; (M.P.); (K.Š.); (I.M.)
| | - Ksenija Šerstņova
- The Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Rīga Stradiņš University, 1010 Rīga, Latvia; (M.P.); (K.Š.); (I.M.)
| | - Ivars Melderis
- The Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Rīga Stradiņš University, 1010 Rīga, Latvia; (M.P.); (K.Š.); (I.M.)
| | - Łukasz Gontar
- Research and Innovation Centre Pro-Akademia, 95-050 Konstantynów Łódzki, Poland; (Ł.G.); (M.K.); (A.D.)
| | - Maksymilian Kochański
- Research and Innovation Centre Pro-Akademia, 95-050 Konstantynów Łódzki, Poland; (Ł.G.); (M.K.); (A.D.)
| | - Andżelika Drutowska
- Research and Innovation Centre Pro-Akademia, 95-050 Konstantynów Łódzki, Poland; (Ł.G.); (M.K.); (A.D.)
| | - Gergely Maróti
- Seqomics Biotechnology Ltd., 6782 Morahalom, Hungary;
- Biological Research Center, Plant Biology Institute, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Beatriz Prieto-Simón
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain;
- ICREA, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
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16
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The Influence of Bacteria Causing Subclinical Mastitis on the Structure of the Cow’s Milk Microbiome. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27061829. [PMID: 35335192 PMCID: PMC8950352 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27061829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mastitis is the most expensive disease of dairy cattle across the world and is the main reason for the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry. The aim of this study was to analyze the microbiome of raw milk obtained from a semi-subsistence farm located in the Kuyavian–Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland. Milk from healthy cows and from cows with subclinical mastitis was analyzed. The following pathogenic bacteria were found in milk from individuals with subclinical mastitis: Escherichia coli or Streptococcus agalactiae. The composition of drinking milk was assessed on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing using the Ion Torrent platform. Based on the conducted research, significant changes in the composition of the milk microbiome were found depending on the physiological state of the cows. The microbiome of milk from healthy cows differed significantly from the milk from cows with subclinical mastitis. Two phyla dominated in the milk from healthy cows: Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, in equal amounts. On the contrary, in the milk from cows with diagnosed subclinical mastitis, one of the types dominated: either Firmicutes or Proteobacteria, and was largely predominant. Moreover, the milk microflora from the ill animals were characterized by lower values of the determined biodiversity indicators than the milk from healthy cows. The presence of pathogenic bacteria in the milk resulted in a significant reduction in the share of lactic acid bacteria in the structure of the population of microorganisms, which are of great importance in the production technology of regional products.
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17
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Tryptophan, Kynurenine and Kynurenic Acid Concentrations in Milk and Serum of Dairy Cows with Prototheca Mastitis. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123608. [PMID: 34944383 PMCID: PMC8698139 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to investigate serum and milk levels of tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), and kynurenic acid (KYNA), as well as the activity of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in cows with mastitis due to Prototheca algae. The study was prompted by previous research showing a link between the KYN pathway of TRP metabolism and bovine mastitis of bacterial etiology. The study was carried out over a 2-year period (2018-2019) and included quarter milk and serum samples collected from six dairy herds in Poland. The samples were obtained from healthy cows and cows with Prototheca mastitis of either clinical and subclinical manifestation, as determined upon direct measurement of the somatic cell count or indirectly by performing a California Mastitis Test on suspected quarters. Both TRP and KYN concentrations were significantly lower in milk of mastitic cows compared to healthy animals (0.8 vs. 8.72 µM, p = 0.001; 0.07 vs. 0.32 µM, p = 0.001, respectively). The difference in TRP and KYN concentrations in the sera of the two animal groups was much less pronounced (25.55 vs. 27.57 µM, 3.03 vs. 3.56 nM, respectively). The concentration of KYNA was almost at the same level in milk (1.73 vs. 1.70 nM) and in serum (80.47 vs. 75.48 nM) of both mastitic and healthy cows. The data showed that the level of TRP and its metabolites in serum was conspicuously higher compared to milk in all cows under the study. The activity of IDO was significantly higher in milk of cows with Prototheca mastitis compared to healthy animals (71.4 vs. 40.86, p < 0.05), while in serum it was pretty much the same (135.94 vs. 124.98, p > 0.05). The IDO activity differed significantly between serum and milk both for mastitic (135.94 vs. 71.4, p < 0.05) and healthy cows (124.98 vs. 40.86, p < 0.001). In conclusion, low values of TRP and KYN concentrations or elevated IDO activity in milk samples might be used as markers of mastitis due to infectious causes, including Prototheca spp.
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18
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Dziurzyński M, Decewicz P, Iskra M, Bakuła Z, Jagielski T. Prototheca-ID: a web-based application for molecular identification of Prototheca species. DATABASE-THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DATABASES AND CURATION 2021; 2021:6427586. [PMID: 34791104 PMCID: PMC8607299 DOI: 10.1093/database/baab073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The genus Prototheca houses unicellular, achlorophyllous, yeast-like algae, widely distributed in the environment. Protothecae are the only known plants that have repeatedly been reported to infect vertebrates, including humans. Although rare, protothecosis can be clinically demanding, with an unpredictable and treatment-resistant behavior. Accurate identification of Prototheca species relies upon DNA sequence-based typing of the mitochondrially encoded CYTB gene. However, no bioinformatic tool for the processing and analyzing of protothecal sequence data exists. Moreover, currently available sequence databases suffer from a limited number of records and lack of or flawed sequence annotations, making Prototheca identification challenging and often inconclusive. This report introduces the Prototheca-ID, a user-friendly, web-based application providing fast and reliable speciation of Prototheca isolates. In addition, the application offers the users the possibility of depositing their sequences and associated metadata in a fully open Prototheca-ID database, developed to enhance research integrity and quality in the field of Protothecae and protothecosis. Database URL: The Prototheca-ID application is available at https://prototheca-id.org.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikołaj Dziurzyński
- Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, I. Miecznikowa 1, Warsaw 02-096, Poland
| | - Przemyslaw Decewicz
- Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, I. Miecznikowa 1, Warsaw 02-096, Poland
| | - Mateusz Iskra
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, I. Miecznikowa 1, Warsaw 02-096, Poland
| | - Zofia Bakuła
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, I. Miecznikowa 1, Warsaw 02-096, Poland
| | - Tomasz Jagielski
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, I. Miecznikowa 1, Warsaw 02-096, Poland
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19
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Álvarez-Pérez S, Anega B, Díaz-de-Tuesta JA, González-Martín JV, Riesgo-Martínez M, García ME, Blanco JL. Susceptibility testing of Prototheca bovis isolates from cases of bovine mastitis using the CLSI reference broth microdilution method and the Sensititre YeastOne colorimetric panel. Med Mycol 2021; 59:1257-1261. [PMID: 34643716 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myab063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 62 Prototheca bovis isolates from cases of bovine mastitis were tested for susceptibility to different antifungal compounds by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) reference microdilution method and a commercial colorimetric microdilution panel (Sensititre YeastOne). All isolates displayed low susceptibility to echinocandins (MICs > 8 μg/ml for anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin), flucytosine (MIC > 64 μg/ml), and the azoles enilconazole and fluconazole (MICs > 4 and > 64 μg/ml, respectively). Moreover, 45.2%, 32.3%, and 1.6% of isolates had MICs > 4 μg/ml for ketoconazole, terbinafine, and voriconazole, respectively, when tested by the CLSI method. In contrast, all isolates were more susceptible to the polyene compounds amphotericin B and nystatin, and itraconazole, posaconazole, and ravuconazole (MICs ≤ 2 μg/ml, in all cases). Comparison of the results obtained in the CLSI and Sensititre methods showed excellent essential agreement (EA) for azoles (98.4% for itraconazole and posaconazole, and 100% for voriconazole) and moderate EA for amphotericin B (72.6%), when MICs were read after 24 h and 48 h of incubation, respectively. In contrast, much lower EA values were obtained in some cases when the MICs for both techniques were determined after 48 h of incubation (e.g., 9.7% for amphotericin B and 69.4% for posaconazole). Therefore, the CLSI broth microdilution method and the Sensititre YeastOne panel can be used indistinctly for susceptibility testing of P. bovis isolates against azoles but not against amphotericin B until further optimization of the test conditions. LAY SUMMARY The antifungal susceptibility of Prototheca bovis isolates was analyzed. All tested isolates displayed low susceptibility to echinocandins, flucytosine, and some azoles. Excellent agreement of the results of two different test methods was obtained for azoles, but not for the polyene amphotericin B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Álvarez-Pérez
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Anega
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan A Díaz-de-Tuesta
- Regional Laboratory for Animal Health, Community of Madrid, Colmenar Viejo, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan V González-Martín
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Marta E García
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José L Blanco
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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20
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Jinatham V, Cantoni DM, Brown IR, Vichaslip T, Suwannahitatorn P, Popluechai S, Tsaousis AD, Gentekaki E. Prototheca bovis, a unicellular achlorophyllous trebouxiophyte green alga in the healthy human intestine. J Med Microbiol 2021; 70. [PMID: 34486973 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Prototheca species are non-photosynthetic trebouxiophyte algae ubiquitously distributed in nature and can be found in sewage and soil. This microbial eukaryote causes human protothecosis in immunocompromised individuals. Thus, Prototheca presence in the stool of individuals without gastrointestinal symptoms has been reported only rarely.Hypothesis/Gap statement. There is an absence of detailed characterization of human Prototheca isolates.Aim. The aim of this study was to perform morphological and molecular characterization of Prototheca isolates obtained from human stool.Methodology. Prototheca was isolated from faecal samples of four individuals living in a rural area in Thailand. A combination of bioimaging along with molecular and bioinformatics tools was used to characterize the four strains. The growth rate was tested using four media and three temperature conditions. Phylogenetic analysis using the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) and cytochrome b (cytb) was also performed.Results. Static and live microscopy demonstrated the various life stages of Prototheca and its major defining cellular characteristics. An optimized DNA extraction methodology that improves DNA yield is provided. Partial fragments of the SSU rRNA and cytb genes were obtained. Phylogenetic analysis placed all four strains in the clade with Prototheca bovis. More broadly, Prototheca was not monophyletic but split into at least two distinct clades instead.Conclusion. The results represent the first molecular characterization of Prototheca in Thailand. The study provides insight into transmission dynamics of the organism and potential caveats in estimating the global prevalence of Prototheca. These will spearhead further investigations on Prototheca occurrence in rural areas of both industrialized and developing nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasana Jinatham
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Diego M Cantoni
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Ian R Brown
- Bioimaging Facility, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | | | | | - Siam Popluechai
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand.,Gut Microbiome Research Group, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Anastasios D Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Eleni Gentekaki
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand.,Gut Microbiome Research Group, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
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21
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LI J, CHEN X, JIN E, WANG G, WU L, SHAO Z, WAN P, HU C, LI J, CHEN J, DING M. A survey of Prototheca bovis infection in dairy farms of the Hubei province, China. J Vet Med Sci 2021; 83:1248-1255. [PMID: 34193721 PMCID: PMC8437709 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine mastitis, caused by Prototheca bovis, has received much attention worldwide. To investigate the status of P. bovis infection in dairy farms of Hubei, we collected 1,158 milk samples and 90 environmental samples from 14 dairy farms of Hubei, China. The isolates were identified with traditional biological methods and molecular biological techniques, and their pathogenicity was tested through mice infection experiments. Isolates from 57 milk and 20 environmental samples were identified as P. bovis. The mice infection tests proved that the isolated P. bovis could cause mastitis in mice, manifesting as severe red swelling of the mammary glands. Histopathological analysis of tissue sections showed necrosis and nodules lesions formed in the infected mice mammary tissue, accompanied by macrophage and neutrophil infiltration. These results suggested the existence of pathogenic P. bovis in dairy farms of the Hubei province, China, with brewer's grains and fresh feces possibly playing important roles in the spread of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin LI
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Wuhan
Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430208, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural
University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xiabing CHEN
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Wuhan
Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430208, China
| | - Erguang JIN
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Wuhan
Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430208, China
| | - Guiqiang WANG
- Livestock and Poultry Breeding Center of Hubei Province,
Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Lijun WU
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Wuhan
Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430208, China
| | - Zhiyong SHAO
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Wuhan
Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430208, China
| | - Pingmin WAN
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Wuhan
Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430208, China
| | - Changmin HU
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural
University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Junhua LI
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences,
Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jie CHEN
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Wuhan
Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430208, China
| | - Mingxing DING
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural
University, Wuhan, 430070, China
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22
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Fidelis CE, Franke M, de Abreu LCR, Jagielski T, Ribeiro MG, Dos Santos MV, Gonçalves JL. MALDI-TOF MS identification of Prototheca algae associated with bovine mastitis. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 33:1168-1171. [PMID: 34353173 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211036459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the use of MALDI-TOF MS for the identification of 3 major, dairy-associated Prototheca species, namely, Prototheca bovis (formerly P. zopfii genotype 2), P. blaschkeae, and P. ciferrii (formerly P. zopfii genotype 1). The MALDI-TOF MS spectra established for those species were introduced into the reference spectra library of the Bruker Biotyper MALDI-TOF MS analysis software. Next, 31 Prototheca isolates from Holstein cows with mastitis, from herds located in the midwestern area of São Paulo State, Brazil, were subjected to MALDI-TOF MS profiling. MALDI-TOF MS allowed identification of 22 of 27 P. bovis and 3 of 4 P. blaschkeae isolates with scores >2.0, with 5 of 27 P. bovis and 1 of 4 P. blaschkeae isolates identified only to the genus level. With our extended algae database, MALDI-TOF MS can contribute to quick and effective speciation of Prototheca from mastitis cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E Fidelis
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo-USP, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Manoela Franke
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo-USP, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Letícia C R de Abreu
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo-USP, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tomasz Jagielski
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Márcio G Ribeiro
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos V Dos Santos
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo-USP, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliano L Gonçalves
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo-USP, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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23
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Ely VL, Costa MMD, Oliveira HPD, Silva Júnior FAGD, Pereira DIB, Soares MP, Vargas ACD, Sangioni LA, Cargnelutti JF, Ribeiro MG, Botton SDA. In vitro algicidal effect of polypyrrole on Prototheca species isolates from bovine mastitisAlgicidal activity of polypyrrole on Prototheca spp. Med Mycol 2021; 58:1114-1119. [PMID: 32364239 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaa021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Algae of the genus Prototheca are microorganisms involved in the occurrence of diseases in humans and animals. In bovine species, Prototheca spp. cause environmental mastitis, productive losses in dairy herds, mainly leading to the discard of infected cows. Currently, there are no effective anti-Prototheca spp. drugs to combat this infection. Thus, the search for an efficacious therapy for Prototheca spp. infections have become essential. Highly soluble polypyrrole (Ppy) is a molecule with known antimicrobial activity. This study aimed to characterize Prototheca spp. isolates from bovine mastitis as well as to evaluate the susceptibility profile and to verify the morphological alterations on Prototheca spp. isolates treated with Ppy. In this research, 36 Brazilian isolates of Prototheca spp. were characterized by restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) assay for the mitochondrial cytB gene. Additionally, Ppy algicidal activity against these isolates of Prototheca spp. was assessed by minimal microbicidal concentration method in microplates. Further, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed in order to verify the morphological alterations on Prototheca spp. isolates in response to Ppy. The isolates were characterized as belonging to Prototheca zopfii genotype 2 (35/36) and Prototheca blaschkeae (1/36). Ppy had an algicidal effect on all isolates tested at concentrations ranging from 15.625 μg ml-1 to 62.5 μg ml-1. SEM showed changes on planktonic and sessile P. zopfii, including a decrease of the number of cells with the presence of an amorphous substance involving the cells. The algicidal activity of Ppy suggests the therapeutic potential of this molecule in the prevention and treatment of Prototheca spp. in bovine mastitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valessa Lunkes Ely
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Medicine (PPGMV), Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (DMVP), Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM). Av. Roraima, 1000, Prédio 44, Sala 5007, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Mateus Matiuzzi da Costa
- Federal University of São Francisco Valley, Rodovia BR 407 - Km 12, Lote 543, Projeto Irrigação Senador Nilo Coelho s/n°, Petrolina, CEP 56300-990, Brazil
| | - Helinando Pequeno de Oliveira
- Federal University of São Francisco Valley, Rodovia BR 407 - Km 12, Lote 543, Projeto Irrigação Senador Nilo Coelho s/n°, Petrolina, CEP 56300-990, Brazil
| | - Fernando Antonio Gomes da Silva Júnior
- Federal University of São Francisco Valley, Rodovia BR 407 - Km 12, Lote 543, Projeto Irrigação Senador Nilo Coelho s/n°, Petrolina, CEP 56300-990, Brazil
| | - Daniela Isabel Brayer Pereira
- Departament of Microbiology and Parasitology, Instituto de Biologia, Federal University of Pelotas, Prédio 18, Sala 14. Campus Universitário Capão do Leão, s/n°, CEP 96160-000, Brazil
| | - Mauro Pereira Soares
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pelotas, Campus Universitário Capão do Leão, s/n°, CEP 96160-000, Brazil
| | - Agueda Castagna de Vargas
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Medicine (PPGMV), Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (DMVP), Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM). Av. Roraima, 1000, Prédio 44, Sala 5007, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Luís Antônio Sangioni
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Medicine (PPGMV), Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (DMVP), Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM). Av. Roraima, 1000, Prédio 44, Sala 5007, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Juliana Felipetto Cargnelutti
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Medicine (PPGMV), Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (DMVP), Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM). Av. Roraima, 1000, Prédio 44, Sala 5007, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Márcio Garcia Ribeiro
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, São Paulo State University - UNESP, CEP 18618-681, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Sônia de Avila Botton
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Medicine (PPGMV), Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (DMVP), Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM). Av. Roraima, 1000, Prédio 44, Sala 5007, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
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25
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Krukowski H, Bakuła Z, Iskra M, Olender A, Bis-Wencel H, Jagielski T. The first outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in dairy cattle in Poland with evidence of on-farm and intrahousehold transmission. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:10577-10584. [PMID: 32896418 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a widely recognized pathogen responsible for many serious diseases in both humans and animals. It is also one of the major causative agents of bovine mastitis. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), although relatively rare in this pathology, has been increasingly reported in livestock animals, mainly in pigs, but also cattle, sheep, and poultry. The recent emergence of livestock-associated (LA-)MRSA is cause for an immediate public health concern due to the risk of zoonotic transmission to humans, and is of particular concern for people who work in animal husbandry or have prolonged contact with livestock animals. This study reports on the first LA-MRSA outbreak in dairy cattle and the first probable case of MRSA transmission between humans and cows in Poland. A single dairy farm located in Eastern Poland was monitored on a regular basis for the occurrence of mastitis. Over a 1-yr study period, 717 quarter-milk samples from 583 cows were collected and examined microbiologically. A total of 5 MRSA isolates from as many cows with subclinical mastitis were cultured. They all belonged to the same outbreak, given a 2-mo time window in which they were identified. During the outbreak, 24 oral and nasal swabs were voluntarily taken from 6 people: a milker, a veterinarian, and 4 members of the veterinarian's family. Eight swabs from a milker, veterinarian, and 2 family members yielded positive MRSA cultures. All MRSA isolates were genotyped with a combination of multiple-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis, multilocus sequence typing, and staphylococcal protein A gene (spa) typing. Eleven bovine (n = 5; 5 cases) and human (n = 6; 4 cases) isolates showed an identical drug-susceptibility profile and were indistinguishable upon multiple-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (pattern A), multilocus sequence typing (ST398) and spa (t034) typing. The results of this study provide the evidence of transmission of MRSA between humans and cows, and between humans in the family setting. This work, despite being a preliminary investigation, underscores the risk of intra- and interspecies transmission of LA-MRSA and urges enhancement of the existing biosecurity measures aimed at preventing MRSA (and other milk pathogens) spread at both the farm- and household levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henryk Krukowski
- Department of Animal and Environmental Hygiene, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Zofia Bakuła
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, I. Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Iskra
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, I. Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alina Olender
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, W. Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Hanna Bis-Wencel
- Department of Animal and Environmental Hygiene, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Jagielski
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, I. Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland.
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26
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Wu Y, Sun Y, Zhang Z, Chen J, Dong G. Effects of Peptidoglycan, Lipoteichoic Acid and Lipopolysaccharide on Inflammation, Proliferation and Milk Fat Synthesis in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12080497. [PMID: 32748871 PMCID: PMC7472015 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12080497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammary gland of the cow is particularly susceptible to infections of a wide range of pathogenic bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The endotoxins of these pathogenic bacteria include peptidoglycan (PGN), lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and they are the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) to induce mastitis. LPS can directly inhibit proliferation and milk fat synthesis of bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) while inducing mastitis, but it is unclear whether PGN and LTA also have such effects. Furthermore, since the three PAMPs usually appear simultaneously in the udder of cows with mastitis, their synergistic effects on proliferation and milk fat synthesis of BMECs are worth investigating. The immortalized BMECs (MAC-T cells) were stimulated for 24 h using various concentrations of PGN, LTA and LPS, respectively, to determine the doses that could effectively cause inflammatory responses. Next, the cells were stimulated for 24 h with no endotoxins (CON), PGN, LTA, LPS, PGN + LTA, and PGN + LTA + LPS, respectively, with the predetermined doses to analyze their effects on proliferation and milk fat synthesis of BMECs. PGN, LTA and LPS successfully induced inflammatory responses of BMECs with doses of 30, 30 and 0.1 μg/mL, respectively. Although the proliferation of BMECs was significantly inhibited in the following order: LTA < PGN + LTA < PGN + LTA + LPS, there was no change in cell morphology and cell death. LTA significantly promoted the expression of fatty acid synthesis-related genes but did not change the content of intracellular triglyceride (TG), compared with the CON group. The mRNA expression of fatty acid synthesis-related genes in the LPS group was the lowest among all the groups. Meanwhile, LPS significantly decreased the content of intracellular non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and TG, compared with the CON group. PGN had no effects on milk fat synthesis. Co-stimulation with PGN, LTA and LPS significantly increased the expression of fat acid synthesis-related genes and the intracellular NEFAs, but decreased intracellular TG, compared with sole LPS stimulation. Collectively, PGN, LTA and LPS showed an additive effect on inhibiting proliferation of BMECs. The promoting role of LTA in fatty acid synthesis might offset the negative effects of LPS in this regard, but co-stimulation with PGN, LTA and LPS significantly decreased intracellular TG content.
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The Synergism of PGN, LTA and LPS in Inducing Transcriptome Changes, Inflammatory Responses and a Decrease in Lactation as Well as the Associated Epigenetic Mechanisms in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12060387. [PMID: 32545333 PMCID: PMC7354563 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12060387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mastitis is usually caused by a variety of pathogenic bacteria that include both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) of Gram-negative bacteria, and peptidoglycan (PGN) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) are those of Gram-positive bacteria. The effects of LPS, PGN and/or LTA on inflammatory response and lactation in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) are well studied, but the epigenetic mechanisms of their effects received less attention. Furthermore, since the three PAMPs are often simultaneously present in the udder of cows with mastitis, it has implications in practice to study their additive effects. The results show that co-stimulation of bovine mammary epithelial cells with PGN, LTA, and LPS induced a higher number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and greater expressions of inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL)1, and CXCL6. In addition, co-stimulation further increased DNA hypomethylation compared with sole LPS stimulation. Co-stimulation greatly decreased casein expression but did not further decrease histone acetylation levels and affect the activity of histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC), compared with sole LPS stimulation. Collectively, this study demonstrated that PGN, LTA, and LPS had an additive effect on inducing transcriptome changes and inflammatory responses in BMECs, probably through inducing a greater decrease in DNA methylation. Co-stimulation with PGN, LTA, and LPS decreased casein expression to a greater degree, but it might not be linked to histone acetylation and HAT and HDAC activity.
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28
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Yang J, Zhu J, Kudinha T, Kong F, Zhang QQ. Differences in in vitro interactions between macrophages with pathogenic and environmental strains of Prototheca. Future Microbiol 2020; 15:427-436. [PMID: 32250172 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2019-0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: We investigated the interactions between macrophage and different strains of Prototheca. Materials & method: J774A.1 macrophages were infected with clinical isolates of Prototheca ciferrii 18125 and P. ciferrii 50779 and environmental isolate of P. ciferrii N71. Phagocytosis activities were compared by colony-forming unit assays at 3, 6 and 9 h after infection. Cytokine levels were detected by RT-PCR and ELISA. iNOS protein expression was examined by western blotting. Results: All P. ciferrii strains were phagocytized by macrophages but induced different levels of cytokines in macrophages. Moreover, infected by P. ciferrii N71 upregulated much higher iNOS protein expression in J774A.1 than that infected by the clinical strains. Conclusion: Clinical and environmental P. ciferrii strains show differences in their interactions with macrophages, which may be attributed to their virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Junhao Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Timothy Kudinha
- Charles Sturt University, Leeds Parade, Orange, New South Wales, Australia.,Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology Laboratory Services, ICPMR-Pathology West, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Darcy Road, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fanrong Kong
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology Laboratory Services, ICPMR-Pathology West, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Darcy Road, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Qiang-Qiang Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
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29
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Preliminary Results, Perspectives, and Proposal for a Screening Method of In Vitro Susceptibility of Prototheca Species to Antimicrotubular Agents. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.01392-19. [PMID: 31871079 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01392-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms belonging to the genus Prototheca are achlorophyllous microalgae, occasionally behaving as environmental pathogens that cause severe mastitis in milk cows, as well as localized or systemic infections in humans and animals. Among the different species belonging to the genus, Prototheca zopfii genotype 2 (recently reclassified as P. bovis) and P. blaschkeae are most commonly associated with bovine mastitis. To date, no pharmacological treatment is available to cure protothecal mastitis, and infected animals must be quarantined to avoid spreading the infection. The few antibiotic and antifungal drugs effective in vitro against Prototheca give poor results in vivo This failure is likely due to the lack of specificity of such drugs. As microalgae are more closely related to plants than to bacteria or fungi, an alternative possibility is to test molecules with herbicidal properties, in particular, antimicrotubular herbicides, for which plant rather than animal tubulin is the selective target. Once a suitable test protocol was set up, a panel of 11 antimicrotubular agents belonging to different chemical classes and selective for plant tubulin were tested for the ability to inhibit growth of Prototheca cells in vitro Two dinitroanilines, dinitramine and chloralin, showed strong inhibitory effects on P. blaschkeae at low micromolar concentrations, with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 4.5 and 3 μM, respectively, while both P. zopfii genotype 1 (now reclassified as P. ciferrii) and P. bovis showed susceptibility to dinitramine only, to different degrees. Suitable screening protocols for antimitotic agents are suggested.
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Shahid M, Cavalcante PA, Knight CG, Barkema HW, Han B, Gao J, Cobo ER. Murine and Human Cathelicidins Contribute Differently to Hallmarks of Mastitis Induced by Pathogenic Prototheca bovis Algae. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:31. [PMID: 32117805 PMCID: PMC7025567 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prototheca bovis (formerly P. zopfii genotype-II) is an opportunistic, achlorophyllous alga that causes mastitis in cows and skin disease in cats and dogs, as well as cutaneous lesions in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed humans. Antifungal medications are commonly ineffective. This study aimed to investigate innate immune responses contributed by cathelicidins to P. bovis in the mammary gland using a mastitis model in mice deficient in the sole murine cathelicidin (Camp). We determined P. bovis caused acute mastitis in mice and induced Camp gene transcription. Whereas, Camp-/- and Camp+/+ littermates had similar local algae burden, Camp+/+ mice produced more pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, and Cxcl-1. Likewise, Camp+/+ bone marrow-derived macrophages were more responsive to P. bovis, producing more TNF-α and Cxcl-1. Human cathelicidin (LL-37) exhibited a different effect against P. bovis; it had direct algicidal activity against P. bovis and lowered TNF-α, Cxcl-1, and IL-1β production in both cultured murine macrophages and mammary epithelial cells exposed to the pathogenic algae. In conclusion, cathelicidins were involved in protothecosis pathogenesis, with unique roles among the diverse peptide family. Whereas, endogenous cathelicidin (Camp) was key in mammary gland innate defense against P. bovis, human LL-37 had algicidal and immunomodulatory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahid
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Paloma Araujo Cavalcante
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Cameron G. Knight
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Herman W. Barkema
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Bo Han
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Gao
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Eduardo R. Cobo
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Emergence of Fungal-Like Organisms: Prototheca. Mycopathologia 2019; 185:747-754. [PMID: 31401758 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-019-00365-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The genus Prototheca consists of achlorophyllic algae that are ubiquitous in the environment and animal intestines. However, this organism has forfeited its photosynthetic ability and switched to parasitism. In 1894, Krüger described two microorganisms isolated in Germany from mucous flux of Tilia and Ulmus spp., namely Prototheca moriformis and P. zopfii. Based on their yeast-like colony morphology, Krüger classified these organisms as fungi. The genus is now included within the class Trebouxiophyceae, order Chlorellales, and family Chlorellaceae. Historically, protothecosis and infections caused by green algae have been studied in the field of medical mycology. Prototheca spp. have been found to colonize human skin, fingernails, the respiratory tract, and digestive system. Although human infection by Prototheca is considered rare, an increase in infections has been noted among immunosuppressed patients, those on corticosteroid treatment, or both. Moreover, the first human outbreak of protothecal algaemia and sepsis was recently reported in a tertiary care chemotherapy oncology unit in 2018. Prototheca is also a causative pathogen of bovine disease. Prototheca zopfii and P. blaschkeae are associated with bovine mastitis, which causes a reduction in milk production and secretion of thin, watery milk containing white flakes. Economic losses are incurred either directly via reduced milk production and premature culling of affected animals or indirectly as a result of treatment and veterinary care expenses. Thus, knowledge of this fungal-like pathogen is essential in human and veterinary medicine. In this mini-review, I briefly introduce human and animal protothecoses.
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