Diversity among isolates of Actinobacillus equuli and related organisms as revealed by ribotyping

Complete genome sequence of Actinobacillus equuli subspecies equuli ATCC 19392(T)

Actinobacillus equuli subsp. equuli is a member of the family Pasteurellaceae that is a common resident of the oral cavity and alimentary tract of healthy horses. At the same time, it can also cause a fatal septicemia in foals, commonly known as sleepy foal disease or joint ill disease. In addition, A. equuli subsp. equuli has recently been reported to act as a primary pathogen in breeding sows and piglets. To better understand how A. equuli subsp. equuli can cause disease, the genome of the type strain of A. equuli subsp. equuli, ATCC 19392(T), was sequenced using the PacBio RSII sequencing system. Its genome is comprised of 2,431,533 bp and is predicted to encode 2,264 proteins and 82 RNAs.

Mesenteric lymphangitis and sepsis due to RTX toxin-producing Actinobacillus spp in 2 foals with hypothyroidism-dysmaturity syndrome

Actinobacillus suis-like organisms (ASLOs) have been isolated from the genital, respiratory, and digestive tracts of healthy adult horses, horses with respiratory disease, and septic foals. Two foals with congenital hypothyroidism-dysmaturity syndrome from separate farms developed ASLO infection. At necropsy, both had contracted carpal flexor tendons, thyroid hyperplasia, and thrombotic and necrotizing mesenteric lymphangitis and lymphadenitis; one foal also had mandibular prognathism. Numerous ASLOs were isolated from tissues from both foals, including intestine. Biochemical testing and mass spectrometric analysis of the two Actinobacillus isolates did not allow unequivocal identification. Comparative genetic analysis was done on these and similar isolates, including phylogeny based on 16S rRNA, rpoB and recN genes, as well as RTX (repeat in toxin) toxin typing of apxIA-apxIVA and aqxA genes. One isolate was identified as Actinobacillus suis sensu stricto, based on the presence of apxIA and apxIIA but not aqxA, whereas the other isolate had aqxA but neither apxIA nor apxIIA, consistent with A equuli ssp haemolyticus. Based on genotypic analysis of the isolates included for comparison, 3 of 3 equine ASLOs and 2 of 5 A equuli isolates were reclassified as A equuli subsp haemolyticus, emphasizing the importance of toxin genotyping in accurate classification of actinobacilli.

Revised definition of Actinobacillus sensu stricto isolated from animals. A review with special emphasis on diagnosis

The taxonomy of the members of the genus Actinobacillus associated with animals has been reviewed with focus on classification and identification including molecular based characterization, typing and identification. Out of the 22 species or species like taxa reported as Actinobacillus, 19 are associated with animals. When classified on the basis of 16S rRNA sequence based phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA hybridizations and phenotypic analysis, Actinobacillus sensu stricto is restricted to include A. lignieresii, A. pleuropneumoniae, A. equuli subsp. equuli, A. equuli subsp. haemolyticus (taxon 11 of Bisgaard), A. hominis, A. suis, A. ureae, A. arthritidis (taxon 9 of Bisgaard), Actinobacillus genomospecies 1 and 2 and the taxa 8 and 26 of Bisgaard. The remaining 11 species of Actinobacillus are unrelated to A. sensu stricto and should consequently be grouped with other genera or be renamed as new genera depending on new data. Identification of members of Actinobacillus at species level is possible through phenotypic characterization combined with information on host of isolation. PCR tests are available for specific detection of A. pleuropneumoniae. Only A. pleuropneumoniae is presently considered as a primary pathogen. Based on different types of RTX genes it is possible to PCR type A. pleuropneumoniae to serotype level. PCR might also be used for the specific detection of A. equuli subsp. haemolyticus. Epidemiological investigations and surveillance have so far included serotyping, multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE), ribotyping and restriction fragment length profiling.

Host cell specific activity of RTX toxins from haemolytic Actinobacillus equuli and Actinobacillus suis

We assessed and compared host cell specificity of the haemolytic and cytotoxic activity of the RTX toxins from Actinobacillus equuli, an equine pathogen, and Actinobacillus suis, which is pathogenic for pigs. The two bacterial species are closely related, phenotypically as well as phylogenetically, sharing the same 16S rRNA gene sequence. Both species contain specific protein toxins from the family of pore-forming RTX toxins, however, the two species differ in their RTX toxin profiles. Haemolytic A. equuli contains the operon for the Aqx toxin, whereas A. suis harbours genes for ApxI and ApxII. We tested the toxic activity of the corresponding proteins on erythrocytes as well as on lymphocytes isolated from horse and pig blood. The strength of the haemolytic activity for each of the toxins was independent of the origin of erythrocytes. When testing cytotoxic activity, the Aqx protein showed a higher toxic effect for horse lymphocytes than for porcine lymphocytes. On the other hand, ApxI and ApxII showed a strong cytotoxic effect on porcine lymphocytes and a reduced toxicity for horse lymphocytes; the toxicity of ApxII was generally much lower than ApxI. Our results indicate a host species specificity of the toxic activity of RTX toxins Aqx of A. equuli and ApxI and ApxII of A. suis.

Characterisation of a novel Mannheimia sp from Australian feedlot cattle

OBJECTIVE

To characterise eight isolates of a Gram-negative organism obtained from the upper respiratory tract of cattle showing evidence of mild upper respiratory tract disease.

DESIGN

The isolates were compared with the five recognised species within the genus Mannheimia - M haemolytica, M glucosida, M granulomatis, M ruminalis and M varigena--using a range of phenotypic and genotypic methods.

RESULTS

Phenotypic characterisation indicated that the isolates belonged to the trehalose-negative [Pasteurella] haemolytica complex. This complex has recently been reorganised into five species within the new genus Mannheimia. Ribotyping performed using HindIII and a computerised analysis system indicated that the eight Australian isolates formed a distinct cluster that was related to, but different from, the five recognised species of Mannheimia. The 16S rRNA sequence of one isolate (BNO311) was determined and a phylogenetic analysis performed. Isolate BNO311 was distinct from the five named Mannheimia spp but did join a larger cluster consisting of rRNA cluster IV (M varigena) and the unnamed rRNA cluster V of Mannheimia. DNA:DNA hybridisation between isolate BNO311 and M haemolytica NCTC 9380T, M granulomatis P411 and Actinobacillus ligniersii NCTC 4189T all suggested similarities of approximately 30%.

CONCLUSIONS

These phenotypic and genotypic characterisation studies suggest that the eight Australian isolates represent a new species of Mannheimia. Until further characterisation studies are performed, we are unwilling to propose a name for this taxon, preferring to refer to this possible new species as Bisgaard taxon 39 of cluster V of Mannheimia.

Peritonitis associated with Actinobacillus equuli in horses: 51 cases

OBJECTIVE

To review the clinical findings, diagnosis and treatment of 51 horses with peritonitis attributed to Actinobacillus equuli.

DESIGN

Retrospective study of clinical cases.

METHODS

Breed, age and gender of horse, history, physical examination findings, treatment and outcome were determined from the hospital records of 51 horses in which a diagnosis of peritonitis attributed to A. equuli was made between January 1993 and June 1999. Results of abdominal fluid cytology and bacteriology, antimicrobial sensitivity patterns, haematology and faecal egg counts, when performed, were also retrieved.

RESULTS

There was a variety of breeds of horses affected. There were 35 male and 17 female horses, aged from 9 months to 22 years, presented. Lethargy, signs of depression with mild to moderate signs of abdominal pain and inappetence were the most common reasons for presentation. Most horses had elevated heart and respiratory rates, an elevated rectal temperature and reduced intestinal borborygmi heard on auscultation of the abdomen. Abnormal colour with an elevated protein were features of an abdominal fluid sample in 98% of horses and a marked elevation in nucleated cell count was present in all samples. Pleomorphic gram-negative rods were seen on cytology in 53% of samples and a positive culture of A. equuli was returned in 72% of samples. Other laboratory findings in some horses included mild haemoconcentration, hypoproteinaemia, an elevated circulating nucleated cell count with a left shift, an elevation in fibrinogen concentration and an elevated faecal egg count. All horses demonstrated a rapid response to treatment with procaine penicillin alone, or a combination of procaine penicillin and gentamicin sulphate. Where antimicrobial sensitivity tests were performed, all but two isolates were sensitive to procaine penicillin. All horses responded to antimicrobial and supportive therapy and were discharged from hospital.

CONCLUSION

Horses with A. equuli peritonitis present with similar clinical signs as horses with other causes of abdominal pain. However, these signs, when evaluated in conjunction with the results of abdominal fluid analysis and response to treatment, are characteristic of A. equuli peritonitis. Pleomorphic gram-negative bacteria may be seen on a cytological preparation of the abdominal fluid sample, and a positive bacterial culture may be obtained in some, but not all, cases. Most isolates are sensitive to procaine penicillin, so treatment with procaine penicillin and gentamicin sulphate is recommended until antimicrobial sensitivity is known.