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Selim A, Marzok M, Gattan HS, Hereba AM. Serosurvey and associated risk factors for Chlamydia abortus infection in Dromedary camels in Egypt. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:188. [PMID: 38862771 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-04032-9] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus) is a gram-negative, obligate intracellular bacterium that causes major public health problems in human and reproductive problems in animals. The information about the epidemiology of this pathogen among camels in Egypt is very rare. This study aimed to evaluate the existence of antibodies against C. abortus in camels and assess the related risk factors for infection. A total of 410 blood samples were collected from camels from three Egyptian governorates and examined using commercial ELISA kit. The overall seroprevalence rate was 6.6% and the higher C. abortus seropositivity rate was found in Giza governorate. Location, sex and infestation by ectoparasites did not influence on the seroprevalence of the disease. In addition, age, herd size, contact with small ruminants and history of abortion were identified as risk factors for C. abortus infection according to the univariate analysis. Based on multivariate analysis, age group of 4-8 years, small herd size, contact of camels with sheep and goats, and history of abortion were found to be significant risk factors for chlamydiosis transmission in camels. These factors had odds ratios of 4.23, 3.51, 2.84, and 2.5, respectively. These results suggest that camels have a role in the epidemiology of C. abortus infection. This promotes awareness and severe public health concern about infectious camel illnesses, allowing for additional diagnostic advancements and effective management techniques to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelfattah Selim
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, 13736, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Marzok
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al- Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafr El Sheikh University, Kafr El Sheikh, Egypt.
| | - Hattan S Gattan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Center, King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelrahman M Hereba
- Department of Biomedical Physics, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia
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Vanat V, Aeby S, Greub G. Ticks and Chlamydia-Related Bacteria in Swiss Zoological Gardens Compared to in Contiguous and Distant Control Areas. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2468. [PMID: 37894126 PMCID: PMC10609390 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102468] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are vectors of numerous agents of medical importance and may be infected by various Chlamydia-related bacteria, such as members of Parachlamydiaceae and Rhabdochlamydiaceae families, which are sharing the same biphasic life cycle with the pathogenic Chlamydia. However, the veterinary importance of ticks and of their internalized pathogens remains poorly studied. Thus, we wondered (i) whether the prevalence of ticks was higher in zoological gardens than in control areas with similar altitude, vegetation, humidity and temperature, and (ii) whether the presence of Chlamydia-related bacteria in ticks may vary according to the environment in which the ticks are collected. A total of 212 Ixodes ricinus ticks were collected, and all were tested for the presence of DNA from any member of the Chlamydiae phylum using a pan-Chlamydiae quantitative PCR (qPCR). We observed a higher prevalence of ticks outside animal enclosures in both zoos, compared to in enclosures. Tick prevalence was also higher outside zoos, compared to in enclosures. With 30% (3/10) of infected ticks, the zoological gardens presented a prevalence of infected ticks that was higher than that in contiguous areas (13.15%, 10/76), and higher than the control distant areas (8.65%, 9/104). In conclusion, zoological gardens in Switzerland appear to contain fewer ticks than areas outside zoological gardens. However, ticks from zoos more often contain Chlamydia-like organisms than ticks from contiguous or distant control areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Vanat
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne and University Hospital Center (CHUV), 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland; (V.V.); (S.A.)
| | - Sébastien Aeby
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne and University Hospital Center (CHUV), 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland; (V.V.); (S.A.)
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne and University Hospital Center (CHUV), 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland; (V.V.); (S.A.)
- Service of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Center (CHUV), 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Lau ACC, Mohamed WMA, Nakao R, Onuma M, Qiu Y, Nakajima N, Shimozuru M, Mohd-Azlan J, Moustafa MAM, Tsubota T. The dynamics of the microbiome in Ixodidae are shaped by tick ontogeny and pathogens in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Microb Genom 2023; 9:mgen000954. [PMID: 36757789 PMCID: PMC9997734 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000954] [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: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases have recently been considered a potential emerging public health threat in Malaysia; however, fundamental studies into tick-borne pathogens and microbiome appear limited. In this study, six tick species (Ixodes granulatus, Haemaphysalis hystricis, Haemaphysalis shimoga, Dermacentor compactus, Dermacentor steini and Dermacentor atrosignatus) collected from two primary forests and an oil palm plantation in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, were used for microbiome analysis targeting bacterial 16S rDNA using next-generation sequencing (NGS). In addition, bacterial species were further characterized in conventional PCRs to identify potential pathogens. Sequences generated from NGS were first filtered with the Decontam package in R before subsequent microbial diversity analyses. Alpha and beta analyses revealed that the genus Dermacentor had the highest microbial diversity, and H. shimoga significantly differed in microbial composition from other tick species. Alpha and beta diversities were also significantly different between developmental stages of H. shimoga. Furthermore, we observed that some bacterial groups were significantly more abundant in certain tick species and developmental stages of H. shimoga. We tested the relative abundances using pairwise linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe), which also revealed significant microbial composition differences between Borrelia-positive and Borrelia-negative I. granulatus ticks. Finally, pathogenic and potentially pathogenic bacteria circulating in different tick species, such as Rickettsia heilongjiangensis, Ehrlichia sp., Anaplasma sp. and Bartonella spp. were characterized by PCR and sequencing. Moreover, Coxiella and Francisella-like potential symbionts were identified from H. shimoga and D. steini, respectively. More studies are required to unravel the factors associated with the variations observed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice C. C. Lau
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Wessam Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
- Division of Bioinformatics, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 001-0020, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, 08901, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Manabu Onuma
- Biodiversity Division, National Institute of Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, 305-806, Japan
| | - Yongjin Qiu
- Division of International Research Promotion, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Nakajima
- Biodiversity Division, National Institute of Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, 305-806, Japan
| | - Michito Shimozuru
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Jayasilan Mohd-Azlan
- Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, 94300, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Mohamed Abdallah Mohamed Moustafa
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Toshio Tsubota
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
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Hodosi R, Kazimirova M, Soltys K. What do we know about the microbiome of I. ricinus? Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:990889. [PMID: 36467722 PMCID: PMC9709289 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.990889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
I. ricinus is an obligate hematophagous parasitic arthropod that is responsible for the transmission of a wide range of zoonotic pathogens including spirochetes of the genus Borrelia, Rickettsia spp., C. burnetii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Francisella tularensis, which are part the tick´s microbiome. Most of the studies focus on "pathogens" and only very few elucidate the role of "non-pathogenic" symbiotic microorganisms in I. ricinus. While most of the members of the microbiome are leading an intracellular lifestyle, they are able to complement tick´s nutrition and stress response having a great impact on tick´s survival and transmission of pathogens. The composition of the tick´s microbiome is not consistent and can be tied to the environment, tick species, developmental stage, or specific organ or tissue. Ovarian tissue harbors a stable microbiome consisting mainly but not exclusively of endosymbiotic bacteria, while the microbiome of the digestive system is rather unstable, and together with salivary glands, is mostly comprised of pathogens. The most prevalent endosymbionts found in ticks are Rickettsia spp., Ricketsiella spp., Coxiella-like and Francisella-like endosymbionts, Spiroplasma spp. and Candidatus Midichloria spp. Since microorganisms can modify ticks' behavior, such as mobility, feeding or saliva production, which results in increased survival rates, we aimed to elucidate the potential, tight relationship, and interaction between bacteria of the I. ricinus microbiome. Here we show that endosymbionts including Coxiella-like spp., can provide I. ricinus with different types of vitamin B (B2, B6, B7, B9) essential for eukaryotic organisms. Furthermore, we hypothesize that survival of Wolbachia spp., or the bacterial pathogen A. phagocytophilum can be supported by the tick itself since coinfection with symbiotic Spiroplasma ixodetis provides I. ricinus with complete metabolic pathway of folate biosynthesis necessary for DNA synthesis and cell division. Manipulation of tick´s endosymbiotic microbiome could present a perspective way of I. ricinus control and regulation of spread of emerging bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Hodosi
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Maria Kazimirova
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Soltys
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Comenius University Science Park, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Turin L, Surini S, Wheelhouse N, Rocchi MS. Recent advances and public health implications for environmental exposure to Chlamydia abortus: from enzootic to zoonotic disease. Vet Res 2022; 53:37. [PMID: 35642008 PMCID: PMC9152823 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-022-01052-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental transmission of Chlamydia abortus as a result of enzootic disease or disease outbreaks and the threats posed by this pathogen has been previously reported, however a state-of-the-science review of these reports and the identification of future research priorities in this area is still lacking. This study provides an overview of the current knowledge of host–pathogen–environment interactions, addressing public health risks and identifying critical questions and research gaps. We performed a systematic PubMed and Web of Science search for publications related to Chlamydia abortus in the past four decades, and we reviewed and combined the evidence critically discussing and commenting the results. A total of 182 studies, 5 chapters of specific books and the “OIE terrestrial manual” were included in this review. There were substantial variations between the studies in topic addressed and experimental design. Overall, the literature largely supports the crucial role played by environmental exposure on the acquisition of zoonotic disease caused by Chlamydia abortus. We also identify the paucity of information related to interspecies transmission and pathogen adaptation in relation to environmental dissemination and zoonotic risk. This analysis further highlights the need for additional research given that environmental transmission represents a serious risk not only to susceptible patients (pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals), but also for other species including wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauretta Turin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Sara Surini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nick Wheelhouse
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Court, Edinburgh, EH11 4BN, UK
| | - Mara Silvia Rocchi
- Moredun Research Institute, Bush Loan, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, EH26 0PZ, Scotland, UK
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Halter T, Köstlbacher S, Collingro A, Sixt BS, Tönshoff ER, Hendrickx F, Kostanjšek R, Horn M. Ecology and evolution of chlamydial symbionts of arthropods. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:45. [PMID: 37938728 PMCID: PMC9723776 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-022-00124-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The phylum Chlamydiae consists of obligate intracellular bacteria including major human pathogens and diverse environmental representatives. Here we investigated the Rhabdochlamydiaceae, which is predicted to be the largest and most diverse chlamydial family, with the few described members known to infect arthropod hosts. Using published 16 S rRNA gene sequence data we identified at least 388 genus-level lineages containing about 14 051 putative species within this family. We show that rhabdochlamydiae are mainly found in freshwater and soil environments, suggesting the existence of diverse, yet unknown hosts. Next, we used a comprehensive genome dataset including metagenome assembled genomes classified as members of the family Rhabdochlamydiaceae, and we added novel complete genome sequences of Rhabdochlamydia porcellionis infecting the woodlouse Porcellio scaber, and of 'Candidatus R. oedothoracis' associated with the linyphiid dwarf spider Oedothorax gibbosus. Comparative analysis of basic genome features and gene content with reference genomes of well-studied chlamydial families with known host ranges, namely Parachlamydiaceae (protist hosts) and Chlamydiaceae (human and other vertebrate hosts) suggested distinct niches for members of the Rhabdochlamydiaceae. We propose that members of the family represent intermediate stages of adaptation of chlamydiae from protists to vertebrate hosts. Within the genus Rhabdochlamydia, pronounced genome size reduction could be observed (1.49-1.93 Mb). The abundance and genomic distribution of transposases suggests transposable element expansion and subsequent gene inactivation as a mechanism of genome streamlining during adaptation to new hosts. This type of genome reduction has never been described before for any member of the phylum Chlamydiae. This study provides new insights into the molecular ecology, genomic diversity, and evolution of representatives of one of the most divergent chlamydial families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Halter
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Doctoral School in Microbiology and Environmental Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephan Köstlbacher
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Doctoral School in Microbiology and Environmental Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Astrid Collingro
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara S Sixt
- The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Elena R Tönshoff
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich (ETH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Rok Kostanjšek
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matthias Horn
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Dagleish MP, Flockhart AF, Baily JL, Hall AJ, Simpson TI, Longbottom D. Presence of DNA from Chlamydia-like organisms in the nasal cavities of grey seal pups (Halichoerus grypus) and three different substrates present in a breeding colony. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:328. [PMID: 34645426 PMCID: PMC8515689 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03032-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia-like organisms (CLO) have been found to be present in many environmental niches, including human sewage and agricultural run-off, as well as in a number of aquatic species worldwide. Therefore, monitoring their presence in sentinel wildlife species may be useful in assessing the wider health of marine food webs in response to habitat loss, pollution and disease. We used nasal swabs from live (n = 42) and dead (n = 50) pre-weaned grey seal pups and samples of differing natal substrates (n = 8) from an off-shore island devoid of livestock and permanent human habitation to determine if CLO DNA is present in these mammals and to identify possible sources. Results We recovered CLO DNA from 32/92 (34.7%) nasal swabs from both live (n = 17) and dead (n = 15) seal pups that clustered most closely with currently recognised species belonging to three chlamydial families: Parachlamydiaceae (n = 22), Rhabdochlamydiaceae (n = 6), and Simkaniaceae (n = 3). All DNA positive sediment samples (n = 7) clustered with the Rhabdochlamydiaceae. No difference was found in rates of recovery of CLO DNA in live versus dead pups suggesting the organisms are commensal but their potential as opportunistic secondary pathogens could not be determined. Conclusion This is the first report of CLO DNA being found in marine mammals. This identification warrants further investigation in other seal populations around the coast of the UK and in other areas of the world to determine if this finding is unique or more common than shown by this data. Further investigation would also be warranted to determine if they are present as purely commensal organisms or whether they could also be opportunistic pathogens in seals, as well as to investigate possible sources of origin, including whether they originated as a result of anthropogenic impacts, including human waste and agricultural run-off.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Dagleish
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, UK
| | - Allen F Flockhart
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, UK.,Present address: School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Johanna L Baily
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, UK.,Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK.,Present address: Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Ailsa J Hall
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - T Ian Simpson
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, JCMB, The King's Buildings, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh, UK.,Present address: School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Crichton Street, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, UK.
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Role of Zoo-Housed Animals in the Ecology of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens-A Review. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020210. [PMID: 33669161 PMCID: PMC7919684 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are ubiquitous ectoparasites, feeding on representatives of all classes of terrestrial vertebrates and transmitting numerous pathogens of high human and veterinary medical importance. Exotic animals kept in zoological gardens, ranches, wildlife parks or farms may play an important role in the ecology of ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), as they may serve as hosts for local tick species. Moreover, they can develop diseases of varying severity after being infected by TBPs, and theoretically, can thus serve as reservoirs, thereby further propagating TBPs in local ecosystems. The definite role of these animals in the tick-host-pathogen network remains poorly investigated. This review provides a summary of the information currently available regarding ticks and TBPs in connection to captive local and exotic wildlife, with an emphasis on zoo-housed species.
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Rochat E, Vuilleumier S, Aeby S, Greub G, Joost S. Nested Species Distribution Models of Chlamydiales in Ixodes ricinus (Tick) Hosts in Switzerland. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 87:e01237-20. [PMID: 33067199 PMCID: PMC7755253 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01237-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The tick Ixodes ricinus is the vector of various pathogens, including Chlamydiales bacteria, which potentially cause respiratory infections. In this study, we modeled the spatial distribution of I. ricinus and associated Chlamydiales over Switzerland from 2009 to 2019. We used a total of 2,293 ticks and 186 Chlamydiales occurrences provided by a Swiss Army field campaign, a collaborative smartphone application, and a prospective campaign. For each tick location, we retrieved from Swiss federal data sets the environmental factors reflecting the topography, climate, and land cover. We then used the Maxent modeling technique to estimate the suitability of particular areas for I. ricinus and to subsequently build the nested niche of Chlamydiales bacteria. Results indicate that I. ricinus habitat suitability is determined by higher temperature and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values, lower temperature during the driest months, and a higher percentage of artificial and forest areas. The performance of the model was improved when extracting the environmental variables for a 100-m radius buffer around the sampling points and when considering the climatic conditions of the 2 years previous to the sampling date. Chlamydiales bacteria were favored by a lower percentage of artificial surfaces, drier conditions, high precipitation during the coldest months, and short distances to wetlands. From 2009 to 2018, we observed an extension of areas suitable to ticks and Chlamydiales, associated with a shift toward higher altitude. The importance of considering spatiotemporal variations in the environmental conditions for obtaining better prediction was also demonstrated.IMPORTANCEIxodes ricinus is the vector of pathogens including the agent of Lyme disease, the tick-borne encephalitis virus, and the less well-known Chlamydiales bacteria, which are responsible for certain respiratory infections. In this study, we identified the environmental factors influencing the presence of I. ricinus and Chlamydiales in Switzerland and generated maps of their distribution from 2009 to 2018. We found an important expansion of suitable areas for both the tick and the bacteria during the last decade. Results also provided the environmental factors that determine the presence of Chlamydiales within ticks. Distribution maps as generated here are expected to bring valuable information for decision makers in controlling tick-borne diseases in Switzerland and establishing prevention campaigns. The methodological framework presented could be used to predict the distribution and spread of other host-pathogen pairs to identify environmental factors driving their distribution and to develop control or prevention strategies accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Rochat
- Laboratory of Geographic Information Systems (LASIG), School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Séverine Vuilleumier
- La Source School of Nursing, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Aeby
- Centre for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Centre and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Centre for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Centre and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Joost
- Laboratory of Geographic Information Systems (LASIG), School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- La Source School of Nursing, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Group of Geographic Information Research and Analysis in Population Health (GIRAPH), Switzerland
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10
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Chisu V, Loi F, Foxi C, Chessa G, Masu G, Rolesu S, Masala G. Coexistence of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ticks Collected from their Hosts in Sardinia: an Update. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:999-1004. [PMID: 32557083 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00240-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In recent decades, the incidence and distribution of tick-borne diseases have increased worldwide, attracting the attention of both clinicians and veterinarians. In Sardinia, notifiable tick-borne diseases are spreading and Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) rickettsiosis continues to be endemic with an incidence of 10/10,000 inhabitants per year. Furthermore, ticks can transfer more than one pathogen after a single blood meal from a coinfected host or after multiple feeding on different infected hosts. The aim of this study was to update information on ticks and tick-borne diseases, focusing also on the presence of coinfection in Sardinian ticks. METHODS The presence of protozoan (Theileria and Babesia species) and bacterial pathogens (Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia canis, Chlamydia spp., Bartonella spp., and Coxiella burnetii) was evaluated in 230 ticks collected from different hosts in Sardinia. RESULTS PCR and sequencing analyses highlighted that the 59% of ticks were infected with at least one pathogen while the 15% resulted in coinfection by double and triple pathogens. Among the double co-infections, those of E. canis/C. burnetii, Babesia sp. Anglona/Ch. psittaci and Babesia sp. Anglona/C. burnetii revealed a statistically significant index of coinfection. CONCLUSION This study identifies new pathogens in Sardinian ticks and updates the information about tick-borne diseases in the island. We also provide new results on the presence of coinfections in collected ticks. The knowledge about the diversity of ticks and tick-borne diseases circulating in Sardinia is a necessary step toward implementing effective tick-borne disease prevention and control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Chisu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sardegna "G. Pegreffi", Sassari, Italy.
| | - Federica Loi
- OEVR-Osservatorio Epidemiologico Veterinario Regionale Della Sardegna, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Cipriano Foxi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sardegna "G. Pegreffi", Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Chessa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sardegna "G. Pegreffi", Sassari, Italy
| | - Gabriella Masu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sardegna "G. Pegreffi", Sassari, Italy
| | - Sandro Rolesu
- OEVR-Osservatorio Epidemiologico Veterinario Regionale Della Sardegna, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Masala
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sardegna "G. Pegreffi", Sassari, Italy
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11
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Thiévent K, Szentiványi T, Aeby S, Glaizot O, Christe P, Greub G. Presence and diversity of Chlamydiae bacteria in Spinturnix myoti, an ectoparasite of bats. Parasite 2020; 27:54. [PMID: 33135998 PMCID: PMC7605392 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia spp. and Chlamydia-like organisms are able to infect vertebrates such as mammals, reptiles and birds, but also arthropods and protozoans. Since they have been detected in bats and bat feces, we expected Chlamydiae bacteria to also be present in the mite Spinturnix myoti, an ectoparasite of mouse-eared bats (Myotis spp.). The prevalence of Chlamydiales in 88 S. myoti was 57.95% and significantly depended on bat host species. In addition, the prevalence was significantly different between bat species living in sympatry or in allopatry. While there was uninterpretable sequencing for 16 samples, eight showed best BLAST hit identities lower than 92.5% and thus corresponded to new family-level lineages according to the established taxonomy cut-off. The four remaining sequences exhibited best BLAST hit identities ranging from 94.2 to 97.4% and were taxonomically assigned to three different family-level lineages, with two of them belonging to the Parachlamydiaceae, one to the Simkaniaceae, and one to the Chlamydiaceae. These results highlighted for the first time the presence of Chlamydia-like organisms and the possible zoonotic origin of Chlamydia sp. in S. myoti ectoparasites of bats, and therefore suggest that these ectoparasites may play a role in maintaining and/or transmitting members of the Chlamydiae phylum within Myotis spp. bat populations. Our results further highlight that the wide diversity of bacteria belonging to the Chlamydiae phylum is largely underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Thiévent
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria (CRIB), Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne 1011 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Tamara Szentiványi
- Museum of Zoology 1005 Lausanne Switzerland
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Aeby
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria (CRIB), Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne 1011 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Olivier Glaizot
- Museum of Zoology 1005 Lausanne Switzerland
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Philippe Christe
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria (CRIB), Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne 1011 Lausanne Switzerland
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12
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Benaissa MH, Mimoune N, Youngs CR, Kaidi R, Faye B. First report of Chlamydophila abortus infection in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) population in eastern Algeria. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 73:101557. [PMID: 33065404 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydiosis is caused by an obligate intracellular gram-negative bacterium of the genus Chlamydophila which is a zoonotic pathogen. The objectives of the study were to identify the seroprevalence of antibodies against Chlamydophila abortus in dromedary camel herds from four districts in eastern Algeria, as well as to estimate the association between seroprevalence and certain factors present at the animal and herd levels. Blood samples were collected from a random sample of animals within each of 82 camel herds. Serum samples were subjected to a C. abortus ELISA test, and association between the presence of antibodies and potential risk factors was estimated. Animal and herd seroprevalence were 2.5 % and 15.8 %, respectively, indicating substantial exposure of camels to C. abortus in the four districts studied. Age, breed, and sex did not influence seroprevalence in tested animals. Based on the univariate analysis, contact with sheep and goats, contact with other camel herds, and histories of abortion were major risk factors for infection. By using multivariate analysis, contact of camels with sheep and goats and with others camel herds, through shared grazing or watering points, were important factors for transmission of chlamydiosis with an odds ratio of 3.3 and 9.4, respectively. At the herd level the introduction of purchased animals was the major risk factor. This baseline information will be highly useful for launching C. abortus control programs in the region and potentially elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Hocine Benaissa
- Scientific and Technical Research Centre for Arid Areas (CRSTRA), Biophysical Station, PB 30240, Nezla, Touggourt, Algeria.
| | - Nora Mimoune
- National High School of Veterinary Medicine, Bab-Ezzouar, Algiers, Algeria; Institute of Veterinary Sciences, LBRA, University of Blida 1, PB 270, Soumaa, Blida, Algeria
| | - Curtis R Youngs
- Animal Science Department, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 USA
| | - Rachid Kaidi
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, LBRA, University of Blida 1, PB 270, Soumaa, Blida, Algeria
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13
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Chisu V, Foxi C, Masu G, D' Amaddio B, Masala G. Detection of potentially pathogenic bacteria from Ixodes ricinus carried by pets in Tuscany, Italy. Vet Rec Open 2020; 7:e000395. [PMID: 33024565 PMCID: PMC7500295 DOI: 10.1136/vetreco-2020-000395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks are vectors of disease-causing pathogens that pose a serious threat to animals and people. Dogs and cats are exposed to tick infestation in multiple ways and can easily transport infected ticks into domestic environments and potentially transfer them to people. Pet owners are at increased risk of picking up ticks from their pets and developing tickborne diseases. This study aims to detect the presence of pathogens of potential public health interest in ticks removed from cats and dogs in Tuscany, Italy. Methods The collected ticks were screened for the presence of protozoan (Theileria species and Babesia species) and bacterial (Rickettsia species, Anaplasma species, Ehrlichia species, Chlamydia species, Bartonella species and Coxiella burnetii) pathogens using PCR. Results PCR and sequencing analysis revealed that 3 per cent of the ticks were PCR-positive for the presence of Rickettsia helvetica DNA, 5 per cent of ticks were PCR-positive for Bartonella henselae DNA, and 46 per cent of ticks were PCR-positive for Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia abortus DNA. None of the examined ticks was PCR-positive for Theileria species, Babesia species, Anaplasma species, Ehrlichia canis or Coxiella burnetii DNA. Conclusion The results of this preliminary study highlight the importance of monitoring companion animals as indicators to evaluate the health status of their owners. Preventive measures are necessary to limit the spread of zoonotic pathogens from companion animals to people within the home environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Chisu
- Animal Health Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna G Pegreffi, Sassari, Italy
| | - Cipriano Foxi
- Animal Health Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna G Pegreffi, Sassari, Italy
| | - Gabriella Masu
- Animal Health Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna G Pegreffi, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Giovanna Masala
- Animal Health Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna G Pegreffi, Sassari, Italy
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14
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Fritschi J, Marti H, Seth-Smith HMB, Aeby S, Greub G, Meli ML, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Mühldorfer K, Stokar-Regenscheit N, Wiederkehr D, Pilo P, Van Den Broek PR, Borel N. Prevalence and phylogeny of Chlamydiae and hemotropic mycoplasma species in captive and free-living bats. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:182. [PMID: 32590949 PMCID: PMC7318495 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-01872-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bats are hosts for a variety of microorganisms, however, little is known about the presence of Chlamydiales and hemotropic mycoplasmas. This study investigated 475 captive and free-living bats from Switzerland, Germany, and Costa Rica for Chlamydiales and hemotropic mycoplasmas by PCR to determine the prevalence and phylogeny of these organisms. RESULTS Screening for Chlamydiales resulted in a total prevalence of 31.4%. Positive samples originated from captive and free-living bats from all three countries. Sequencing of 15 samples allowed the detection of two phylogenetically distinct groups. These groups share sequence identities to Chlamydiaceae, and to Chlamydia-like organisms including Rhabdochlamydiaceae and unclassified Chlamydiales from environmental samples, respectively. PCR analysis for the presence of hemotropic mycoplasmas resulted in a total prevalence of 0.7%, comprising free-living bats from Germany and Costa Rica. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three sequences related to other unidentified mycoplasmas found in vampire bats and Chilean bats. CONCLUSIONS Bats can harbor Chlamydiales and hemotropic mycoplasmas and the newly described sequences in this study indicate that the diversity of these bacteria in bats is much larger than previously thought. Both, Chlamydiales and hemotropic mycoplasmas are not restricted to certain bat species or countries and captive and free-living bats can be colonized. In conclusion, bats represent another potential host or vector for novel, previously unidentified, Chlamydiales and hemotropic mycoplasmas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Fritschi
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hanna Marti
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Helena M B Seth-Smith
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Aeby
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marina L Meli
- Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kristin Mühldorfer
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Danja Wiederkehr
- Bern University of Applied Sciences, School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, Zollikofen, Switzerland
| | - Paola Pilo
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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15
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Pillonel T, Bertelli C, Aeby S, de Barsy M, Jacquier N, Kebbi-Beghdadi C, Mueller L, Vouga M, Greub G. Sequencing the Obligate Intracellular Rhabdochlamydia helvetica within Its Tick Host Ixodes ricinus to Investigate Their Symbiotic Relationship. Genome Biol Evol 2019; 11:1334-1344. [PMID: 30949677 PMCID: PMC6490308 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evz072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rhabdochlamydiaceae family is one of the most widely distributed within the phylum Chlamydiae, but most of its members remain uncultivable. Rhabdochlamydia 16S rRNA was recently reported in more than 2% of 8,534 pools of ticks from Switzerland. Shotgun metagenomics was performed on a pool of five female Ixodes ricinus ticks presenting a high concentration of chlamydial DNA, allowing the assembly of a high-quality draft genome. About 60% of sequence reads originated from a single bacterial population that was named "Candidatus Rhabdochlamydia helvetica" whereas only few thousand reads mapped to the genome of "Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii," a symbiont normally observed in all I. ricinus females. The 1.8 Mbp genome of R. helvetica is smaller than other Chlamydia-related bacteria. Comparative analyses with other chlamydial genomes identified transposases of the PD-(D/E)XK nuclease family that are unique to this new genome. These transposases show evidence of interphylum horizontal gene transfers between multiple arthropod endosymbionts, including Cardinium spp. (Bacteroidetes) and diverse proteobacteria such as Wolbachia, Rickettsia spp. (Rickettsiales), and Caedimonas varicaedens (Holosporales). Bacterial symbionts were previously suggested to provide B-vitamins to hematophagous hosts. However, incomplete metabolic capacities including for B-vitamin biosynthesis, high bacterial density and limited prevalence suggest that R. helvetica is parasitic rather than symbiotic to its host. The identification of novel Rhabdochlamydia strains in different hosts and their sequencing will help understanding if members of this genus have become highly specialized parasites with reduced genomes, like the Chlamydiaceae, or if they could be pathogenic to humans using ticks as a transmission vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trestan Pillonel
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claire Bertelli
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Aeby
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marie de Barsy
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Jacquier
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carole Kebbi-Beghdadi
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Linda Mueller
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Manon Vouga
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
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16
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Zhang YK, Yu ZJ, Wang D, Bronislava V, Branislav P, Liu JZ. The bacterial microbiome of field-collected Dermacentor marginatus and Dermacentor reticulatus from Slovakia. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:325. [PMID: 31248443 PMCID: PMC6598266 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3582-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The important roles of microbial flora in tick biology and ecology have received much attention. Dermacentor marginatus and Dermacentor reticulatus are known vectors of various pathogens across Europe, including Slovakia. However, their bacterial microbiomes are poorly explored. Methods In this study, bacterial microbiomes of field-collected D. marginatus and D. reticulatus from Slovakia were characterized using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Results Different analyses demonstrated that the D. marginatus and D. reticulatus microbiomes differ in their diversity and taxonomic structures. Furthermore, species- and sex-specific bacteria were detected in the two species. A possible bacterial pathogen “Candidatus Rhabdochlamydia sp.” was detected from D. marginatus males. Among the observed bacteria, Rickettsia showed high abundance in the two species. Several maternally inherited bacteria such as Coxiella, Arsenophonus, Spiroplasma, Francisella and Rickettsiella, were abundant, and their relative abundance varied depending on tick species and sex, suggesting their biological roles in the two species. Conclusions The bacterial microbiomes of field-collected D. marginatus and D. reticulatus were shaped by tick phylogeny and sex. Maternally inherited bacteria were abundant in the two species. These findings are valuable for understanding tick-bacteria interactions, biology and vector competence of ticks. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3582-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Kai Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China
| | - Duo Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China
| | - Víchová Bronislava
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 04001, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - Peťko Branislav
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 04001, Kosice, Slovak Republic.,University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice, 04185, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - Jing-Ze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China.
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17
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Sapi E, Gupta K, Wawrzeniak K, Gaur G, Torres J, Filush K, Melillo A, Zelger B. Borrelia and Chlamydia Can Form Mixed Biofilms in Infected Human Skin Tissues. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2019; 9:46-55. [PMID: 31223496 PMCID: PMC6563687 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2019.00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Our research group has recently shown that Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease bacterium, is capable of forming biofilms in Borrelia-infected human skin lesions called Borrelia lymphocytoma (BL). Biofilm structures often contain multiple organisms in a symbiotic relationship, with the goal of providing shelter from environmental stressors such as antimicrobial agents. Because multiple co-infections are common in Lyme disease, the main questions of this study were whether BL tissues contained other pathogenic species and/or whether there is any co-existence with Borrelia biofilms. Recent reports suggested Chlamydia-like organisms in ticks and Borrelia-infected human skin tissues; therefore, Chlamydia-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses were performed in Borrelia-positive BL tissues. Analyses of the sequence of the positive PCR bands revealed that Chlamydia spp. DNAs are indeed present in these tissues, and their sequences have the best identity match to Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Chlamydia trachomatis. Fluorescent immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization methods demonstrated the presence of Chlamydia antigen and DNA in 84% of Borrelia biofilms. Confocal microscopy revealed that Chlamydia locates in the center of Borrelia biofilms, and together, they form a well-organized mixed pathogenic structure. In summary, our study is the first to show Borrelia-Chlamydia mixed biofilms in infected human skin tissues, which raises the questions of whether these human pathogens have developed a symbiotic relationship for their mutual survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Sapi
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - K Gupta
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - K Wawrzeniak
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - G Gaur
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - J Torres
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - K Filush
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - A Melillo
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - B Zelger
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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18
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Andersen NS, Bestehorn M, Chitimia-Dobler L, Kolmos HJ, Jensen PM, Dobler G, Skarphédinsson S. Phylogenetic characterization of tick-borne encephalitis virus from Bornholm, Denmark. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 10:533-539. [PMID: 30704909 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea has been known as a tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) natural focus for more than 60 years. TBE in humans is diagnosed on a regular basis either in inhabitants or tourists of the island. Other areas in Denmark have been suggested as possible risk areas of TBE. Despite the long-known endemicity on Bornholm and the possibility of the virus circulating in other areas, no data on the prevalences of TBE virus (TBEV) in ticks, or adequate molecular characterization and phylogenetic studies are available for the circulating TBEV strains. This study aimed to detect TBEV in ticks collected on the island of Bornholm and other possible risk areas, with the attempt to isolate the circulating viruses for molecular and phylogenetic analysis and confirm the presence of virus in the predicted risk areas. From 2014 to 2016, 9321 I. ricinus (nymphs, females, and males) were collected by flagging 31 locations in Denmark. The ticks were pooled and tested for TBEV by qPCR. The envelope gene of the detected TBE virus strains was amplified and sequenced by RT-PCR. After successful virus isolation, whole genome sequencing was performed. Phylogenetic analysis of the obtained sequences was done by the Maximum Likelihood method. One pool of 11 females and one pool of eight males from a total of 34 tick pools collected from the northwestern shore of lake Rubinsøen on Bornholm tested positive, resulting in a local estimated point prevalence of 0.6% [CI95% 0,1-1.85%] in this microfocus. We were not successful in confirming any other of the predicted TBEV-endemic areas. Alignment of the two complete E genes from Bornholm revealed identical sequences. Virus isolation and whole genome sequencing were succeeded from one of the positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolated virus had the closest phylogenetic relationship to TBEV sequences detected in Eastern and Central Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanna Skaarup Andersen
- Clinical Centre of Emerging and Vector-borne Infections, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark; Research Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløvsvej 21.2, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark.
| | - Malena Bestehorn
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Hans-Wolff-Strasse 34, DE-70955, Stuttgart, Germany; Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, DE-80937, Munich, Germany; German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Munich, Neuherbergstrasse 11, DE-80937, Munich, Germany
| | - Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Hans-Wolff-Strasse 34, DE-70955, Stuttgart, Germany; Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, DE-80937, Munich, Germany; German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Munich, Neuherbergstrasse 11, DE-80937, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Jørn Kolmos
- Research Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløvsvej 21.2, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Per Moestrup Jensen
- Department of Plant- and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Hans-Wolff-Strasse 34, DE-70955, Stuttgart, Germany; Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, DE-80937, Munich, Germany; German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Munich, Neuherbergstrasse 11, DE-80937, Munich, Germany
| | - Sigurdur Skarphédinsson
- Clinical Centre of Emerging and Vector-borne Infections, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark
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19
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ESCCAR international congress on Rickettsiae and other intracellular bacteria. Microbes Infect 2018; 20:392-400. [PMID: 30315955 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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20
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Taylor-Brown A, Pillonel T, Greub G, Vaughan L, Nowak B, Polkinghorne A. Metagenomic Analysis of Fish-Associated Ca. Parilichlamydiaceae Reveals Striking Metabolic Similarities to the Terrestrial Chlamydiaceae. Genome Biol Evol 2018; 10:2587-2595. [PMID: 30202970 PMCID: PMC6171736 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evy195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydiae are an example of obligate intracellular bacteria that possess highly reduced, compact genomes (1.0-3.5 Mbp), reflective of their abilities to sequester many essential nutrients from the host that they no longer need to synthesize themselves. The Chlamydiae is a phylum with a very wide host range spanning mammals, birds, fish, invertebrates, and unicellular protists. This ecological and phylogenetic diversity offers ongoing opportunities to study intracellular survival and metabolic pathways and adaptations. Of particular evolutionary significance are Chlamydiae from the recently proposed Ca. Parilichlamydiaceae, the earliest diverging clade in this phylum, species of which are found only in aquatic vertebrates. Gill extracts from three Chlamydiales-positive Australian aquaculture species (Yellowtail kingfish, Striped trumpeter, and Barramundi) were subject to DNA preparation to deplete host DNA and enrich microbial DNA, prior to metagenome sequencing. We assembled chlamydial genomes corresponding to three Ca. Parilichlamydiaceae species from gill metagenomes, and conducted functional genomics comparisons with diverse members of the phylum. This revealed highly reduced genomes more similar in size to the terrestrial Chlamydiaceae, standing in contrast to members of the Chlamydiae with a demonstrated cosmopolitan host range. We describe a reduction in genes encoding synthesis of nucleotides and amino acids, among other nutrients, and an enrichment of predicted transport proteins. Ca. Parilichlamydiaceae share 342 orthologs with other chlamydial families. We hypothesize that the genome reduction exhibited by Ca. Parilichlamydiaceae and Chlamydiaceae is an example of within-phylum convergent evolution. The factors driving these events remain to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyce Taylor-Brown
- USC Animal Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Education, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Trestan Pillonel
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne and University Hospital Center, Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne and University Hospital Center, Switzerland
| | - Lloyd Vaughan
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.,Pathovet AG, Tagelswangen, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Nowak
- Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Newnham, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- USC Animal Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Education, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
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21
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Greub G. Chlamydia, rickettsia and other intracellular bacteria. Microbes Infect 2018; 20:391. [PMID: 30145407 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gilbert Greub
- University of Lausanne, Institute of Microbiology, Bugnon 48, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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22
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Detection of Chlamydiaceae and Chlamydia-like organisms on the ocular surface of children and adults from a trachoma-endemic region. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7432. [PMID: 29743637 PMCID: PMC5943520 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23887-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness, is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), a bacterium of the phylum Chlamydiae. Recent investigations revealed the existence of additional families within the phylum Chlamydiae, also termed Chlamydia-like organisms (CLOs). In this study, the frequency of Ct and CLOs was examined in the eyes of healthy Sudanese (control) participants and those with trachoma (case). We tested 96 children (54 cases and 42 controls) and 93 adults (51 cases and 42 controls) using broad-range Chlamydiae and Ct-specific (omcB) real-time PCR. Samples positive by broad-range Chlamydiae testing were subjected to DNA sequencing. Overall Chlamydiae prevalence was 36%. Sequences corresponded to unclassified and classified Chlamydiae. Ct infection rate was significantly higher in children (31.5%) compared to adults (0%) with trachoma (p < 0.0001). In general, 21.5% of adults and 4.2% of children tested positive for CLOs (p = 0.0003). Our findings are consistent with previous investigations describing the central role of Ct in trachoma among children. This is the first study examining human eyes for the presence of CLOs. We found an age-dependent distribution of CLO DNA in human eyes with significantly higher positivity in adults. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of CLOs in trachoma pathogenicity and/or protection.
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23
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Pillonel T, Bertelli C, Greub G. Environmental Metagenomic Assemblies Reveal Seven New Highly Divergent Chlamydial Lineages and Hallmarks of a Conserved Intracellular Lifestyle. Front Microbiol 2018. [PMID: 29515524 PMCID: PMC5826181 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Chlamydiae phylum exclusively encompasses bacteria sharing a similar obligate intracellular life cycle. Existing 16S rDNA data support a high diversity within the phylum, however genomic data remain scarce owing to the difficulty in isolating strains using culture systems with eukaryotic cells. Yet, Chlamydiae genome data extracted from large scale metagenomic studies might help fill this gap. This work compares 33 cultured and 27 environmental, uncultured chlamydial genomes, in order to clarify the phylogenetic relatedness of the new chlamydial clades and to investigate the genetic diversity of the Chlamydiae phylum. The analysis of published chlamydial genomes from metagenomics bins and single cell sequencing allowed the identification of seven new deeply branching chlamydial clades sharing genetic hallmarks of parasitic Chlamydiae. Comparative genomics suggests important biological differences between those clades, including loss of many proteins involved in cell division in the genus Similichlamydia, and loss of respiratory chain and tricarboxylic acid cycle in several species. Comparative analyses of chlamydial genomes with two proteobacterial orders, the Rhizobiales and the Rickettsiales showed that genomes of different Rhizobiales families are much more similar than genomes of different Rickettsiales families. On the other hand, the chlamydial 16S rRNAs exhibit a higher sequence conservation than their Rickettsiales counterparts, while chlamydial proteins exhibit increased sequence divergence. Studying the diversity and genome plasticity of the entire Chlamydiae phylum is of major interest to better understand the emergence and evolution of this ubiquitous and ancient clade of obligate intracellular bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trestan Pillonel
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claire Bertelli
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
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24
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Molecular evidence of Chlamydiales in ticks from wild and domestic hosts in Sardinia, Italy. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:981-987. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5772-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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25
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Vouga M, Kebbi-Beghdadi C, Liénard J, Baskin L, Baud D, Greub G. What is the true clinical relevance of Simkania negevensis and other emerging Chlamydiales members? New Microbes New Infect 2018; 23:1-5. [PMID: 29692903 PMCID: PMC5913364 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Revised: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Waddlia chondrophila and Simkania negevensis are emerging Chlamydia-related bacteria. Similar to the pathogenic organisms Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydia trachomatis, these emerging bacteria are implicated in human genital infections and respiratory diseases. We used a screening strategy based on a newly developed S. negevensis–specific quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and a pan-Chlamydiales qPCR. We could not detect S. negevensis in 458 respiratory, genitourinary, cardiac and hepatic samples tested. One urethral swab was positive for W. chondrophila. We observed a low prevalence of Chlamydiales in respiratory samples (1/200, 0.5%), which suggests that C. pneumoniae is an uncommon respiratory pathogen. Furthermore, we screened 414 human serum samples from Switzerland, England and Israel and observed a low prevalence (<1%) of exposure to S. negevensis. Conversely, humans were commonly exposed to W. chondrophila, with seroprevalences ranging from 8.6% to 32.5%. S. negevensis is not a clinically relevant pathogen, but further research investigating the role of W. chondrophila is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Vouga
- Materno-fetal and Obstetrics Research Unit, Department “Femme-Mére-Enfant”, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - C. Kebbi-Beghdadi
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - J. Liénard
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - L. Baskin
- Virology Laboratory, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - D. Baud
- Materno-fetal and Obstetrics Research Unit, Department “Femme-Mére-Enfant”, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - G. Greub
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
- Infectious Disease Service, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Corresponding author: G. Greub, Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Bugnon 48, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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26
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Bühl H, Eibach D, Nagel M, Greub G, Borel N, Sarpong N, Rettig T, Pesch T, Aeby S, Klöckner A, Brunke M, Krannich S, Kreuels B, Owusu-Dabo E, Hogan B, May J, Henrichfreise B. Chlamydiae in febrile children with respiratory tract symptoms and age-matched controls, Ghana. New Microbes New Infect 2018; 22:44-48. [PMID: 29511568 PMCID: PMC5832669 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the Chlamydiales order are obligate intracellular pathogens causing acute and chronic infectious diseases. Chlamydiaceae are established agents of community- and zoonotically acquired respiratory tract infections, and emerging pathogens among the Chlamydia-related bacteria have been implicated in airway infections. The role of both in airway infections in Africa is underexplored. We performed a case -control study on the prevalence of Chlamydiaceae and Chlamydia-related emerging pathogens in children with febrile respiratory tract infections in West Africa, Ghana. Using a pan-Chlamydiales broad-range real-time PCR, we detected chlamydial DNA in 11 (1.9%) of 572 hospitalized febrile children with respiratory tract symptoms and in 24 (4.3%) of 560 asymptomatic age-matched controls (p 0.03). Chlamydiaceae were found to be common among both symptomatic and healthy Ghanaian children, with Chlamydia pneumoniae being the most prevalent species. Parachlamydiaceae were detected in two children without symptoms but not in the symptomatic group. We identified neither Chlamydia psittaci nor Simkania negevensis but a member of a new chlamydial family that shared 90.2% sequence identity with the 16S rRNA gene of the zoonotic pathogen Chlamydia pecorum. In addition, we found a new Chlamydia-related species that belonged to a novel family sharing 91.3% 16S rRNA sequence identity with Candidatus Syngnamydia venezia. The prevalence and spectrum of chlamydial species differed from previous results obtained from children of other geographic regions and our study indicates that both, Chlamydiaceae and Chlamydia-related bacteria, are not clearly linked to clinical symptoms in Ghanaian children.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bühl
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Microbiology, University Clinic, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - D Eibach
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck, Germany
| | - M Nagel
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - G Greub
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - N Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - N Sarpong
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck, Germany.,Agogo Presbyterian Hospital, Department of Child Health, Agogo, Ghana
| | - T Rettig
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - T Pesch
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - S Aeby
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - A Klöckner
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Microbiology, University Clinic, University of Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Bonn, Germany
| | - M Brunke
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Microbiology, University Clinic, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - S Krannich
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Microbiology, University Clinic, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - B Kreuels
- Division of Tropical Medicine, I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - E Owusu-Dabo
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana.,Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - B Hogan
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck, Germany
| | - J May
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck, Germany
| | - B Henrichfreise
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Microbiology, University Clinic, University of Bonn, Germany
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27
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Cabezas-Cruz A, Vayssier-Taussat M, Greub G. Tick-borne pathogen detection: what's new? Microbes Infect 2018; 20:441-444. [PMID: 29329935 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2017.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ticks and the pathogens they transmit constitute a growing burden for human and animal health worldwide. Traditionally, tick-borne pathogen detection has been carried out using PCR-based methods that rely in known sequences for specific primers design. This approach matches with the view of a 'single-pathogen' epidemiology. Recent results, however, have stressed the importance of coinfections in pathogen ecology and evolution with impact in pathogen transmission and disease severity. New approaches, including high-throughput technologies, were then used to detect multiple pathogens, but they all need a priori information on the pathogens to search. Thus, those approaches are biased, limited and conceal the complexity of pathogen ecology. Currently, next generation sequencing (NGS) is applied to tick-borne pathogen detection as well as to study the interactions between pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms associated to ticks, the pathobiome. The use of NGS technologies have surfaced two major points: (i) ticks are associated to complex microbial communities and (ii) the relation between pathogens and microbiota is bidirectional. Notably, a new challenge emerges from NGS experiments, data analysis. Discovering associations among a high number of microorganisms is not trivial and therefore most current NGS studies report lists of microorganisms without further insights. An alternative to this is the combination of NGS with analytical tools such as network analysis to unravel the structure of microbial communities associated to ticks in different ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, 94700, France; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Muriel Vayssier-Taussat
- UMR BIPAR, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, 94700, France
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne and University Hospital, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland; Infectious Disease Service, University Hospital, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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28
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Oechslin CP, Heutschi D, Lenz N, Tischhauser W, Péter O, Rais O, Beuret CM, Leib SL, Bankoul S, Ackermann-Gäumann R. Prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in questing Ixodes ricinus ticks in urban and suburban areas of Switzerland. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:558. [PMID: 29121976 PMCID: PMC5680829 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2500-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Throughout Europe, Ixodes ricinus transmits numerous pathogens. Its widespread distribution is not limited to rural but also includes urbanized areas. To date, comprehensive data on pathogen carrier rates of I. ricinus ticks in urban areas of Switzerland is lacking. Results Ixodes ricinus ticks sampled at 18 (sub-) urban collection sites throughout Switzerland showed carrier rates of 0% for tick-borne encephalitis virus, 18.0% for Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato), 2.5% for Borrelia miyamotoi, 13.5% for Rickettsia spp., 1.4% for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, 6.2% for "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis", and 0.8% for Babesia venatorum (Babesia sp., EU1). Site-specific prevalence at collection sites with n > 45 ticks (n = 9) significantly differed for B. burgdorferi (s.l.), Rickettsia spp., and "Ca. N. mikurensis", but were not related to the habitat type. Three hundred fifty eight out of 1078 I. ricinus ticks (33.2%) tested positive for at least one pathogen. Thereof, about 20% (71/358) were carrying two or three different potentially disease-causing agents. Using next generation sequencing, we could detect true pathogens, tick symbionts and organisms of environmental or human origin in ten selected samples. Conclusions Our data document the presence of pathogens in the (sub-) urban I. ricinus tick population in Switzerland, with carrier rates as high as those in rural regions. Carriage of multiple pathogens was repeatedly observed, demonstrating the risk of acquiring multiple infections as a consequence of a tick bite. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-017-2500-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne P Oechslin
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Austrasse, Spiez, Switzerland.,Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Friedbühlstrasse, Bern, Switzerland.,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Heutschi
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Austrasse, Spiez, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Lenz
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Austrasse, Spiez, Switzerland.,Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Friedbühlstrasse, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Werner Tischhauser
- ZHAW Life Science and Facility Management, Grüental, Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Péter
- retired, Infectious Diseases, Central Institute of Valais Hospitals, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Rais
- Laboratory of Ecology and Evolution of Parasites, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Emile Argand, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Christian M Beuret
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Austrasse, Spiez, Switzerland
| | - Stephen L Leib
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Austrasse, Spiez, Switzerland.,Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Friedbühlstrasse, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sergei Bankoul
- Medical Services Directorate, Swiss Armed Forces, Ittigen, Switzerland
| | - Rahel Ackermann-Gäumann
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Austrasse, Spiez, Switzerland. .,Swiss National Reference Centre for tick-transmitted diseases, Spiez, Switzerland.
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29
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Molecular evidence of Chlamydia pecorum and arthropod-associated Chlamydiae in an expanded range of marsupials. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12844. [PMID: 28993660 PMCID: PMC5634461 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13164-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The order Chlamydiales are biphasic intracellular bacterial pathogens infecting humans and domesticated animals. Wildlife infections have also been reported, with the most studied example being Chlamydia pecorum infections in the koala, an iconic Australian marsupial. In koalas, molecular evidence suggests that spill-over from C. pecorum infected livestock imported into Australia may have had a historical or contemporary role. Despite preliminary evidence that other native Australian marsupials also carry C. pecorum, their potential as reservoirs of this pathogen and other Chlamydia-related bacteria (CRBs) has been understudied. Mucosal epithelial samples collected from over 200 native Australian marsupials of different species and geographic regions across Australia were PCR screened for Chlamydiales. Previously described and genetically distinct C. pecorum genotypes and a range of 16S rRNA genotypes sharing similarity to different CRBs in the broader Chlamydiales order were present. One 16S rRNA Chlamydiales genotype recently described in Australian ticks that parasitise native Australian marsupials was also identified. This study provides further evidence that chlamydial infections are widespread in native fauna and that detailed investigations are required to understand the influence these infections have on host species conservation, but also whether infection spill-over plays a role in their epidemiology.
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30
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Taylor-Brown A, Polkinghorne A. New and emerging chlamydial infections of creatures great and small. New Microbes New Infect 2017; 18:28-33. [PMID: 28560043 PMCID: PMC5436083 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Until recently, our knowledge of the host range and diversity of members of the Chlamydiaceae, obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens of humans and animals, was thought to be nearly complete. Aided by advances in molecular diagnostics, a new picture is emerging, however, that the host barriers may be looser than previously thought for many chlamydial species. While cross-host transmission of chlamydial species is a concern for animal health, new reports highlight an emerging zoonotic risk for several species associated with intensification of farming and the widespread popularity of companion animals. The description of an expanded cohort of new species within this family from avian and reptilian hosts has also highlighted how much we still have to learn about the biology and pathogenicity of the Chlamydiaceae as a whole. Reports emerging about these relatives of the traditional chlamydial pathogens are matched by the continued identification of novel Chlamydia-related bacteria in the phylum Chlamydiae, providing evidence that many may be pathogenic to humans or animals and pose a zoonotic or vector-borne risk. The review examines the new hosts described for well-characterized chlamydial veterinary pathogens, emerging novel chlamydial species and the potential for these to cause disease in their respective hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Taylor-Brown
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - A Polkinghorne
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
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31
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Burnard D, Weaver H, Gillett A, Loader J, Flanagan C, Polkinghorne A. Novel Chlamydiales genotypes identified in ticks from Australian wildlife. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:46. [PMID: 28122598 PMCID: PMC5267465 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-1994-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Members of the order Chlamydiales are known for their potential as human and veterinary bacterial pathogens. Despite this recognition, epidemiological factors such as routes of transmission are yet to be fully defined. Ticks are well known vectors for many other infections with several reports recently describing the presence of bacteria in the order Chlamydiales in these arthropods. Australian wildlife are hosts to an extensive range of tick species. Evidence is also growing that the marsupial hosts these ticks parasitise can also be infected by a number of bacteria in the order Chlamydiales, with at least one species, Chlamydia pecorum, posing a significant conservation threat. In the current study, we investigated the presence and identity of Chlamydiales in 438 ixodid ticks parasitizing wildlife in Australia by screening with a pan-Chlamydiales specific targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Results Pan-Chlamydiales specific PCR assays confirmed the common presence of Chlamydiales in Australian ticks parasitising a range of native wildlife. Interestingly, we did not detect any Chlamydiaceae, including C. pecorum, the ubiquitous pathogen of the koala. Instead, the Chlamydiales diversity that could be resolved indicated that Australian ticks carry at least six novel Chlamydiales genotypes. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA sequences (663 bp) of these novel Chlamydiales suggests that three of these genotypes are associated with the Simkaniaceae and putatively belong to three distinct novel strains of Fritschea spp. and three genotypes are related to the “Ca. Rhabdochlamydiaceae” and putatively belong to a novel genus, Rhabdochlamydia species and strain, respectively. Conclusions Sequence results suggest Australian wildlife ticks harbour a range of unique Chlamydiales bacteria that belong to families previously identified in a range of arthropod species. The results of this work also suggest that it is unlikely that arthropods act as vectors of pathogenic members of the family Chlamydiaceae, including C. pecorum, in Australian wildlife. The biology of novel Chlamydiales identified in arthropods remain unknown. The pathogenic role of the novel Chlamydiales identified in this study and the role that ticks may play in their transmission needs to be explored further. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-1994-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaney Burnard
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4556, Australia
| | - Haylee Weaver
- Australian Government, Department of Environment and Energy, Australian Biological Resources Study, GPO Box 787, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Amber Gillett
- Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah, QLD, 4519, Australia
| | - Joanne Loader
- Endeavour Veterinary Ecology Pty Ltd, 1695 Pumicestone Rd, Toorbul, QLD, 4510, Australia
| | - Cheyne Flanagan
- Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Roto House Historic Site, Cnr Lord Street and Roto Place, Port Macquarie, 2444, NSW, Australia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4556, Australia.
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32
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Hokynar K, Vesterinen EJ, Lilley TM, Pulliainen AT, Korhonen SJ, Paavonen J, Puolakkainen M. Molecular Evidence of Chlamydia-Like Organisms in the Feces of Myotis daubentonii Bats. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:e02951-16. [PMID: 27815278 PMCID: PMC5203614 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02951-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia-like organisms (CLOs) are recently identified members of the Chlamydiales order. CLOs share intracellular lifestyles and biphasic developmental cycles, and they have been detected in environmental samples as well as in various hosts such as amoebae and arthropods. In this study, we screened bat feces for the presence of CLOs by molecular analysis. Using pan-Chlamydiales PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene, Chlamydiales DNA was detected in 54% of the specimens. PCR amplification, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA genes were used to classify positive specimens and infer their phylogenetic relationships. Most sequences matched best with Rhabdochlamydia species or uncultured Chlamydia sequences identified in ticks. Another set of sequences matched best with sequences of the Chlamydia genus or uncultured Chlamydiales from snakes. To gain evidence of whether CLOs in bat feces are merely diet borne, we analyzed insects trapped from the same location where the bats foraged. Interestingly, the CLO sequences resembling Rhabdochlamydia spp. were detected in insect material as well, but the other set of CLO sequences was not, suggesting that this set might not originate from prey. Thus, bats represent another potential host for Chlamydiales and could harbor novel, previously unidentified members of this order. IMPORTANCE Several pathogenic viruses are known to colonize bats, and recent analyses indicate that bats are also reservoir hosts for bacterial genera. Chlamydia-like organisms (CLOs) have been detected in several animal species. CLOs have high 16S rRNA sequence similarity to Chlamydiaceae and exhibit similar intracellular lifestyles and biphasic developmental cycles. Our study describes the frequent occurrence of CLO DNA in bat feces, suggesting an expanding host species spectrum for the Chlamydiales As bats can acquire various infectious agents through their diet, prey insects were also studied. We identified CLO sequences in bats that matched best with sequences in prey insects but also CLO sequences not detected in prey insects. This suggests that a portion of CLO DNA present in bat feces is not prey borne. Furthermore, some sequences from bat droppings not originating from their diet might well represent novel, previously unidentified members of the Chlamydiales order.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Hokynar
- Virology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - E J Vesterinen
- Archipelago Research Institute, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - T M Lilley
- Biology Department, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - A T Pulliainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - S J Korhonen
- Virology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J Paavonen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Puolakkainen
- Virology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Vouga M, Baud D, Greub G. Simkania negevensis, an insight into the biology and clinical importance of a novel member of the Chlamydiales order. Crit Rev Microbiol 2016; 43:62-80. [PMID: 27786615 DOI: 10.3109/1040841x.2016.1165650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Simkania negevensis is a Chlamydia-related bacterium discovered in 1993 and represents the founding member of the Simkaniaceae family within the Chlamydiales order. As other Chlamydiales, it is an obligate intracellular bacterium characterized by a biphasic developmental cycle. Its similarities with the pathogenic Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae make it an interesting bacterium. So far, little is known about its biology, but S. negevensis harbors various microbiological characteristics of interest, including a strong association of the Simkania-containing vacuole with the ER and the presence of an intron in the 23S rRNA encoding gene. Evidence of human exposition has been reported worldwide. However, there is a lack of robust clinical studies evaluating its implication in human diseases; current data suggest an association with pneumonia and bronchiolitis making S. negevensis a potential emerging pathogen. Owing to its fastidious growth requirements, the clinical relevance of S. negevensis is probably underestimated. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on S. negevensis and explore future research challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Vouga
- a Institute of Microbiology , Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University and University Hospital of Lausanne , Lausanne , Switzerland.,b Department "Femme-Mère-Enfant" , Materno-Fetal and Obstetrics Research Unit, University Hospital , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - David Baud
- a Institute of Microbiology , Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University and University Hospital of Lausanne , Lausanne , Switzerland.,b Department "Femme-Mère-Enfant" , Materno-Fetal and Obstetrics Research Unit, University Hospital , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Greub
- a Institute of Microbiology , Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University and University Hospital of Lausanne , Lausanne , Switzerland.,c Infectious Diseases Unit , University hospital , Lausanne , Switzerland
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Bell-Sakyi L, Attoui H. Virus Discovery Using Tick Cell Lines. Evol Bioinform Online 2016; 12:31-4. [PMID: 27679414 PMCID: PMC5026199 DOI: 10.4137/ebo.s39675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
While ticks have been known to harbor and transmit pathogenic arboviruses for over 80 years, the application of high-throughput sequencing technologies has revealed that ticks also appear to harbor a diverse range of endogenous tick-only viruses belonging to many different families. Almost nothing is known about these viruses; indeed, it is unclear in most cases whether the identified viral sequences are derived from actual replication-competent viruses or from endogenous virus elements incorporated into the ticks' genomes. Tick cell lines play an important role in virus discovery and isolation through the identification of novel viruses chronically infecting such cell lines and by acting as host cells to aid in determining whether or not an entire replication-competent, infective virus is present in a sample. Here, we review recent progress in tick-borne virus discovery and comment on the actual and potential applications for tick cell lines in this emerging research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Bell-Sakyi
- Head of The Tick Cell Biobank, The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Surrey, UK
| | - Houssam Attoui
- Group leader, National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), Department of Animal Health, UMR1161 Virology, INRA-ANSES-ENVA, Maisons Alfort, France
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Hokynar K, Sormunen JJ, Vesterinen EJ, Partio EK, Lilley T, Timonen V, Panelius J, Ranki A, Puolakkainen M. Chlamydia-Like Organisms (CLOs) in Finnish Ixodes ricinus Ticks and Human Skin. Microorganisms 2016; 4:E28. [PMID: 27681922 PMCID: PMC5039588 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms4030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks carry several human pathogenic microbes including Borreliae and Flavivirus causing tick-born encephalitis. Ticks can also carry DNA of Chlamydia-like organisms (CLOs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of CLOs in ticks and skin biopsies taken from individuals with suspected tick bite. DNA from CLOs was detected by pan-Chlamydiales-PCR in 40% of adult ticks from southwestern Finland. The estimated minimal infection rate for nymphs and larvae (studied in pools) was 6% and 2%, respectively. For the first time, we show CLO DNA also in human skin as 68% of all skin biopsies studied contained CLO DNA as determined through pan-Chlamydiales-PCR. Sequence analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene fragment indicated that the sequences detected in ticks were heterogeneous, representing various CLO families; whereas the majority of the sequences from human skin remained "unclassified Chlamydiales" and might represent a new family-level lineage. CLO sequences detected in four skin biopsies were most closely related to "uncultured Chlamydial bacterium clones from Ixodes ricinus ticks" and two of them were very similar to CLO sequences from Finnish ticks. These results suggest that CLO DNA is present in human skin; ticks carry CLOs and could potentially transmit CLOs to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kati Hokynar
- Department of Virology, Hartman institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
| | - Jani J Sormunen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku 20014, Finland.
| | - Eero J Vesterinen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku 20014, Finland.
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
| | - Esa K Partio
- Medical Center Söder, Söderkulla 01150, Finland.
| | - Thomas Lilley
- Biology Department, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA.
| | - Veera Timonen
- Department of Virology, Hartman institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
| | - Jaana Panelius
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00250, Finland.
| | - Annamari Ranki
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00250, Finland.
| | - Mirja Puolakkainen
- Department of Virology, Hartman institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
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Salvatore D, Galuppi R, Aureli S, Tampieri MP, Di Francesco A. Detection of Chlamydiales DNA in questing ticks. Vet Rec 2016; 179:48. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.103767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Salvatore
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences; University of Bologna; Ozzano Emilia (Bologna) Italy
| | - R. Galuppi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences; University of Bologna; Ozzano Emilia (Bologna) Italy
| | - S. Aureli
- Veterinary Practitioner; Modena Italy
| | - M. P. Tampieri
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences; University of Bologna; Ozzano Emilia (Bologna) Italy
| | - A. Di Francesco
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences; University of Bologna; Ozzano Emilia (Bologna) Italy
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de Barsy M, Frandi A, Panis G, Théraulaz L, Pillonel T, Greub G, Viollier PH. Regulatory (pan-)genome of an obligate intracellular pathogen in the PVC superphylum. ISME JOURNAL 2016; 10:2129-44. [PMID: 26953603 PMCID: PMC4989314 DOI: 10.1038/ismej.2016.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Like other obligate intracellular bacteria, the Chlamydiae feature a compact regulatory genome that remains uncharted owing to poor genetic tractability. Exploiting the reduced number of transcription factors (TFs) encoded in the chlamydial (pan-)genome as a model for TF control supporting the intracellular lifestyle, we determined the conserved landscape of TF specificities by ChIP-Seq (chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing) in the chlamydial pathogen Waddlia chondrophila. Among 10 conserved TFs, Euo emerged as a master TF targeting >100 promoters through conserved residues in a DNA excisionase-like winged helix-turn-helix-like (wHTH) fold. Minimal target (Euo) boxes were found in conserved developmentally-regulated genes governing vertical genome transmission (cytokinesis and DNA replication) and genome plasticity (transposases). Our ChIP-Seq analysis with intracellular bacteria not only reveals that global TF regulation is maintained in the reduced regulatory genomes of Chlamydiae, but also predicts that master TFs interpret genomic information in the obligate intracellular α-proteobacteria, including the rickettsiae, from which modern day mitochondria evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie de Barsy
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Frandi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Genomics in Geneva (iGE3), Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gaël Panis
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Genomics in Geneva (iGE3), Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laurence Théraulaz
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Genomics in Geneva (iGE3), Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Trestan Pillonel
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patrick H Viollier
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Genomics in Geneva (iGE3), Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Vouga M, Greub G. Emerging bacterial pathogens: the past and beyond. Clin Microbiol Infect 2015; 22:12-21. [PMID: 26493844 PMCID: PMC7128729 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2015.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Since the 1950s, medical communities have been facing with emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, and emerging pathogens are now considered to be a major microbiologic public health threat. In this review, we focus on bacterial emerging diseases and explore factors involved in their emergence as well as future challenges. We identified 26 major emerging and reemerging infectious diseases of bacterial origin; most of them originated either from an animal and are considered to be zoonoses or from water sources. Major contributing factors in the emergence of these bacterial infections are: (1) development of new diagnostic tools, such as improvements in culture methods, development of molecular techniques and implementation of mass spectrometry in microbiology; (2) increase in human exposure to bacterial pathogens as a result of sociodemographic and environmental changes; and (3) emergence of more virulent bacterial strains and opportunistic infections, especially affecting immunocompromised populations. A precise definition of their implications in human disease is challenging and requires the comprehensive integration of microbiological, clinical and epidemiologic aspects as well as the use of experimental models. It is now urgent to allocate financial resources to gather international data to provide a better understanding of the clinical relevance of these waterborne and zoonotic emerging diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Vouga
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne and University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - G Greub
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne and University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Kebbi-Beghdadi C, Fatton M, Greub G. Permissivity of insect cells to Waddlia chondrophila, Estrella lausannensis and Parachlamydia acanthamoebae. Microbes Infect 2015; 17:749-54. [PMID: 26423021 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2015.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent large scale studies questioning the presence of intracellular bacteria of the Chlamydiales order in ticks and fleas revealed that arthropods, similarly to mammals, reptiles, birds or fishes, can be colonized by Chlamydia-related bacteria with a predominant representation of the Rhabdochlamydiaceae and Parachlamydiaceae families. We thus investigated the permissivity of two insect cell lines towards Waddlia chondrophila, Estrella lausannensis and Parachlamydia acanthamoebae, three bacteria representative of three distinct families within the Chlamydiales order, all documented in ticks and/or in other arthropods. We demonstrated that W. chondrophila and E. lausannensis are able to very efficiently multiply in these insect cell lines. E. lausannensis however induced a rapid cytopathic effect, which somehow restricted its replication. P. acanthamoebae was not able to grow in these cell lines even if inclusions containing a few replicating bacteria could occasionally be observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Kebbi-Beghdadi
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria (CRIB), Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Morgane Fatton
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria (CRIB), Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria (CRIB), Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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