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Leszczyńska K, Święcicka I, Daniluk T, Lebensztejn D, Chmielewska-Deptuła S, Leszczyńska D, Gawor J, Kliber M. Escherichia albertii as a Potential Enteropathogen in the Light of Epidemiological and Genomic Studies. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1384. [PMID: 37510288 PMCID: PMC10379040 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071384] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Escherichia albertii is a new enteropathogen of humans and animals. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and pathogenicity of E. albertii strains isolated in northeastern Poland using epidemiological and genomic studies. In 2015-2018, a total of 1154 fecal samples from children and adults, 497 bird droppings, 212 food samples, 92 water samples, and 500 lactose-negative E. coli strains were tested. A total of 42 E. albertii strains were isolated. The PCR method was suitable for their rapid identification. In total, 33.3% of E. albertii isolates were resistant to one antibiotic, and 16.7% to two. Isolates were sensitive to cefepime, imipenem, levofloxacin, gentamicin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and did not produce ESBL β-lactamases. High genetic variability of E. albertii has been demonstrated. In the PFGE method, 90.5% of the strains had distinct pulsotypes. In MLST typing, 85.7% of strains were assigned distinct sequence types (STs), of which 64% were novel ST types. Cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) and Paa toxin genes were found in 100% of E. albertii isolates. Genes encoding toxins, IbeA, CdtB type 2, Tsh and Shiga (Stx2f), were found in 26.2%, 9.7%, 1.7%, and 0.4% of E. albertii isolates, respectively. The chromosome size of the tested strains ranged from 4,573,338 to 5,141,010 bp (average 4,784,003 bp), and at least one plasmid was present in all strains. The study contributes to a more accurate assessment of the genetic diversity of E. albertii and the potential threat it poses to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Leszczyńska
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Enginnering, Medical University of Bialystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Izabela Święcicka
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Bialystok, ul. Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | - Tamara Daniluk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Enginnering, Medical University of Bialystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Dariusz Lebensztejn
- Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutrition, Allergology and Pulmonology, Medical University of Bialystok, ul. Waszyngtona 17, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Sylwia Chmielewska-Deptuła
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Enginnering, Medical University of Bialystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Dorota Leszczyńska
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Enginnering, Medical University of Bialystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Jan Gawor
- DNA Sequecing and Synthesis Facility, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Pawińskiego 5A, 02-106 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kliber
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Enginnering, Medical University of Bialystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
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Muchaamba F, Barmettler K, Treier A, Houf K, Stephan R. Microbiology and Epidemiology of Escherichia albertii—An Emerging Elusive Foodborne Pathogen. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10050875. [PMID: 35630320 PMCID: PMC9145129 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Escherichia albertii, a close relative of E. coli, is an emerging zoonotic foodborne pathogen associated with watery diarrhea mainly in children and immunocompromised individuals. E. albertii was initially classified as eae-positive Hafnia alvei, however, as more genetic and biochemical information became available it was reassigned to its current novel taxonomy. Its infections are common under conditions of poor hygiene with confirmed transmission via contaminated water and food, mainly poultry-based products. This pathogen has been isolated from various domestic and wild animals, with most isolates being derived from birds, implying that birds among other wild animals might act as its reservoir. Due to the absence of standardized isolation and identification protocols, E. albertii can be misidentified as other Enterobacteriaceae. Exploiting phenotypes such as its inability to ferment rhamnose and xylose and PCR assays targeting E. albertii-specific genes such as the cytolethal distending toxin and the DNA-binding transcriptional activator of cysteine biosynthesis encoding genes can be used to accurately identify this pathogen. Several gaps exist in our knowledge of E. albertii and need to be bridged. A deeper understanding of E. albertii epidemiology and physiology is required to allow the development of effective measures to control its transmission and infections. Overall, current data suggest that E. albertii might play a more significant role in global infectious diarrhea cases than previously assumed and is often overlooked or misidentified. Therefore, simple, and efficient diagnostic tools that cover E. albertii biodiversity are required for effective isolation and identification of this elusive agent of diarrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Muchaamba
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (K.B.); (A.T.); (R.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Karen Barmettler
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (K.B.); (A.T.); (R.S.)
| | - Andrea Treier
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (K.B.); (A.T.); (R.S.)
| | - Kurt Houf
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;
| | - Roger Stephan
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (K.B.); (A.T.); (R.S.)
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Saidenberg ABS, van Vliet AH, Brandão PE, de Sá LRM, Cunha MPV, La Ragione RM, Knöbl T. Genomic characterization of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) of avian origin and rabbit ileal loop response; a pet macaw ( Ara chloropterus) as a possible zoonotic reservoir. Vet Q 2020; 40:331-341. [PMID: 33269989 PMCID: PMC7717848 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2020.1845916] [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: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) constitutes one of the main causes of mortality in children in low- to medium-income countries. Diverse animal species have been linked as reservoirs, including birds. The aim of this study was to describe the genomic and phylogenetic features of an EPEC recovered from a pet macaw and further characterizing the macro and microscopic lesion in a rabbit ileal loop experimental model. The isolate was whole-genome sequenced (WGS) obtaining its genotypic and phenotypic in silico characteristics and inoculated in a rabbit experimental model with subsequently evaluating the strain's pathogenicity by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histopathology. The isolate was characterized as O109:H21-B1-ST40 typical EPEC, harboring several virulence factors of diarrheagenic E. coli. The macaw EPEC genome was located in a monophyletic clade of human and animal ST40 EPEC sequences. In vivo inoculation demonstrated severe hemorrhage with SEM and histopathological analysis confirming these lesions to be associated with intra-epithelial lymphocytes. Therefore, the isolate not only shared several genotypic and phylogenetic similarities with EPEC that affects humans and animals, but was able to induce severe tissue injury in a mammal model. These findings highlight the underrated role of pet birds as zoonotic reservoirs and the diversity in virulence factors being unraveled by new WGS studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arnoud H.M. van Vliet
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Paulo Eduardo Brandão
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Roberto M. La Ragione
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Terezinha Knöbl
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Gomes TAT, Ooka T, Hernandes RT, Yamamoto D, Hayashi T. Escherichia albertii Pathogenesis. EcoSal Plus 2020; 9:10.1128/ecosalplus.ESP-0015-2019. [PMID: 32588811 PMCID: PMC11168576 DOI: 10.1128/ecosalplus.esp-0015-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Escherichia albertii is an emerging enteropathogen of humans and many avian species. This bacterium is a close relative of Escherichia coli and has been frequently misidentified as enteropathogenic or enterohemorrhagic E. coli due to their similarity in phenotypic and genetic features, such as various biochemical properties and the possession of a type III secretion system encoded by the locus of enterocyte effacement. This pathogen causes outbreaks of gastroenteritis, and some strains produce Shiga toxin. Although many genetic and phenotypic studies have been published and the genome sequences of more than 200 E. albertii strains are now available, the clinical significance of this species is not yet fully understood. The apparent zoonotic nature of the disease requires a deeper understanding of the transmission routes and mechanisms of E. albertii to develop effective measures to control its transmission and infection. Here, we review the current knowledge of the phylogenic relationship of E. albertii with other Escherichia species and the biochemical and genetic properties of E. albertii, with particular emphasis on the repertoire of virulence factors and the mechanisms of pathogenicity, and we hope this provides a basis for future studies of this important emerging enteropathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia A T Gomes
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tadasuke Ooka
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Rodrigo T Hernandes
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências, Campus de Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Denise Yamamoto
- Universidade Santo Amaro, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tetsuya Hayashi
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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The Evasive Enemy: Insights into the Virulence and Epidemiology of the Emerging Attaching and Effacing Pathogen Escherichia albertii. Infect Immun 2018; 87:IAI.00254-18. [PMID: 30373891 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00254-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The diarrheic attaching and effacing (A/E) pathogen Escherichia albertii was first isolated from infants in Bangladesh in 1991, although the bacterium was initially classified as Hafnia alvei Subsequent genetic and biochemical interrogation of these isolates raised concerns about their initial taxonomic placement. It was not until 2003 that these isolates were reassigned to the novel taxon Escherichia albertii because they were genetically more closely related to E. coli, although they had diverged sufficiently to warrant a novel species name. Unfortunately, new isolates continue to be mistyped as enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) or enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) owing to shared traits, most notably the ability to form A/E lesions. Consequently, E. albertii remains an underappreciated A/E pathogen, despite multiple reports demonstrating that many provisional EPEC and EHEC isolates incriminated in disease outbreaks are actually E. albertii Metagenomic studies on dozens of E. albertii isolates reveal a genetic architecture that boasts an arsenal of candidate virulence factors to rival that of its better-characterized cousins, EPEC and EHEC. Beyond these computational comparisons, studies addressing the regulation, structure, function, and mechanism of action of its repertoire of virulence factors are lacking. Thus, the paucity of knowledge about the epidemiology, virulence, and antibiotic resistance of E. albertii, coupled with its misclassification and its ability to develop multidrug resistance in a single step, highlights the challenges in combating this emerging pathogen. This review seeks to synthesize our current but incomplete understanding of the biology of E. albertii.
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Lopes E, Cardoso W, Nishi D, Horn R, Albuquerque Á, Lima S, Beleza A, Gaio F, Carmo C, Pascoal Filho M, Teixeira R. Serogroup identification, phenotypic detection of hemolysis and extended spectrum beta-lactamases of Escherichia coli isolated from psittacine of illegal wildlife trade in Fortaleza, Brazil. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-9369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify serogroups of Escherichia coli important for human health in isolates from psittacine of illegal wildlife trade in Ceará State. In addition, hemolysis and production of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBL) was assessed in the isolates. A total of 78 E. coli strains isolated from different Psittaciformes species from a wildlife rehabilitation center in Fortaleza, Brazil. The isolates used in this study were previously identified and stored. Serogroup identification was performed using polyvalent sera for EPEC (O55, O111, O119, O114, O125, O86, O126, O127, O128), EIEC (O136, O124) and EHEC (O157). ESBL detection was performed with double disk synergy method. For hemolysis detection, isolates were inoculated in blood agar base enriched with ovine blood. Only 31 (39.7%) isolates were seropositive and the most frequent were O127, O114, O128 and O111. There was no agglutination for serogroups O55, O124, O136 or O157. Considering both seropositive and seronegative isolates, 9 (11.5%) and 35 (44.9%) presented hemolysis and ESBL production, respectively. In conclusion, the investigated psittacine from illegal wildlife trade hosted ESBL-producing E. coli strains and some belong to important serogroups often linked to severe human infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - R.V. Horn
- Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - F.C. Gaio
- Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Brazil
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8
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de Oliveira MCV, Camargo BQ, Cunha MPV, Saidenberg AB, Teixeira RHF, Matajira CEC, Moreno LZ, Gomes VTM, Christ APG, Barbosa MRF, Sato MIZ, Moreno AM, Knöbl T. Free-Ranging Synanthropic Birds (Ardea alba and Columba livia domestica) as Carriers of Salmonella spp. and Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli in the Vicinity of an Urban Zoo. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 18:65-69. [PMID: 29261025 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of free-ranging urban birds is a risk factor for transmitting pathogens to captive animals and humans alike, including Salmonella spp. and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli. Cloacal swabs from 156 synanthropic Great egrets (Ardea alba) and feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) that inhabit the surroundings of an urban zoo were processed for the identification of Salmonella spp. and diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes. Bacterial species identification and genotypic characterization employed the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and PCR techniques, respectively, comparing their phylogenetic profiles through amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis. A total of 11 birds were positive for Salmonella Typhimurium (7%) and 9 individuals (5.8%) for diarrheagenic E. coli (enteropathogenic E. coli/Shiga-toxin producing E. coli [EPEC/STEC]) strains. S. Typhimurium strains presented highly similar AFLP profiles (85-100%), whereas EPEC/STEC strains showed more polymorphism. The results show free-ranging birds as carriers for both microorganisms in a zoo environment in Brazil for the first time and suggest these species as possible sources of infection to other animals as well as exposing personnel and visitors to potential zoonotic microorganisms. The presence of carriers highlights the importance of a surveillance system and the need for preventive measures to avoid attracting growing number of synanthropic avian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela C V de Oliveira
- 1 Veterinary Pathology Department, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Q Camargo
- 1 Veterinary Pathology Department, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos P V Cunha
- 1 Veterinary Pathology Department, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andre Becker Saidenberg
- 1 Veterinary Pathology Department, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos E C Matajira
- 3 Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health Department, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luisa Z Moreno
- 3 Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health Department, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vasco T M Gomes
- 3 Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health Department, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana P G Christ
- 4 Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo (CETESB) , São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Maria I Z Sato
- 4 Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo (CETESB) , São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrea M Moreno
- 3 Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health Department, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Terezinha Knöbl
- 1 Veterinary Pathology Department, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo, Brazil
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Grillová L, Sedláček I, Páchníková G, Staňková E, Švec P, Holochová P, Micenková L, Bosák J, Slaninová I, Šmajs D. Characterization of four Escherichia albertii isolates collected from animals living in Antarctica and Patagonia. J Vet Med Sci 2017; 80:138-146. [PMID: 29249728 PMCID: PMC5797873 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.17-0492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Escherichia albertii is a recently discovered species with a limited number of well characterized strains. The aim of this study was to characterize four of the E. albertii strains, which were among 41 identified Escherichia strains isolated from the feces of living animals on James Ross Island, Antarctica, and Isla Magdalena, Patagonia. Sequencing of 16S rDNA, automated ribotyping, and rep-PCR were used to identify the four E. albertii isolates. Phylogenetic analyses based on multi-locus sequence typing showed these isolates to be genetically most similar to the members of E. albertii phylogroup G3. These isolates encoded several virulence factors including those, which are characteristic of E. albertii (cytolethal distending toxin and intimin) as well as bacteriocin determinants that typically have a very low prevalence in E. coli strains (D, E7). Moreover, E. albertii protein extracts caused cell cycle arrest in human cell line A375, probably because of cytolethal distending toxin activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Grillová
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ivo Sedláček
- Czech Collection of Microorganisms, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Gabriela Páchníková
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Staňková
- Czech Collection of Microorganisms, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Švec
- Czech Collection of Microorganisms, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Holochová
- Czech Collection of Microorganisms, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Micenková
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Juraj Bosák
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Slaninová
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Šmajs
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
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10
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Botulism outbreak causes high mortality in Scottish cattle. Vet Rec 2017; 181:503-506. [PMID: 29127172 DOI: 10.1136/vr.j5217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
SAc C VS disease Surveillance report for july 2017 Botulism in finishing cattleSeasonal dermatitis in Cheviot ewesStreptococcus suis type 2 meningitis and septicaemia in pigletsRodenticide toxicity in chickens.
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Escherichia albertii, a novel human enteropathogen, colonizes rat enterocytes and translocates to extra-intestinal sites. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171385. [PMID: 28178312 PMCID: PMC5298312 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death of children up to five years old in the developing countries. Among the etiological diarrheal agents are atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (aEPEC), one of the diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes that affects children and adults, even in developed countries. Currently, genotypic and biochemical approaches have helped to demonstrate that some strains classified as aEPEC are actually E. albertii, a recently recognized human enteropathogen. Studies on particular strains are necessary to explore their virulence potential in order to further understand the underlying mechanisms of E. albertii infections. Here we demonstrated for the first time that infection of fragments of rat intestinal mucosa is a useful tool to study the initial steps of E. albertii colonization. We also observed that an E. albertii strain can translocate from the intestinal lumen to Mesenteric Lymph Nodes and liver in a rat model. Based on our finding of bacterial translocation, we investigated how E. albertii might cross the intestinal epithelium by performing infections of M-like cells in vitro to identify the potential in vivo translocation route. Altogether, our approaches allowed us to draft a general E. albertii infection route from the colonization till the bacterial spreading in vivo.
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12
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Davies YM, Cunha MPV, Oliveira MGX, Oliveira MCV, Philadelpho N, Romero D, Milanelo L, Guimarães MB, Ferreira AJP, Moreno AM, Sá LRM, Knöbl T. Virulence and antimicrobial resistance ofKlebsiella pneumoniaeisolated from passerine and psittacine birds. Avian Pathol 2016; 45:194-201. [DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2016.1142066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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13
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Wang J, Tang P, Tan D, Wang L, Zhang S, Qiu Y, Dong R, Liu W, Huang J, Chen T, Ren J, Li C, Liu HJ. The Pathogenicity of Chicken Pathogenic <i>Escherichia coli</i> Is Associated with the Numbers and Combination Patterns of Virulence-Associated Genes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4236/ojvm.2015.512033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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14
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Hoyles L, Honda H, Logan NA, Halket G, La Ragione RM, McCartney AL. Recognition of greater diversity of Bacillus species and related bacteria in human faeces. Res Microbiol 2011; 163:3-13. [PMID: 22041546 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2011.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In a study looking at culturable aerobic Actinobacteria associated with the human gastrointestinal tract, the vast majority of isolates obtained from dried human faeces belonged to the genus Bacillus and related bacteria. A total of 124 isolates were recovered from the faeces of 10 healthy adult donors. 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses showed the majority belonged to the families Bacillaceae (n=81) and Paenibacillaceae (n=3), with Bacillus species isolated from all donors. Isolates tentatively identified as Bacillus clausii (n=32) and Bacillus licheniformis (n=28) were recovered most frequently, with the genera Lysinibacillus, Ureibacillus, Oceanobacillus, Ornithinibacillus and Virgibacillus represented in some donors. Phenotypic data confirmed the identities of isolates belonging to well-characterized species. Representatives of the phylum Actinobacteria were recovered in much lower numbers (n=11). Many of the bacilli exhibited antimicrobial activity against one or more strains of Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, with some (n=12) found to have no detectable cytopathic effect on HEp-2 cells. This study has revealed greater diversity within gut-associated aerobic spore-formers than previous studies, and suggests that bacilli with potential as probiotics could be isolated from the human gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Hoyles
- Microbial Ecology and Health Group, Food Microbial Sciences Unit, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AP, Berkshire, UK.
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15
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Lactobacilli antagonize the growth, motility, and adherence of Brachyspira pilosicoli: a potential intervention against avian intestinal spirochetosis. Appl Environ Microbiol 2011; 77:5402-11. [PMID: 21666022 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00185-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian intestinal spirochetosis (AIS) results from the colonization of the ceca and colorectum of poultry by pathogenic Brachyspira species. The number of cases of AIS has increased since the 2006 European Union ban on the use of antibiotic growth promoters, which, together with emerging antimicrobial resistance in Brachyspira, has driven renewed interest in alternative intervention strategies. Probiotics have been reported as protecting livestock against infection with common enteric pathogens, and here we investigate which aspects of the biology of Brachyspira they antagonize in order to identify possible interventions against AIS. The cell-free supernatants (CFS) of two Lactobacillus strains, Lactobacillus reuteri LM1 and Lactobacillus salivarius LM2, suppressed the growth of Brachyspira pilosicoli B2904 in a pH-dependent manner. In in vitro adherence and invasion assays with HT29-16E three-dimensional (3D) cells and in a novel avian cecal in vitro organ culture (IVOC) model, the adherence and invasion of B. pilosicoli in epithelial cells were reduced significantly by the presence of lactobacilli (P < 0.001). In addition, live and heat-inactivated lactobacilli inhibited the motility of B. pilosicoli, and electron microscopic observations indicated that contact between the lactobacilli and Brachyspira was crucial in inhibiting both adherence and motility. These data suggest that motility is essential for B. pilosicoli to adhere to and invade the gut epithelium and that any interference of motility may be a useful tool for the development of control strategies.
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Oaks JL, Besser TE, Walk ST, Gordon DM, Beckmen KB, Burek KA, Haldorson GJ, Bradway DS, Ouellette L, Rurangirwa FR, Davis MA, Dobbin G, Whittam TS. Escherichia albertii in wild and domestic birds. Emerg Infect Dis 2010; 16:638-46. [PMID: 20350378 PMCID: PMC3321939 DOI: 10.3201/eid1604.090695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The isolates were similar to those that cause disease in humans. Escherichia albertii has been associated with diarrhea in humans but not with disease or infection in animals. However, in December 2004, E. albertii was found, by biochemical and genetic methods, to be the probable cause of death for redpoll finches (Carduelis flammea) in Alaska. Subsequent investigation found this organism in dead and subclinically infected birds of other species from North America and Australia. Isolates from dead finches in Scotland, previously identified as Escherichia coli O86:K61, also were shown to be E. albertii. Similar to the isolates from humans, E. albertii isolates from birds possessed intimin (eae) and cytolethal distending toxin (cdtB) genes but lacked Shiga toxin (stx) genes. Genetic analysis of eae and cdtB sequences, multilocus sequence typing, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns showed that the E. albertii strains from birds are heterogeneous but similar to isolates that cause disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lindsay Oaks
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Washington State University, PO Box 647034, Pullman, WA 99164-7034, USA.
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High-throughput method for rapid induction of prophages from lysogens and its application in the study of Shiga Toxin-encoding Escherichia coli strains. Appl Environ Microbiol 2010; 76:2360-5. [PMID: 20139312 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02923-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A high-throughput 96-well plate-based method for the rapid induction of endogenous prophages from individual bacterial strains was developed. The detection of endogenous prophages was achieved by the filtration of the culture liquor following norfloxacin induction and subsequent PCRs targeting bacteriophage-carried gene markers. The induction method was tested on 188 putative Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains and demonstrated the ability to detect both lambdoid and stx-carrying bacteriophages in strains for which plaques were not observed via plaque assay. Lambdoid bacteriophages were detected in 37% of the induced phage preparations via amplification of the Q gene, and Stx1- and Stx2-encoding phages were detected in 2 and 14% of the strains, respectively. The method therefore provided greater sensitivity for the detection of Stx and other lambdoid bacteriophage populations carried by STEC strains than that for the established method of plaque assay using bacterial indicator strains, enabling, for the first time, large-scale bacteriophage population and diversity studies.
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Nakazato G, Campos TAD, Stehling EG, Brocchi M, Silveira WDD. Virulence factors of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2009. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-736x2009000700001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) strains cause a great diversity of diseases in birds and are responsible for great economic losses in the avian industry. To date, several studies have been carried out to better understand the APEC pathogenesis for a possible development of tools which could prevent the economics losses caused by these strains. This review discusses the virulence factors described do date to be expressed by these strains and the advances made to understand and identify virulence determinants present in APEC.
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Risk factors for the occurrence ofEscherichia colivirulence geneseae,stx1andstx2in wild bird populations. Epidemiol Infect 2009; 137:1574-82. [DOI: 10.1017/s0950268809002507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYShiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC) can cause serious disease in human beings. Ruminants are considered to be the main reservoir of human STEC infections. However, STEC have also been isolated from other domestic animals, wild mammals and birds. We describe a cross-sectional study of wild birds in northern England to determine the prevalence ofE. coli-containing genes that encode Shiga toxins (stx1and stx2) and intimin (eae), important virulence determinants of STEC associated with human disease. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified unique risk factors for the occurrence of each virulence gene in wild bird populations. The results of our study indicate that while wild birds are unlikely to be direct sources of STEC infections, they do represent a potential reservoir of virulence genes. This, coupled with their ability to act as long-distance vectors of STEC, means that wild birds have the potential to influence the spread and evolution of STEC.
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20
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Virulence genotyping of Escherichia coli isolates from avian cellulitis in relation to phylogeny. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-009-0837-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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21
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Profiles of Virulence-associated Genes of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates from Chickens with Colibacillosis. J Poult Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.2141/jpsa.46.260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Timothy S, Shafi K, Leatherbarrow AH, Jordan FTW, Wigley P. Molecular epidemiology of a reproductive tract-associated colibacillosis outbreak in a layer breeder flock associated with atypical avian pathogenic Escherichia coli. Avian Pathol 2008; 37:375-8. [PMID: 18622852 DOI: 10.1080/03079450802216579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The molecular epidemiology of 70 Escherichia coli isolates from an infection outbreak in a layer breeder flock was examined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and for a range of virulence factors by polymerase chain reaction. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed 35 of 45 isolates from eight disease cases were associated with a single clonal group that was the exclusive strain associated with reproductive tract. A second unrelated group was found in environmental isolates and healthy birds. The remaining isolates were unrelated to each other or either clonal group. Polymerase chain reaction virulotyping indicated the "epidemic" clonal group contains virulence factors including iss, sfa, tsh, iucC, ibeA, and sitA associated with avian pathogenic E. coli plus several virulence factors more normally associated with human urinary tract infection. Significantly, the "epidemic" clone was also found in an environmental sample, suggesting it may have been transmitted to the flock via the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sioned Timothy
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Neston, UK
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23
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Aktan I, Carter B, Wilking H, La Ragione RM, Wieler L, Woodward MJ, Anjum MF. Influence of geographical origin, host animal and stx gene on the virulence characteristics of Escherichia coli O26 strains. J Med Microbiol 2008; 56:1431-1439. [PMID: 17965341 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.47311-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The influence of geographical origin, host animal and presence of the stx gene on the virulence of Escherichia coli O26 strains from ruminants was determined in this study. A clear association was found between the virulence profile and geographical origin of Shiga-toxigenic E. coli (STEC) O26 strains, with UK STEC O26 strains harbouring virtually identical profiles, whilst central European strains showed considerable heterogeneity in plasmid-encoded genes. The former group were also more likely to be non-motile and katP gene positive. Comparison of UK STEC and atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (aEPEC) O26 strains showed that the presence of the stx1 gene was positively correlated with the presence of espP and katP genes and negatively associated with the presence of the yagP-yagT region and with rhamnose fermentation. In contrast to the uniform profiles of STEC O26 strains from ruminants in the UK, aEPEC O26 strains of bovine and ovine origin showed diverse profiles both within and between groups, and could not be separated into discrete groups. These results indicate that the characteristics of UK O26 strains from ruminants are distinct from those of O26 strains from ruminants and humans in other regions in central Europe. Such differences are expected to influence the zoonotic potential of this pathogen and the subsequent incidence of O26-associated human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilknur Aktan
- Department of Food and Environmental Safety, Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK.,Department of Veterinary Clinical Science and Animal Husbandry, University of Liverpool, Neston, South Wirral CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Ben Carter
- Department of Food and Environmental Safety, Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Hendrik Wilking
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Free University Berlin, D-10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Roberto M La Ragione
- Department of Food and Environmental Safety, Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Lothar Wieler
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Free University Berlin, D-10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin J Woodward
- Department of Food and Environmental Safety, Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Muna F Anjum
- Department of Food and Environmental Safety, Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
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Feng L, Han W, Wang Q, Bastin DA, Wang L. Characterization of Escherichia coli O86 O-antigen gene cluster and identification of O86-specific genes. Vet Microbiol 2005; 106:241-8. [PMID: 15778030 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2004.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2004] [Revised: 11/29/2004] [Accepted: 12/04/2004] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Escherichia coli O86 belongs to the enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) group, some strains of which are pathogens of humans, wild birds and farm animals. The O-antigen gene cluster of E. coli O86 was amplified by long-range PCR using primers based on the housekeeping genes galF and gnd, and then sequenced. Genes involved in GDP-Fuc and N-acetyl-galactosamine (GalNAc) synthesis and genes encoding glycosyltransferases, O-unit flippase and O-antigen polymerase were identified on the basis of homology. By screening against 186 E. coli and Shigella-type strains, two genes specific to E. coli O86 were identified. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, based on the specific O-antigen genes identified here, could be used for the rapid detection of E. coli O86 in environmental and clinical samples. The relationship between E. coli O86 and O127 was also determined by comparing the two O-antigen gene clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Feng
- Teda School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, Teda College, Tianjin 300457, China.
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25
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Wales AD, Woodward MJ, Pearson GR. Attaching-effacing bacteria in animals. J Comp Pathol 2005; 132:1-26. [PMID: 15629476 PMCID: PMC7118730 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2004.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2004] [Accepted: 09/21/2004] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Enteric bacteria with a demonstrable or potential ability to form attaching-effacing lesions, so-called attaching-effacing (AE) bacteria, have been found in the intestinal tracts of a wide variety of warm-blooded animal species, including man. In some host species, for example cattle, pigs, rabbits and human beings, attaching-effacing Escherichia coli (AEEC) have an established role as enteropathogens. In other host species, AE bacteria are of less certain significance. With continuing advances in the detection and typing of AE strains, the importance of these bacteria for many hosts is likely to become clearer. The pathogenic effects of AE bacteria result from adhesion to the intestinal mucosa by a variety of mechanisms, culminating in the formation of the characteristic intimate adhesion of the AE lesion. The ability to induce AE lesions is mediated by the co-ordinated expression of some 40 bacterial genes organized within a so-called pathogenicity island, known as the "Locus for Enterocyte Effacement". It is also believed that the production of bacterial toxins, principally Vero toxins, is a significant virulence factor for some AEEC strains. Recent areas of research into AE bacteria include: the use of Citrobacter rodentium to model human AEEC disease; quorum-sensing mechanisms used by AEEC to modulate virulence gene expression; and the potential role of adhesion in the persistent colonization of the intestine by AE bacteria. This review of AE bacteria covers their molecular biology, their occurrence in various animal species, and the diagnosis, pathology and clinical aspects of animal diseases with which they are associated. Reference is made to human pathogens where appropriate. The focus is mainly on natural colonization and disease, but complementary experimental data are also included.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Wales
- Division of Veterinary Pathology, Infection and Immunity, School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
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La Ragione RM, Best A, Sprigings K, Liebana E, Woodward GR, Sayers AR, Woodward MJ. Variable and strain dependent colonisation of chickens by Escherichia coli O157. Vet Microbiol 2005; 107:103-13. [PMID: 15795082 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2005.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2004] [Revised: 01/17/2005] [Accepted: 01/19/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157 in poultry is considered minimal compared with other species, especially ruminants. However, deliberate inoculation studies have shown that poultry are readily and persistently infected by this organism but that the mechanism of colonisation is independent of intimin, a recognised factor in host-EHEC interactions in mammalian species, and may be dependent upon flagella. Few strains of EHEC O157 have been tested in poultry and here 1-day-old and 6-week-old chicks were inoculated with seven non-toxigenic E. coli O157 strains in separate experiments. Persistence was measured semi-quantitatively by bacteriological assessment of E. coli O157 cultured from cloacal swabs (shedding score). In the 1-day-old chick model that was monitored for 43 days, all seven strains established well after inoculation. In the 6-week-old chicken model, one strain established and gave consistently high shedding for the duration of the experiment (156 days). Whereas of the remaining six strains, two persisted for 113 days, two persisted for 43 days, one persisted for 22 days and one strain was never detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M La Ragione
- Department for Food and Environmental Safety, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
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27
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Best A, La Ragione RM, Sayers AR, Woodward MJ. Role for flagella but not intimin in the persistent infection of the gastrointestinal tissues of specific-pathogen-free chicks by shiga toxin-negative Escherichia coli O157:H7. Infect Immun 2005; 73:1836-46. [PMID: 15731085 PMCID: PMC1064906 DOI: 10.1128/iai.73.3.1836-1846.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin (Stx)-positive Escherichia coli O157:H7 readily colonize and persist in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chicks, and we have shown that an Stx-negative E. coli O157:H7 isolate (NCTC12900) readily colonizes SPF chicks for up to 169 days after oral inoculation at 1 day of age. However, the role of intimin in the persistent colonization of poultry remains unclear. Thus, to investigate the role of intimin and flagella, which is a known factor in the persistence of non-O157 E. coli in poultry, isogenic single- and double-intimin and aflagellar mutants were constructed in E. coli O157:H7 isolate NCTC12900. These mutants were used to inoculate (10(5) CFU) 1-day-old SPF chicks. In general, significant attenuation of the aflagellate and intimin-aflagellate mutants, but not the intimin mutant, was noted at similar time points between 22 and 92 days after inoculation. The intimin-deficient mutant was still being shed at the end of the experiment, which was 211 days after inoculation, 84 days more than the wild type. Shedding of the aflagellar and intimin-aflagellar mutants ceased 99 and 113 days after inoculation, respectively. Histological analysis of gastrointestinal tissues from inoculated birds gave no evidence for true microcolony formation by NCTC12900 or intimin and aflagellar mutants to epithelial cells. However, NCTC12900 mutant derivatives associated with the mucosa were observed as individual cells and/or as large aggregates. Association with luminal contents was also noted. These data suggest that O157 organisms do not require intimin for the persistent colonization of chickens, whereas flagella do play a role in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angus Best
- Department of Food and Environmental Safety, VLA (Weybridge), New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
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28
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La Ragione RM, Cooley WA, Parmar DDG, Ainsworth HL. Attaching and effacing Escherichia coli O103:K+:H- in red-legged partridges. Vet Rec 2005; 155:397-8. [PMID: 15499813 DOI: 10.1136/vr.155.13.397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R M La Ragione
- Department of Food and Environmental Safety, Veterinary Laboratories Agency - Weybridge, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB
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29
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Bouzari S, Oloomi M, Oswald E. Detection of the cytolethal distending toxin locus cdtB among diarrheagenic Escherichia coli isolates from humans in Iran. Res Microbiol 2004; 156:137-44. [PMID: 15748977 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2004.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2004] [Revised: 08/31/2004] [Accepted: 09/21/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) represents an emerging family of newly described bacterial products that are produced by a number of pathogens. Genes encoding this toxin were identified as a cluster of three adjacent genes, cdt-A, cdt-B and cdt-C. Five cdt genetic variants, designated cdt-I, cdt-II, cdt-III, cdt-IV and cdt-V, have been identified so far. To determine the presence of cdt genes among Escherichia coli isolates, a PCR assay was employed. Using multiplex primers designed for detection of E. coli cdt genes, PCR analysis indicated the presence of cdt genes in 37.5% of these isolates. While specific primers were located in the cdt-B locus for detection of cdt-I, cdt-II, cdt-III and cdt-IV, in multiplex PCR positive isolates indicated that a cdt-I-like gene was present in 45.3% of these isolates. However, in 52% of the isolates, the cdt-III-like gene could be detected. It should be mentioned that in 30.8% of these isolates, cdt-II and -III were detected simultaneously. In 2.6% of the isolates, the cdt-IV gene was present. The cnf-1 gene was detected in 29.4% of strains carrying the cdt-I gene; however, the cnf-2 gene was detected only in 23.1% of the cdt-III-like strains. Furthermore, the data obtained by PCR analysis indicated the presence of cdt-like genes among our E. coli isolates, although in the CHO cell assay, all isolates showed a cytopathic effect characteristic of CDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Bouzari
- Molecular Biology Unit, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 13164, Iran.
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Anjum MF, Lucchini S, Thompson A, Hinton JCD, Woodward MJ. Comparative genomic indexing reveals the phylogenomics of Escherichia coli pathogens. Infect Immun 2003; 71:4674-83. [PMID: 12874348 PMCID: PMC165989 DOI: 10.1128/iai.71.8.4674-4683.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Escherichia coli O26 serogroup includes important food-borne pathogens associated with human and animal diarrheal disease. Current typing methods have revealed great genetic heterogeneity within the O26 group; the data are often inconsistent and focus only on verotoxin (VT)-positive O26 isolates. To improve current understanding of diversity within this serogroup, the genomic relatedness of VT-positive and -negative O26 strains was assessed by comparative genomic indexing. Our results clearly demonstrate that irrespective of virulence characteristics and pathotype designation, the O26 strains show greater genomic similarity to each other than to any other strain included in this study. Our data suggest that enteropathogenic and VT-expressing E. coli O26 strains represent the same clonal lineage and that VT-expressing E. coli O26 strains have gained additional virulence characteristics. Using this approach, we established the core genes which are central to the E. coli species and identified regions of variation from the E. coli K-12 chromosomal backbone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna F Anjum
- Department of Bacterial Diseases, Veterinary Laboratories Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom.
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Best A, La Ragione RM, Cooley WA, O'Connor CD, Velge P, Woodward MJ. Interaction with avian cells and colonisation of specific pathogen free chicks by Shiga-toxin negative Escherichia coli O157:H7 (NCTC 12900). Vet Microbiol 2003; 93:207-22. [PMID: 12695045 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-1135(03)00031-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection in birds is low but several deliberate inoculation studies show that poultry are readily and persistently infected by this organism indicating a possible threat to public health. The mechanisms of colonisation of poultry are not understood and the aim is to establish models to study the interaction of E. coli O157:H7, at the cellular and whole animal levels. A non-toxigenic E. coli O157:H7 (NCTC 12900) was used in adherence assays with an avian epithelial cell line (Div-1) and used to inoculate 1-day-old SPF chicks. In vitro, NCTC 12900 induced micro-colonies associated with cytoskeletal arrangements and pedestal formation with intimate bacterial attachment. In the 1-day-old SPF chick, a dose of 1 x 10(5) cfu resulted in rapid and extensive colonisation of the gastrointestinal tract and transient colonisation of the liver and spleen. The number of E. coli O157:H7 organisms attained approximately 10(8) cfu/ml caecal homogenate 24h after inoculation and approximately 10(7) cfu/ml caecal homogenate was still present at day 92. Faecal shedding persisted for 169 days, ceasing 9 days after the birds came into lay and 6% of eggs were contaminated on the eggshell. Histological analysis of tissue samples from birds dosed with 1x10(7) cfu gave evidence for E. coli O157:H7 NCTC 12900 induced micro-colonies on the caecal mucosa, although evidence for attaching effacing lesions was equivocal. These models may be suitable to study those factors of E. coli O157:H7 that mediate persistent colonisation in avian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angus Best
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Bassett Crescent East, Southampton SO16 7BX, UK
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La Ragione RM, Woodward MJ. Virulence factors of Escherichia coli serotypes associated with avian colisepticaemia. Res Vet Sci 2002; 73:27-35. [PMID: 12208104 DOI: 10.1016/s0034-5288(02)00075-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The current understanding of the pathogenesis of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) in colisepticaemia is limited. This review discusses putative virulence determinants per se, such as a number of surface organelles including fimbriae and flagella; together with other factors such as iron sequestering mechanisms, which are involved in the survival of E. coli in the host rather than initiation of infection. It is concluded that avian colisepticaemia is a multi-factorial disease and that to date only a limited number of virulence factors of APEC have been thoroughly elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M La Ragione
- Department of Bacterial Diseases, Veterinary Laboratories Agency (Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK.
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