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Xi Y, Li X, Liu L, Xiu F, Yi X, Chen H, You X. Sneaky tactics: Ingenious immune evasion mechanisms of Bartonella. Virulence 2024; 15:2322961. [PMID: 38443331 PMCID: PMC10936683 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2322961] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Gram-negative Bartonella species are facultative intracellular bacteria that can survive in the harsh intracellular milieu of host cells. They have evolved strategies to evade detection and degradation by the host immune system, which ensures their proliferation in the host. Following infection, Bartonella alters the initial immunogenic surface-exposed proteins to evade immune recognition via antigen or phase variation. The diverse lipopolysaccharide structures of certain Bartonella species allow them to escape recognition by the host pattern recognition receptors. Additionally, the survival of mature erythrocytes and their resistance to lysosomal fusion further complicate the immune clearance of this species. Certain Bartonella species also evade immune attacks by producing biofilms and anti-inflammatory cytokines and decreasing endothelial cell apoptosis. Overall, these factors create a challenging landscape for the host immune system to rapidly and effectively eradicate the Bartonella species, thereby facilitating the persistence of Bartonella infections and creating a substantial obstacle for therapeutic interventions. This review focuses on the effects of three human-specific Bartonella species, particularly their mechanisms of host invasion and immune escape, to gain new perspectives in the development of effective diagnostic tools, prophylactic measures, and treatment options for Bartonella infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Xi
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xinru Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Feichen Xiu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xinchao Yi
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Hongliang Chen
- Chenzhou NO.1 People’s Hospital, The Affiliated Chenzhou Hospital, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, ChenZhou, China
| | - Xiaoxing You
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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2
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Siewert LK, Fromm K, Dehio C, Pinschewer DD. Cutting Edge: Redundant Roles for MHC Class II-, CD1d-, and MR1-restricted T Cells in Clearing Bartonella Infection. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 213:553-558. [PMID: 38984869 PMCID: PMC11335324 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2400045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
The importance of unconventional T cells for mucosal immunity is firmly established but for systemic bacterial infection remains less well defined. In this study, we explored the role of various T cell subsets in murine Bartonella infection, which establishes persistent bacteremia unless controlled by antibacterial Abs. We found that αβ T cells are essential for Ab production against and clearance of B. taylorii, whereas MHC class I (MHC-I)- or MHC class II (MHC-II)-deficient mice eliminated B. taylorii infection with normal kinetics. Similarly, animals lacking either CD1d or MR1 suppressed bacteremia with normal kinetics. Interestingly, mice with a combined deficiency of either MHC-II and CD1d or MHC-II and MR1 failed to clear the infection, indicating that the combination of CD1d- and MR1-restricted T cells can compensate for the lack of MHC-II in this model. Our data document a previously underappreciated contribution of unconventional T cells to the control of systemic bacterial infection, supposedly as helper cells for antibacterial Ab production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena K. Siewert
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Experimental Virology, Department Biomedicine–Haus Petersplatz, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katja Fromm
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Daniel D. Pinschewer
- Division of Experimental Virology, Department Biomedicine–Haus Petersplatz, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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3
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Guirguis V, Pupillo F, Rodrigues S, Walker N, Roth H, Liedig CE, Maggi RG, Breitschwerdt EB, Frohlich F. Bartonella spp. infection in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A pilot study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307060. [PMID: 39172940 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a neurological disorder at the transition between normal cognitive decline and dementia. Despite the potential role of neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of MCI, infectious triggers remain mostly unknown. Infection with Bartonella spp., a zoonotic bacterium, has recently been associated with diffuse neurological and psychiatric symptoms. Given the preferential endothelial localization of Bartonella spp. and the role of vascular changes in neurocognitive decline, we hypothesized that there is an association between Bartonella spp. infection and pathologically accelerated decline in cognitive function in aging. To test this hypothesis, we collected serological and molecular markers of past and present Bartonella spp. infection in a sample of older people with and without MCI. Samples were processed in a blinded way to exclude laboratory biases. Contrary to our hypothesis, people with MCI were not more likely than people without MCI to have an active Bartonella spp. infection as measured by droplet digital PCR (p = 0.735) and quantitative PCR (p = 1). In addition, there was no significant difference in positive serological results between cases and controls (p = 0.461). Overall, higher-than-expected active Bartonella spp. infection (37% by ddPCR) and seroreactivity (71% by indirect fluorescent antibody assay) were found in people without MCI. Conclusions require caution, as our study was limited by the small number of cases with MCI. Overall, our results identified a higher than previously recognized rate of exposure and infection with Bartonella spp. in this older study population but does not support a specific role for such infection in MCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verina Guirguis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Francesca Pupillo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Siena Rodrigues
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Nathan Walker
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Heidi Roth
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Chance E Liedig
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Richardo G Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Flavio Frohlich
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
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4
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Fromm K, Ortelli M, Boegli A, Dehio C. Translocation of YopJ family effector proteins through the VirB/VirD4 T4SS of Bartonella. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2310348121. [PMID: 38709922 PMCID: PMC11098119 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310348121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary conserved YopJ family comprises numerous type-III-secretion system (T3SS) effectors of diverse mammalian and plant pathogens that acetylate host proteins to dampen immune responses. Acetylation is mediated by a central acetyltransferase domain that is flanked by conserved regulatory sequences, while a nonconserved N-terminal extension encodes the T3SS-specific translocation signal. Bartonella spp. are facultative-intracellular pathogens causing intraerythrocytic bacteremia in their mammalian reservoirs and diverse disease manifestations in incidentally infected humans. Bartonellae do not encode a T3SS, but most species possess a type-IV-secretion system (T4SS) to translocate Bartonella effector proteins (Beps) into host cells. Here we report that the YopJ homologs present in Bartonellae species represent genuine T4SS effectors. Like YopJ family T3SS effectors of mammalian pathogens, the "Bartonella YopJ-like effector A" (ByeA) of Bartonella taylorii also targets MAP kinase signaling to dampen proinflammatory responses, however, translocation depends on a functional T4SS. A split NanoLuc luciferase-based translocation assay identified sequences required for T4SS-dependent translocation in conserved regulatory regions at the C-terminus and proximal to the N-terminus of ByeA. The T3SS effectors YopP from Yersinia enterocolitica and AvrA from Salmonella Typhimurium were also translocated via the Bartonella T4SS, while ByeA was not translocated via the Yersinia T3SS. Our data suggest that YopJ family T3SS effectors may have evolved from an ancestral T4SS effector, such as ByeA of Bartonella. In this evolutionary scenario, the signal for T4SS-dependent translocation encoded by N- and C-terminal sequences remained functional in the derived T3SS effectors due to the essential role these sequences coincidentally play in regulating acetyltransferase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Fromm
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel4056, Switzerland
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Nainshtein-Baturov L, Achrak E, Grabie YY, Khan K. Fatal Cat Scratch Disease in Alcoholic Patient With Liver Cirrhosis: A Case Report. Cureus 2024; 16:e60609. [PMID: 38894778 PMCID: PMC11185286 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cat-scratch disease (CSD), a human infection resulting from Bartonella species, commonly manifests as tender lymphadenopathy. Consequently, its inclusion in the differential diagnosis of fevers of unknown origin and lymphadenopathy syndromes is imperative. Typically, it manifests as self-limiting tender lymphadenopathy and does not lead to fatalities, though it may assume a more severe course in immunocompromised individuals. Diagnostic challenges often surround CSD due to its elusive nature in laboratory tests, necessitating a reliance on the clinical presentation for definitive diagnosis. This can manifest in delayed procedures and testing, which can prolong intervention and cause rapid progress of bacteria, potentially causing severe complications and death. In this case report of a 58-year-old Caucasian male, we delve into the clinical presentation and eventual fatality of CSD in a patient with liver cirrhosis, occurring in the United States. He sought care in the emergency department due to lethargy, fever, and swollen axilla following a cat scratch. Although the patient did not exhibit signs of sepsis upon admission, he rapidly progressed to sepsis and passed away within 24 hours. This case highlights the significance of timely and proactive management in individuals presenting with CSD, especially when complicated by underlying immunocompromised conditions. Early recognition, the administration of suitable antibiotics, and comprehensive supportive care are pivotal in averting fatal outcomes in such cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleonora Achrak
- Department of Osteopathic Medicine, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Yisroel Y Grabie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Northwell Health - Staten Island University Hospital, New York, USA
| | - Kalim Khan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Northwell Health - Staten Island University Hospital, New York, USA
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Yang C, Hu J, Su Q, Zhang Z, Du Y, Wang J, Sun H, Han B, Tang J, Guo L, Li H, Cai W, Zheng H, Zhou X, Zhang X. A review on recent taxonomic updates of gut bacteria associated with social bees, with a curated genomic reference database. INSECT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38594229 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Honeybees and bumblebees play a crucial role as essential pollinators. The special gut microbiome of social bees is a key factor in determining the overall fitness and health of the host. Although bees harbor relatively simple microbial communities at the genus level, recent studies have unveiled significant genetic divergence and variations in gene content within each bacterial genus. However, a comprehensive and refined genomics-based taxonomic database specific to social bee gut microbiomes remains lacking. Here, we first provided an overview of the current knowledge on the distribution and function of social bee gut bacteria, as well as the factors that influence the gut population dynamics. We then consolidated all available genomes of the gut bacteria of social bees and refined the species-level taxonomy, by constructing a maximum-likelihood core genome phylogeny and calculating genome-wide pairwise average nucleotide identity. On the basis of the refined species taxonomy, we constructed a curated genomic reference database, named the bee gut microbe genome sequence database (BGM-GDb). To evaluate the species-profiling performance of the curated BGM-GDb, we retrieved a series of bee gut metagenomic data and inferred the species-level composition using metagenomic intra-species diversity analysis system (MIDAS), and then compared the results with those obtained from a prebuilt MIDAS database. We found that compared with the default database, the BGM-GDb excelled in aligned read counts and bacterial richness. Overall, this high-resolution and precise genomic reference database will facilitate research in understanding the gut community structure of social bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengfeng Yang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Hainan Province, China
| | - Jiawei Hu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qinzhi Su
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Zijing Zhang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yating Du
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jieni Wang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Huihui Sun
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Hainan Province, China
| | - Benfeng Han
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Junbo Tang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lizhen Guo
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hu Li
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Wanzhi Cai
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Zheng
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Hainan Province, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Rotundo S, Tassone MT, Marascio N, Morrone HL, Gigliotti S, Quirino A, Russo A, Matera G, Trecarichi EM, Torti C. A systematic review on antibiotic therapy of cutaneous bacillary angiomatosis not related to major immunocompromising conditions: from pathogenesis to treatment. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:380. [PMID: 38589795 PMCID: PMC11000314 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09253-9] [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: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous bacillary angiomatosis (cBA) is a vascular proliferative disorder due to Bartonella spp. that mostly affects people living with HIV (PLWH), transplanted patients and those taking immunosuppressive drugs. Since cBA is mostly related to these major immunocompromising conditions (i.e., T-cell count impairment), it is considered rare in relatively immunocompetent patients and could be underdiagnosed in them. Moreover, antimicrobial treatment in this population has not been previously investigated. METHODS We searched the databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, OpenAIRE and ScienceDirect by screening articles whose title included the keywords "bacillary" AND "angiomatosis" and included case reports about patients not suffering from major immunocompromising conditions to provide insights about antibiotic treatments and their duration. RESULTS Twenty-two cases of cBA not related to major immunocompromising conditions were retrieved. Antibiotic treatment duration was shorter in patients with single cBA lesion than in patients with multiple lesions, including in most cases macrolides and tetracyclines. CONCLUSIONS cBA is an emerging manifestation of Bartonella spp. infection in people not suffering from major immunocompromising conditions. Until evidence-based guidelines are available, molecular tests together with severity and extension of the disease can be useful to personalize the type of treatment and its duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Rotundo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Università "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Tassone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Università "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nadia Marascio
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Unità Operativa Complessa di Microbiologica Clinica, Università "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Helen Linda Morrone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Università "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Simona Gigliotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Unità Operativa Complessa di Microbiologica Clinica, Università "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Angela Quirino
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Unità Operativa Complessa di Microbiologica Clinica, Università "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandro Russo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Università "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria "R. Dulbecco", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanni Matera
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Unità Operativa Complessa di Microbiologica Clinica, Università "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Enrico Maria Trecarichi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Università "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria "R. Dulbecco", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carlo Torti
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Sicurezza e Bioetica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
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Conradie TA, Lawson K, Allsopp M, Jacobs K. Exploring the impact of fungicide exposure and nutritional stress on the microbiota and immune response of the Cape honey bee (Apis mellifera capensis). Microbiol Res 2024; 280:127587. [PMID: 38142516 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127587] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) harbour a stable core microbial community within their gut, that is suggested to play a role in metabolic functioning, immune regulation, and host homeostasis. This microbiota presents a unique opportunity to observe the effects of stressors on honey bee health. We examined the effects of two common honey bee stressors: indirect fungicide contamination and nutrient limitation. These effects were observed through changes in their hind- and midgut microbiota using Automated Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer Analysis (ARISA), alongside high-throughput amplicon sequencing. Expression of the honey bees' immune response was examined through the expression of three immune-related genes, namely, immune deficiency (imd), proPhenolOxidase (proPO), and spaetzle (spz). Additionally, longevity of the honey bees was monitored through observation of the expression levels of Vitellogenin (Vg). Both treatment groups were compared to a negative control, and a diseased positive control. There was no effect on the hindgut microbiota due to the stressors, while significant changes in the midgut was observed. This was also observed in the expression of the immune-related genes within the treatment groups. The Imd pathway was substantially downregulated, with upregulation in the prophenoloxidase pathway. However, no significant effect was observed in the expression of spz, and only the pollen treatment group showed reduced longevity through a downregulation of Vg. Overall, the effect of these two common stressors indicate a compromise in honey bee immunity, and potential vulnerabilities within the immune defence mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tersia A Conradie
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Kayla Lawson
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Mike Allsopp
- Agricultural Research Council - Plant, Health & Protection, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Karin Jacobs
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa.
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9
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Lins KDA, Piveta CSC, Levy CE, Drummond MR, dos Santos LS, Sussulini A, Velho PENF. The influence of growth time on the identification of Bartonella henselae strains by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2024; 66:e9. [PMID: 38324875 PMCID: PMC10846483 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946202466009] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Bartonella spp. are bacteria responsible for neglected diseases worldwide. Bartonella henselae is the species most associated with human infections. It is associated with a large spectrum of clinical manifestations and is potentially fatal. The identification of Bartonella spp. is considered a challenge in clinical routine. These bacteria are fastidious, and the time required to isolate them varies from one to six weeks. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry has emerged as an application for research on Bartonella spp. , and has still been little explored. We investigated whether three different B. henselae strains with different growth times-14 and 28 days-could be correctly identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectra fingerprint comparison and matching. We found that the spectra from strains with different growth times do not match each other, leading to misidentification. We suggest creating database entries with multiple spectra from strains with different growth times to increase the chances of accurate identification of Bartonella spp. by MALD-TOF MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina de Almeida Lins
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Dermatologia, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Santos Cruz Piveta
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Emilio Levy
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina Rovani Drummond
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Dermatologia, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciene Silva dos Santos
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Dermatologia, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Sussulini
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Química, Departamento de Química Analítica, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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10
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Yang J, Wang Y, Yang H, Zhang X, Zheng X, Huang X. Infection status and molecular detection of pathogens carried by ectoparasites of Miniopterus fuliginosus bats in Yunnan, China. Parasitol Int 2024; 98:102823. [PMID: 37967717 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2023.102823] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Bats serve as natural hosts for various infectious agents that can affect both humans and animals, and they are geographically widespread. In recent years, the prevalence of bat-associated pathogens has surged on a global scale, consequently generating significant interest in bats and their ectoparasites. In this study, we specifically selected the Miniopterus fuliginosus as the host and conducted bat captures in Nanjian Yi Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, and the other in Mouding Township, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, located in Yunnan Province, China. Ectoparasites were meticulously collected from the bat body surface, alongside blood samples for subsequent analyses. Following collection, the ectoparasites were methodically identified and subjected to comprehensive ecological analysis. Additionally, DNA was extracted from both the bat blood and bat flies, with conventional PCR techniques utilized for molecular screening of four pathogens: Anaplasma sp., Babesia sp., Hepatozoon sp., and Bartonella sp. The capture efforts yielded a total of 37 M. fuliginosus, from which 388 ectoparasites were recovered, including 197 gamasid mites (Cr = 50.77%, PM = 94.59%, MA = 5.32, MI = 5.63) and 191 bat flies (Cr = 49.23%, PM = 75.68%, MA = 5.16, MI = 6.82). Notably, Steatonyssus nyctali (Y = 0.28, m*/m = 2.44) and Nycteribia allotopa (Y = 0.23,m*/m = 1.54) predominated among different individuals of M. fuliginosus, exhibiting an aggregated distribution pattern. The infection rates of Bartonella sp. were identified to be 18.92% (7/37) among bats and 37.17% (71/191) among bat flies, based on the testing of 37 bats and 191 bat flies. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the Bartonella sequences exhibited similarity to those found in bats and bat flies within China and South Korea. This study not only contributes to our comprehension of ectoparasite infection in M. fuliginosus but also establishes a foundation for potential exploration of their role as vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinting Yang
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, 22 Wanhua St, Dali 671000, China
| | - Yujian Wang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Normal University, 5268 Renmin St, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Huijuan Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Shatai South Road, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Xianzheng Zhang
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, 22 Wanhua St, Dali 671000, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zheng
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, 22 Wanhua St, Dali 671000, China
| | - Xiaobin Huang
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, 22 Wanhua St, Dali 671000, China.
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11
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Bacterial agents (3rd section). Transfusion 2024; 64 Suppl 1:S208-S242. [PMID: 38394040 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
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12
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Bartoš O, Klimešová B, Volfová K, Chmel M, Dresler J, Pajer P, Kabíčková H, Adamík P, Modrý D, Fučíková AM, Votýpka J. Two novel Bartonella (sub)species isolated from edible dormice ( Glis glis): hints of cultivation stress-induced genomic changes. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1289671. [PMID: 38033559 PMCID: PMC10684924 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1289671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonelloses are neglected emerging infectious diseases caused by facultatively intracellular bacteria transmitted between vertebrate hosts by various arthropod vectors. The highest diversity of Bartonella species has been identified in rodents. Within this study we focused on the edible dormouse (Glis glis), a rodent with unique life-history traits that often enters households and whose possible role in the epidemiology of Bartonella infections had been previously unknown. We identified and cultivated two distinct Bartonella sub(species) significantly diverging from previously described species, which were characterized using growth characteristics, biochemical tests, and various molecular techniques including also proteomics. Two novel (sub)species were described: Bartonella grahamii subsp. shimonis subsp. nov. and Bartonella gliris sp. nov. We sequenced two individual strains per each described (sub)species. During exploratory genomic analyses comparing two genotypes ultimately belonging to the same species, both factually and most importantly even spatiotemporally, we noticed unexpectedly significant structural variation between them. We found that most of the detected structural variants could be explained either by prophage excision or integration. Based on a detailed study of one such event, we argue that prophage deletion represents the most probable explanation of the observed phenomena. Moreover, in one strain of Bartonella grahamii subsp. shimonis subsp. nov. we identified a deletion related to Bartonella Adhesin A, a major pathogenicity factor that modulates bacteria-host interactions. Altogether, our results suggest that even a limited number of passages induced sufficient selective pressure to promote significant changes at the level of the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oldřich Bartoš
- Military Health Institute, Military Medical Agency, Prague, Czechia
| | - Běla Klimešová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Karolina Volfová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Martin Chmel
- Military Health Institute, Military Medical Agency, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Military University Hospital Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jiří Dresler
- Military Health Institute, Military Medical Agency, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petr Pajer
- Military Health Institute, Military Medical Agency, Prague, Czechia
| | - Hana Kabíčková
- Military Health Institute, Military Medical Agency, Prague, Czechia
| | - Peter Adamík
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czechia
- Museum of Natural History, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - David Modrý
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences/CINeZ, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Jan Votýpka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
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13
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Santos LSD, Drummond MR, Goulart IMB, França AFEDC, Souza EMD, Ferreira Velho PEN. Bartonella henselae as a putative trigger for chronic type 2 leprosy reactions. Braz J Infect Dis 2023; 27:103701. [PMID: 37980941 PMCID: PMC10709108 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2023.103701] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Leprosy reactions are an acute inflammatory phenomenon that can arise before diagnosis, during treatment, or after cure of leprosy. These reactions are considered one of the main diseases that cause physical disabilities. Immunosuppressive treatment for these immune responses makes these patients susceptible to coinfections, which can trigger new leprosy reactions. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of infection by Bartonella sp. in blood samples from 47 patients who had untreatable episodes of type 2 leprosy reactions for more than six months, comparing them with a control group. Cultures and molecular methods (PCR) were used. Amplicons from species-specific reactions and sequencing showed a higher prevalence of Bartonella henselae infection in patients, 19/47 (40.4 %), compared to control, 9/50 (18.0 %), p = 0.0149. Five patients accepted treatment for coinfection, and all showed improvement in leprosy reactions with treatment for B. henselae infection. We conclude that these bacteria can trigger chronic reactions of type 2 leprosy and should be investigated in these patients. SUMMARY LINE: Patients who have chronic type 2 leprosy reactions are more susceptible to Bartonella henselae infection than controls: 19/47 (40.4 %) compared 9/50 (18.0 %), p = 0.0149.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciene Silva Dos Santos
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Aplicada em Dermatologia e Infecção por Bartonella, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| | - Marina Rovani Drummond
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Aplicada em Dermatologia e Infecção por Bartonella, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabela Maria Bernardes Goulart
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Centro Nacional de Referência em Dermatologia Sanitária e Hanseníase, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Elemir Macedo de Souza
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Medicina, Divisão de Dermatologia, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo Eduardo Neves Ferreira Velho
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Aplicada em Dermatologia e Infecção por Bartonella, Campinas, SP, Brazil; Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Medicina, Divisão de Dermatologia, Campinas, SP, Brazil
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14
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Mongruel ACB, Medici EP, Canena ADC, Dias CM, Machado RZ, André MR. Molecular evidence of Bartonella spp. in wild lowland tapirs (Tapirus terrestris), the largest land mammals in Brazil. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 101:102042. [PMID: 37660454 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102042] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The genus Bartonella (Hyphomicrobiales: Bartonellaceae) encompasses facultative intracellular α-proteobacteria that parasite erythrocytes and endothelial cells from a wide range of vertebrate hosts and can cause disease in animals and humans. Considering the large diversity of vertebrate species that may act as reservoirs and arthropod species that may be associated with Bartonella transmission, the exposure of animals and humans to these microorganisms is likely underestimated. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Bartonella sp. in wild tapirs (Tapirus terrestris; Perissodactyla: Tapiridae) from two biomes in Brazil: Pantanal and Cerrado. Ninety-nine GPS-monitored wild tapirs were sampled in Pantanal (n = 61/99) and Cerrado (n = 38/99). A qPCR (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) assay targeting the nuoG gene was used for the screening for Bartonella spp. DNA. Positive samples were additionally subjected to conventional PCR assays targeting five molecular markers (ribC, gltA, rpoB, groEL, ITS). Eight (8/99; 08,08%) animals were positive in the qPCR assay for Bartonella spp.: 7 from Cerrado (7/8; 87.5%) and 1 from Pantanal (1/8; 12.5%). The 5 Bartonella ribC sequences obtained from tapirs' blood samples grouped together with Bartonella henselae obtained from cats, humans, wild felids and Ctenocephalides felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) fleas. To the best of author's knowledge, this is the first report of Bartonella sp. in Tapirus terrestris. This finding contributes to the understanding of the occurrence of B henselae in wild mammals from Brazil as well as expands the knowledge regarding the potential vector-borne pathogens that may affect wild tapis from Cerrado and Pantanal biomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Claudia Baumel Mongruel
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única - Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Emília Patrícia Medici
- Iniciativa Nacional para a Conservação da Anta Brasileira (INCAB), Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas (IPÊ), Campo Grande 79046-150, MS, Brazil; Escola Superior de Conservação Ambiental e Sustentabilidade (ESCAS/IPÊ), Nazaré Paulista 12960-000, SP, Brazil; IUCN SSC Tapir Specialist Group (TSG), Campo Grande 79046-150, MS, Brazil
| | - Ariel da Costa Canena
- Iniciativa Nacional para a Conservação da Anta Brasileira (INCAB), Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas (IPÊ), Campo Grande 79046-150, MS, Brazil
| | - Clara Morato Dias
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única - Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única - Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única - Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil.
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15
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Zarate-Sulca Y, Calvay-Sanchez KD, Jimenez-Vasquez V, Ruiz J, Acosta-Conchucos O, Mendoza-Mujica G. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in ialB, gltA and rpoB genes of Bartonella bacilliformis isolated from patients in endemic Peruvian regions. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011615. [PMID: 37815991 PMCID: PMC10564245 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonella bacilliformis is a Gram-negative, aerobic bacterium and the known causal agent of Carrion's disease, still considered a neglected disease. There is limited information about the nucleotide sequences of this bacterium in international databases, and few studies have addressed the genetic diversity of B. bacilliformis. We analyzed a total of 20 isolates of B. bacilliformis from the Peruvian regions of Ancash and Cajamarca. Three genes (ialB, gltA, and rpoB) were sequenced in each isolate and nucleotide sequences retrieved from GenBank (16 B. bacilliformis genomes) were also included in the study. All this information was merged in order to obtain clearer evidence of the phylogenetic relationships of B. bacilliformis. In the phylogenetic analysis conducted with the concatenated markers, four isolates (B.b-1, B. b-3, B. b- 7, B.b-8) from the Ancash region were observed to form a subgroup different from B. bacilliformis type strain KC583, showing dissimilarity levels of 5.96% (ialB), 3.69% (gltA) and 3.04% (rpoB). Our results suggest that B. bacilliformis consists of two different subgroups. Future investigations are needed to establish the taxonomic status of these subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanina Zarate-Sulca
- Laboratorio de Referencia Nacional de Metaxénicas y Zoonosis Bacterianas, Centro Nacional de Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud Perú, Lima, Perú
| | - Karen Daphne Calvay-Sanchez
- Laboratorio de Referencia Nacional de Metaxénicas y Zoonosis Bacterianas, Centro Nacional de Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud Perú, Lima, Perú
| | - Víctor Jimenez-Vasquez
- Laboratorio de Referencia Nacional de Metaxénicas y Zoonosis Bacterianas, Centro Nacional de Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud Perú, Lima, Perú
| | - Joaquim Ruiz
- Grupo de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas Emergentes, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Perú
| | | | - Giovanna Mendoza-Mujica
- Laboratorio de Referencia Nacional de Metaxénicas y Zoonosis Bacterianas, Centro Nacional de Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud Perú, Lima, Perú
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16
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Horowitz RI, Fallon J, Freeman PR. Comparison of the Efficacy of Longer versus Shorter Pulsed High Dose Dapsone Combination Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Lyme Disease/Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome with Bartonellosis and Associated Coinfections. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2301. [PMID: 37764145 PMCID: PMC10537894 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Twenty-five patients with relapsing and remitting Borreliosis, Babesiosis, and bartonellosis despite extended anti-infective therapy were prescribed double-dose dapsone combination therapy (DDDCT), followed by one or several courses of High Dose Dapsone Combination Therapy (HDDCT). A retrospective chart review of these 25 patients undergoing DDDCT therapy and HDDCT demonstrated that 100% improved their tick-borne symptoms, and patients completing 6-7 day pulses of HDDCT had superior levels of improvement versus 4-day pulses if Bartonella was present. At the completion of treatment, 7/23 (30.5%) who completed 8 weeks of DDDCT followed by a 5-7 day pulse of HDDCT remained in remission for 3-9 months, and 3/23 patients (13%) who recently finished treatment were 1 ½ months in full remission. In conclusion, DDDCT followed by 6-7 day pulses of HDDCT could represent a novel, effective anti-infective strategy in chronic Lyme disease/Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) and associated co-infections, including Bartonella, especially in individuals who have failed standard antibiotic protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard I. Horowitz
- Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Working Group, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12224, USA
- Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA; (J.F.); (P.R.F.)
| | - John Fallon
- Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA; (J.F.); (P.R.F.)
| | - Phyllis R. Freeman
- Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA; (J.F.); (P.R.F.)
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17
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Rodríguez-Pastor R, Hasik AZ, Knossow N, Bar-Shira E, Shahar N, Gutiérrez R, Zaman L, Harrus S, Lenski RE, Barrick JE, Hawlena H. Bartonella infections are prevalent in rodents despite efficient immune responses. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:315. [PMID: 37667323 PMCID: PMC10478473 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05918-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathogens face strong selection from host immune responses, yet many host populations support pervasive pathogen populations. We investigated this puzzle in a model system of Bartonella and rodents from Israel's northwestern Negev Desert. We chose to study this system because, in this region, 75-100% of rodents are infected with Bartonella at any given time, despite an efficient immunological response. In this region, Bartonella species circulate in three rodent species, and we tested the hypothesis that at least one of these hosts exhibits a waning immune response to Bartonella, which allows reinfections. METHODS We inoculated captive animals of all three rodent species with the same Bartonella strain, and we quantified the bacterial dynamics and Bartonella-specific immunoglobulin G antibody kinetics over a period of 139 days after the primary inoculation, and then for 60 days following reinoculation with the same strain. RESULTS Contrary to our hypothesis, we found a strong, long-lasting immunoglobulin G antibody response, with protective immunological memory in all three rodent species. That response prevented reinfection upon exposure of the rodents to the same Bartonella strain. CONCLUSIONS This study constitutes an initial step toward understanding how the interplay between traits of Bartonella and their hosts influences the epidemiological dynamics of these pathogens in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Rodríguez-Pastor
- Jacob Blaustein Center for Scientific Cooperation, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Adam Z Hasik
- Jacob Blaustein Center for Scientific Cooperation, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nadav Knossow
- The Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Swiss Institute for Dryland Environmental and Energy Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 849900, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Enav Bar-Shira
- Section of Immunology, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural, Nutritional and Environmental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Naama Shahar
- The Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Swiss Institute for Dryland Environmental and Energy Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 849900, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Ricardo Gutiérrez
- National Reference Center for Bacteriology, Costa Rican Institute for Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health (INCIENSA), Cartago, Costa Rica
| | - Luis Zaman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Center for the Study of Complex Systems (CSCS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shimon Harrus
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agricultural, Nutritional and Environmental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Richard E Lenski
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Barrick
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Hadas Hawlena
- The Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Swiss Institute for Dryland Environmental and Energy Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 849900, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel.
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18
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Lionello FCP, Rotundo S, Bruno G, Marino G, Morrone HL, Fusco P, Costa C, Russo A, Trecarichi EM, Beltrame A, Torti C. Touching Base with Some Mediterranean Diseases of Interest from Paradigmatic Cases at the "Magna Graecia" University Unit of Infectious Diseases: A Didascalic Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2832. [PMID: 37685370 PMCID: PMC10486464 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13172832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Among infectious diseases, zoonoses are increasing in importance worldwide, especially in the Mediterranean region. We report herein some clinical cases from a third-level hospital in Calabria region (Southern Italy) and provide a narrative review of the most relevant features of these diseases from epidemiological and clinical perspectives. Further, the pathogenic mechanisms involved in zoonotic diseases are reviewed, focusing on the mechanisms used by pathogens to elude the immune system of the host. These topics are of particular concern for individuals with primary or acquired immunodeficiency (e.g., people living with HIV, transplant recipients, patients taking immunosuppressive drugs). From the present review, it appears that diagnostic innovations and the availability of more accurate methods, together with better monitoring of the incidence and prevalence of these infections, are urgently needed to improve interventions for better preparedness and response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinando Carmelo Pio Lionello
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.C.P.L.); (S.R.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (H.L.M.); (A.R.); (E.M.T.); (C.T.)
| | - Salvatore Rotundo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.C.P.L.); (S.R.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (H.L.M.); (A.R.); (E.M.T.); (C.T.)
| | - Gabriele Bruno
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.C.P.L.); (S.R.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (H.L.M.); (A.R.); (E.M.T.); (C.T.)
| | - Gabriella Marino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.C.P.L.); (S.R.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (H.L.M.); (A.R.); (E.M.T.); (C.T.)
| | - Helen Linda Morrone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.C.P.L.); (S.R.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (H.L.M.); (A.R.); (E.M.T.); (C.T.)
| | - Paolo Fusco
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.C.P.L.); (S.R.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (H.L.M.); (A.R.); (E.M.T.); (C.T.)
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, “Mater Domini” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Chiara Costa
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, “Mater Domini” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Russo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.C.P.L.); (S.R.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (H.L.M.); (A.R.); (E.M.T.); (C.T.)
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, “Mater Domini” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Enrico Maria Trecarichi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.C.P.L.); (S.R.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (H.L.M.); (A.R.); (E.M.T.); (C.T.)
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, “Mater Domini” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Anna Beltrame
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Gainesville, FL 33620, USA;
| | - Carlo Torti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.C.P.L.); (S.R.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (H.L.M.); (A.R.); (E.M.T.); (C.T.)
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, “Mater Domini” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
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19
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Bush JC, Maggi RG, Breitschwerdt EB. Viability and Desiccation Resistance of Bartonella henselae in Biological and Non-Biological Fluids: Evidence for Pathogen Environmental Stability. Pathogens 2023; 12:950. [PMID: 37513797 PMCID: PMC10383451 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070950] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogen environmental stability is an often-neglected research priority for pathogens that are known to be vector-transmitted. Bartonella henselae, the etiologic agent of Cat Scratch Disease, has become a "pathogen of interest" in several serious human illnesses, which include neoplastic, cardiovascular, neurocognitive, and rheumatologic conditions. Survival in the flea gut and feces as well as the association with a biofilm in culture-negative endocarditis provides insight into this organism's ability to adjust to environmental extremes. The detection of B. henselae DNA in blood and tissues from marine mammals also raises questions about environmental stability and modes of pathogen transmission. We investigated the ability of B. henselae to survive in fluid matrices chosen to mimic potential environmental sources of infective materials. Feline whole blood, serum and urine, bovine milk, and physiologic saline inoculated with a laboratory strain of B. henselae San Antonio 2 were subsequently evaluated by culture and qPCR at specified time intervals. Bacterial viability was also assessed following desiccation and reconstitution of each inoculated fluid matrix. Bartonella henselae SA2 was cultured from feline urine up to 24 h after inoculation, and from blood, serum, cow's milk, and physiologic saline for up to 7 days after inoculation. Of potential medical importance, bacteria were cultured following air-desiccation of all fluid inoculates. The viability and stability of Bartonella within biological and non-biological fluids in the environment may represent a previously unrecognized source of infection for animals and human beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice C Bush
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Ricardo G Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
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20
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Beliavskaia A, Tan KK, Sinha A, Husin NA, Lim FS, Loong SK, Bell-Sakyi L, Carlow CKS, AbuBakar S, Darby AC, Makepeace BL, Khoo JJ. Metagenomics of culture isolates and insect tissue illuminate the evolution of Wolbachia, Rickettsia and Bartonella symbionts in Ctenocephalides spp. fleas. Microb Genom 2023; 9:mgen001045. [PMID: 37399133 PMCID: PMC10438800 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
While fleas are often perceived simply as a biting nuisance and a cause of allergic dermatitis, they represent important disease vectors worldwide, especially for bacterial zoonoses such as plague (transmitted by rodent fleas) and some of the rickettsioses and bartonelloses. The cosmopolitan cat (Ctenocephalides felis ) and dog (Ctenocephalides canis ) fleas, as well as Ctenocephalides orientis (restricted to tropical and subtropical Asia), breed in human dwellings and are vectors of cat-scratch fever (caused by Bartonella spp.) and Rickettsia spp., including Rickettsia felis (agent of flea-borne spotted fever) and Rickettsia asembonensis , a suspected pathogen. These Rickettsia spp. are members of a phylogenetic clade known as the ‘transitional group’, which includes both human pathogens and arthropod-specific endosymbionts. The relatively depauperate flea microbiome can also contain other endosymbionts, including a diverse range of Wolbachia strains. Here, we present circularized genome assemblies for two C. orientis -derived pathogens (Bartonella clarridgeiae and R. asembonensis ) from Malaysia, a novel Wolbachia strain (w Cori), and the C. orientis mitochondrion; all were obtained by direct metagenomic sequencing of flea tissues. Moreover, we isolated two Wolbachia strains from Malaysian C. felis into tick cell culture and recovered circularized genome assemblies for both, one of which (w CfeF) is newly sequenced. We demonstrate that the three Wolbachia strains are representatives of different major clades (‘supergroups’), two of which appear to be flea-specific. These Wolbachia genomes exhibit unique combinations of features associated with reproductive parasitism or mutualism, including prophage WO, cytoplasmic incompatibility factors and the biotin operon of obligate intracellular microbes. The first circularized assembly for R. asembonensis includes a plasmid with a markedly different structure and gene content compared to the published plasmid; moreover, this novel plasmid was also detected in cat flea metagenomes from the USA. Analysis of loci under positive selection in the transitional group revealed genes involved in host–pathogen interactions that may facilitate host switching. Finally, the first B. clarridgeiae genome from Asia exhibited large-scale genome stability compared to isolates from other continents, except for SNPs in regions predicted to mediate interactions with the vertebrate host. These findings highlight the paucity of data on the genomic diversity of Ctenocephalides -associated bacteria and raise questions regarding how interactions between members of the flea microbiome might influence vector competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Beliavskaia
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK
| | - Kim-Kee Tan
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Amit Sinha
- New England Biolabs, Ipswich, Massachusetts, 01938, USA
| | - Nurul Aini Husin
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Fang Shiang Lim
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Shih Keng Loong
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Lesley Bell-Sakyi
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK
| | | | - Sazaly AbuBakar
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Alistair C. Darby
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK
| | - Benjamin L. Makepeace
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK
| | - Jing Jing Khoo
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK
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21
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Liedig C, Neupane P, Lashnits E, Breitschwerdt EB, Maggi RG. Blood Supplementation Enhances Bartonella henselae Growth and Molecular Detection of Bacterial DNA in Liquid Culture. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0512622. [PMID: 37227273 PMCID: PMC10269525 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05126-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria of the genus Bartonella, a member of the Alphaproteobacteria, are fastidious, Gram-negative, aerobic bacilli that comprise numerous species, subspecies, and genotypes. Bartonella henselae, with a worldwide distribution, infects cats, dogs, horses, humans, and other mammals. Diagnostically, direct detection of Bartonella henselae in patient blood specimens by culture or molecular methods is required to confirm infection with this bacterium. Enrichment blood culture combined with quantitative PCR (qPCR) or ddPCR enhances the sensitivity of direct detection. The addition of sheep blood to liquid culture media increased the Bartonella henselae DNA concentration compared to controls, additionally improving PCR direct detection sensitivity. IMPORTANCE This study aims to improve diagnostic detection of Bartonella henselae. Patient samples are combined with enriched bacterial cultures aimed at growing Bartonella henselae for the best possible chance at detection. However, current Bartonella growth methods could be improved. The DNA extraction method used by most laboratories should also be optimized. Sheep blood was added to increase the growth of Bartonella henselae and multiple DNA extraction methods were to be compared to each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chance Liedig
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, and the Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Pradeep Neupane
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Erin Lashnits
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, and the Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ricardo G. Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, and the Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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22
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Jin X, Gou Y, Xin Y, Li J, Sun J, Li T, Feng J. Advancements in understanding the molecular and immune mechanisms of Bartonella pathogenicity. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1196700. [PMID: 37362930 PMCID: PMC10288214 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1196700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonellae are considered to be emerging opportunistic pathogens. The bacteria are transmitted by blood-sucking arthropods, and their hosts are a wide range of mammals including humans. After a protective barrier breach in mammals, Bartonella colonizes endothelial cells (ECs), enters the bloodstream, and infects erythrocytes. Current research primarily focuses on investigating the interaction between Bartonella and ECs and erythrocytes, with recent attention also paid to immune-related aspects. Various molecules related to Bartonella's pathogenicity have been identified. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the newly described molecular and immune responses associated with Bartonella's pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Jin
- Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation and Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuze Gou
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuxian Xin
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jingwei Li
- Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation and Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jingrong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation and Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jie Feng
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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23
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Drummond MR, Dos Santos LS, de Almeida AR, Lins KDA, Barjas-Castro ML, Diniz PPVDP, Velho PENF. Comparison of molecular methods for Bartonella henselae detection in blood donors. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011336. [PMID: 37262044 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The Bartonella genus consists of neglected pathogens associated with potentially transfusional-transmitted and fatal human diseases. We aimed to evaluate Bartonella sp. prevalence in 500 blood donors and compare the results with the data already published about these samples. We used molecular diagnostic methods to detect Bartonella sp.-DNA from blood and liquid culture samples: (A) conventional PCR for two gene regions, the ITS targeting the genus Bartonella and the specific gltA Bartonella henselae; (B) nested PCR for the ftsZ gene and (C) qualitative real-time PCR for the gltA gene, both B. henselae specific. We obtained 30/500 (6%) DNA detections from the blood samples; 77/500 (15.4%) DNA detections from liquid culture samples and five (1%) samples had DNA detection from both. In total, we detected B. henselae DNA from 102/500 (20.4%) donors. The samples used in this study had already been submitted for Bartonella sp.-DNA detection using only a conventional PCR in liquid culture. Sixteen samples (3.2%) were positive previously, and from these 16 samples, 13 were negative in the new investigation. We concluded that the use of liquid culture combined with different molecular tests increases the possibility of detecting Bartonella sp.-DNA, but the tests do not avoid false-negative results. More than a fifth of blood donors had at least one PCR that detected Bartonella sp.-DNA among the eight molecular reactions performed now (four reactions in whole blood and four in liquid culture). Seven percent had B. henselae-DNA detection for two or more distinct regions. Considering the results obtained previously, the DNA of Bartonella spp. was detected or the agent isolated in 23% of analyzed blood donors. The results establish that the low bacteremia and the fastidious characteristics of the bacterium are challenges to laboratory diagnosis and can make it difficult to confirm the infection in patients with bartonelloses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Rovani Drummond
- Applied Research in Dermatology and Bartonella Infection Laboratory, University of Campinas-UNICAMP; Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciene Silva Dos Santos
- Applied Research in Dermatology and Bartonella Infection Laboratory, University of Campinas-UNICAMP; Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda Roberta de Almeida
- Applied Research in Dermatology and Bartonella Infection Laboratory, University of Campinas-UNICAMP; Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karina de Almeida Lins
- Applied Research in Dermatology and Bartonella Infection Laboratory, University of Campinas-UNICAMP; Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Paulo Eduardo Neves Ferreira Velho
- Applied Research in Dermatology and Bartonella Infection Laboratory, University of Campinas-UNICAMP; Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, UNICAMP, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Braga MDSCO, Costa FB, Calchi AC, de Mello VVC, Mongruel ACB, Dias CM, Bassini-Silva R, Silva EMC, Pereira JG, Ribeiro LSDS, da Costa AP, de Andrade FHE, Silva ALA, Machado RZ, André MR. Molecular detection and characterization of vector-borne agents in common opossums (Didelphis marsupialis) from northeastern Brazil. Acta Trop 2023:106955. [PMID: 37236334 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Opossums are synanthropic marsupials able to interchange among wild, peri-urban and urban environments, playing an epidemiologically important role as hosts for emerging pathogens and ectoparasites of relevance in public health. The present study aimed to detect and molecularly characterize vector-borne agents in a population of common opossums (Didelphis marsupialis) from the Island of São Luís do Maranhão, northeastern Brazil. Of the 45 animals analyzed, one (2.22%) was positive in the nested PCR assay based on the 18S rRNA gene of piroplasmids. The obtained sequence was phylogenetically positioned in a clade containing sequences of Babesia sp. previously detected in Didelphis aurita, Didelphis albiventris and associated ticks from Brazil. Eight (17.77%) samples were positive in PCR for Ehrlichia spp. based on the dsb gene; four samples were sequenced and positioned into a new clade, sister to E. minasensis and Ehrlichia sp. clade detected in Superorder Xenarthra mammals. No samples tested positive in the screening PCR assays based on the 16S rRNA gene of Anaplasma spp. Two samples were positive in the qPCR for Bartonella spp. based on the nuoG gene. Seven animals (15.56%) were positive in the nPCR based on the 16S rRNA gene of hemoplasmas. Of these, three were positive in a PCR based on the 23S rRNA gene. The phylogenies based on both 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA genes corroborated to each other and positioned the sequences in the same clade of hemoplasmas previously detected in D. aurita and D. albiventris sampled in Brazil. Finally, three (6.66%) animals were positive in the PCR for Hepatozoon spp.; the obtained 18S rRNA sequence was positioned into the H. felis clade.The present study showed, for the first time, the circulation of piroplasmids, Hepatozoon spp., Ehrlichia spp., hemoplasmas and Bartonella spp. in D. marsupialis sampled in northeastern Brazil, with description of putative novel genotypes of Ehrlichia and Hepatozoon and copositivity by different vector-borne agents. The present work consolidates the "South American Marsupialia" piroplasmid clade, adding one more genotype of Babesia sp. to this clade.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana Cláudia Calchi
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Victória Valente Califre de Mello
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Anna Claudia Baumel Mongruel
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Clara Morato Dias
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Bassini-Silva
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
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25
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Genomic Characterization of Three Novel Bartonella Strains in a Rodent and Two Bat Species from Mexico. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020340. [PMID: 36838305 PMCID: PMC9962129 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodents and bats are the most diverse mammal group that host Bartonella species. In the Americas, they were described as harboring Bartonella species; however, they were mostly characterized to the genotypic level. We describe here Bartonella isolates obtained from blood samples of one rodent (Peromyscus yucatanicus from San José Pibtuch, Yucatan) and two bat species (Desmodus rotundus from Progreso, and Pteronotus parnellii from Chamela-Cuitzmala) from Mexico. We sequenced and described the genomic features of three Bartonella strains and performed phylogenomic and pangenome analyses to decipher their phylogenetic relationships. The mouse-associated genome was closely related to Bartonella vinsonii. The two bat-associated genomes clustered into a single distinct clade in between lineages 3 and 4, suggesting to be an ancestor of the rodent-associated Bartonella clade (lineage 4). These three genomes showed <95% OrthoANI values compared to any other Bartonella genome, and therefore should be considered as novel species. In addition, our analyses suggest that the B. vinsonii complex should be revised, and all B. vinsonii subspecies need to be renamed and considered as full species. The phylogenomic clustering of the bat-associated Bartonella strains and their virulence factor profile (lack of the Vbh/TraG conjugation system remains of the T4SS) suggest that it should be considered as a new lineage clade (L5) within the Bartonella genus.
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26
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Taber R, Pankowski A, Ludwig AL, Jensen M, Magsamen V, Lashnits E. Bartonellosis in Dogs and Cats, an Update. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1163-1192. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analyses of Diverse Bartonella Species in Bat Ectoparasites Collected from Yunnan Province, China. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11111283. [PMID: 36365035 PMCID: PMC9699461 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella species has been validated as blood-borne bacteria in mammals and has a substantial opportunity to be harbored by a variety of hematophagous arthropod vectors. Bats, along with their ectoparasites, are recognized worldwide as one of the natural reservoir hosts for these bacteria. However, there have been few investigations of Bartonella bacteria toward a broad range of obligated bat ectoparasites in China. Here, molecular detection of Bartonella species was performed to survey the infection among bat ectoparasites and follow-up phylogenetic analyses to further characterize the evolutionary relationships of the genus. A total of 434 bat ectoparasites involving four types of arthropods, namely, bat mites, bat tick, bat fleas, and bat flies (further divided into traditionally fly-like bat flies and wingless bat flies) were collected in 10 trapping sites in Yunnan Province, southwestern China. Bartonella was detected by PCR amplification and sequencing through four gene target fragments (gltA, ftsZ, rpoB, and ITS). Accordingly, diverse Bartonella species were discovered, including both the validated species and the novel genotypes, which were characterized into several geographical regions with high prevalence. Phylogenetic analyses based on gltA and multi-locus concatenated sequences both demonstrated strong phylogeny-trait associations of Bartonella species from bats and their parasitic arthropods, suggesting the occurrence of host switches and emphasizing the potential connecting vector role of these ectoparasites. Nevertheless, the maintenance and transmission of Bartonella in both bat and hemoparasite populations have not been fully understood, as well as the risk of spillage to humans, which warrants in-depth experimental studies focusing on these mammals and their ectoparasites.
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Buhler KJ, Fernando C, Hill JE, Galloway T, Carriere S, Fenton H, Fauteux D, Jenkins EJ. Combining deep sequencing and conventional molecular approaches reveals broad diversity and distribution of fleas and Bartonella in rodents and shrews from Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:366. [PMID: 36229832 PMCID: PMC9563109 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05446-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bartonella are intracellular bacteria that are transmitted via animal scratches, bites and hematophagous arthropods. Rodents and their associated fleas play a key role in the maintenance of Bartonella worldwide, with > 22 species identified in rodent hosts. No studies have addressed the occurrence and diversity of Bartonella species and vectors for small mammals in Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems, which are increasingly impacted by invasive species and climate change. METHODS In this study, we characterized the diversity of rodent fleas using conventional PCR targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase II gene (COII) and Bartonella species in rodents and shrews (n = 505) from northern Canada using conventional PCR targeting the ITS (intergenic transcribed spacer) region and gltA (citrate synthase) gene. Metagenomic sequencing of a portion of the gltA gene was completed on a subset of 42 rodents and four rodent flea pools. RESULTS Year, total summer precipitation the year prior to sampling, average minimum spring temperature and small mammal species were significant factors in predicting Bartonella positivity. Occurrence based on the ITS region was more than double that of the gltA gene and was 34% (n = 349) in northern red-backed voles, 35% (n = 20) in meadow voles, 37% (n = 68) in deer mice and 31% (n = 59) in shrews. Six species of Bartonella were identified with the ITS region, including B. grahamii, B. elizabethae, B. washoensis, Candidatus B. rudakovii, B. doshiae, B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii and subsp. arupensis. In addition, 47% (n = 49/105) of ITS amplicons had < 97% identity to sequences in GenBank, possibly due to a limited reference library or previously unreported species. An additional Bartonella species (B. heixiaziensis) was detected during metagenomic sequencing of the gltA gene in 6/11 rodents that had ITS sequences with < 97% identity in GenBank, highlighting that a limited reference library for the ITS marker likely accounted for low sequence similarity in our specimens. In addition, one flea pool from a northern red-backed vole contained multiple species (B. grahamii and B. heixiaziensis). CONCLUSION Our study calls attention to the usefulness of a combined approach to determine the occurrence and diversity of Bartonella communities in hosts and vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla J Buhler
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada.
| | - Champika Fernando
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Janet E Hill
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Terry Galloway
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba, 12 Dafoe Road, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Suzanne Carriere
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 5Th Floor Scotiabank Centre, Government of The Northwest Territories, PO Box 1320, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, X1A 2P9, Canada
| | - Heather Fenton
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 5Th Floor Scotiabank Centre, Government of The Northwest Territories, PO Box 1320, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, X1A 2P9, Canada.,Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Dominique Fauteux
- Centre for Arctic Knowledge and Exploration, Canadian Museum of Nature, 1740, Chemin Pink, Gatineau, QC, J9J 3N7, Canada
| | - Emily J Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
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Drummond MR, dos Santos LS, Fávaro RS, Stucchi RSB, Boin IDFSF, Velho PENF. Cryptogenic hepatitis patients have a higher Bartonella sp.-DNA detection in blood and skin samples than patients with non-viral hepatitis of known cause. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010603. [PMID: 35849566 PMCID: PMC9292087 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Bartonella sp.-DNA detection in blood and skin samples from patients with non-viral end-stage liver disease awaiting liver transplantation. Methodology/Principal findings Blood samples and healthy skin fragments from 50 patients were tested using microbiological and molecular methods. Fifteen patients had cryptogenic hepatitis (CH) and 35 had alcoholic, drug-induced or autoimmune liver disease. DNA was extracted from whole blood and liquid culture samples, isolates, and skin fragments. Thirteen of the 50 patients (26%) had Bartonella henselae DNA detection in their blood (9/50) and/or skin (5/50) samples. Colonies were isolated in 3/50 (6%) and infection was detected in 7/50 (14%) of the 50 patients. B. henselae-DNA detection was more prevalent in patients with CH than in other patients (p = 0.040). Of 39 patients followed-up for at least two years, a higher mortality rate was observed among patients with CH infected with B. henselae (p = 0.039). Conclusions/Significance Further studies assessing the role of B. henselae infection in the pathogenesis of hepatitis patients must be urgently conducted. One in four patients with end-stage liver disease awaiting liver transplantation for hepatitis of non-viral origin had documented B. henselae-DNA detection and cryptogenic hepatitis patients have a higher bacterium molecular detection than patients with non-viral hepatitis of known cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Rovani Drummond
- Applied Research in Dermatology and Bartonella Infection Laboratory, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciene Silva dos Santos
- Applied Research in Dermatology and Bartonella Infection Laboratory, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Paulo Eduardo Neves Ferreira Velho
- Applied Research in Dermatology and Bartonella Infection Laboratory, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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30
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Fromm K, Boegli A, Ortelli M, Wagner A, Bohn E, Malmsheimer S, Wagner S, Dehio C. Bartonella taylorii: A Model Organism for Studying Bartonella Infection in vitro and in vivo. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:913434. [PMID: 35910598 PMCID: PMC9336547 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.913434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella spp. are Gram-negative facultative intracellular pathogens that infect diverse mammals and cause a long-lasting intra-erythrocytic bacteremia in their natural host. These bacteria translocate Bartonella effector proteins (Beps) into host cells via their VirB/VirD4 type 4 secretion system (T4SS) in order to subvert host cellular functions, thereby leading to the downregulation of innate immune responses. Most studies on the functional analysis of the VirB/VirD4 T4SS and the Beps were performed with the major zoonotic pathogen Bartonella henselae for which efficient in vitro infection protocols have been established. However, its natural host, the cat, is unsuitable as an experimental infection model. In vivo studies were mostly confined to rodent models using rodent-specific Bartonella species, while the in vitro infection protocols devised for B. henselae are not transferable for those pathogens. The disparities of in vitro and in vivo studies in different species have hampered progress in our understanding of Bartonella pathogenesis. Here we describe the murine-specific strain Bartonella taylorii IBS296 as a new model organism facilitating the study of bacterial pathogenesis both in vitro in cell cultures and in vivo in laboratory mice. We implemented the split NanoLuc luciferase-based translocation assay to study BepD translocation through the VirB/VirD4 T4SS. We found increased effector-translocation into host cells if the bacteria were grown on tryptic soy agar (TSA) plates and experienced a temperature shift immediately before infection. The improved infectivity in vitro was correlating to an upregulation of the VirB/VirD4 T4SS. Using our adapted infection protocols, we showed BepD-dependent immunomodulatory phenotypes in vitro. In mice, the implemented growth conditions enabled infection by a massively reduced inoculum without having an impact on the course of the intra-erythrocytic bacteremia. The established model opens new avenues to study the role of the VirB/VirD4 T4SS and the translocated Bep effectors in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Fromm
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Boegli
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Université de Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Erwin Bohn
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine (IMIT), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Silke Malmsheimer
- Section of Cellular and Molecular Microbiology, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine (IMIT), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Samuel Wagner
- Section of Cellular and Molecular Microbiology, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine (IMIT), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Excellence Cluster “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI), Tübingen, Germany
- Partner-site Tübingen, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Dehio
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Christoph Dehio,
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Case Report: Treatment of Severe Neuroretinitis and other Sequelae Associated with Cat Scratch Disease. Optom Vis Sci 2022; 99:662-669. [PMID: 35849047 DOI: 10.1097/opx.0000000000001922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Severe vision loss from Bartonella neuroretinitis can best be treated to improve visual outcomes with a combination of systemic corticosteroids and antibiotics. Topical ketorolac 0.5% and difluprednate 0.05% are presented as a new adjunct therapy to potentially improve visual outcomes. PURPOSE This case illustrates severe posterior pole complications that can occur with cat scratch disease disseminated to the eye. Combination therapy with antibiotics and corticosteroids results in better visual outcomes. Topical treatment might further enhance visual outcome by preventing inflammatory damage without significant immunosuppression. CASE REPORT A 17-year-old male presented with right eye vision loss. He had been hospitalized two weeks prior for optic neuritis and treated with intravenous methylprednisolone. After 3 days vision had improved from 20/200 to 20/40. After positive serology for Bartonella henselae was obtained, he was released and treated with oral rifampin, doxycycline and prednisone. Sixteen days later he regressed to 20/200 and many more ophthalmic complications were observed. After discontinuation of rifampin, oral prednisone was continued for an additional two weeks and doxycycline was continued for approximately 3 weeks. Topical drops ketorolac 0.5% BID and difluprednate 0.05% QID were used for over 6 weeks before tapering after vision returned to normal. CONCLUSIONS Bartonella neuroretinitis associated with preretinal hemorrhage, vitritis and subretinal hemorrhage can be successfully treated with a combination of systemic medications and topical drops. Monotherapy with doxycycline is effective and well tolerated. Rifampin can cause rapid metabolization and reduction in plasma levels of both prednisone and doxycycline and should be avoided with combined therapy. Oral prednisone and topical difluprednate are recommended to quell initial inflammation during the first few weeks. The anti-inflammatory effects of doxycycline and topical ketorolac used for longer duration may be beneficial in preventing tissue damage without systemic immunosuppression and result in better visual outcomes.
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Identification of the Bartonella autotransporter CFA as a protective antigen and hypervariable target of neutralizing antibodies in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2202059119. [PMID: 35714289 PMCID: PMC9231624 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2202059119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonella infections represent a significant burden to human health and are difficult to cure. Protective Bartonella vaccines are not available. Acquired immunity to Bartonella infection could provide a blueprint for vaccine design but remains incompletely defined. Moreover, bacterial immune evasion mechanisms have the potential to thwart vaccination efforts. Our study in a model of a natural Bartonella–host relationship revealed that antibody-mediated prevention of bacterial attachment to erythrocytes is sufficient for protection. We identified the bacterial surface determinant CFA (CAMP-like factor autotransporter) as a target of protective antibodies. While immunization with CFA protected against challenge with the homologous Bartonella isolate, extensive variability of CFA already at the strain level revealed bacterial immune evasion mechanisms with implications for Bartonella vaccine design. The bacterial genus Bartonella comprises numerous emerging pathogens that cause a broad spectrum of disease manifestations in humans. The targets and mechanisms of the anti-Bartonella immune defense are ill-defined and bacterial immune evasion strategies remain elusive. We found that experimentally infected mice resolved Bartonella infection by mounting antibody responses that neutralized the bacteria, preventing their attachment to erythrocytes and suppressing bacteremia independent of complement or Fc receptors. Bartonella-neutralizing antibody responses were rapidly induced and depended on CD40 signaling but not on affinity maturation. We cloned neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and by mass spectrometry identified the bacterial autotransporter CFA (CAMP-like factor autotransporter) as a neutralizing antibody target. Vaccination against CFA suppressed Bartonella bacteremia, validating CFA as a protective antigen. We mapped Bartonella-neutralizing mAb binding to a domain in CFA that we found is hypervariable in both human and mouse pathogenic strains, indicating mutational antibody evasion at the Bartonella subspecies level. These insights into Bartonella immunity and immune evasion provide a conceptual framework for vaccine development, identifying important challenges in this endeavor.
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Ng CC, Ng J, McDonald HR, Cunningham ET. Bartonella henselae-associated recurrent, bilateral segmental periphlebitis. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2022; 26:101475. [PMID: 35321248 PMCID: PMC8935419 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2022.101475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To describe a patient with atypical Bartonella henselae (B. henselae)-associated ocular inflammation that manifested with recurrent, bilateral segmental periphlebitis. Observations A 32-year-old White man presented with multiple paracentral scotomata in each eye. Examination revealed mild vitreous cell, segmental sheathing of the retinal veins, and inflammation of the paravenous retina in each eye. Multimodal imaging, including optical coherence tomography as well as widefield fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography, was consistent with bilateral, segmental retinal periphlebitis with paravenous inflammation and retinochoroidal scarring. Serology showed elevated B. henselae antibody titers, but was otherwise unrevealing, and the patient was diagnosed with presumed B. henselae-associated ocular inflammation. Treatment with systemic doxycycline (100 mg PO BID) for four weeks improved the patient's symptoms and posterior uveitis. However, after an asymptomatic period of nearly one year, his bilateral pericentral scotomata recurred and posterior segment examination confirmed new foci of retinal periphlebitis in each eye. Re-treatment with doxycycline (100 mg PO BID) for four weeks again yielded improvement, but one month after completing his antibiotic course, his visual symptoms recurred, and we observed additional areas of periphlebitis and paravenous retinitis with associated branch retinal vein occlusions in each eye. This time a dual antibiotic regimen of doxycycline (100 mg PO BID) and rifampin (300 mg PO BID) was administered for three months, with improvement. Over the next eight years, the patient experienced no further disease relapse, and the previous sites of retinal periphlebitis eventually developed perivenous fibrosis with paravenous retinochoroidal scarring. Conclusion Rarely, patients with B. henselae-associated ocular inflammation develop segmental retinal periphlebitis with or without retinal vein occlusion. This form of ocular bartonellosis can recur, requiring multiple courses of antimicrobial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb C. Ng
- Retina Consultants of Orange County, Fullerton, CA, USA
- West Coast Retina Medical Group, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Corresponding author. Retina Consultants of Orange County, 301 W. Bastanchury Road, #285, Fullerton, CA, 9283, USA.
| | - Joshua Ng
- West Coast Retina Medical Group, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - H. Richard McDonald
- West Coast Retina Medical Group, San Francisco, CA, USA
- The Department of Ophthalmology, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Emmett T. Cunningham
- West Coast Retina Medical Group, San Francisco, CA, USA
- The Department of Ophthalmology, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- The Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- The Francis I. Proctor Foundation, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Siewert LK, Dehio C, Pinschewer DD. Adaptive immune defense prevents Bartonella persistence upon trans-placental transmission. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010489. [PMID: 35580143 PMCID: PMC9113594 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertical transmission of Bartonella infection has been reported for several mammalian species including mice and humans. Accordingly, it is commonly held that acquired immunological tolerance contributes critically to the high prevalence of Bartonellae in wild-ranging rodent populations. Here we studied an experimental model of Bartonella infection in mice to assess the impact of maternal and newborn immune defense on vertical transmission and bacterial persistence in the offspring, respectively. Congenital infection was frequently observed in B cell-deficient mothers but not in immunocompetent dams, which correlated with a rapid onset of an antibacterial antibody response in infected WT animals. Intriguingly, B cell-deficient offspring with congenital infection exhibited long-term bacteremia whereas B cell-sufficient offspring cleared bacteremia within a few weeks after birth. Clearance of congenital Bartonella infection resulted in immunity against bacterial rechallenge, with the animals mounting Bartonella-neutralizing antibody responses of normal magnitude. These observations reveal a key role for humoral immune defense by the mother and offspring in preventing and eliminating vertical transmission. Moreover, congenital Bartonella infection does not induce humoral immune tolerance but results in anti-bacterial immunity, questioning the contribution of neonatal tolerance to Bartonella prevalence in wild-ranging rodents. Vertical transmission of Bartonella has been reported in small rodents but also in at least one human case. The prevalence of these bacteria in the wild is extremely high. While a protective antibody response clearly controls the infection in the experimental model, observations from the wild indicate that this might not always be the case. This led to the long-standing hypothesis that Bartonella might induce immunological tolerance. To study if transplacental transmission of these bacteria results in immunological tolerance in the offspring, we used a mouse model of Bartonella taylorii infection. We infected wildtype and immunocompromised females (Rag1-/- and μMT) and observed that transmission only occurred in mothers lacking a functional B-cell response. Immunocompetent offspring, however, cleared the infection and were protected from reinfection by the same Bartonella strain due to the presence of protective antibodies. Thus, even though transplacental transmission of Bartonella is possible under the right circumstances, we find no evidence for immunological tolerance or persistent infection in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena K. Siewert
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Experimental Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Dehio
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (CD); (DDP)
| | - Daniel D. Pinschewer
- Division of Experimental Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (CD); (DDP)
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The Passenger Domain of Bartonella bacilliformis BafA Promotes Endothelial Cell Angiogenesis via the VEGF Receptor Signaling Pathway. mSphere 2022; 7:e0008122. [PMID: 35379004 PMCID: PMC9044958 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00081-22] [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] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella bacilliformis is a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen that provokes pathological angiogenesis and causes Carrion’s disease, a neglected tropical disease restricted to South America. Little is known about how B. bacilliformis facilitates vasoproliferation resulting in hemangioma in the skin in verruga peruana, the chronic phase of Carrion’s disease. Here, we demonstrate that B. bacilliformis extracellularly secrets a passenger domain of the autotransporter BafA exhibiting proangiogenic activity. The B. bacilliformis-derived BafA passenger domain (BafABba) increased the number of human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs) and promoted tube-like morphogenesis. Neutralizing antibody against BafABba detected the BafA derivatives from the culture supernatant of B. bacilliformis and inhibited the infection-mediated hyperproliferation of HUVECs. Moreover, stimulation with BafABba promoted phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in HUVECs. Suppression of VEGFR2 by anti-VEGFR2 antibody or RNA interference reduced the sensitivity of cells to BafABba. In addition, surface plasmon resonance analysis confirmed that BafABba directly interacts with VEGFR2 with lower affinity than VEGF or Bartonella henselae-derived BafA. These findings indicate that BafABba acts as a VEGFR2 agonist analogous to the previously identified B. henselae- and Bartonella quintana-derived BafA proteins despite the low sequence similarity. The identification of a proangiogenic factor produced by B. bacilliformis that directly stimulates endothelial cells provides an important insight into the pathophysiology of verruga peruana. IMPORTANCEBartonella bacilliformis causes life-threatening bacteremia or dermal eruption known as Carrion’s disease in South America. During infection, B. bacilliformis promotes endothelial cell proliferation and the angiogenic process, but the underlying molecular mechanism has not been well understood. We show that B. bacilliformis induces vasoproliferation and angiogenesis by producing the proangiogenic autotransporter BafA. As the cellular/molecular basis for angiogenesis, BafA stimulates the signaling pathway of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Identification of functional BafA protein from B. bacilliformis in addition to B. henselae and B. quintana, the causes of cat scratch disease and trench fever, raises the possibility that BafA is a common virulence factor for human-pathogenic Bartonella.
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Thibau A, Hipp K, Vaca DJ, Chowdhury S, Malmström J, Saragliadis A, Ballhorn W, Linke D, Kempf VAJ. Long-Read Sequencing Reveals Genetic Adaptation of Bartonella Adhesin A Among Different Bartonella henselae Isolates. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:838267. [PMID: 35197960 PMCID: PMC8859334 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.838267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella henselae is the causative agent of cat scratch disease and other clinical entities such as endocarditis and bacillary angiomatosis. The life cycle of this pathogen, with alternating host conditions, drives evolutionary and host-specific adaptations. Human, feline, and laboratory adapted B. henselae isolates often display genomic and phenotypic differences that are related to the expression of outer membrane proteins, for example the Bartonella adhesin A (BadA). This modularly-structured trimeric autotransporter adhesin is a major virulence factor of B. henselae and is crucial for the initial binding to the host via the extracellular matrix proteins fibronectin and collagen. By using next-generation long-read sequencing we demonstrate a conserved genome among eight B. henselae isolates and identify a variable genomic badA island with a diversified and highly repetitive badA gene flanked by badA pseudogenes. Two of the eight tested B. henselae strains lack BadA expression because of frameshift mutations. We suggest that active recombination mechanisms, possibly via phase variation (i.e., slipped-strand mispairing and site-specific recombination) within the repetitive badA island facilitate reshuffling of homologous domain arrays. The resulting variations among the different BadA proteins might contribute to host immune evasion and enhance long-term and efficient colonisation in the differing host environments. Considering the role of BadA as a key virulence factor, it remains important to check consistently and regularly for BadA surface expression during experimental infection procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno Thibau
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Katharina Hipp
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Diana J Vaca
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sounak Chowdhury
- Division of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Malmström
- Division of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Athanasios Saragliadis
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Wibke Ballhorn
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dirk Linke
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Volkhard A J Kempf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Proteomic Profiling and In Silico Characterization of the Secretome of Anisakis simplex Sensu Stricto L3 Larvae. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020246. [PMID: 35215189 PMCID: PMC8879239 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Anisakis simplex sensu stricto (s.s.) L3 larvae are one of the major etiological factors of human anisakiasis, which is one of the most important foodborne parasitic diseases. Nevertheless, to date, Anisakis secretome proteins, with important functions in nematode pathogenicity and host-parasite interactions, have not been extensively explored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify and characterize the excretory-secretory (ES) proteins of A. simplex L3 larvae. ES proteins of A. simplex were subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, and the identified proteins were then analyzed using bioinformatics tools. A total of 158 proteins were detected. Detailed bioinformatic characterization of ES proteins was performed, including Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, identification of enzymes, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analysis, protein family classification, secretory pathway prediction, and detection of essential proteins. Furthermore, of all detected ES proteins, 1 was identified as an allergen, which was Ani s 4, and 18 were potential allergens, most of which were homologs of nematode and arthropod allergens. Nine potential pathogenicity-related proteins were predicted, which were predominantly homologs of chaperones. In addition, predicted host-parasite interactions between the Anisakis ES proteins and both human and fish proteins were identified. In conclusion, this study represents the first global analysis of Anisakis ES proteins. The findings provide a better understanding of survival and invasion strategies of A. simplex L3 larvae.
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Jurja S, Stroe AZ, Pundiche MB, Docu Axelerad S, Mateescu G, Micu AO, Popescu R, Oltean A, Docu Axelerad A. The Clinical Profile of Cat-Scratch Disease’s Neuro-Ophthalmological Effects. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12020217. [PMID: 35203980 PMCID: PMC8870711 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cat-scratch disease is an illness caused by Bartonella henselae that occurs as a result of contact with an infected kitten or dog, such as a bite or scratch. It is more prevalent in children and young adults, as well as immunocompromised individuals. There are limited publications examining the features of CSD in patients. As such, the purpose of this research was to assess the clinical neuro-ophthalmological consequences of CSD reported in the literature. Among the ophthalmologic disorders caused by cat-scratch disease in humans, Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome, uveitis, vitritis, retinitis, retinochoroiditis and optic neuritis are the most prevalent. The neurological disorders caused by cat-scratch disease in humans include encephalopathy, transverse myelitis, radiculitis, and cerebellar ataxia. The current review addresses the neuro-ophthalmological clinical manifestations of cat-scratch disease, as described in papers published over the last four decades (1980–2022). All the data gathered were obtained from PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar. The current descriptive review summarizes the most-often-encountered clinical symptomatology in instances of cat-scratch disease with neurological and ocular invasion. Thus, the purpose of this review is to increase knowledge of cat-scratch disease’s neuro-ophthalmological manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanda Jurja
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Ovidius’ University of Constanta, 900527 Constanta, Romania;
- County Emergency Clinical Hospital “Sf. Apostol Andrei”, Tomis Street, nr. 145, 900591 Constanta, Romania; (M.B.P.); (A.D.A.)
| | - Alina Zorina Stroe
- County Emergency Clinical Hospital “Sf. Apostol Andrei”, Tomis Street, nr. 145, 900591 Constanta, Romania; (M.B.P.); (A.D.A.)
- Department of Neurology, General Medicine Faculty, Ovidius University, 900470 Constanta, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-727-987-950
| | - Mihaela Butcaru Pundiche
- County Emergency Clinical Hospital “Sf. Apostol Andrei”, Tomis Street, nr. 145, 900591 Constanta, Romania; (M.B.P.); (A.D.A.)
- Surgery Department, Faculty of General Medicine, ‘Ovidius’ University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania
| | | | - Garofita Mateescu
- Morphology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Alexandru Octavian Micu
- Department of Economic Engineering in Transports, Maritime University of Constanta, Str. Mircea cel Bătrân, 104, 900663 Constanta, Romania;
| | - Raducu Popescu
- Physical Education, Sport and Kinetotherapy Department, ‘Ovidius’ University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; (R.P.); (A.O.)
| | - Antoanela Oltean
- Physical Education, Sport and Kinetotherapy Department, ‘Ovidius’ University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; (R.P.); (A.O.)
| | - Any Docu Axelerad
- County Emergency Clinical Hospital “Sf. Apostol Andrei”, Tomis Street, nr. 145, 900591 Constanta, Romania; (M.B.P.); (A.D.A.)
- Department of Neurology, General Medicine Faculty, Ovidius University, 900470 Constanta, Romania
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Mitchell MM, Vicente-Santos A, Rodríguez-Herrera B, Corrales-Aguilar E, Gillespie TR. Genetic Diversity of Bartonella spp. in Cave-Dwelling Bats and Bat Flies, Costa Rica, 2018. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:488-491. [PMID: 35076376 PMCID: PMC8798684 DOI: 10.3201/eid2802.211686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine Bartonella spp. dynamics, we sampled bats and bat flies across 15 roosts in Costa Rica. PCR indicated prevalence of 10.7% in bats and 29.0% in ectoparasite pools. Phylogenetic analysis of 8 sequences from bats and 5 from bat fly pools revealed 11 distinct genetic variants, including 2 potentially new genotypes.
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Fromm K, Dehio C. The Impact of Bartonella VirB/VirD4 Type IV Secretion System Effectors on Eukaryotic Host Cells. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:762582. [PMID: 34975788 PMCID: PMC8714903 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.762582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella spp. are facultative intracellular pathogens that infect a wide range of mammalian hosts including humans. The VirB/VirD4 type IV secretion system (T4SS) is a key virulence factor utilized to translocate Bartonella effector proteins (Beps) into host cells in order to subvert their functions. Crucial for effector translocation is the C-terminal Bep intracellular delivery (BID) domain that together with a positively charged tail sequence forms a bipartite translocation signal. Multiple BID domains also evolved secondary effector functions within host cells. The majority of Beps possess an N-terminal filamentation induced by cAMP (FIC) domain and a central connecting oligonucleotide binding (OB) fold. FIC domains typically mediate AMPylation or related post-translational modifications of target proteins. Some Beps harbor other functional modules, such as tandem-repeated tyrosine-phosphorylation (EPIYA-related) motifs. Within host cells the EPIYA-related motifs are phosphorylated, which facilitates the interaction with host signaling proteins. In this review, we will summarize our current knowledge on the molecular functions of the different domains present in Beps and highlight examples of Bep-dependent host cell modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Fromm
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Coloma-Rivero RF, Flores-Concha M, Molina RE, Soto-Shara R, Cartes Á, Oñate ÁA. Brucella and Its Hidden Flagellar System. Microorganisms 2021; 10:83. [PMID: 35056531 PMCID: PMC8781033 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Brucella, a Gram-negative bacterium with a high infective capacity and a wide spectrum of hosts in the animal world, is found in terrestrial and marine mammals, as well as amphibians. This broad spectrum of hosts is closely related to the non-classical virulence factors that allow this pathogen to establish its replicative niche, colonizing epithelial and immune system cells, evading the host's defenses and defensive response. While motility is the primary role of the flagellum in most bacteria, in Brucella, the flagellum is involved in virulence, infectivity, cell growth, and biofilm formation, all of which are very important facts in a bacterium that to date has been described as a non-motile organism. Evidence of the expression of these flagellar proteins that are present in Brucella makes it possible to hypothesize certain evolutionary aspects as to where a free-living bacterium eventually acquired genetic material from environmental microorganisms, including flagellar genes, conferring on it the ability to reach other hosts (mammals), and, under selective pressure from the environment, can express these genes, helping it to evade the immune response. This review summarizes relevant aspects of the presence of flagellar proteins and puts into context their relevance in certain functions associated with the infective process. The study of these flagellar genes gives the genus Brucella a very high infectious versatility, placing it among the main organisms in urgent need of study, as it is linked to human health by direct contact with farm animals and by eventual transmission to the general population, where flagellar genes and proteins are of great relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ángel A. Oñate
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile; (R.F.C.-R.); (M.F.-C.); (R.E.M.); (R.S.-S.); (Á.C.)
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Davis K, Battaglia L, Kumar B, Ojaimi S. Bartonella henselae masquerading as possible gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma in a paediatric patient with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. BMJ Case Rep 2021; 14:e245592. [PMID: 34848411 PMCID: PMC8634235 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-245592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A 14-year-old boy with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and a right ventricular to pulmonary artery xenograft conduit presented to an Australian tertiary children's hospital with prolonged fevers, weight loss, splenomegaly and a high proportion of gamma-delta T cells in peripheral blood and bone marrow, concerning for possible gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma. However, investigations did not reveal evidence of lymphoma or autoimmune disease. After 5 months of intermittent fever episodes and ongoing symptoms, he was found to have an extremely high Bartonella henselae titre (8192) on serological testing, with the organism also detected on blood PCR. After 6 months of oral azithromycin and rifampicin, with complete resolution of his symptoms 3 months into treatment, his blood PCR was negative and gamma-delta T cells in peripheral blood were decreasing. The B. henselae titre remained unchanged for some time, but decreased to 2048 around 1 year after treatment was started.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Davis
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash Children's Hospital, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lauren Battaglia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash Children's Hospital, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Beena Kumar
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samar Ojaimi
- Department of Immunology, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Maggi R, Breitschwerdt EB, Qurollo B, Miller JC. Development of a Multiplex Droplet Digital PCR Assay for the Detection of Babesia, Bartonella, and Borrelia Species. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111462. [PMID: 34832618 PMCID: PMC8620149 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the development, optimization, and validation of a multiplex droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay for the simultaneous detection of Babesia, Bartonella, and Borrelia spp. DNA from several sample matrices, including clinical blood samples from animals and humans, vectors, in-vitro infected human and animal cell lines, and tissues obtained from animal models (infected with Bartonella and/or B. burgdorferi). The multiplex ddPCR assay was able to detect 31 Bartonella, 13 Borrelia, and 24 Babesia species, including Theileria equi, T. cervi, and Cytauxzoon felis. No amplification of Treponema or Leptospira spp. was observed. Sensitivity of 0.2-5 genome equivalent DNA copies per microliter was achieved for different members of the Bartonella and Borrelia genus, depending on the species or matrix type (water or spiked blood DNA) tested. The ddPCR assay facilitated the simultaneous detection of co-infections with two and three vector-borne pathogens comprising four different genera (Babesia, Bartonella, Borrelia, and Theileria) from clinical and other sample sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Maggi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, The Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA; (E.B.B.); (B.Q.)
- Galaxy Diagnostics, Inc., 6 Davis Drive, Suite 201, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, The Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA; (E.B.B.); (B.Q.)
- Galaxy Diagnostics, Inc., 6 Davis Drive, Suite 201, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA;
| | - Barbara Qurollo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, The Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA; (E.B.B.); (B.Q.)
| | - Jennifer C. Miller
- Galaxy Diagnostics, Inc., 6 Davis Drive, Suite 201, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA;
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Furquim MEC, do Amaral R, Dias CM, Gonçalves LR, Perles L, Lima CADP, Barros-Battesti DM, Machado RZ, André MR. Genetic diversity and Multilocus Sequence Typing Analysis of Bartonella henselae in domestic cats from Southeastern Brazil. Acta Trop 2021; 222:106037. [PMID: 34224716 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Bartonella henselae is the causative agent for the infectious disease Cat Scratch Disease (CSD), which can be fatal. Domestic and wild felines are known to be its main mammal reservoirs. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence and genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. in cats sampled in São Paulo (SP) and Minas Gerais (MG) States, Southeastern Brazil. Based on a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay, a Bartonella sp. nuoG gene fragment was detected in 39.9% (122/306) of the blood samples (46/151 cats of SP; 76/155 cats of MG). The blood samples were submitted to a pre-enrichment culture technique that allowed the detection of 12 additional positive samples, which showed to be negative in the qPCR using DNA blood samples as templates. Furthermore, five B. henselae isolates were obtained from qPCR-negative samples for both blood and pre-enrichment culture. Seven out of 24 Ctenocephalides felis fleas were positive for Bartonella spp. in the qPCR assay; 4/7 positive fleas were collected from Bartonella-negative cats. Twenty-three rpoB B. henselae cloned sequences were obtained from nine cats' blood samples, showing the occurrence of 13 different genotypes. Median-joining network and SplitsTree distance analysis showed that the obtained sequences represented distinct B. henselae genotypes when compared to those previously deposited in GenBank. Intra-host diversity was found, since different rpoB genotypes of B. henselae were detected in individual single cats. Bartonella henselae isolates showed two allelic profiles (ST37 in cats from MG state and ST9 in SP state) by MLST (Multilocus Sequence Typing) based on sequencing of eight molecular markers. The present study is the first molecular report of Bartonella sp. in cats from Minas Gerais State. In summary, this body of work showed the occurrence of different B. henselae rpoB genotypes at an intra-reservoir host level. Based on qPCR from blood samples and pre-enrichment liquid culture and isolation, occurrence of 33.1% (50/151) and 56.8% (88/155) for Bartonella sp. was found in cats from SP and MG states, respectively. Two different allelic profiles of B. henselae were found in cats from the states of São Paulo (ST9) and Minas Gerais (ST37), suggesting a clonal evolution of Bartonellae in a certain geographical region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eduarda Chiaradia Furquim
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Renan do Amaral
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Clara Morato Dias
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Livia Perles
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Cirilo Antonio de Paula Lima
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Darci Moraes Barros-Battesti
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil.
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Manvell C, Ferris K, Maggi R, Breitschwerdt EB, Lashnits E. Prevalence of Vector-Borne Pathogens in Reproductive and Non-Reproductive Tissue Samples from Free-Roaming Domestic Cats in the South Atlantic USA. Pathogens 2021; 10:1221. [PMID: 34578253 PMCID: PMC8472639 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Reservoir to multiple species of zoonotic pathogens, free-roaming cats (FRCs) interact with domestic and wild animals, vectors, and humans. To assess the potential for feline vector-borne pathogens to be vertically transmitted, this study surveyed ear tip and reproductive tissues of FRCs from two locations in the South Atlantic United States for Anaplasma, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, hemotropic Mycoplasma, and Rickettsia species. We collected ovary (n = 72), uterus (n = 54), testicle (n = 74), and ear tip (n = 73) tissue from 73 cats, and fetal (n = 20) and placental (n = 19) tissue from 11 queens. Pathogen DNA was amplified utilizing qPCR, confirmed by sequencing. Cats were more frequently Bartonella henselae positive on reproductive tissues (19%, 14/73) than ear tip (5%, 4/73; p = 0.02). B. henselae was amplified from fetus (20%, 4/20) and placenta samples (11%, 2/19). Bartonella spp. infection was more common in cats from North Carolina (76%, 26/34) than Virginia (13%, 5/39; p < 0.0001). Fourteen percent (10/73) of both ear tip and reproductive tissues were positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia spp. DNA was not amplified from any cat/tissue. These findings suggest that B. henselae preferentially infected cats' reproductive tissue and reinforces the importance of investigating the potential for B. henselae vertical transmission or induction of reproductive failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Manvell
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (C.M.); (R.M.); (E.B.B.)
| | - Kelli Ferris
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA;
| | - Ricardo Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (C.M.); (R.M.); (E.B.B.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA;
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (C.M.); (R.M.); (E.B.B.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA;
| | - Erin Lashnits
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (C.M.); (R.M.); (E.B.B.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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DELEAT: gene essentiality prediction and deletion design for bacterial genome reduction. BMC Bioinformatics 2021; 22:444. [PMID: 34537011 PMCID: PMC8449488 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-021-04348-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The study of gene essentiality is fundamental to understand the basic principles of life, as well as for applications in many fields. In recent decades, dozens of sets of essential genes have been determined using different experimental and bioinformatics approaches, and this information has been useful for genome reduction of model organisms. Multiple in silico strategies have been developed to predict gene essentiality, but no optimal algorithm or set of gene features has been found yet, especially for non-model organisms with incomplete functional annotation. Results We have developed DELEAT v0.1 (DELetion design by Essentiality Analysis Tool), an easy-to-use bioinformatic tool which integrates an in silico gene essentiality classifier in a pipeline allowing automatic design of large-scale deletions in any bacterial genome. The essentiality classifier consists of a novel logistic regression model based on only six gene features which are not dependent on experimental data or functional annotation. As a proof of concept, we have applied this pipeline to the determination of dispensable regions in the genome of Bartonella quintana str. Toulouse. In this already reduced genome, 35 possible deletions have been delimited, spanning 29% of the genome. Conclusions Built on in silico gene essentiality predictions, we have developed an analysis pipeline which assists researchers throughout multiple stages of bacterial genome reduction projects, and created a novel classifier which is simple, fast, and universally applicable to any bacterial organism with a GenBank annotation file. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12859-021-04348-5.
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Industrially Compatible Transfusable iPSC-Derived RBCs: Progress, Challenges and Prospective Solutions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189808. [PMID: 34575977 PMCID: PMC8472628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Amidst the global shortfalls in blood supply, storage limitations of donor blood and the availability of potential blood substitutes for transfusion applications, society has pivoted towards in vitro generation of red blood cells (RBCs) as a means to solve these issues. Many conventional research studies over the past few decades have found success in differentiating hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) from cord blood, adult bone marrow and peripheral blood sources. More recently, techniques that involve immortalization of erythroblast sources have also gained traction in tackling this problem. However, the RBCs generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) still remain as the most favorable solution due to many of its added advantages. In this review, we focus on the breakthroughs for high-density cultures of hiPSC-derived RBCs, and highlight the major challenges and prospective solutions throughout the whole process of erythropoiesis for hiPSC-derived RBCs. Furthermore, we elaborate on the recent advances and techniques used to achieve cost-effective, high-density cultures of GMP-compliant RBCs, and on their relevant novel applications after downstream processing and purification.
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Structural basis for selective AMPylation of Rac-subfamily GTPases by Bartonella effector protein 1 (Bep1). Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2023245118. [PMID: 33723071 PMCID: PMC8000347 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2023245118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian cells regulate diverse cellular processes in response to extracellular cues. Small GTPases of the Rho family act as molecular switches to rapidly regulate discrete cellular activities, such as cytoskeletal dynamics, cell movement, and innate immune responses. Numerous bacterial virulence factors modulate the function of Rho-family GTPases and thereby manipulate intracellular signaling. For many of these virulence factors we have gained detailed understanding how they covalently modify individual Rho-family GTPases to reprogram their activities; however, their mechanisms of selective targeting of distinct subsets of Rho-family GTPases remained elusive. Using a combination of structural biology and biochemistry, we demonstrate for the effector protein Bep1 exclusive specificity for Rac-subfamily GTPases and propose the underlying mechanism of target selectivity. Small GTPases of the Ras-homology (Rho) family are conserved molecular switches that control fundamental cellular activities in eukaryotic cells. As such, they are targeted by numerous bacterial toxins and effector proteins, which have been intensively investigated regarding their biochemical activities and discrete target spectra; however, the molecular mechanism of target selectivity has remained largely elusive. Here we report a bacterial effector protein that selectively targets members of the Rac subfamily in the Rho family of small GTPases but none in the closely related Cdc42 or RhoA subfamilies. This exquisite target selectivity of the FIC domain AMP-transferase Bep1 from Bartonella rochalimae is based on electrostatic interactions with a subfamily-specific pair of residues in the nucleotide-binding G4 motif and the Rho insert helix. Residue substitutions at the identified positions in Cdc42 enable modification by Bep1, while corresponding Cdc42-like substitutions in Rac1 greatly diminish modification. Our study establishes a structural understanding of target selectivity toward Rac-subfamily GTPases and provides a highly selective tool for their functional analysis.
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Śliwka P, Ochocka M, Skaradzińska A. Applications of bacteriophages against intracellular bacteria. Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 48:222-239. [PMID: 34428105 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2021.1960481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases pose a significant threat to both human and animal populations. Intracellular bacteria are a group of pathogens that invade and survive within the interior of eukaryotic cells, which in turn protect them from antibacterial drugs and the host immune system. Limited penetration of antibacterials into host cells results in insufficient bacterial clearance and treatment failure. Bacteriophages have, over the decades, been proved to play an important role in combating bacterial infections (phage therapy), making them an important alternative to classical antibiotic strategies today. Phages have been found to be effective at killing various species of extracellular bacteria, but little is still known about how phages control intracellular infections. With advances in phage genomics and mechanisms of delivery and cell uptake, the development of phage-based antibacterial strategies to address the treatment of intracellular bacteria has general potential. In this review, we present the current state of knowledge regarding the application of bacteriophages against intracellular bacteria. We cover phage deployment against the most common intracellular pathogens with special attention to therapeutic and preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Śliwka
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marta Ochocka
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Aneta Skaradzińska
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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Evolutionary Diversification of Host-Targeted Bartonella Effectors Proteins Derived from a Conserved FicTA Toxin-Antitoxin Module. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081645. [PMID: 34442725 PMCID: PMC8401265 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins containing a FIC domain catalyze AMPylation and other post-translational modifications (PTMs). In bacteria, they are typically part of FicTA toxin-antitoxin modules that control conserved biochemical processes such as topoisomerase activity, but they have also repeatedly diversified into host-targeted virulence factors. Among these, Bartonella effector proteins (Beps) comprise a particularly diverse ensemble of FIC domains that subvert various host cellular functions. However, no comprehensive comparative analysis has been performed to infer molecular mechanisms underlying the biochemical and functional diversification of FIC domains in the vast Bep family. Here, we used X-ray crystallography, structural modelling, and phylogenetic analyses to unravel the expansion and diversification of Bep repertoires that evolved in parallel in three Bartonella lineages from a single ancestral FicTA toxin-antitoxin module. Our analysis is based on 99 non-redundant Bep sequences and nine crystal structures. Inferred from the conservation of the FIC signature motif that comprises the catalytic histidine and residues involved in substrate binding, about half of them represent AMP transferases. A quarter of Beps show a glutamate in a strategic position in the putative substrate binding pocket that would interfere with triphosphate-nucleotide binding but may allow binding of an AMPylated target for deAMPylation or another substrate to catalyze a distinct PTM. The β-hairpin flap that registers the modifiable target segment to the active site exhibits remarkable structural variability. The corresponding sequences form few well-defined groups that may recognize distinct target proteins. The binding of Beps to promiscuous FicA antitoxins is well conserved, indicating a role of the antitoxin to inhibit enzymatic activity or to serve as a chaperone for the FIC domain before translocation of the Bep into host cells. Taken together, our analysis indicates a remarkable functional plasticity of Beps that is mostly brought about by structural changes in the substrate pocket and the target dock. These findings may guide future structure–function analyses of the highly versatile FIC domains.
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