The Complete Genome Sequence of Trueperella pyogenes UFV1 Reveals a Processing System Involved in the Quorum-Sensing Signal Response

Uterine microbial ecology and disease in cattle: A review

Due to the critical contribution of the uterine-associated microbiota in reproductive health, physiology, and performance, culture-independent methods have been increasingly employed to unravel key aspects of microbial ecology in the uterus of cattle. Nowadays, we know that bacterial diversity is crucial to maintain uterine health, however, there is still no consensus on the exact composition of a healthy uterine microbiota (or eubiosis). Generally, loss of bacterial diversity (or dysbiosis) contributes to the development of uterine infections, associated with increased relative abundances of Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Trueperella, and Porphyromonas. Uterine infections are highly prevalent and gravely influence the profitability of cattle operations, animal welfare, and public health. Thus, understanding the dynamics of uterine microbial ecology is essential to develop effective strategies focused on preventing and mitigating the adverse effects of uterine dysbiosis as well as assisting in the process of restoring the core, healthy uterine microbiota. The aim of this review is to summarize research conducted in the microbial ecology of bovine uteri. We discuss the origin of the uterine microflora of healthy cows and the factors influencing its composition. In addition, we review the biology of specific pathogens that are known to increase in abundance during the occurrence of uterine disease. Lastly, we provide an overview of the bacterial biofilm in the bovine endometrium, and we briefly summarize the rationale for the use of probiotics to prevent uterine disease in cattle.

Comparative Genome Analysis of 19 Trueperella pyogenes Strains Originating from Different Animal Species Reveal a Genetically Diverse Open Pan-Genome

Trueperella pyogenes is a Gram-positive opportunistic pathogen that causes severe cases of mastitis, metritis, and pneumonia in a wide range of animals, resulting in significant economic losses. Although little is known about the virulence factors involved in the disease pathogenesis, a comprehensive comparative genome analysis of T. pyogenes genomes has not been performed till date. Hence, present investigation was carried out to characterize and compare 19 T. pyogenes genomes originating in different geographical origins including the draftgenome of the first Indian origin strain T. pyogenes Bu5. Additionally, candidate virulence determinants that could be crucial for their pathogenesis were also detected and analyzed by using various bioinformatics tools. The pan-genome calculations revealed an open pan-genome of T. pyogenes. In addition, an inventory of virulence related genes, 190 genomic islands, 31 prophage sequences, and 40 antibiotic resistance genes that could play a significant role in organism's pathogenicity were detected. The core-genome based phylogeny of T. pyogenes demonstrates a polyphyletic, host-associated group with a high degree of genomic diversity. The identified core-genome can be further used for screening of drug and vaccine targets. The investigation has provided unique insights into pan-genome, virulome, mobiliome, and resistome of T. pyogenes genomes and laid the foundation for future investigations.

Determination of the expression of three fimbrial subunit proteins in cultured Trueperella pyogenes

Background

Trueperella pyogenes is a commensal and a significant opportunistic pathogen in animals. A variety of identified or putative virulence factors are considered to significantly contribute to the occurrence of T. pyogenes infection in different species. However, these virulence factors are not fully understood.

Results

In the current study, the genes encoding putative fimbrial proteins, i.e. Fim A, Fim C, and Fim E, were cloned. Recombinant Fim A (rFim A), Fim C (rFim C), and Fim E (rFim E) were prepared and used to generate rabbit anti-rFim A, anti-rFim C, and anti-rFim E serum, respectively. Using these sera, we found that only Fim E was constitutively expressed in T. pyogenes. The expression level of Fim E in T. pyogenes peaked within 6–10 h of culture period in pH 7.5. Fim E protein expression was unaffected by anaerobic condition, but was inhibited by the microaerophilic condition. Tube agglutination tests indicated that Fim E was exhibited on the surface of T. pyogenes cells because anti-rFim E serum caused strong agglutination. Additionally, the blots for Fim A detection showed nonspecific reactions. Furthermore, the tube agglutination tests showed that anti-Fim A serum failed to cause agglutination of T. pyogenes cells, which indicated that Fim A was not, or poorly, expressed in cultured T. pyogenes. Anti-rFim C serum caused strong agglutination. However, the blots for Fim C detection showed a strong nonspecific reaction. Thus, the expression of Fim C was difficult to be determined using the current method.

Conclusions

Fim E was expressed in cultured T. pyogenes. However, Fim A was either not or poorly expressed in cultured T. pyogenes. Moreover, Fim C expression was not determined using the current strategy.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13028-018-0407-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.