1
|
Shcherbak N, Prochaska H, Lystvan K, Prokhorova Y, Giritch A, Kuchuk M. Accumulation of colicin M protein and its biological activity in transgenic lettuce and mizuna plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1271757. [PMID: 37936936 PMCID: PMC10627015 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1271757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Food-borne illnesses caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli strains, especially enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), are a serious public health problem, as debilitating disease and even death from such food poisonings have been repeatedly reported. Colicin M (ColM), a non-antibiotic antimicrobial protein produced by some strains of E. coli, has shown promising activity in controlling multiple enteropathogenic strains of E. coli and related pathogens. As contaminated green leafy vegetables are a frequent source of pathogenic E. coli infections, we genetically modified (GM) two edible crops, lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and mizuna (Brassica rapa subsp. nipposinica var. laciniata), to stably express the ColM gene and assessed the antibacterial activity of tissue extracts from these plants against selected E. coli strains in vitro. Transgenic plants of these species were developed using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation with a vector containing the ColM-coding gene (cma) under the control of the 35S promoter. Western blot analysis of recombinant ColM protein was performed in selected transgenic plants to confirm cma gene expression and quantify ColM accumulation. Extracts of transgenic plants expressing ColM showed significant activity against two major strains of EHEC (O157:H7 and O104:H4) as well as E. coli strains resistant to beta-lactam- and carbapenem-class antibiotics. Importantly, the antibacterial activity persisted in several subsequent generations of transgenic lettuce and mizuna plants that stably expressed the ColM gene. In addition, our results also show that the antibacterial activity of dried (up to 40°C) biomass of transgenic plants remained stable without a decrease for at least three months.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nataliia Shcherbak
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Cell Biology and Genetic Engineering of National Academy of Sciences (NAS) of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | - Kateryna Lystvan
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Cell Biology and Genetic Engineering of National Academy of Sciences (NAS) of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Yelizaveta Prokhorova
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Cell Biology and Genetic Engineering of National Academy of Sciences (NAS) of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | - Mykola Kuchuk
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Cell Biology and Genetic Engineering of National Academy of Sciences (NAS) of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Adsit FG, Randall TA, Locklear J, Kurtz DM. The emergence of the tetrathionate reductase operon in the Escherichia coli/Shigella pan-genome. Microbiologyopen 2022; 11:e1333. [PMID: 36479628 PMCID: PMC9638481 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli pathogenic variants (pathovars) are generally characterized by defined virulence traits and are susceptible to the evolution of hybridized identities due to the considerable plasticity of the E. coli genome. We have isolated a strain from a purified diet intended for research animals that further demonstrates the ability of E. coli to acquire novel genetic elements leading potentially to emergent new pathovars. Utilizing next generation sequencing to obtain a whole genome profile, we report an atypical strain of E. coli, EcoFA807-17, possessing a tetrathionate reductase (ttr) operon, which enables the utilization of tetrathionate as an electron acceptor, thus facilitating respiration in anaerobic environments such as the mammalian gut. The ttr operon is a potent virulence factor for several enteric pathogens, most prominently Salmonella enterica. However, the presence of chromosomally integrated tetrathionate reductase genes does not appear to have been previously reported in wild-type E. coli or Shigella. Accordingly, it is possible that the appearance of this virulence factor may signal the evolution of new mechanisms of pathogenicity in E. coli and Shigella and may potentially alter the effectiveness of existing assays using tetrathionate reductase as a unique marker for the detection of Salmonella enterica.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Floyd G. Adsit
- Quality Assurance Laboratory (QAL), Comparative Medicine Branch (CMB)National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)DurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Thomas A. Randall
- Integrative BioinformaticsNational Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)DurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jacqueline Locklear
- Quality Assurance Laboratory (QAL), Comparative Medicine Branch (CMB)National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)DurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - David M. Kurtz
- Quality Assurance Laboratory (QAL), Comparative Medicine Branch (CMB)National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)DurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kislichkina AA, Kartsev NN, Skryabin YP, Sizova AA, Kanashenko ME, Teymurazov MG, Kuzina ES, Bogun AG, Fursova NK, Svetoch EA, Dyatlov IA. Genomic Analysis of a Hybrid Enteroaggregative Hemorrhagic Escherichia coli O181:H4 Strain Causing Colitis with Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11101416. [PMID: 36290074 PMCID: PMC9598891 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11101416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybrid diarrheagenic E. coli strains combining genetic markers belonging to different pathotypes have emerged worldwide and have been reported as a public health concern. The most well-known hybrid strain of enteroaggregative hemorrhagic E. coli is E. coli O104:H4 strain, which was an agent of a serious outbreak of acute gastroenteritis and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in Germany in 2011. A case of intestinal infection with HUS in St. Petersburg (Russian Federation) occurred in July 2018. E. coli strain SCPM-O-B-9427 was obtained from the rectal swab of the patient with HUS. It was determined as O181:H4-, stx2-, and aggR-positive and belonged to the phylogenetic group B2. The complete genome assembly of the strain SCPM-O-B-9427 contained one chromosome and five plasmids, including the plasmid coding an aggregative adherence fimbriae I. MLST analysis showed that the strain SCPM-O-B-9427 belonged to ST678, and like E. coli O104:H4 strains, 2011C-3493 caused the German outbreak in 2011, and 2009EL-2050 was isolated in the Republic of Georgia in 2009. Comparison of three strains showed almost the same structure of their chromosomes: the plasmids pAA and the stx2a phages are very similar, but they have distinct sets of the plasmids and some unique regions in the chromosomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelina A. Kislichkina
- Department of Culture Collection, State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Territory “Kvartal A”, 142279 Obolensk, Russia
- Correspondence:
| | - Nikolay N. Kartsev
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Territory “Kvartal A”, 142279 Obolensk, Russia
| | - Yury P. Skryabin
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Territory “Kvartal A”, 142279 Obolensk, Russia
| | - Angelika A. Sizova
- Department of Culture Collection, State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Territory “Kvartal A”, 142279 Obolensk, Russia
| | - Maria E. Kanashenko
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Territory “Kvartal A”, 142279 Obolensk, Russia
| | - Marat G. Teymurazov
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Territory “Kvartal A”, 142279 Obolensk, Russia
| | - Ekaterina S. Kuzina
- Department of Training and Improvement of Specialists, State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Territory “Kvartal A”, 142279 Obolensk, Russia
| | - Alexander G. Bogun
- Department of Culture Collection, State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Territory “Kvartal A”, 142279 Obolensk, Russia
| | - Nadezhda K. Fursova
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Territory “Kvartal A”, 142279 Obolensk, Russia
| | - Edward A. Svetoch
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Territory “Kvartal A”, 142279 Obolensk, Russia
| | - Ivan A. Dyatlov
- Department of Culture Collection, State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Territory “Kvartal A”, 142279 Obolensk, Russia
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Territory “Kvartal A”, 142279 Obolensk, Russia
- Department of Training and Improvement of Specialists, State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Territory “Kvartal A”, 142279 Obolensk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Habets A, Touzain F, Lucas P, Huong NTT, Iguchi A, Crombé F, Korsak N, Piérard D, Saulmont M, Cox E, Engelen F, Mainil J, Thiry D. Identification of Five Serotypes of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli from Diarrheic Calves and Healthy Cattle in Belgium and Comparative Genomics with Shigatoxigenic E. coli. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9090492. [PMID: 36136709 PMCID: PMC9505469 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9090492] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) from cattle receive little attention, although some belong to the most notorious O serotypes of attaching/effacing Shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli (AE-STEC) responsible for the uremic and hemolytic syndrome in humans, such as O26. Nevertheless, the O serotypes and virulotypes of the large majority of bovine EPEC remain unidentified. This study aimed to identify five non-classical O serotypes (O123/186, O156, O177, O182, and O183) by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) among three collections of bovine EPEC from young diarrheic calves, healthy cattle at slaughterhouses, and healthy calves in dairy farms. The virulotypes and sequence types (STs) obtained after the whole genome sequencing of several O156, O177, and O182 bovine EPEC were closely related or identical to the virulotypes and STs of ten bovine and the human AE-STEC of the same O:H serotype. This study allows us to identify more EPEC O serotypes from cattle and to speculate on their evolution. Abstract Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) produce attaching/effacing (AE) lesions and cause non-bloody diarrhea in mammals. A minority of bovine EPEC belong to one of the ten classical serotypes of human and bovine AE-STEC. The purpose of this study was to identify five non-classical O serotypes (O123/186, O156, O177, O182, and O183) among bovine EPEC and to characterize their virulence repertoires by whole genome sequencing. Around 40% of the 307 EPEC from 307 diarrheic calves, 368 EPEC from 47 healthy cattle, and 131 EPEC from 36 healthy calves in dairy farms were analyzed. Serotype O177 was the most frequent among EPEC from diarrheic and healthy calves, while the O156 was the most frequent in healthy cattle. The genomic analysis identified different H serotypes, MLSTypes, and/or eae gene subtypes among the O156 and O177 EPEC, while the O182 was homogeneous. The virulence gene profiles of bovine EPEC were closely related to each other and to the profiles of ten bovine and human AE-STEC. These results emphasize the need for additional studies to identify more O:H serotypes of bovine EPEC and to elucidate their origin and evolution of EPEC with regard to AE-STEC belonging to the same O:H serotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Habets
- Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Centre for Fundamental and Applied Research in Animals and Heath (FARAH), University of Liège, Quartier Vallée II, Cureghem Avenue 6, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Fabrice Touzain
- Viral Genetics and Bio-Security Unit, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), 22440 Ploufragan, France
| | - Pierrick Lucas
- Viral Genetics and Bio-Security Unit, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), 22440 Ploufragan, France
| | - Nguyen Thi Thu Huong
- Department of Environment and Resource Sciences, University of Miyazaki (UoM), Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Atsushi Iguchi
- Department of Environment and Resource Sciences, University of Miyazaki (UoM), Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Florence Crombé
- Belgian National Reference Center STEC, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Korsak
- Food Microbiology, Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Centre for Fundamental and Applied Research in Animals and Heath (FARAH), University of Liège (ULiège), B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Denis Piérard
- Belgian National Reference Center STEC, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Saulmont
- Regional Agency for Animal Health and Identification (ARSIA), B-5590 Ciney, Belgium
| | - Eric Cox
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Frederik Engelen
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jacques Mainil
- Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Centre for Fundamental and Applied Research in Animals and Heath (FARAH), University of Liège, Quartier Vallée II, Cureghem Avenue 6, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Damien Thiry
- Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Centre for Fundamental and Applied Research in Animals and Heath (FARAH), University of Liège, Quartier Vallée II, Cureghem Avenue 6, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli and a Fresh View on Shiga Toxin-Binding Glycosphingolipids of Primary Human Kidney and Colon Epithelial Cells and Their Toxin Susceptibility. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136884. [PMID: 35805890 PMCID: PMC9266556 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) are the human pathogenic subset of Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing E. coli (STEC). EHEC are responsible for severe colon infections associated with life-threatening extraintestinal complications such as the hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) and neurological disturbances. Endothelial cells in various human organs are renowned targets of Stx, whereas the role of epithelial cells of colon and kidneys in the infection process has been and is still a matter of debate. This review shortly addresses the clinical impact of EHEC infections, novel aspects of vesicular package of Stx in the intestine and the blood stream as well as Stx-mediated extraintestinal complications and therapeutic options. Here follows a compilation of the Stx-binding glycosphingolipids (GSLs), globotriaosylceramide (Gb3Cer) and globotetraosylceramide (Gb4Cer) and their various lipoforms present in primary human kidney and colon epithelial cells and their distribution in lipid raft-analog membrane preparations. The last issues are the high and extremely low susceptibility of primary renal and colonic epithelial cells, respectively, suggesting a large resilience of the intestinal epithelium against the human-pathogenic Stx1a- and Stx2a-subtypes due to the low content of the high-affinity Stx-receptor Gb3Cer in colon epithelial cells. The review closes with a brief outlook on future challenges of Stx research.
Collapse
|
6
|
Jonker A, Gouws J, Kapp ER, Henning A. Isolation of a multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli pathotype Stx2:Cnf1:Cnf2:Eae as a potential cause of hemorrhagic diarrhea and secondary septicemia in a dog. J Vet Diagn Invest 2022; 34:339-342. [PMID: 35075964 PMCID: PMC8921812 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211073816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli is a member of the family Enterobacteriaceae and is a commensal in the intestine of many animals as well as humans. Most strains are of low virulence. A dog developed vomiting and hemorrhagic diarrhea after surgery and died despite treatment. Postmortem examination revealed hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and colitis. A multidrug-resistant E. coli, with virulence factors Shiga-toxin-producing gene, stx2, eae gene, and cytotoxic necrotic factors CNF-1 and CNF-2, was isolated from internal organs. E. coli can easily acquire new genes for virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance as demonstrated by this isolate with characteristics of both enterohemorrhagic E. coli and necrotoxigenic E. coli. In addition, the isolate was resistant to all beta-lactam antibiotics tested, as well as to enrofloxacin by a disk diffusion methodology. Broth-based minimum inhibitory concentration analysis confirmed resistance to amoxicillin (>32 μg/mL), enrofloxacin (>32 μg/mL), fosfomycin (>128 μg/mL), and neomycin (>32 μg/mL). The discovery of such strains is a cause for concern given that E. coli can be shared by companion animals and their human owners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annelize Jonker
- Departments of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Johan Gouws
- Departments of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Erick R. Kapp
- Departments of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Alischa Henning
- Alischa Henning, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Private Bag X04, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang X, Payne M, Kaur S, Lan R. Improved Genomic Identification, Clustering, and Serotyping of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Using Cluster/Serotype-Specific Gene Markers. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:772574. [PMID: 35083165 PMCID: PMC8785982 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.772574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) have more than 470 serotypes. The well-known STEC O157:H7 serotype is a leading cause of STEC infections in humans. However, the incidence of non-O157:H7 STEC serotypes associated with foodborne outbreaks and human infections has increased in recent years. Current detection and serotyping assays are focusing on O157 and top six (“Big six”) non-O157 STEC serogroups. In this study, we performed phylogenetic analysis of nearly 41,000 publicly available STEC genomes representing 460 different STEC serotypes and identified 19 major and 229 minor STEC clusters. STEC cluster-specific gene markers were then identified through comparative genomic analysis. We further identified serotype-specific gene markers for the top 10 most frequent non-O157:H7 STEC serotypes. The cluster or serotype specific gene markers had 99.54% accuracy and more than 97.25% specificity when tested using 38,534 STEC and 14,216 non-STEC E. coli genomes, respectively. In addition, we developed a freely available in silico serotyping pipeline named STECFinder that combined these robust gene markers with established E. coli serotype specific O and H antigen genes and stx genes for accurate identification, cluster determination and serotyping of STEC. STECFinder can assign 99.85% and 99.83% of 38,534 STEC isolates to STEC clusters using assembled genomes and Illumina reads respectively and can simultaneously predict stx subtypes and STEC serotypes. Using shotgun metagenomic sequencing reads of STEC spiked food samples from a published study, we demonstrated that STECFinder can detect the spiked STEC serotypes, accurately. The cluster/serotype-specific gene markers could also be adapted for culture independent typing, facilitating rapid STEC typing. STECFinder is available as an installable package (https://github.com/LanLab/STECFinder) and will be useful for in silico STEC cluster identification and serotyping using genome data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Zhang
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Payne
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sandeep Kaur
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ruiting Lan
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
George S, Aguilera X, Gallardo P, Farfán M, Lucero Y, Torres JP, Vidal R, O'Ryan M. Bacterial Gut Microbiota and Infections During Early Childhood. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:793050. [PMID: 35069488 PMCID: PMC8767011 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.793050] [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] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota composition during the first years of life is variable, dynamic and influenced by both prenatal and postnatal factors, such as maternal antibiotics administered during labor, delivery mode, maternal diet, breastfeeding, and/or antibiotic consumption during infancy. Furthermore, the microbiota displays bidirectional interactions with infectious agents, either through direct microbiota-microorganism interactions or indirectly through various stimuli of the host immune system. Here we review these interactions during childhood until 5 years of life, focusing on bacterial microbiota, the most common gastrointestinal and respiratory infections and two well characterized gastrointestinal diseases related to dysbiosis (necrotizing enterocolitis and Clostridioides difficile infection). To date, most peer-reviewed studies on the bacterial microbiota in childhood have been cross-sectional and have reported patterns of gut dysbiosis during infections as compared to healthy controls; prospective studies suggest that most children progressively return to a "healthy microbiota status" following infection. Animal models and/or studies focusing on specific preventive and therapeutic interventions, such as probiotic administration and fecal transplantation, support the role of the bacterial gut microbiota in modulating both enteric and respiratory infections. A more in depth understanding of the mechanisms involved in the establishment and maintenance of the early bacterial microbiota, focusing on specific components of the microbiota-immunity-infectious agent axis is necessary in order to better define potential preventive or therapeutic tools against significant infections in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio George
- Host-Pathogen Interaction Laboratory, Microbiology and Mycology Program, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ximena Aguilera
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Gallardo
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery, Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio Farfán
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery, Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Yalda Lucero
- Host-Pathogen Interaction Laboratory, Microbiology and Mycology Program, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery, Dr. Roberto del Río Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Pablo Torres
- Host-Pathogen Interaction Laboratory, Microbiology and Mycology Program, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery, Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Roberto Vidal
- Microbiology and Mycology Program, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Nucleus in the Biology of Intestinal Microbiota, Santiago, Chile
| | - Miguel O'Ryan
- Host-Pathogen Interaction Laboratory, Microbiology and Mycology Program, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Prenatal versus Postnatal Initial Colonization of Healthy Neonates' Colon Ecosystem by the Enterobacterium Escherichia coli. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0037921. [PMID: 34817225 PMCID: PMC8612161 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00379-21] [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] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The human colon is a microbial ecosystem whose initial bacterial colonization in neonates is an important step in establishing a beneficial microbiota for the body's health. This study investigated the occurrence of viable culturable Escherichia coli in first-day meconium versus subsequent days' stool to explore the prenatal versus postnatal initial colonization of the colon by E. coli in healthy neonates. E. coli occurrence was investigated on eosin-methylene blue (EMB) agar, followed by morphological and biochemical characterizations and phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA-encoding gene sequences. Viable culturable E. coli was not detected in meconium of healthy male or female neonates delivered either vaginally or by cesarean section. Neonates delivered surgically also showed no E. coli colonization on the second and third days, confirming postnatal colonization of the colon by this enterobacterium. E. coli's initial colonization in the colon of neonates delivered vaginally occurred on the second day, which can be attributed to inoculation from the vaginal canal during delivery and, in comparison to the colonization in neonates delivered surgically, leads to the inference that the bacterium is not originally found in meconium. This study suggests no viability of the meconium microbiome in healthy neonates, possibly due to antimicrobial action in the prenatal colon's meconium protecting babies' gut from infection during delivery. IMPORTANCE The results of this study suggest that the initial postnatal colonization of neonates' colon by beneficial bacteria is a naturally controlled process in which the prenatal colon's meconium might play a role in protecting against infection of the babies' gut during delivery.
Collapse
|
10
|
Potential Zoonotic Pathovars of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli Detected in Lambs for Human Consumption from Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081710. [PMID: 34442790 PMCID: PMC8401499 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081710] [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: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) pathovars impact childhood health. The southern region of Argentina shows the highest incidence of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in children of the country. The big island of Tierra del Fuego (TDF) in Argentina registered an incidence of five cases/100,000 inhabitants of HUS in 2019. This work aimed to establish the prevalence of STEC, EPEC, and EAEC in lambs slaughtered in abattoirs from TDF as well as to characterize the phenotypes and the genotypes of the isolated pathogens. The prevalence was 26.6% for stx+, 5.7% for eae+, and 0.27% for aagR+/aaiC+. Twelve STEC isolates were obtained and belonged to the following serotypes: O70:HNT, O81:H21, O81:HNT, O102:H6, O128ab:H2, O174:H8, and O174:HNT. Their genotypic profiles were stx1c (2), stx1c/ehxA (3), stx2b/ehxA (1), stx1c/stx2b (2), and stx1c/stx2/ehxA (4). Six EPEC isolates were obtained and corresponded to five serotypes: O2:H40, O32:H8, O56:H6, O108:H21, and O177:H25. All the EPEC isolates were bfpA- and two were ehxA+. By XbaI-PFGE of 17 isolates, two clusters were identified. By antimicrobial susceptibility tests, 8/12 STEC and 5/6 EPEC were resistant to at least one antibiotic. This work provides new data to understand the ecology of DEC in TDF and confirms that ovine are an important carrier of these pathogens in the region.
Collapse
|
11
|
Gigliucci F, van Hoek AHAM, Chiani P, Knijn A, Minelli F, Scavia G, Franz E, Morabito S, Michelacci V. Genomic Characterization of hlyF-positive Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli, Italy and the Netherlands, 2000-2019. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:853-861. [PMID: 33622476 PMCID: PMC7920663 DOI: 10.3201/eid2703.203110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O80:H2 has emerged in Europe as a cause of hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with bacteremia. STEC O80:H2 harbors the mosaic plasmid pR444_A, which combines several virulence genes, including hlyF and antimicrobial resistance genes. pR444_A is found in some extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) strains. We identified and characterized 53 STEC strains with ExPEC-associated virulence genes isolated in Italy and the Netherlands during 2000–2019. The isolates belong to 2 major populations: 1 belongs to sequence type 301 and harbors diverse stx2 subtypes, the intimin variant eae-ξ, and pO157-like and pR444_A plasmids; 1 consists of strains belonging to various sequence types, some of which lack the pO157 plasmid, the locus of enterocyte effacement, and the antimicrobial resistance–encoding region. Our results showed that STEC strains harboring ExPEC-associated virulence genes can include multiple serotypes and that the pR444_A plasmid can be acquired and mobilized by STEC strains.
Collapse
|
12
|
Tuglo LS, Agordoh PD, Tekpor D, Pan Z, Agbanyo G, Chu M. Food safety knowledge, attitude, and hygiene practices of street-cooked food handlers in North Dayi District, Ghana. Environ Health Prev Med 2021; 26:54. [PMID: 33941082 PMCID: PMC8091506 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-021-00975-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food safety and hygiene are currently a global health apprehension especially in unindustrialized countries as a result of increasing food-borne diseases (FBDs) and accompanying deaths. This study aimed at assessing knowledge, attitude, and hygiene practices (KAP) of food safety among street-cooked food handlers (SCFHs) in North Dayi District, Ghana. METHODS This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 407 SCFHs in North Dayi District, Ghana. The World Health Organization's Five Keys to Safer Food for food handlers and a pretested structured questionnaire were adapted for data collection among stationary SCFHs along principal streets. Significant parameters such as educational status, average monthly income, registered SCFHs, and food safety training course were used in bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models to calculate the power of the relationships observed. RESULTS The majority 84.3% of SCFHs were female and 56.0% had not attended a food safety training course. This study showed that 67.3%, 58.2%, and 62.9% of SCFHs had good levels of KAP of food safety, respectively. About 87.2% showed a good attitude of separating uncooked and prepared meal before storage. Good knowledge of food safety was 2 times higher among registered SCFHs compared to unregistered [cOR=1.64, p=0.032]. SCFHs with secondary education were 4 times good at hygiene practices of food safety likened to no education [aOR=4.06, p=0.003]. Above GHc1500 average monthly income earners were 5 times good at hygiene practices of food safety compared to below GHc500 [aOR=4.89, p=0.006]. Registered SCFHs were 8 times good at hygiene practice of food safety compared to unregistered [aOR=7.50, p<0.001]. The odd for good hygiene practice of food safety was 6 times found among SCFHs who had training on food safety courses likened to those who had not [aOR=5.97, p<0.001]. CONCLUSIONS Over half of the SCFHs had good levels of KAP of food safety. Registering as SCFH was significantly associated with good knowledge and hygiene practices of food safety. Therefore, our results may present an imperative foundation for design to increase food safety and hygiene practice in the district, region, and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Sena Tuglo
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Percival Delali Agordoh
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - David Tekpor
- North Dayi District Health Directorate, Volta Region, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Zhongqin Pan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gabriel Agbanyo
- North Dayi District Health Directorate, Volta Region, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Minjie Chu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Travert B, Rafat C, Mariani P, Cointe A, Dossier A, Coppo P, Joseph A. Shiga Toxin-Associated Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: Specificities of Adult Patients and Implications for Critical Care Management. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:306. [PMID: 33925836 PMCID: PMC8145702 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13050306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS) is a form of thrombotic microangiopathy secondary to an infection by an enterohemorrhagic E. coli. Historically considered a pediatric disease, its presentation has been described as typical, with bloody diarrhea at the forefront. However, in adults, the clinical presentation is more diverse and makes the early diagnosis hazardous. In this review, we review the epidemiology, most important outbreaks, physiopathology, clinical presentation and prognosis of STEC-HUS, focusing on the differential features between pediatric and adult disease. We show that the clinical presentation of STEC-HUS in adults is far from typical and marked by the prevalence of neurological symptoms and a poorer prognosis. Of note, we highlight knowledge gaps and the need for studies dedicated to adult patients. The differences between pediatric and adult patients have implications for the treatment of this disease, which remains a public health threat and lack a specific treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Travert
- Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Bichat, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75018 Paris, France; (B.T.); (A.D.)
- Centre de Référence des Microangiopathies Thrombotiques (CNR-MAT), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, 75012 Paris, France; (C.R.); (P.C.)
| | - Cédric Rafat
- Centre de Référence des Microangiopathies Thrombotiques (CNR-MAT), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, 75012 Paris, France; (C.R.); (P.C.)
- Urgences Néphrologiques et Transplantation Rénale, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75020 Paris, France
| | - Patricia Mariani
- Service de Microbiologie, Hôpital Robert Debré, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75019 Paris, France; (P.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Aurélie Cointe
- Service de Microbiologie, Hôpital Robert Debré, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75019 Paris, France; (P.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Antoine Dossier
- Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Bichat, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75018 Paris, France; (B.T.); (A.D.)
- Centre de Référence des Microangiopathies Thrombotiques (CNR-MAT), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, 75012 Paris, France; (C.R.); (P.C.)
| | - Paul Coppo
- Centre de Référence des Microangiopathies Thrombotiques (CNR-MAT), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, 75012 Paris, France; (C.R.); (P.C.)
- Service d’Hématologie, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Adrien Joseph
- Centre de Référence des Microangiopathies Thrombotiques (CNR-MAT), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, 75012 Paris, France; (C.R.); (P.C.)
- Médecine Intensive Réanimation, Hôpital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75010 Paris, France
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Équipe Labellisée par la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Inserm U1138, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, 75006 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
McMAHON T, Bastian J, Alshawa I, Gill A. PCR Primers for Screening Food for Verotoxin-Producing Escherichia coli, Inclusive of Three vt1 and Seven vt2 Subtypes. J Food Prot 2021; 84:296-302. [PMID: 32977337 DOI: 10.4315/jfp-20-233] [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: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC; also known as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli) is a significant cause of foodborne illnesses around the world. Due to the serological and genomic diversity of VTEC, methods of detection for VTEC in food samples require detection of verotoxin or its gene vt (also known as stx). The current taxonomy of vt identifies three vt1 (a, c, d) and seven vt2 (a to g) subtypes. PCR detection of vt is convenient and rapid, but protocols may not detect all currently identified variants or subtypes of vt. The Health Canada Compendium of Analytical Methods protocol for the analysis of food for VTEC is MFLP-52. MFLP-52 includes a VT Screening PCR that is used to determine the presumptive presence of VTEC by the detection of vt in food enrichments and to differentiate VTEC from other isolates. The VT Screening PCR was developed prior to the establishment of the current vt taxonomy. An evaluation of VT Screening PCR for detection of the 10 established vt subtypes was performed, and it was discovered that the method could not detect subtypes vt1d and vt2f. Additional primers and a modified protocol were developed, and the modified VT Screening PCR was tested against an inclusivity panel of 50 VTEC strains, including representatives of 10 vt subtypes, and an exclusivity panel of 30 vt-negative E. coli from various sources, to ensure specificity. The reliability of MFLP-52 with the modified VT Screening PCR was assessed by analysis of four priority food matrices (ground beef, lettuce, cheese, and apple cider) inoculated with a VTEC strain at 2 to 5 CFU/25 g. The modified VT Screening PCR was determined to be able to detect all 10 vt subtypes and reliably detect the presence of VTEC in all tested food enrichments. HIGHLIGHTS
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanis McMAHON
- Health Canada, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0K9
| | - Jillian Bastian
- Health Canada, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0K9
| | - Inas Alshawa
- Health Canada, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0K9
| | - Alexander Gill
- Health Canada, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0K9.,(ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2380-2148 [A.G.])
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Johnson TJ. Role of Plasmids in the Ecology and Evolution of "High-Risk" Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli Clones. EcoSal Plus 2021; 9:eESP-0013-2020. [PMID: 33634776 PMCID: PMC11163845 DOI: 10.1128/ecosalplus.esp-0013-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial plasmids have been linked to virulence in Escherichia coli and Salmonella since their initial discovery. Though the plasmid repertoire of these bacterial species is extremely diverse, virulence-associated attributes tend to be limited to a small subset of plasmid types. This is particularly true for extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli, or ExPEC, where a handful of plasmids have been recognized to confer virulence- and fitness-associated traits. The purpose of this review is to highlight the biological and genomic attributes of ExPEC virulence-associated plasmids, with an emphasis on high-risk dominant ExPEC clones. Two specific plasmid types are highlighted to illustrate the independently evolved commonalities of these clones relative to plasmid content. Furthermore, the dissemination of these plasmids within and between bacterial species is examined. These examples demonstrate the evolution of high-risk clones toward common goals, and they show that rare transfer events can shape the ecological landscape of dominant clones within a pathotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J. Johnson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Schiller P, Knödler M, Berger P, Greune L, Fruth A, Mellmann A, Dersch P, Berger M, Dobrindt U. The Superior Adherence Phenotype of E. coli O104:H4 is Directly Mediated by the Aggregative Adherence Fimbriae Type I. Virulence 2021; 12:346-359. [PMID: 33356871 PMCID: PMC7834096 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1868841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Whereas the O104:H4 enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) outbreak strain from 2011 expresses aggregative adherence fimbriae of subtype I (AAF/I), its close relative, the O104:H4 enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) strain 55989, encodes AAF of subtype III. Tight adherence mediated by AAF/I in combination with Shiga toxin 2 production has been suggested to result in the outbreak strain’s exceptional pathogenicity. Furthermore, the O104:H4 outbreak strain adheres significantly better to cultured epithelial cells than archetypal EAEC strains expressing different AAF subtypes. To test whether AAF/I expression is associated with the different virulence phenotypes of the outbreak strain, we heterologously expressed AAF subtypes I, III, IV, and V in an AAF-negative EAEC 55989 mutant and compared AAF-mediated phenotypes, incl. autoaggregation, biofilm formation, as well as bacterial adherence to HEp-2 cells. We observed that the expression of all four AAF subtypes promoted bacterial autoaggregation, though with different kinetics. Disturbance of AAF interaction on the bacterial surface via addition of α-AAF antibodies impeded autoaggregation. Biofilm formation was enhanced upon heterologous expression of AAF variants and inversely correlated with the autoaggregation phenotype. Co-cultivation of bacteria expressing different AAF subtypes resulted in mixed bacterial aggregates. Interestingly, bacteria expressing AAF/I formed the largest bacterial clusters on HEp-2 cells, indicating a stronger host cell adherence similar to the EHEC O104:H4 outbreak strain. Our findings show that, compared to the closely related O104:H4 EAEC strain 55989, not only the acquisition of the Shiga toxin phage, but also the acquisition of the AAF/I subtype might have contributed to the increased EHEC O104:H4 pathogenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Knödler
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster , Münster, Germany
| | - Petya Berger
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster , Münster, Germany
| | - Lilo Greune
- Institute for Infectiology, University of Münster , Münster, Germany
| | - Angelika Fruth
- Division of Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Legionella, Robert Koch Institute , Wernigerode, Germany
| | | | - Petra Dersch
- Institute for Infectiology, University of Münster , Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Berger
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster , Münster, Germany
| | - Ulrich Dobrindt
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster , Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Braz VS, Melchior K, Moreira CG. Escherichia coli as a Multifaceted Pathogenic and Versatile Bacterium. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:548492. [PMID: 33409157 PMCID: PMC7779793 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.548492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic plasticity promotes evolution and a vast diversity in Escherichia coli varying from avirulent to highly pathogenic strains, including the emergence of virulent hybrid microorganism. This ability also contributes to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. These hybrid pathogenic E. coli (HyPEC) are emergent threats, such as O104:H4 from the European outbreak in 2011, aggregative adherent bacteria with the potent Shiga-toxin. Here, we briefly revisited the details of these E. coli classic and hybrid pathogens, the increase in antimicrobial resistance in the context of a genetically empowered multifaceted and versatile bug and the growing need to advance alternative therapies to fight these infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vânia Santos Braz
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Karine Melchior
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Gallina Moreira
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Riley LW. Distinguishing Pathovars from Nonpathovars: Escherichia coli. Microbiol Spectr 2020; 8:10.1128/microbiolspec.ame-0014-2020. [PMID: 33385193 PMCID: PMC10773148 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.ame-0014-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli is one of the most well-adapted and pathogenically versatile bacterial organisms. It causes a variety of human infections, including gastrointestinal illnesses and extraintestinal infections. It is also part of the intestinal commensal flora of humans and other mammals. Groups of E. coli that cause diarrhea are often described as intestinal pathogenic E. coli (IPEC), while those that cause infections outside of the gut are called extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC). IPEC can cause a variety of diarrheal illnesses as well as extraintestinal syndromes such as hemolytic-uremic syndrome. ExPEC cause urinary tract infections, bloodstream infection, sepsis, and neonatal meningitis. IPEC and ExPEC have thus come to be referred to as pathogenic variants of E. coli or pathovars. While IPEC can be distinguished from commensal E. coli based on their characteristic virulence factors responsible for their associated clinical manifestations, ExPEC cannot be so easily distinguished. IPEC most likely have reservoirs outside of the human intestine but it is unclear if ExPEC represent nothing more than commensal E. coli that breach a sterile barrier to cause extraintestinal infections. This question has become more complicated by the advent of whole genome sequencing (WGS) that has raised a new question about the taxonomic characterization of E. coli based on traditional clinical microbiologic and phylogenetic methods. This review discusses how molecular epidemiologic approaches have been used to address these questions, and how answers to these questions may contribute to our better understanding of the epidemiology of infections caused by E. coli. *This article is part of a curated collection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lee W Riley
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Desvaux M, Dalmasso G, Beyrouthy R, Barnich N, Delmas J, Bonnet R. Pathogenicity Factors of Genomic Islands in Intestinal and Extraintestinal Escherichia coli. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:2065. [PMID: 33101219 PMCID: PMC7545054 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.02065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli is a versatile bacterial species that includes both harmless commensal strains and pathogenic strains found in the gastrointestinal tract in humans and warm-blooded animals. The growing amount of DNA sequence information generated in the era of "genomics" has helped to increase our understanding of the factors and mechanisms involved in the diversification of this bacterial species. The pathogenic side of E. coli that is afforded through horizontal transfers of genes encoding virulence factors enables this bacterium to become a highly diverse and adapted pathogen that is responsible for intestinal or extraintestinal diseases in humans and animals. Many of the accessory genes acquired by horizontal transfers form syntenic blocks and are recognized as genomic islands (GIs). These genomic regions contribute to the rapid evolution, diversification and adaptation of E. coli variants because they are frequently subject to rearrangements, excision and transfer, as well as to further acquisition of additional DNA. Here, we review a subgroup of GIs from E. coli termed pathogenicity islands (PAIs), a concept defined in the late 1980s by Jörg Hacker and colleagues in Werner Goebel's group at the University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. As with other GIs, the PAIs comprise large genomic regions that differ from the rest of the genome by their G + C content, by their typical insertion within transfer RNA genes, and by their harboring of direct repeats (at their ends), integrase determinants, or other mobility loci. The hallmark of PAIs is their contribution to the emergence of virulent bacteria and to the development of intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the structure and functional features of PAIs, on PAI-encoded E. coli pathogenicity factors and on the role of PAIs in host-pathogen interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mickaël Desvaux
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, MEDiS, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Guillaume Dalmasso
- UMR Inserm 1071, USC-INRAE 2018, M2iSH, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Racha Beyrouthy
- UMR Inserm 1071, USC-INRAE 2018, M2iSH, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nicolas Barnich
- UMR Inserm 1071, USC-INRAE 2018, M2iSH, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Julien Delmas
- UMR Inserm 1071, USC-INRAE 2018, M2iSH, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Richard Bonnet
- UMR Inserm 1071, USC-INRAE 2018, M2iSH, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Rajan A, Robertson MJ, Carter HE, Poole NM, Clark JR, Green SI, Criss ZK, Zhao B, Karandikar U, Xing Y, Margalef-Català M, Jain N, Wilson RL, Bai F, Hyser JM, Petrosino J, Shroyer NF, Blutt SE, Coarfa C, Song X, Prasad BVV, Amieva MR, Grande-Allen J, Estes MK, Okhuysen PC, Maresso AW. Enteroaggregative E. coli Adherence to Human Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans Drives Segment and Host Specific Responses to Infection. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008851. [PMID: 32986782 PMCID: PMC7553275 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) is a significant cause of acute and chronic diarrhea, foodborne outbreaks, infections of the immunocompromised, and growth stunting in children in developing nations. There is no vaccine and resistance to antibiotics is rising. Unlike related E. coli pathotypes that are often associated with acute bouts of infection, EAEC is associated with persistent diarrhea and subclinical long-term colonization. Several secreted virulence factors have been associated with EAEC pathogenesis and linked to disease in humans, less certain are the molecular drivers of adherence to the intestinal mucosa. We previously established human intestinal enteroids (HIEs) as a model system to study host-EAEC interactions and aggregative adherence fimbriae A (AafA) as a major driver of EAEC adherence to HIEs. Here, we report a large-scale assessment of the host response to EAEC adherence from all four segments of the intestine across at least three donor lines for five E. coli pathotypes. The data demonstrate that the host response in the duodenum is driven largely by the infecting pathotype, whereas the response in the colon diverges in a patient-specific manner. Major pathways altered in gene expression in each of the four enteroid segments differed dramatically, with responses observed for inflammation, apoptosis and an overwhelming response to different mucin genes. In particular, EAEC both associated with large mucus droplets and specific mucins at the epithelial surface, binding that was ameliorated when mucins were removed, a process dependent on AafA. Pan-screening for glycans for binding to purified AafA identified the human ligand as heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Removal of HSPG abrogated EAEC association with HIEs. These results may mean that the human intestine responds remarkably different to distinct pathobionts that is dependent on the both the individual and intestinal segment in question, and uncover a major role for surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans as tropism-driving factor in adherence and/or colonization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anubama Rajan
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Robertson
- Molecular and Cell Biology-Mol. Regulation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Hannah E. Carter
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Nina M. Poole
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Justin R. Clark
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Sabrina I. Green
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Zachary K. Criss
- Department of Medicine Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Boyang Zhao
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Umesh Karandikar
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Yikun Xing
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Mar Margalef-Català
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Nikhil Jain
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Reid L. Wilson
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Fan Bai
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory Comprehensive Glycomics Core, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Joseph M. Hyser
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Joseph Petrosino
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Noah F. Shroyer
- Department of Medicine Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Sarah E. Blutt
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Molecular and Cell Biology-Mol. Regulation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Xuezheng Song
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory Comprehensive Glycomics Core, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - BV Venkataram Prasad
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Manuel R. Amieva
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Jane Grande-Allen
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Mary K. Estes
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Pablo C. Okhuysen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Anthony W. Maresso
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Saltykova A, Buytaers FE, Denayer S, Verhaegen B, Piérard D, Roosens NHC, Marchal K, De Keersmaecker SCJ. Strain-Level Metagenomic Data Analysis of Enriched In Vitro and In Silico Spiked Food Samples: Paving the Way towards a Culture-Free Foodborne Outbreak Investigation Using STEC as a Case Study. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5688. [PMID: 32784459 PMCID: PMC7460976 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Culture-independent diagnostics, such as metagenomic shotgun sequencing of food samples, could not only reduce the turnaround time of samples in an outbreak investigation, but also allow the detection of multi-species and multi-strain outbreaks. For successful foodborne outbreak investigation using a metagenomic approach, it is, however, necessary to bioinformatically separate the genomes of individual strains, including strains belonging to the same species, present in a microbial community, which has up until now not been demonstrated for this application. The current work shows the feasibility of strain-level metagenomics of enriched food matrix samples making use of data analysis tools that classify reads against a sequence database. It includes a brief comparison of two database-based read classification tools, Sigma and Sparse, using a mock community obtained by in vitro spiking minced meat with a Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) isolate originating from a described outbreak. The more optimal tool Sigma was further evaluated using in silico simulated metagenomic data to explore the possibilities and limitations of this data analysis approach. The performed analysis allowed us to link the pathogenic strains from food samples to human isolates previously collected during the same outbreak, demonstrating that the metagenomic approach could be applied for the rapid source tracking of foodborne outbreaks. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating a data analysis approach for detailed characterization and phylogenetic placement of multiple bacterial strains of one species from shotgun metagenomic WGS data of an enriched food sample.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Assia Saltykova
- Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- IDLab, Department of Information Technology, Ghent University, IMEC, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Florence E Buytaers
- Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- IDLab, Department of Information Technology, Ghent University, IMEC, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah Denayer
- National Reference Laboratory for Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (NRL STEC), Foodborne Pathogens, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bavo Verhaegen
- National Reference Laboratory for Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (NRL STEC), Foodborne Pathogens, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Denis Piérard
- National Reference Center for Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (NRC STEC), Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nancy H C Roosens
- Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics (TAG), Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kathleen Marchal
- IDLab, Department of Information Technology, Ghent University, IMEC, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Genetics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0083, South Africa
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Global distribution of epidemic-related Shiga toxin 2 encoding phages among enteroaggregative Escherichia coli. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11738. [PMID: 32678145 PMCID: PMC7366661 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68462-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the Shiga toxin-producing enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (Stx-EAEC) O104:H4 strain caused a massive outbreak across Europe in 2011, the importance of Stx-EAEC has attracted attention from a public health perspective. Two Stx-EAEC O86 isolates were obtained from patients with severe symptoms in Japan in 1999 and 2015. To characterize the phylogeny and pathogenic potential of these Stx-EAEC O86 isolates, whole-genome sequence analyses were performed by short-and long-read sequencing. Among genetically diverse E. coli O86, the Stx-EAEC O86 isolates were clustered with the EAEC O86:H27 ST3570 subgroup. Strikingly, there were only two loci with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between the Stx2a phage of a Japanese O86:H27 isolate and that of the European epidemic-related Stx-EAEC O104:H4 isolate. These results provide evidence of global distribution of epidemic-related Stx2a phages among various lineages of E. coli with few mutations.
Collapse
|
23
|
Santos ACDM, Santos FF, Silva RM, Gomes TAT. Diversity of Hybrid- and Hetero-Pathogenic Escherichia coli and Their Potential Implication in More Severe Diseases. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:339. [PMID: 32766163 PMCID: PMC7381148 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) are designated by their isolation site and grouped based on the type of host and the disease they cause, most diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) are subdivided into several pathotypes based on the presence of specific virulence traits directly related to disease development. This scenario of a well-categorized E. coli collapsed after the German outbreak of 2011, caused by one strain bearing the virulence factors of two different DEC pathotypes (enteroaggregative E. coli and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli). Since the outbreak, many studies have shown that this phenomenon is more frequent than previously realized. Therefore, the terms hybrid- and hetero-pathogenic E. coli have been coined to describe new combinations of virulence factors among the classic E. coli pathotypes. In this review, we provide an overview of these classifications and highlight the E. coli genomic plasticity that results in some mixed E. coli pathotypes displaying novel pathogenic strategies, which lead to a new symptomatology related to E. coli diseases. In addition, as the capacity for genome interrogation has grown in the last few years, it is clear that genes encoding some virulence factors, such as Shiga toxin, are found among different E. coli pathotypes to which they have not traditionally been associated, perhaps foreshowing their emergence in new and severe outbreaks caused by such hybrid strains. Therefore, further studies regarding hetero-pathogenic and hybrid-pathogenic E. coli isolates are necessary to better understand and control the spread of these pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina de Mello Santos
- Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Fernandes Santos
- Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosa Maria Silva
- Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tânia Aparecida Tardelli Gomes
- Disciplina de Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zuppi M, Tozzoli R, Chiani P, Quiros P, Martinez-Velazquez A, Michelacci V, Muniesa M, Morabito S. Investigation on the Evolution of Shiga Toxin-Converting Phages Based on Whole Genome Sequencing. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1472. [PMID: 32754128 PMCID: PMC7366253 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages are pivotal elements in the dissemination of virulence genes. The main virulence determinants of Shiga Toxin producing E. coli, Shiga Toxins (Stx), are encoded by genes localized in the genome of lambdoid bacteriophages. Stx comprise two antigenically different types, Stx1 and Stx2, further divided into subtypes. Among these, certain Stx2 subtypes appear to be more commonly occurring in the most severe forms of the STEC disease, haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This study aimed at obtaining insights on the evolution of Stx2 bacteriophages, due to their relevance in public health, and we report here on the analysis of the genomic structure of Stx2 converting phages in relation with the known reservoir of the E. coli strains harboring them. Stx2-converting phages conveying the genes encoding different stx2 subtypes have been isolated from STEC strains and their whole genomes have been sequenced, analyzed and compared to those of other Stx2 phages available in the public domain. The phages' regions containing the stx2 genes have been analyzed in depth allowing to make inference on the possible mechanisms of selection and maintenance of certain Stx2 phages in the reservoir. The "stx regions" of different stx2 gene subtypes grouped into three different evolutionary lines in the comparative analysis, reflecting the frequency with which these subtypes are found in different animal niches, suggesting that the colonization of specific reservoir by STEC strains could be influenced by the Stx phage that they carry. Noteworthy, we could identify the presence of nanS-p gene exclusively in the "stx regions" of the phages identified in STEC strains commonly found in cattle. As a matter of fact, this gene encodes an esterase capable of metabolizing sialic acids produced by submaxillary glands of bovines and present in great quantities in their gastrointestinal tract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Zuppi
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosangela Tozzoli
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Chiani
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Pablo Quiros
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adan Martinez-Velazquez
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valeria Michelacci
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maite Muniesa
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stefano Morabito
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Vazquez-Lopez J, Navarro-Garcia F. In silico Analyses of Core Proteins and Putative Effector and Immunity Proteins for T6SS in Enterohemorrhagic E. coli. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:195. [PMID: 32432054 PMCID: PMC7216683 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) has become an important pathogen that can cause diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in humans. Recent reports show that the type VI secretion system (T6SS) from EHEC is required to produce infection in a murine model and its expression has been related to a higher prevalence of HUS. In this work, we use bioinformatics analyses to identify the core genes of the T6SS and compared the differences between these components among the two published genomes for EHEC O157:H7 strain EDL933. Prototype strain EDL933 was further compared with other O157:H7 genomes. Unlike other typical T6SS effectors found in E. coli, we identified that there are several rhs family genes in EHEC, which could serve as T6SS effectors. In-silico and PCR analyses of the differences between rhs genes in the two existing genomes, allowed us to determine that the most recently published genome is more reliable to study the rhs genes. Analyzing the putative tridimensional structure of Rhs proteins, as well as the motifs found in their C-terminal end, allowed us to predict their possible functions. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the orphan rhs genes are more closely related between them than the rhs genes belonging to vgrG islands and that they are divided into three clades. Analyses of the downstream region of the rhs genes for identifying hypothetical immunity proteins showed that every gene has an associated small ORF (129-609 nucleotides). These genes could serve as immunity proteins as they had several interaction motifs as well as structural homology with other known immunity proteins. Our findings highlight the relevance of the T6SS in EHEC as well as the possible function of the Rhs effectors of EHEC O157:H7 during pathogenesis and bacterial competition, and the identification of novel effectors for the T6SS using a structural approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Vazquez-Lopez
- Department of Cell Biology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fernando Navarro-Garcia
- Department of Cell Biology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Bertelloni F, Cilia G, Bogi S, Ebani VV, Turini L, Nuvoloni R, Cerri D, Fratini F, Turchi B. Pathotypes and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Escherichia Coli Isolated from Wild Boar ( Sus scrofa) in Tuscany. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E744. [PMID: 32344604 PMCID: PMC7222796 DOI: 10.3390/ani10040744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild boar are among the most widespread wild mammals in Europe. Although this species can act as a reservoir for different pathogens, data about its role as a carrier of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli are still scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant and pathogenic Escherichia coli in wild boar in the Tuscany region of Italy. During the hunting season of 2018-2019, E. coli was isolated from 175 of 200 animals and subjected to antimicrobial resistance tests and PCR for detection of resistance and virulence factor genes. The highest resistance rates were against cephalothin (94.3%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (87.4%), ampicillin (68.6%), and tetracycline (44.6%). The most detected resistance genes were blaCMY-2 (54.3%), sul1 (38.9%), sul2 (30.9%), and tetG (24.6%). Concerning genes encoding virulence factors, 55 of 175 isolates (31.4%) were negative for all tested genes. The most detected genes were hlyA (47.4%), astA (29.1%), stx2 (24.6%), eaeA (17.1%), and stx1 (11.4%). E. coli was classified as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) (21.7%), enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) (6.3%), enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) (5.1%), and atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (aEPEC) (3.4%). Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC), and typical enteropathogenic E. coli (tEPEC) were not detected. Our results show that wild boars could carry pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant E. coli, representing a possible reservoir of domestic animal and human pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Bertelloni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.C.); (S.B.); (V.V.E.); (L.T.); (R.N.); (D.C.); (F.F.); (B.T.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Antunes P, Novais C, Peixe L. Food-to-Humans Bacterial Transmission. Microbiol Spectr 2020; 8:10.1128/microbiolspec.mtbp-0019-2016. [PMID: 31950894 PMCID: PMC10810214 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.mtbp-0019-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms vehiculated by food might benefit health, cause minimal change within the equilibrium of the host microbial community or be associated with foodborne diseases. In this chapter we will focus on human pathogenic bacteria for which food is conclusively demonstrated as their transmission mode to human. We will describe the impact of foodborne diseases in public health, the reservoirs of foodborne pathogens (the environment, human and animals), the main bacterial pathogens and food vehicles causing human diseases, and the drivers for the transmission of foodborne diseases related to the food-chain, host or bacteria features. The implication of food-chain (foodborne pathogens and commensals) in the transmission of resistance to antibiotics relevant to the treatment of human infections is also evidenced. The multiplicity and interplay of drivers related to intensification, diversification and globalization of food production, consumer health status, preferences, lifestyles or behaviors, and bacteria adaptation to different challenges (stress tolerance and antimicrobial resistance) from farm to human, make the prevention of bacteria-food-human transmission a modern and continuous challenge. A global One Health approach is mandatory to better understand and minimize the transmission pathways of human pathogens, including multidrug-resistant pathogens and commensals, through food-chain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Antunes
- Faculdade de Ciências da Nutrição e Alimentação, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Novais
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luísa Peixe
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Shiga Toxin-Producing and Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli in Animal, Foods, and Humans: Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Detection Methods, and Epidemiology. Curr Microbiol 2019; 77:612-620. [DOI: 10.1007/s00284-019-01842-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
29
|
Diversity of P1 phage-like elements in multidrug resistant Escherichia coli. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18861. [PMID: 31827120 PMCID: PMC6906374 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54895-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The spread of multidrug resistance via mobile genetic elements is a major clinical and veterinary concern. Pathogenic Escherichia coli harbour antibiotic resistance and virulence genes mainly on plasmids, but also bacteriophages and hybrid phage-like plasmids. In this study, the genomes of three E. coli phage-like plasmids, pJIE250-3 from a human E. coli clinical isolate, pSvP1 from a porcine ETEC O157 isolate, and pTZ20_1P from a porcine commensal E. coli, were sequenced (PacBio RSII), annotated and compared. All three elements are coliphage P1 variants, each with unique adaptations. pJIE250-3 is a P1-derivative that has lost lytic functions and contains no accessory genes. In pTZ20_1P and pSvP1, a core P1-like genome is associated with insertion sequence-mediated acquisition of plasmid modules encoding multidrug resistance and virulence, respectively. The transfer ability of pTZ20_1P, carrying antibiotic resistance markers, was also tested and, although this element was not able to transfer by conjugation, it was able to lysogenize a commensal E. coli strain with consequent transfer of resistance. The incidence of P1-like plasmids (~7%) in our E. coli collections correlated well with that in public databases. This study highlights the need to investigate the contribution of phage-like plasmids to the successful spread of antibiotic resistant pathotypes.
Collapse
|
30
|
Rios-Muñiz D, Cerna-Cortes JF, Lopez-Saucedo C, Angeles-Morales E, Bobadilla-Del Valle M, Ponce-de Leon A, Estrada-Garcia T. Longitudinal Analysis of the Microbiological Quality of Raw Cow's Milk Samples Collected from Three Small Family Dairy Farms in Mexico over a 2-Year Period. J Food Prot 2019; 82:2194-2200. [PMID: 31742445 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-19-155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In Mexico, the total milk production that family dairy farms (FDF) contribute is ca. 35%, but this milk is not evaluated for microbiological quality. Forty percent of the milk and dairy products consumed by Mexicans is unpasteurized. In total, 24 raw cow's milk samples from three FDF (one sample per each season from each FDF for two sequent years) were characterized for the presence of food quality indicator organisms, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, and Mycobacterium spp., by standard procedures. Escherichia coli presence was also evaluated by a direct count method and diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) by molecular methods. On the basis of Mexican guidelines for raw milk entering production, 42% of samples exceeded the aerobic mesophilic bacteria limits. A total of 83% raw milk samples were positive for total coliforms, 54% for fecal coliforms, and 46% for E. coli. Forty-three E. coli isolates were selected and characterized for the presence of 11 DEC loci; of theses, 40 isolates were negative for all DEC loci, and 3 isolates, all collected from the same sample, were Shiga toxin 2 (stx2) positive and O157 antigen negative, and one stx2 isolate was resistant to 6 of the 16 antibiotics tested. None of the 24 raw milk samples were positive for Salmonella enterica, L. monocytogenes, or staphylococcal enterotoxin. S. aureus was isolated from nine samples, of which only three samples harbored resistant isolates. From three samples, four nontuberculous mycobacterial isolates were recovered (Mycobacteroides chelonae, Mycobacteroides porcinum, and two Mycobacteroides abscessus). All four isolates produced biofilm and had sliding motility, and three isolates (M. porcinum and two M. abscessus) were resistant to the two antibiotics tested (clarithromycin and linezolid). FDF provide raw milk to a large proportion of the Mexican population, but its consumption could be harmful to health, emphasizing the need to implement national microbiological quality guidelines for raw milk intended for direct human consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Rios-Muñiz
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Col. Casco de Santo Tomas, Ciudad de Mexico, CP 11340, Mexico.,Molecular Biomedicine Department, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Av. IPN 2508, Zacatenco, Mexico City, CP 07360, Mexico
| | - Jorge F Cerna-Cortes
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Col. Casco de Santo Tomas, Ciudad de Mexico, CP 11340, Mexico
| | - Catalina Lopez-Saucedo
- Molecular Biomedicine Department, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Av. IPN 2508, Zacatenco, Mexico City, CP 07360, Mexico
| | - Erika Angeles-Morales
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Col. Casco de Santo Tomas, Ciudad de Mexico, CP 11340, Mexico
| | - Miriam Bobadilla-Del Valle
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubiran, Ciudad de Mexico, CP 14080, Mexico
| | - Alfredo Ponce-de Leon
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubiran, Ciudad de Mexico, CP 14080, Mexico
| | - Teresa Estrada-Garcia
- Molecular Biomedicine Department, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Av. IPN 2508, Zacatenco, Mexico City, CP 07360, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Characteristics of Carbapenem-Resistant and Colistin-Resistant Escherichia coli Co-Producing NDM-1 and MCR-1 from Pig Farms in China. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7110482. [PMID: 31652858 PMCID: PMC6920953 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7110482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of carbapenem-resistant and colistin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae represents a great risk for public health. In this study, the phenotypical and genetic characteristics of eight carbapenem-resistant and colistin-resistant isolates from pig farms in China were determined by the broth microdilution method and whole genome sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that the eight carbapenem-resistant and colistin-resistant strains were resistant to three aminoglycosides, twelve β-lactams, one of the phenicols, one of the tetracyclines, and one of the fluoroquinolones tested, simultaneously. The prediction of acquired resistant genes using the whole genome sequences revealed the co-existence of blaNDM-1 and mcr-1 as well as the other genes that were responsible for the multidrug-resistant phenotypes. Bioinformatics analysis also showed that the carbapenem-resistant gene blaNDM-1 was located on a putative IncFII-type plasmid, which also carried the other acquired resistant genes identified, including fosA3, blaTEM-1B and rmtB, while the colistin-resistant gene mcr-1 was carried by a putative IncX4-type plasmid. Finally, we found that these resistant genes/plasmids were conjugative, and they could be co-conjugated, conferring resistance to multiple types of antibiotics, including the carbapenems and colistin, to the recipient Escherichia coli strains.
Collapse
|
32
|
Arimizu Y, Kirino Y, Sato MP, Uno K, Sato T, Gotoh Y, Auvray F, Brugere H, Oswald E, Mainil JG, Anklam KS, Döpfer D, Yoshino S, Ooka T, Tanizawa Y, Nakamura Y, Iguchi A, Morita-Ishihara T, Ohnishi M, Akashi K, Hayashi T, Ogura Y. Large-scale genome analysis of bovine commensal Escherichia coli reveals that bovine-adapted E. coli lineages are serving as evolutionary sources of the emergence of human intestinal pathogenic strains. Genome Res 2019; 29:1495-1505. [PMID: 31439690 PMCID: PMC6724679 DOI: 10.1101/gr.249268.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
How pathogens evolve their virulence to humans in nature is a scientific issue of great medical and biological importance. Shiga toxin (Stx)–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) are the major foodborne pathogens that can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome and infantile diarrhea, respectively. The locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE)–encoded type 3 secretion system (T3SS) is the major virulence determinant of EPEC and is also possessed by major STEC lineages. Cattle are thought to be the primary reservoir of STEC and EPEC. However, genome sequences of bovine commensal E. coli are limited, and the emerging process of STEC and EPEC is largely unknown. Here, we performed a large-scale genomic comparison of bovine commensal E. coli with human commensal and clinical strains, including EPEC and STEC, at a global level. The analyses identified two distinct lineages, in which bovine and human commensal strains are enriched, respectively, and revealed that STEC and EPEC strains have emerged in multiple sublineages of the bovine-associated lineage. In addition to the bovine-associated lineage-specific genes, including fimbriae, capsule, and nutrition utilization genes, specific virulence gene communities have been accumulated in stx- and LEE-positive strains, respectively, with notable overlaps of community members. Functional associations of these genes probably confer benefits to these E. coli strains in inhabiting and/or adapting to the bovine intestinal environment and drive their evolution to highly virulent human pathogens under the bovine-adapted genetic background. Our data highlight the importance of large-scale genome sequencing of animal strains in the studies of zoonotic pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Arimizu
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.,Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yumi Kirino
- Laboratory of Veterinary Radiology, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiko P Sato
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Koichi Uno
- Japan Microbiological Laboratory, Sendai, Miyagi 983-0034, Japan
| | - Toshio Sato
- Japan Microbiological Laboratory, Sendai, Miyagi 983-0034, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Gotoh
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Frédéric Auvray
- IRSD, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, INRA, ENVT, UPS, 31300 Toulouse, France
| | - Hubert Brugere
- IRSD, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, INRA, ENVT, UPS, 31300 Toulouse, France
| | - Eric Oswald
- IRSD, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, INRA, ENVT, UPS, 31300 Toulouse, France.,CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, 31300 Toulouse, France
| | - Jacques G Mainil
- Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Institute for Fundamental and Applied Research in Animal Health (FARAH), University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Kelly S Anklam
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
| | - Dörte Döpfer
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
| | - Shuji Yoshino
- Department of Microbiology, Miyazaki Prefectural Institute for Public Health and Environment, Miyazaki 889-2155, Japan
| | - Tadasuke Ooka
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Tanizawa
- Center for Information Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Yasukazu Nakamura
- Center for Information Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Atsushi Iguchi
- Department of Animal and Grassland Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Tomoko Morita-Ishihara
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Makoto Ohnishi
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Koichi Akashi
- Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Hayashi
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yoshitoshi Ogura
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Comparative Transcriptomic Profiling of Yersinia enterocolitica O:3 and O:8 Reveals Major Expression Differences of Fitness- and Virulence-Relevant Genes Indicating Ecological Separation. mSystems 2019; 4:mSystems00239-18. [PMID: 31020044 PMCID: PMC6478967 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00239-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Yersinia enterocolitica is a major diarrheal pathogen and is associated with a large range of gut-associated diseases. Members of this species have evolved into different phylogroups with genotypic variations. We performed the first characterization of the Y. enterocolitica transcriptional landscape and tracked the consequences of the genomic variations between two different pathogenic phylogroups by comparing their RNA repertoire, promoter usage, and expression profiles under four different virulence-relevant conditions. Our analysis revealed major differences in the transcriptional outputs of the closely related strains, pointing to an ecological separation in which one is more adapted to an environmental lifestyle and the other to a mostly mammal-associated lifestyle. Moreover, a variety of pathoadaptive alterations, including alterations in acid resistance genes, colonization factors, and toxins, were identified which affect virulence and host specificity. This illustrates that comparative transcriptomics is an excellent approach to discover differences in the functional output from closely related genomes affecting niche adaptation and virulence, which cannot be directly inferred from DNA sequences. Yersinia enterocolitica is a zoonotic pathogen and an important cause of bacterial gastrointestinal infections in humans. Large-scale population genomic analyses revealed genetic and phenotypic diversity of this bacterial species, but little is known about the differences in the transcriptome organization, small RNA (sRNA) repertoire, and transcriptional output. Here, we present the first comparative high-resolution transcriptome analysis of Y. enterocolitica strains representing highly pathogenic phylogroup 2 (serotype O:8) and moderately pathogenic phylogroup 3 (serotype O:3) grown under four infection-relevant conditions. Our transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) approach revealed 1,299 and 1,076 transcriptional start sites and identified strain-specific sRNAs that could contribute to differential regulation among the phylogroups. Comparative transcriptomics further uncovered major gene expression differences, in particular, in the temperature-responsive regulon. Multiple virulence-relevant genes are differentially regulated between the two strains, supporting an ecological separation of phylogroups with certain niche-adapted properties. Strong upregulation of the ystA enterotoxin gene in combination with constitutive high expression of cell invasion factor InvA further showed that the toxicity of recent outbreak O:3 strains has increased. Overall, our report provides new insights into the specific transcriptome organization of phylogroups 2 and 3 and reveals gene expression differences contributing to the substantial phenotypic differences that exist between the lineages. IMPORTANCEYersinia enterocolitica is a major diarrheal pathogen and is associated with a large range of gut-associated diseases. Members of this species have evolved into different phylogroups with genotypic variations. We performed the first characterization of the Y. enterocolitica transcriptional landscape and tracked the consequences of the genomic variations between two different pathogenic phylogroups by comparing their RNA repertoire, promoter usage, and expression profiles under four different virulence-relevant conditions. Our analysis revealed major differences in the transcriptional outputs of the closely related strains, pointing to an ecological separation in which one is more adapted to an environmental lifestyle and the other to a mostly mammal-associated lifestyle. Moreover, a variety of pathoadaptive alterations, including alterations in acid resistance genes, colonization factors, and toxins, were identified which affect virulence and host specificity. This illustrates that comparative transcriptomics is an excellent approach to discover differences in the functional output from closely related genomes affecting niche adaptation and virulence, which cannot be directly inferred from DNA sequences.
Collapse
|
34
|
Antibiotic Resistance Profile and Clonality of E. coli Isolated from Water and Paediatric Stool Samples in the North-West, Province South Africa. JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.22207/jpam.13.1.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
35
|
Lang C, Fruth A, Holland G, Laue M, Mühlen S, Dersch P, Flieger A. Novel type of pilus associated with a Shiga-toxigenic E. coli hybrid pathovar conveys aggregative adherence and bacterial virulence. Emerg Microbes Infect 2018; 7:203. [PMID: 30514915 PMCID: PMC6279748 DOI: 10.1038/s41426-018-0209-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
A large German outbreak in 2011 was caused by a locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE)-negative enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) strain of the serotype O104:H4. This strain harbors markers that are characteristic of both EHEC and enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), including aggregative adhesion fimbriae (AAF) genes. Such rare EHEC/EAEC hybrids are highly pathogenic due to their possession of a combination of genes promoting severe toxicity and aggregative adhesion. We previously identified novel EHEC/EAEC hybrids and observed that one strain exhibited aggregative adherence but had no AAF genes. In this study, a genome sequence analysis showed that this strain belongs to the genoserotype O23:H8, MLST ST26, and harbors a 5.2 Mb chromosome and three plasmids. One plasmid carries some EAEC marker genes, such as aatA and genes with limited protein homology (11–61%) to those encoding the bundle-forming pilus (BFP) of enteropathogenic E. coli. Due to significant protein homology distance to known pili, we designated these as aggregate-forming pili (AFP)-encoding genes and the respective plasmid as pAFP. The afp operon was arranged similarly to the operon of BFP genes but contained an additional gene, afpA2, which is homologous to afpA. The deletion of the afp operon, afpA, or a nearby gene (afpR) encoding an AraC-like regulator, but not afpA2, led to a loss of pilin production, piliation, bacterial autoaggregation, and importantly, a >80% reduction in adhesion and cytotoxicity toward epithelial cells. Gene sets similar to the afp operon were identified in a variety of aatA-positive but AAF-negative intestinal pathogenic E. coli. In summary, we characterized widely distributed and novel fimbriae that are essential for aggregative adherence and cytotoxicity in a LEE-negative Shiga-toxigenic hybrid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Lang
- Division of Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Legionella, Robert Koch Institut, Wernigerode, Saxony-Anhalt, 38855, Germany
| | - Angelika Fruth
- Division of Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Legionella, Robert Koch Institut, Wernigerode, Saxony-Anhalt, 38855, Germany
| | - Gudrun Holland
- Division of Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy, Robert Koch Institut, Berlin, 13353, Germany
| | - Michael Laue
- Division of Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy, Robert Koch Institut, Berlin, 13353, Germany
| | - Sabrina Mühlen
- Department of Molecular Infection Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Lower Saxony, 38124, Germany
| | - Petra Dersch
- Department of Molecular Infection Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Lower Saxony, 38124, Germany
| | - Antje Flieger
- Division of Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Legionella, Robert Koch Institut, Wernigerode, Saxony-Anhalt, 38855, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Pro-inflammatory capacity of Escherichia coli O104:H4 outbreak strain during colonization of intestinal epithelial cells from human and cattle. Int J Med Microbiol 2018; 308:899-911. [PMID: 29937390 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2011, Germany was struck by the largest outbreak of hemolytic uremic syndrome. The highly virulent E. coli O104:H4 outbreak strain LB226692 possesses a blended virulence profile combining genetic patterns of human adapted enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), rarely detected in animal hosts before, and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), a subpopulation of Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing E. coli (STEC) basically adapted to the ruminant host. This study aimed at appraising the relative level of adaptation of the EAEC/EHEC hybrid strain LB226692 to humans and cattle. Adherence and invasion of the hybrid strain to intestinal (jejunal and colonic) epithelial cells (IEC) of human and bovine origin was compared to that of E. coli strains representative of different pathovars and commensal E. coli by means of light and electron microscopy and culture. Strain-specific host gene transcription profiles of selected cytokines and chemokines as well as host-induced transcription of bacterial virulence genes were assessed. The release of Stx upon host cell contact was quantified. The outbreak strain's immunomodulation was assessed by cultivating primary bovine macrophages with conditioned supernatants from IEC infection studies with E. coli, serving as model for the innate immunity of the bovine gut. The outbreak strain adhered to IEC of both, human and bovine origin. Electron microscopy of infected cells revealed the strain's particular affinity to human small IEC, in contrast to few interactions with bovine small IEC. The outbreak strain possessed a high-level of adhesive power, similar to human-associated E. coli strains and in contrast to bovine-associated STEC strains. The outbreak strain displayed a non-invasive phenotype, in contrast to some bovine-associated E. coli strains, which were invasive. The outbreak strain provoked some pro-inflammatory activity in human cells, but to a lower extent as compared to other pathotypes. In contrasts to bovine-associated E. coli strains, the outbreak strain induced marked pro-inflammatory activity when interacting with bovine host cells directly (IEC) and indirectly (macrophages). Among stx2-positive strains, the human-pathogenic strains (LB226692 and EHEC strain 86-24) released higher amounts of Stx compared to bovine-associated STEC. The findings imply that the outbreak strain is rather adapted to humans than to cattle. However, the outbreak strain's potential to colonize IEC of both host species and the rather mixed reaction patterns observed for all strains under study indicate, that even STEC strains with an unusual genotype as the EHEC O104:H4 outbreak strain, i.e. with an EAEC genetic background, may be able to conquer other reservoir hosts.
Collapse
|
37
|
Krause M, Barth H, Schmidt H. Toxins of Locus of Enterocyte Effacement-Negative Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10060241. [PMID: 29903982 PMCID: PMC6024878 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10060241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies on Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) typically examine and classify the virulence gene profiles based on genomic analyses. Among the screened strains, a subgroup of STEC which lacks the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) has frequently been identified. This raises the question about the level of pathogenicity of such strains. This review focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of the standard screening procedures in virulence profiling and summarizes the current knowledge concerning the function and regulation of toxins encoded by LEE-negative STEC. Although LEE-negative STEC usually come across as food isolates, which rarely cause infections in humans, some serotypes have been implicated in human diseases. In particular, the LEE-negative E. coli O104:H7 German outbreak strain from 2011 and the Australian O113:H21 strain isolated from a HUS patient attracted attention. Moreover, the LEE-negative STEC O113:H21 strain TS18/08 that was isolated from minced meat is remarkable in that it not only encodes multiple toxins, but in fact expresses three different toxins simultaneously. Their characterization contributes to understanding the virulence of the LEE-negative STEC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maike Krause
- Department of Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Garbenstrasse 28, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Holger Barth
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Herbert Schmidt
- Department of Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Garbenstrasse 28, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Bai X, Mernelius S, Jernberg C, Einemo IM, Monecke S, Ehricht R, Löfgren S, Matussek A. Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Infection in Jönköping County, Sweden: Occurrence and Molecular Characteristics in Correlation With Clinical Symptoms and Duration of stx Shedding. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:125. [PMID: 29765909 PMCID: PMC5939558 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cause bloody diarrhea (BD), hemorrhagic colitis (HC), and even hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). In Nordic countries, STEC are widely spread and usually associated with gastrointestinal symptoms and HUS. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of STEC in Swedish patients over 10 years of age from 2003 through 2015, and to analyze the correlation of critical STEC virulence factors with clinical symptoms and duration of stx shedding. Diarrheal stool samples were screened for presence of stx by real-time PCR. All STEC isolates were characterized by DNA microarray assay and PCR to determine serogenotypes, stx subtypes, and presence of intimin gene eae and enterohaemolysin gene ehxA. Multilocus sequencing typing (MLST) was used to assess phylogenetic relationships. Clinical features were collected and analyzed using data from the routine infection control measures in the county. A total of 14,550 samples were enrolled in this 12-years period study, and 175 (1.2%) stools were stx positive by real-time PCR. The overall incidence of STEC infection was 4.9 cases per 100,000 person-years during the project period. Seventy-five isolates, with one isolate per sample were recovered, among which 43 were from non-bloody stools, 32 from BD, and 3 out of the 75 STEC positive patients developed HUS. The presence of stx2 in both stools and isolates were associated with BD (p = 0.008, p = 0.05), and the presence of eae in isolates was related to BD (p = 0.008). The predominant serogenotypes associated with BD were O157:H7, O26:H11, O121:H19, and O103:H2. Isolates from HUS were O104:H4 and O98: H21 serotypes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed our strains were highly diverse, and showed close relatedness to HUS-associated STEC collection strains. In conclusion, the presence of stx2 in stool was related to BD already at the initial diagnostic procedure, thus could be used as risk predictor at an early stage. STEC isolates with stx2 and eae were significantly associated with BD. The predominant serotypes associated with BD were O157:H7, O26:H11, O121:H19, and O103:H2. Nevertheless, the pathogenic potential of other serotypes and genotypes should not be neglected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangning Bai
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | - Stefan Monecke
- Abbott (Alere Technologies GmbH), Jena, Germany
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, Jena, Germany
| | - Ralf Ehricht
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, Jena, Germany
| | - Sture Löfgren
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Andreas Matussek
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jönköping, Sweden
- Karolinska University Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Freedman SB, Grisaru S, Xie J, Samuel S, Dixon A, Plint AC, Schnadower D. Management of Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli-infected children: A multi-national, multi-specialty survey. J Paediatr Child Health 2018; 54:390-397. [PMID: 29111613 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.13778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM Research has highlighted the potential role that hydration status may play in predicting outcomes in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC)-infected children. Because little is known about the management of STEC-infected children in the pre-haemolytic uremic syndrome phase, we compared paediatric emergency medicine and nephrologist-stated management approaches to STEC-infected children. METHODS Members of the Pediatric Emergency Research Canada (PERC; n = 228), the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Collaborative Research Committee (PEM CRC; n = 221) and the Canadian Association of Pediatric Nephrologists (CAPN; n = 66) were surveyed. Five individualised e-mail requests containing a link to a 42-question web-based survey were sent to eligible participants. RESULTS Of 496 potentially eligible participants, 276 (56%) submitted complete survey responses. In children with classic features of STEC infection, baseline haemoglobin/haematocrit is obtained by 54% of PERC, 41% of PEM CRC and 83% of CAPN members (P < 0.001), and baseline renal function is obtained by 51% of PERC, 38% of PEM CRC and 83% of CAPN members (P < 0.001). Intravenous fluids are more often recommended by nephrologists (28%) compared with PEM physicians (7%), P < 0.001. In children with known E. coli O157:H7 infection, nephrologists more commonly recommend clinical follow-up (P = 0.003), complete blood counts (P < 0.001) and renal function/electrolyte testing (P < 0.001). Intravenous fluid administration and admission are more commonly recommended by nephrologists (P = 0.03 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION Compared with paediatric nephrologists, paediatric emergency medicine physicians are less likely to perform baseline and follow-up blood tests and to administer intravascular volume expansion in children at risk of, and with confirmed, E. coli O157:H7 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen B Freedman
- Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Gastroenterology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Silviu Grisaru
- Section of Pediatric Nephrology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jianling Xie
- Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Susan Samuel
- Section of Pediatric Nephrology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew Dixon
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Stollery Children's Hospital, Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amy C Plint
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Schnadower
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Keenswijk W, Raes A, Vande Walle J. Is eculizumab efficacious in Shigatoxin-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome? A narrative review of current evidence. Eur J Pediatr 2018; 177:311-318. [PMID: 29288280 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-017-3077-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Severe complications due to Shigatoxin-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS) currently present a serious challenge since no specific treatment for this condition is available. Eculizumab, a terminal complement inhibitor, has been used especially in STEC-HUS patients with severe neurological involvement, but the efficacy remains undetermined. In order to determine its efficacy, we searched the databases Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, and LiLACS for reports describing outcomes of eculizumab administration in STEC-HUS. We retrieved 11 reports ranging from case reports to cohort studies with the largest study population emanating from the 2011 German outbreak. Outcomes were variable and difficult to interpret in light of the absence of high-quality studies but seemed to point towards potential efficacy of eculizumab if administered early in the course. CONCLUSION The efficacy of eculizumab in STEC-HUS could not be established nor disproven based on current data, and there is a desperate need for randomized controlled trials. What is known? • Eculizumab has been used in complicated cases of Shigatoxin-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome but the efficacy remains unknown? What is new? • Eculizumab might be efficacious if given early in selected cases of Shigatoxin-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome; however, randomized trials are needed to assess this.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Werner Keenswijk
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Nephrology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium. .,Department of Pediatrics, Diakonessenhuis , Paramaribo, Suriname.
| | - Ann Raes
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Nephrology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Johan Vande Walle
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Nephrology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Kerangart S, Cournoyer B, Loukiadis E. C-source metabolic profilings of foodborne Shiga-toxin producing E. coli match serogroup differentiations and highlight functional adaptations. Int J Food Microbiol 2017; 266:324-336. [PMID: 29217302 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2017.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The tropism of pathogenic STEC for foodstuffs and cattle reservoir is related to functional specializations. An investigation of C-source utilization patterns among and between STEC serogroups was performed using omnilog phenotypic microarrays (OM). OM functional groupings were compared with STEC phylogroups, seropathotypes, EFSA's molecular risk assessment groups and serogroups. OM INT reduction activities of 37 STEC strains growing on 190 C-substrates were compared. Each strain had its own specific C-utilization profile but 23% of the substrates was used by all strains, 47% by none, and 30% was variably metabolized. Galactose, mannose, N-acetyl-glucosamine (GlcNAc), and N-acetyl neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) found in the mucus layer of the bovine small intestine were metabolized by all strains. The 56 most informative substrates divided the C-utilization patterns (CP) into three clusters with: (A) harboring all O157 and O145 strains; (B) all O26 strains, and (C) strains of the other serogroups. Significant correlations between INT reduction values of pair of strains per CP group supported these differentiations. CP of group A and B strains were respectively defective in the use of galactonic acid-γ-lactone and rhamnose. Most CP group C strains grew with l-lyxose. Adjusted Wallace coefficients analyses of the datasets indicated high probabilities for the prediction of the use of glycolic acid, β-hydroxybutyric acid, l-lyxose and d-galactonic acid-γ-lactone and 5-keto-d-gluconic acid by a serogroup. The use of a C-substrate could be predicted from the classification of a strain into a phylogroup or seropathotype. Significantly lower numbers of C-substrates were used by seropathotype A strains like O157 ones. Improvements of STEC identification keys were proposed using the most discriminant C-substrates found in this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Kerangart
- University of Lyon, Research group on "Bacterial Opportunistic Pathogens and Environment", UMR Ecologie Microbienne, CNRS 5557, INRA 1418, University Lyon 1, VetAgro Sup, 69280 Marcy L'Etoile, France
| | - Benoit Cournoyer
- University of Lyon, Research group on "Bacterial Opportunistic Pathogens and Environment", UMR Ecologie Microbienne, CNRS 5557, INRA 1418, University Lyon 1, VetAgro Sup, 69280 Marcy L'Etoile, France.
| | - Estelle Loukiadis
- University of Lyon, Research group on "Bacterial Opportunistic Pathogens and Environment", UMR Ecologie Microbienne, CNRS 5557, INRA 1418, University Lyon 1, VetAgro Sup, 69280 Marcy L'Etoile, France; University of Lyon, VetAgro Sup, LMAP, National Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli (including VTEC), Marcy L'Etoile, France
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Nyambe S, Burgess C, Whyte P, Bolton D. An investigation of vtx 2 bacteriophage transduction to different Escherichia coli patho-groups in food matrices and nutrient broth. Food Microbiol 2017; 68:1-6. [PMID: 28800816 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated bacteriophage (phage) mediated transfer of the vtx2 gene from a donor Escherichia coli (C600φ3538(Δvtx2::cat)) to enteropathogenic (EPEC), enterotoxigenic (ETEC), enteroaggregative (EAEC), enteroinvasive (EIEC) and diffusely adherent (DAEC) E. coli strains in LB broth, milk, ground beef and lettuce. Two bacterial concentrations for both the E. coli donor and recipient strains, 3 and 5 log10 CFU/ml (LB broth and milk)/g (beef) or/cm2 (lettuce), were used. When transductants were obtained, the location of insertion of the phage (insertion sites wrbA, yehA, sbcB, yecE and/or Z2577) in the E. coli chromosome was investigated by PCR. The vtx2 gene was readily transferred to EAEC O104:H4 (E99518) in all matrices and inserted into the chromosome at the sbcB locus. At higher cell concentrations, transductants were also obtained with ETEC E4683, ETEC E8057 (insertion site unknown) and DAEC O75:H- E66438 (insertion site unknown) in LB broth and milk. It was concluded that the vtx2 gene may be transferred by bacteriophage to different E. coli pathotypes in laboratory and food matrices, resulting in the spread of the vtx2 gene and the emergence of novel foodborne pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sepo Nyambe
- Food Safety Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15, Ireland; School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Catherine Burgess
- Food Safety Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15, Ireland
| | - Paul Whyte
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Declan Bolton
- Food Safety Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Pathogens of Food Animals: Sources, Characteristics, Human Risk, and Methods of Detection. ADVANCES IN FOOD AND NUTRITION RESEARCH 2017; 82:277-365. [PMID: 28427535 DOI: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pathogens associated with food production (livestock) animals come in many forms causing a multitude of disease for humans. For the purpose of this review, these infectious agents can be divided into three broad categories: those that are associated with bacterial disease, those that are associated with viruses, and those that are parasitic in nature. The goal of this chapter is to provide the reader with an overview of the most common pathogens that cause disease in humans through exposure via the food chain and the consequence of this exposure as well as risk and detection methods. We have also included a collection of unusual pathogens that although rare have still caused disease, and their recognition is warranted in light of emerging and reemerging diseases. These provide the reader an understanding of where the next big outbreak could occur. The influence of the global economy, the movement of people, and food makes understanding production animal-associated disease paramount to being able to address new diseases as they arise.
Collapse
|
44
|
Juneja VK, Cadavez V, Gonzales-Barron U, Mukhopadhyay S, Friedman M. Effect of pomegranate powder on the heat inactivation of Escherichia coli O104:H4 in ground chicken. Food Control 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2016.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
45
|
Löbel U, Forkert ND, Schmitt P, Dohrmann T, Schroeder M, Magnus T, Kluge S, Weiler-Normann C, Bi X, Fiehler J, Sedlacik J. Cerebral Hemodynamics in Patients with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Assessed by Susceptibility Weighted Imaging and Four-Dimensional Non-Contrast MR Angiography. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164863. [PMID: 27802295 PMCID: PMC5089757 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and neurological symptoms performed during an epidemic outbreak of Escherichia coli O104:H4 in Northern Europe has previously shown pathological changes in only approximately 50% of patients. In contrast, susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) revealed a loss of venous contrast in a large number of patients. We hypothesized that this observation may be due to an increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and aimed to identify a plausible cause. Materials and Methods Baseline 1.5T MRI scans of 36 patients (female, 26; male, 10; mean age, 38.2±19.3 years) were evaluated. Venous contrast was rated on standard SWI minimum intensity projections. A prototype four-dimensional (time resolved) magnetic resonance angiography (4D MRA) assessed cerebral hemodynamics by global time-to-peak (TTP), as a surrogate marker for CBF. Clinical parameters studied were hemoglobin, hematocrit, creatinine, urea levels, blood pressure, heart rate, and end-tidal CO2. Results SWI venous contrast was abnormally low in 33 of 36 patients. TTP ranged from 3.7 to 10.2 frames (mean, 7.9 ± 1.4). Hemoglobin at the time of MRI (n = 35) was decreased in all patients (range, 5.0 to 12.6 g/dL; mean, 8.2 ± 1.4); hematocrit (n = 33) was abnormally low in all but a single patient (range, 14.3 to 37.2%; mean, 23.7 ± 4.2). Creatinine was abnormally high in 30 of 36 patients (83%) (range, 0.8 to 9.7; mean, 3.7 ± 2.2). SWI venous contrast correlated significantly with hemoglobin (r = 0.52, P = 0.0015), hematocrit (r = 0.65, P < 0.001), and TTP (r = 0.35, P = 0.036). No correlation of SWI with blood pressure, heart rate, end-tidal CO2, creatinine, and urea level was observed. Findings suggest that the loss of venous contrast is related to an increase in CBF secondary to severe anemia related to HUS. SWI contrast of patients with pathological conventional MRI findings was significantly lower compared to patients with normal MRI (mean SWI score, 1.41 and 2.05, respectively; P = 0.04). In patients with abnormal conventional MRI, mean TTP (7.45), mean hemoglobin (7.65), and mean hematocrit (22.0) were lower compared to patients with normal conventional MRI scans (mean TTP = 8.28, mean hemoglobin = 8.63, mean hematocrit = 25.23). Conclusion In contrast to conventional MRI, almost all patients showed pathological changes in cerebral hemodynamics assessed by SWI and 4D MRA. Loss of venous contrast on SWI is most likely the result of an increase in CBF and may be related to the acute onset of anemia. Future studies will be needed to assess a possible therapeutic effect of blood transfusions in patients with HUS and neurological symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Löbel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Nils Daniel Forkert
- Department of Radiology and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Torsten Dohrmann
- Department of Intensive Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Schroeder
- Department of Intensive Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim Magnus
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kluge
- Department of Intensive Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christina Weiler-Normann
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Martin Zeitz Center for Rare Diseases, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Xiaoming Bi
- Siemens Healthcare, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Jens Fiehler
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Sedlacik
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
In JG, Foulke-Abel J, Estes MK, Zachos NC, Kovbasnjuk O, Donowitz M. Human mini-guts: new insights into intestinal physiology and host-pathogen interactions. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 13:633-642. [PMID: 27677718 PMCID: PMC5079760 DOI: 10.1038/nrgastro.2016.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The development of indefinitely propagating human 'mini-guts' has led to a rapid advance in gastrointestinal research related to transport physiology, developmental biology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. These mini-guts, also called enteroids or colonoids, are derived from LGR5+ intestinal stem cells isolated from the small intestine or colon. Addition of WNT3A and other growth factors promotes stemness and results in viable, physiologically functional human intestinal or colonic cultures that develop a crypt-villus axis and can be differentiated into all intestinal epithelial cell types. The success of research using human enteroids has highlighted the limitations of using animals or in vitro, cancer-derived cell lines to model transport physiology and pathophysiology. For example, curative or preventive therapies for acute enteric infections have been limited, mostly due to the lack of a physiological human intestinal model. However, the human enteroid model enables specific functional studies of secretion and absorption in each intestinal segment as well as observations of the earliest molecular events that occur during enteric infections. This Review describes studies characterizing these human mini-guts as a physiological model to investigate intestinal transport and host-pathogen interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie G In
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Jennifer Foulke-Abel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Mary K Estes
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Nicholas C Zachos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Olga Kovbasnjuk
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Mark Donowitz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Long-term survival of the Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O104:H4 outbreak strain on fenugreek seeds. Food Microbiol 2016; 59:190-5. [PMID: 27375259 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A major outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O104:H4 occurred in Germany in 2011. The epidemiological investigation revealed that a contaminated batch of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum) was the most probable source of the pathogen. It was suggested that the most probable point of contamination was prior to leaving the importer, meaning that the seed contamination with STEC O104:H4 should have happened more than one year before the seeds were used for sprout production. Here, we investigated the capacity of STEC O104:H4 and closely related pathogenic as well as non-pathogenic Escherichia coli strains for long-term survival on dry fenugreek seeds. We did not observe a superior survival capacity of STEC O104:H4 on dry seeds. For none of the strains tested cultivatable cells were found without enrichment on contaminated seeds after more than 24 weeks of storage. Our findings suggest that contamination previous to the distribution from the importer may be less likely than previously assumed. We show that seeds contaminated with E. coli in extremely high numbers can be completely sterilized by a short treatment with bleach. This simple and cheap procedure does not affect the germination capacity of the seeds and could significantly improve safety in sprout production.
Collapse
|
48
|
Kerangart S, Douëllou T, Delannoy S, Fach P, Beutin L, Sergentet-Thévenot D, Cournoyer B, Loukiadis E. Variable tellurite resistance profiles of clinically-relevant Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) influence their recovery from foodstuffs. Food Microbiol 2016; 59:32-42. [PMID: 27375242 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Tellurite (Tel)-amended selective media and resistance (Tel-R) are widely used for detecting Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) from foodstuffs. Tel-R of 81 O157 and non-O157 STEC strains isolated from animal, food and human was thus investigated. Variations of STEC tellurite minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values have been observed and suggest a multifactorial and variable tellurite resistome between strains. Some clinically-relevant STEC were found highly susceptible and could not be recovered using a tellurite-based detection scheme. The ter operon was highly prevalent among highly Tel-R STEC but was not always detected among intermediately-resistant strains. Many STEC serogroup strains were found to harbor sublines showing a gradient of MIC values. These Tel-R sublines showed statistically significant log negative correlations with increasing tellurite concentration. Whatever the tellurite concentration, the highest number of resistant sublines was observed for STEC belonging to the O26 serogroup. Variations in the number of these Tel-R sublines could explain the poor recovery of some STEC serogroups on tellurite-amended media especially from food products with low levels of contamination. Comparison of tellurite MIC values and distribution of virulence-related genes showed Tel-R and virulence to be related.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Kerangart
- University of Lyon, Research Group on «Bacterial Opportunistic Pathogens and Environment», UMR5557 Microbial Ecology, University Lyon 1, CNRS, VetAgro Sup, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - Thomas Douëllou
- University of Lyon, Research Group on «Bacterial Opportunistic Pathogens and Environment», UMR5557 Microbial Ecology, University Lyon 1, CNRS, VetAgro Sup, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France; Institut National de Recherche Agronomique, Unité de Recherches Fromagères, 15000 Aurillac, France
| | - Sabine Delannoy
- Université Paris-Est, ANSES, Laboratoire de Sécurité des Aliments, Plateforme IdentyPath, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Patrick Fach
- Université Paris-Est, ANSES, Laboratoire de Sécurité des Aliments, Plateforme IdentyPath, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Lothar Beutin
- National Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli (Including VTEC), Department of Biological Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), D-12277 Berlin, Germany
| | - Delphine Sergentet-Thévenot
- University of Lyon, Research Group on «Bacterial Opportunistic Pathogens and Environment», UMR5557 Microbial Ecology, University Lyon 1, CNRS, VetAgro Sup, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France; University of Lyon, VetAgro Sup, LMAP Laboratory, National Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli (Including VTEC), Marcy L'Etoile, France
| | - Benoit Cournoyer
- University of Lyon, Research Group on «Bacterial Opportunistic Pathogens and Environment», UMR5557 Microbial Ecology, University Lyon 1, CNRS, VetAgro Sup, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - Estelle Loukiadis
- University of Lyon, Research Group on «Bacterial Opportunistic Pathogens and Environment», UMR5557 Microbial Ecology, University Lyon 1, CNRS, VetAgro Sup, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France; University of Lyon, VetAgro Sup, LMAP Laboratory, National Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli (Including VTEC), Marcy L'Etoile, France.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Ghunaim H, Desin TS. Potential Impact of Food Safety Vaccines on Health Care Costs. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2015; 12:733-40. [PMID: 26111256 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2014.1924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Foodborne pathogens continue to cause several outbreaks every year in many parts of the world. Among the bacterial pathogens involved, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and nontyphoidal Salmonella species cause a significant number of human infections worldwide, resulting in a huge annual economic burden that amounts to millions of dollars in health care costs. Human infections are primarily caused by the consumption of contaminated food. Vaccination of food-producing animals is an attractive, cost-effective strategy to lower the levels of these pathogens that will ultimately result in a safer food supply and fewer human infections. However, producers are often reluctant to routinely vaccinate animals against these pathogens since they do not cause any detectable clinical symptoms. This review highlights recent approaches used to develop effective food safety vaccines and the potential impact these vaccines might have on health care costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haitham Ghunaim
- 1 Department of Health Sciences, College of Arts and Science, Qatar University , Doha, Qatar
| | - Taseen S Desin
- 2 Basic Sciences Department, College of Science & Health Professions, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Kaper JB, O'Brien AD. Overview and Historical Perspectives. Microbiol Spectr 2014; 2:10.1128/microbiolspec.EHEC-0028-2014. [PMID: 25590020 PMCID: PMC4290666 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.ehec-0028-2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this overview, we describe the history of Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in two phases. In phase one, between 1977 and 2011, we learned that E. coli could produce Shiga toxin and cause both hemorrhagic colitis and the hemolytic-uremic syndrome in humans and that the prototype STEC-E. coli O157:H7-adheres to and effaces intestinal epithelial cells by a mechanism similar to that of enteropathogenic E. coli. We also recognized that the genes for Stx are typically encoded on a lysogenic phage; that STEC O157:H7 harbors a large pathogenicity island that encodes the elements needed for the characteristic attaching and effacing lesion; and that the most severe cases of human disease are linked to production of Stx type 2a, not Stx type 1a. Phase two began with a large food-borne outbreak of hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic-uremic syndrome in Germany in 2011. That outbreak was caused by a novel strain consisting of enteroaggregative E. coli O104:H4 transduced by a Stx2a-converting phage. From this outbreak we learned that any E. coli strain that can adhere tightly to the human bowel (either by a biofilm-like mechanism as in E. coli O104:H4 or by an attaching and effacing mechanism as in E. coli O157:H7) can cause severe diarrheal and systemic illness when it acquires the capacity to produce Stx2a. This overview provides the basis for the review of current information regarding these fascinating and complex pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James B Kaper
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21122
| | - Alison D O'Brien
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814
| |
Collapse
|