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Moradkasani S, Maurin M, Farrokhi AS, Esmaeili S. Development, Strategies, and Challenges for Tularemia Vaccine. Curr Microbiol 2024; 81:126. [PMID: 38564047 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-024-03658-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen that affects both humans and animals. It was developed into a biological warfare weapon as a result. In this article, the current status of tularemia vaccine development is presented. A live-attenuated vaccine that was designed over 50 years ago using the less virulent F. tularensis subspecies holarctica is the only prophylactic currently available, but it has not been approved for use in humans or animals. Other promising live, killed, and subunit vaccine candidates have recently been developed and tested in animal models. This study will investigate some possible vaccines and the challenges they face during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safoura Moradkasani
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, KabudarAhang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Max Maurin
- CNRS, Grenoble INP, CHU Grenoble Alpes, TIMC-IMAG, Universite Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Saber Esmaeili
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, KabudarAhang, Hamadan, Iran.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Gao S, Jin W, Quan Y, Li Y, Shen Y, Yuan S, Yi L, Wang Y, Wang Y. Bacterial capsules: Occurrence, mechanism, and function. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2024; 10:21. [PMID: 38480745 PMCID: PMC10937973 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-024-00497-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
In environments characterized by extended multi-stress conditions, pathogens develop a variety of immune escape mechanisms to enhance their ability to infect the host. The capsules, polymers that bacteria secrete near their cell wall, participates in numerous bacterial life processes and plays a crucial role in resisting host immune attacks and adapting to their niche. Here, we discuss the relationship between capsules and bacterial virulence, summarizing the molecular mechanisms of capsular regulation and pathogenesis to provide new insights into the research on the pathogenesis of pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuji Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Wenjie Jin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Yingying Quan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Yue Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Yamin Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Shuo Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Li Yi
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
- College of Life Science, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang, 471934, China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China.
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China.
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China.
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China.
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Ahmad F, Javed K, Tahir A, Khan MUG, Abbas M, Rabbani M, Shabbir MZ. Identifying key soil characteristics for Francisella tularensis classification with optimized Machine learning models. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1743. [PMID: 38242908 PMCID: PMC10799052 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51502-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis (Ft) poses a significant threat to both animal and human populations, given its potential as a bioweapon. Current research on the classification of this pathogen and its relationship with soil physical-chemical characteristics often relies on traditional statistical methods. In this study, we leverage advanced machine learning models to enhance the prediction of epidemiological models for soil-based microbes. Our model employs a two-stage feature ranking process to identify crucial soil attributes and hyperparameter optimization for accurate pathogen classification using a unique soil attribute dataset. Optimization involves various classification algorithms, including Support Vector Machines (SVM), Ensemble Models (EM), and Neural Networks (NN), utilizing Bayesian and Random search techniques. Results indicate the significance of soil features such as clay, nitrogen, soluble salts, silt, organic matter, and zinc , while identifying the least significant ones as potassium, calcium, copper, sodium, iron, and phosphorus. Bayesian optimization yields the best results, achieving an accuracy of 86.5% for SVM, 81.8% for EM, and 83.8% for NN. Notably, SVM emerges as the top-performing classifier, with an accuracy of 86.5% for both Bayesian and Random Search optimizations. The insights gained from employing machine learning techniques enhance our understanding of the environmental factors influencing Ft's persistence in soil. This, in turn, reduces the risk of false classifications, contributing to better pandemic control and mitigating socio-economic impacts on communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fareed Ahmad
- Department of Computer Science, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan.
- Quality Operations Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Kashif Javed
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ahsen Tahir
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Mateen Abbas
- Quality Operations Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Masood Rabbani
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zubair Shabbir
- Quality Operations Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
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Xi D. Case report: Francisella philomiragia bacteremia in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1206972. [PMID: 37780860 PMCID: PMC10538626 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1206972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella philomiragia is a Gram-negative coccobacillus, which is a very rare human opportunistic pathogen causing pneumonia and systemic infection. It is difficult to identify this bacterium through conventional Gram-staining and biochemical methods due to an amorphous Gram stain appearance after 24 h culture and its relatively fastidious and slow growth giving weak and/or delayed reactions in biochemical tests. It is often misidentified as other bacteria including Haemophilus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Sphingomonas paucimobilis. False identification may delay the therapy of the patients and even endanger the patient's life. Here, we report a case of a 34-year-old man with acute lymphoblastic leukemia infected by F. philomiragia, which was almost misdiagnosed. This case describes our identification of a patient with a systemic F. philomiragia infection. To our knowledge, this is the first such case reported in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dee Xi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang Central People’s Hospital, Yichang, China
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Perveen N, Muhammad K, Muzaffar SB, Zaheer T, Munawar N, Gajic B, Sparagano OA, Kishore U, Willingham AL. Host-pathogen interaction in arthropod vectors: Lessons from viral infections. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1061899. [PMID: 36817439 PMCID: PMC9929866 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1061899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Haematophagous arthropods can harbor various pathogens including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and nematodes. Insects possess an innate immune system comprising of both cellular and humoral components to fight against various infections. Haemocytes, the cellular components of haemolymph, are central to the insect immune system as their primary functions include phagocytosis, encapsulation, coagulation, detoxification, and storage and distribution of nutritive materials. Plasmatocytes and granulocytes are also involved in cellular defense responses. Blood-feeding arthropods, such as mosquitoes and ticks, can harbour a variety of viral pathogens that can cause infectious diseases in both human and animal hosts. Therefore, it is imperative to study the virus-vector-host relationships since arthropod vectors are important constituents of the ecosystem. Regardless of the complex immune response of these arthropod vectors, the viruses usually manage to survive and are transmitted to the eventual host. A multidisciplinary approach utilizing novel and strategic interventions is required to control ectoparasite infestations and block vector-borne transmission of viral pathogens to humans and animals. In this review, we discuss the arthropod immune response to viral infections with a primary focus on the innate immune responses of ticks and mosquitoes. We aim to summarize critically the vector immune system and their infection transmission strategies to mammalian hosts to foster debate that could help in developing new therapeutic strategies to protect human and animal hosts against arthropod-borne viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nighat Perveen
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Khalid Muhammad
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sabir Bin Muzaffar
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tean Zaheer
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Nayla Munawar
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bojan Gajic
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Olivier Andre Sparagano
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Uday Kishore
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Arve Lee Willingham
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Rana VS, Kitsou C, Dumler JS, Pal U. Immune evasion strategies of major tick-transmitted bacterial pathogens. Trends Microbiol 2023; 31:62-75. [PMID: 36055896 PMCID: PMC9772108 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tick-transmitted bacterial pathogens thrive in enzootic infection cycles, colonizing disparate vertebrate and arthropod tissues, often establishing persistent infections. Therefore, the evolution of robust immune evasion strategies is central to their successful persistence or transmission between hosts. To survive in nature, these pathogens must counteract a broad range of microbicidal host responses that can be localized, tissue-specific, or systemic, including a mix of these responses at the host-vector interface. Herein, we review microbial immune evasion strategies focusing on Lyme disease spirochetes and rickettsial or tularemia agents as models for extracellular and intracellular tick-borne pathogens, respectively. A better understanding of these adaptive strategies could enrich our knowledge of the infection biology of relevant tick-borne diseases, contributing to the development of future preventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipin Singh Rana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Chrysoula Kitsou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - J Stephen Dumler
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
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Mlynek KD, Bozue JA. Why vary what's working? Phase variation and biofilm formation in Francisella tularensis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1076694. [PMID: 36560950 PMCID: PMC9763628 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1076694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The notoriety of high-consequence human pathogens has increased in recent years and, rightfully, research efforts have focused on understanding host-pathogen interactions. Francisella tularensis has been detected in an impressively broad range of vertebrate hosts as well as numerous arthropod vectors and single-celled organisms. Two clinically important subspecies, F. tularensis subsp. tularensis (Type A) and F. tularensis subsp. holarctica (Type B), are responsible for the majority of tularemia cases in humans. The success of this bacterium in mammalian hosts can be at least partly attributed to a unique LPS molecule that allows the bacterium to avoid detection by the host immune system. Curiously, phase variation of the O-antigen incorporated into LPS has been documented in these subspecies of F. tularensis, and these variants often display some level of attenuation in infection models. While the role of phase variation in F. tularensis biology is unclear, it has been suggested that this phenomenon can aid in environmental survival and persistence. Biofilms have been established as the predominant lifestyle of many bacteria in the environment, though, it was previously thought that Type A and B isolates of F. tularensis typically form poor biofilms. Recent studies question this ideology as it was shown that alteration of the O-antigen allows robust biofilm formation in both Type A and B isolates. This review aims to explore the link between phase variation of the O-antigen, biofilm formation, and environmental persistence with an emphasis on clinically relevant subspecies and how understanding these poorly studied mechanisms could lead to new medical countermeasures to combat tularemia.
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