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Dadar M, Alamian S. Detection and characterization of Brucella species in rodents: A threat for the persistence of brucellosis in livestock farms. Res Vet Sci 2024; 176:105339. [PMID: 38941712 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105339] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Brucellosis, caused by various Brucella species, poses a significant threat to global public health and livestock industries. This study aims to fill the knowledge gap concerning the presence of Brucella spp. in rodents on livestock farms in Iran. Both bacteriological and molecular surveys were conducted to assess the prevalence of Brucella spp. in these rodent populations. A total of 16 rodents were captured in four seropositive dairy cattle farms (n = 7) and two seropositive sheep farms (n = 9) and were then examined for the presence of the Brucella-infection. Five cow milk samples and 53 bovine lymph node samples from these farms were also tested for Brucella spp. Lymph node samples from dairy cattle farms contained 32 B. abortus biovar 3 isolates and one B. melitensis Rev1 vaccine isolate. The bacterial culture of rodents identified 12.5% of them (Mus musculus and Rattus norvegicus) harboring Brucella strains in dairy cattle farms. The rodents had B. abortus biovar 3 and B. melitensis biovar 1, suggesting a reservoir for these bacteria. A two-step molecular assay, utilizing the Omp28 sequences in tissue samples of rodents, demonstrated that 68.75% (n = 11) of the tested rodents yielded positive results. Bruce-ladder PCR and wboA typing on isolated bacteria revealed a close relationship to field strain of Brucella species. The study reveals that rodents on seropositive livestock farms in Iran harbor Brucella spp., indicating a potential reservoir for these bacteria. This highlights the importance of monitoring rodent populations through the molecular and bacterial methods to manage and control brucellosis in livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
| | - Saeed Alamian
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
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2
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Girault G, Djokic V, Petot-Bottin F, Perrot L, Thibaut B, Sébastien H, Vicente AF, Ponsart C, Freddi L. Molecular Investigations of Two First Brucella suis Biovar 2 Infections Cases in French Dogs. Pathogens 2023; 12:792. [PMID: 37375482 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite Brucella suis biovar 2's (BSB2) active circulation in wildlife, no canine infections have been reported. The present paper is the first to describe two cases of BSB2 infections in French dogs. The first case occurred in 2020 and concerned a 13-year-old male neutered Border Collie with clinical signs of prostatitis. The urine culture revealed the excretion of significant levels of Brucella in the sample. The second case concerned a German Shepherd with bilateral orchitis, in which it was possible to detect Brucella colonies following neutering. HRM-PCR and classical biotyping methods classified both isolated strains as BSB2, in contrast to expected B. canis, which is usually the etiological agent of canine brucellosis in Europe. The wgSNP and MLVA analyses highlighted the genetic proximity of two isolates to BSB2 strains originating from wildlife. No pig farms were present in the proximity of either dog's residence, ruling out potential spill over from infected pigs. Nevertheless, the dogs used to take walks in the surrounding forests, where contact with wildlife (i.e., wild boars or hares, or their excrements) was possible. These cases highlight the importance of adopting a One Health approach to control the presence of zoonotic bacteria in wild animals and avoid spillovers into domestic animals and, potentially, humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Girault
- EU/WOAH & National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses/Paris-Est University, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Vitomir Djokic
- EU/WOAH & National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses/Paris-Est University, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Fathia Petot-Bottin
- EU/WOAH & National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses/Paris-Est University, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Ludivine Perrot
- EU/WOAH & National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses/Paris-Est University, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | | | - Acacia Ferreira Vicente
- EU/WOAH & National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses/Paris-Est University, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Claire Ponsart
- EU/WOAH & National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses/Paris-Est University, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Luca Freddi
- EU/WOAH & National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses/Paris-Est University, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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3
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Elizalde-Bielsa A, Aragón-Aranda B, Loperena-Barber M, Salvador-Bescós M, Moriyón I, Zúñiga-Ripa A, Conde-Álvarez R. Development and evaluation of the Galleria mellonella (greater wax moth) infection model to study Brucella host-pathogen interaction. Microb Pathog 2023; 174:105930. [PMID: 36496059 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Gram-negative bacteria of the genus Brucella. These pathogens cause long-lasting infections, a process in which Brucella modifications in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and envelope lipids reduce pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) recognition, thus hampering innate immunity activation. In vivo models are essential to investigate bacterial virulence, mice being the most used model. However, ethical and practical considerations impede their use in high-throughput screening studies. Although lacking the complexity of the mammalian immune system, insects share key-aspects of innate immunity with mammals, and Galleria mellonella has been used increasingly as a model. G. mellonella larvae have been shown useful in virulence analyses, including Gram-negative pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila. To assess its potential to study Brucella virulence, we first evaluated larva survival upon infection with representative Brucella species (i.e.B. abortus 2308W, B. microti CCM4915 and B. suis biovar 2) and mutants in the VirB type-IV secretion system (T4SS) or in the LPS-O-polysaccharide (O-PS). As compared to K.pneumoniae, the Brucella spp. tested induced a delayed and less severe mortality profile consistent with an escape of innate immunity detection. Brucella replication within larvae was affected by the lack of O-PS, which is reminiscent of their attenuation in natural hosts. On the contrary, replication was not affected by T4SS dysfunction and the mutant induced only slightly less mortality (not statistically significant) than its parental strain. We also evaluated G. mellonella to efficiently recognise Brucella and their LPS by quantification of the pro-phenoloxidase system and melanisation activation, using Pseudomonas LPS as a positive control. Among the brucellae, only B. microti LPS triggered an early-melanisation response consistent with the slightly increased endotoxicity of this species in mice. Therefore, G. mellonella represents a tool to screen for potential Brucella factors modulating innate immunity, but its usefulness to investigate other mechanisms relevant in Brucella intracellular life is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Elizalde-Bielsa
- Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA) and Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Universidad de Navarra, Spain
| | - Beatriz Aragón-Aranda
- Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA) and Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Universidad de Navarra, Spain
| | - Maite Loperena-Barber
- Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA) and Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Universidad de Navarra, Spain
| | - Miriam Salvador-Bescós
- Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA) and Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Universidad de Navarra, Spain
| | - Ignacio Moriyón
- Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA) and Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Universidad de Navarra, Spain
| | - Amaia Zúñiga-Ripa
- Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA) and Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Universidad de Navarra, Spain
| | - Raquel Conde-Álvarez
- Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA) and Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Universidad de Navarra, Spain.
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Ramirez-Delgado D, Cicala F, Gonzalez-Sanchez RA, Avalos-Tellez R, Solana-Arellano E, Licea-Navarro A. Multi-locus evaluation of gastrointestinal bacterial communities from Zalophus californianus pups in the Gulf of California, México. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13235. [PMID: 35833012 PMCID: PMC9272818 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The gastrointestinal (GI) bacterial communities of sea lions described to date have occasionally revealed large intraspecific variability, which may originate from several factors including different methodological approaches. Indeed, GI bacterial community surveys commonly rely on the use of a single hypervariable region (HR) of 16S rRNA, which may result in misleading structural interpretations and limit comparisons among studies. Here, we considered a multi-locus analysis by targeting six HRs of 16S rRNA with the aims of (i) comprehensively assessing the GI bacterial consortium in rectal samples from Zalophus californianus pups and (ii) elucidating structural variations among the tested HRs. In addition, we evaluated which HRs may be most suitable for identifying intrinsic, structurally related microbiome characteristics, such as geographic variations or functional capabilities. Methods We employed a Short MUltiple Regions Framework (SMURF) approach using the Ion 16S™ Metagenomic Kit. This kit provides different proprietary primers designed to target six HRs of the 16S rRNA gene. To date, the only analytical pipeline available for this kit is the Ion Reporter™ Software of Thermo Fisher Scientific. Therefore, we propose an in-house pipeline to use with open-access tools, such as QIIME2 and PICRUSt 2, in downstream bioinformatic analyses. Results As hypothesized, distinctive bacterial community profiles were observed for each analyzed HR. A higher number of bacterial taxa were detected with the V3 and V6-V7 regions. Conversely, the V8 and V9 regions were less informative, as we detected a lower number of taxa. The synergistic information of these HRs suggests that the GI microbiota of Zalophus californianus pups is predominated by five bacterial phyla: Proteobacteria (~50%), Bacteroidetes (~20%), Firmicutes (~18%), Fusobacteria (~7%), and Epsilonbacteraeota (~4%). Notably, our results differ at times from previously reported abundance profiles, which may promote re-evaluations of the GI bacterial compositions in sea lions and other pinniped species that have been reported to date. Moreover, consistent geographic differences were observed only with the V3, V4, and V6-V7 regions. In addition, these HRs also presented higher numbers of predicted molecular pathways, although no significant functional changes were apparent. Together, our results suggests that multi-locus analysis should be encouraged in GI microbial surveys, as single-locus approaches may result in misleading structural results that hamper the identification of structurally related microbiome features.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesco Cicala
- Biomedical Innovation Department, CICESE, Ensenada, Baja California, México
| | | | - Rosalia Avalos-Tellez
- Comisión Nacional de Areas Naturales Protegidas, Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, Bahia de los Angeles, Baja California, México
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Moreno E, Blasco JM, Moriyón I. Facing the Human and Animal Brucellosis Conundrums: The Forgotten Lessons. Microorganisms 2022; 10:942. [PMID: 35630386 PMCID: PMC9144488 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucellosis is a major zoonotic disease caused by Brucella species. Historically, the disease received over fifty names until it was recognized as a single entity, illustrating its protean manifestations and intricacies, traits that generated conundrums that have remained or re-emerged since they were first described. Here, we examine confusions concerning the clinical picture, serological diagnosis, and incidence of human brucellosis. We also discuss knowledge gaps and prevalent confusions about animal brucellosis, including brucellosis control strategies, the so-called confirmatory tests, and assumptions about the primary-binding assays and DNA detection methods. We describe how doubtfully characterized vaccines have failed to control brucellosis and emphasize how the requisites of controlled safety and protection experiments are generally overlooked. Finally, we briefly discuss the experience demonstrating that S19 remains the best cattle vaccine, while RB51 fails to validate its claimed properties (protection, differentiating infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA), and safety), offering a strong argument against its current widespread use. These conundrums show that knowledge dealing with brucellosis is lost, and previous experience is overlooked or misinterpreted, as illustrated in a significant number of misguided meta-analyses. In a global context of intensifying livestock breeding, such recurrent oversights threaten to increase the impact of brucellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgardo Moreno
- Tropical Disease Research Program, National University, Heredia 40104, Costa Rica;
| | | | - Ignacio Moriyón
- Institute for Tropical Health and Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical School, University of Navarra and IdISNA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
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6
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The Retrospective on Atypical Brucella Species Leads to Novel Definitions. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10040813. [PMID: 35456863 PMCID: PMC9025488 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10040813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Brucella currently comprises twelve species of facultative intracellular bacteria with variable zoonotic potential. Six of them have been considered as classical, causing brucellosis in terrestrial mammalian hosts, with two species originated from marine mammals. In the past fifteen years, field research as well as improved pathogen detection and typing have allowed the identification of four new species, namely Brucella microti, Brucella inopinata, Brucella papionis, Brucella vulpis, and of numerous strains, isolated from a wide range of hosts, including for the first time cold-blooded animals. While their genome sequences are still highly similar to those of classical strains, some of them are characterized by atypical phenotypes such as higher growth rate, increased resistance to acid stress, motility, and lethality in the murine infection model. In our review, we provide an overview of state-of-the-art knowledge about these novel Brucella sp., with emphasis on their phylogenetic positions in the genus, their metabolic characteristics, acid stress resistance mechanisms, and their behavior in well-established in cellulo and in vivo infection models. Comparison of phylogenetic classification and phenotypical properties between classical and novel Brucella species and strains finally lead us to propose a more adapted terminology, distinguishing between core and non-core, and typical versus atypical brucellae, respectively.
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Kefaloudi C, Mellou K, Dougas G, Vorou R, Mitrou K, Kontopidou F. Human Brucellosis in Greece, 2005-2020: A Persistent Public Health Problem. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:163-169. [PMID: 35319918 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucellosis remains an important zoonosis in various parts of the world. In Greece, brucellosis is endemic in sheep and goats. Since 1998, animal control measures include vaccination of sheep and goats older than 3 months of age in the mainland (vaccination zone) and slaughtering of infected livestock on the islands (eradication zone). We retrieved data from the mandatory notification system for 2005-2020 to describe the epidemiology in humans and assess current public health measures. Overall, 1786 notifications and an additional 111 cases related to an outbreak in 2008 (eradication zone) were recorded. The mean annual notification rate was 0.9/100,000 population (standard deviation [SD]: 0.35). A substantial mean annual decline in notification rate was reported in 2019 and 2020. A statistically significant decreasing trend of brucellosis notification rate was observed over the whole 16-year period (p < 0.001). The mean annual notification rate was significantly higher in the vaccination zone (1.2/100,000) (SD: 036) compared with the eradication zone (0.2/100,000) (SD: 0.14) (p < 0.001). Seventy percent of cases was male (n = 1175) and the highest mean notification rate was recorded in the 45-64 age group (1.3/100,000). The majority of cases (71%) reported animal contact and almost half of the cases (49%) were stockbreeders by occupation. Consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, mainly of their own production, was reported by 57% of cases; for 115 (6.5%) cases, animal exposure or consumption of unpasteurized dairy products were not recorded. Despite animal control measures, brucellosis remains endemic in Greece with cases in the vaccination zone, as well as the eradication zone. We recommend re-evaluation and strengthening of animal control programs and training of people working in stock breeding regarding disease transmission in co-operation with local farmers' associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysovaladou Kefaloudi
- Department of Vector-Borne Diseases, Epidemiological Surveillance, and Intervention for Infectious Diseases, National Public Health Organization, Athens, Greece
| | - Kassiani Mellou
- Department of Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases, and Epidemiological Surveillance, and Intervention for Infectious Diseases, National Public Health Organization, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Dougas
- Directorate of Zoonosis, Epidemiological Surveillance, and Intervention for Infectious Diseases, National Public Health Organization, Athens, Greece
| | - Rengina Vorou
- Directorate of Zoonosis, Epidemiological Surveillance, and Intervention for Infectious Diseases, National Public Health Organization, Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas Mitrou
- Department of Mobile Population, Directorate of Preparedness and Response, National Public Health Organization, Athens, Greece
| | - Flora Kontopidou
- Epidemiological Surveillance and Intervention for Infectious Diseases, National Public Health Organization, Athens, Greece
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Aragón-Aranda B, Palacios-Chaves L, Salvador-Bescós M, de Miguel MJ, Muñoz PM, Vences-Guzmán MÁ, Zúñiga-Ripa A, Lázaro-Antón L, Sohlenkamp C, Moriyón I, Iriarte M, Conde-Álvarez R. The Phospholipid N-Methyltransferase and Phosphatidylcholine Synthase Pathways and the ChoXWV Choline Uptake System Involved in Phosphatidylcholine Synthesis Are Widely Conserved in Most, but Not All Brucella Species. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:614243. [PMID: 34421831 PMCID: PMC8371380 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.614243] [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] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The brucellae are facultative intracellular bacteria with a cell envelope rich in phosphatidylcholine (PC). PC is abundant in eukaryotes but rare in prokaryotes, and it has been proposed that Brucella uses PC to mimic eukaryotic-like features and avoid innate immune responses in the host. Two PC synthesis pathways are known in prokaryotes: the PmtA-catalyzed trimethylation of phosphatidylethanolamine and the direct linkage of choline to CDP-diacylglycerol catalyzed by the PC synthase Pcs. Previous studies have reported that B. abortus and B. melitensis possess non-functional PmtAs and that PC is synthesized exclusively via Pcs in these strains. A putative choline transporter ChoXWV has also been linked to PC synthesis in B. abortus. Here, we report that Pcs and Pmt pathways are active in B. suis biovar 2 and that a bioinformatics analysis of Brucella genomes suggests that PmtA is only inactivated in B. abortus and B. melitensis strains. We also show that ChoXWV is active in B. suis biovar 2 and conserved in all brucellae except B. canis and B. inopinata. Unexpectedly, the experimentally verified ChoXWV dysfunction in B. canis did not abrogate PC synthesis in a PmtA-deficient mutant, which suggests the presence of an unknown mechanism for obtaining choline for the Pcs pathway in Brucella. We also found that ChoXWV dysfunction did not cause attenuation in B. suis biovar 2. The results of these studies are discussed with respect to the proposed role of PC in Brucella virulence and how differential use of the Pmt and Pcs pathways may influence the interactions of these bacteria with their mammalian hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Aragón-Aranda
- Dpto. de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leyre Palacios-Chaves
- Dpto. de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miriam Salvador-Bescós
- Dpto. de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - María Jesús de Miguel
- Unidad de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pilar M Muñoz
- Unidad de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Amaia Zúñiga-Ripa
- Dpto. de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leticia Lázaro-Antón
- Dpto. de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Christian Sohlenkamp
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Ignacio Moriyón
- Dpto. de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maite Iriarte
- Dpto. de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Raquel Conde-Álvarez
- Dpto. de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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Moreno E. The one hundred year journey of the genus Brucella (Meyer and Shaw 1920). FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:5917985. [PMID: 33016322 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Brucella, described by Meyer and Shaw in 1920, comprises bacterial pathogens of veterinary and public health relevance. For 36 years, the genus came to include three species that caused brucellosis in livestock and humans. In the second half of the 20th century, bacteriologists discovered five new species and several 'atypical' strains in domestic animals and wildlife. In 1990, the Brucella species were recognized as part of the Class Alphaproteobacteria, clustering with pathogens and endosymbionts of animals and plants such as Bartonella, Agrobacterium and Ochrobactrum; all bacteria that live in close association with eukaryotic cells. Comparisons with Alphaproteobacteria contributed to identify virulence factors and to establish evolutionary relationships. Brucella members have two circular chromosomes, are devoid of plasmids, and display close genetic relatedness. A proposal, asserting that all brucellae belong to a single species with several subspecies debated for over 70 years, was ultimately rejected in 2006 by the subcommittee of taxonomy, based on scientific, practical, and biosafety considerations. Following this, the nomenclature of having multiples Brucella species prevailed and defined according to their molecular characteristics, host preference, and virulence. The 100-year history of the genus corresponds to the chronicle of scientific efforts and the struggle for understanding brucellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgardo Moreno
- Programa de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Campues Benjamín Nuñez, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 40104, Costa Rica
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CEREBROSPINAL FLUID SAMPLING IN A BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN ( TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS) UNDER GENERAL ANESTHESIA. J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 51:1056-1061. [PMID: 33480590 DOI: 10.1638/2019-0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucella ceti, associated with neurobrucellosis, has been isolated from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of postmortem cetaceans. A 106-kg, stranded female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) presented with serum antibodies to Brucella spp. via competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and fluorescence polarization assay. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and culture of whole blood, bronchoalveolar fluid, and rectal, nasal, and genital swabs for Brucella spp. were consistently negative. Serial computed tomography revealed mild focal dilatation of brain ventricles. CSF sampling was warranted to exclude neurobrucellosis. Sedation was achieved with 30 mg diazepam (0.28 mg/kg) orally 2.5 hours prior to arrival in hospital, followed by 5.3 mg midazolam (0.05 mg/kg) intramuscularly, and anesthetic induction with 2.5 mg midazolam (0.02 mg/kg) and 200 mg propofol (2 mg/kg) administered slowly intravenously, followed by intubation and maintenance on sevoflurane using controlled mechanical and apneustic anesthesia ventilation. The atlanto-occipital joint was opened by flexing the upper cervical region with the animal in left lateral recumbency. A 20-ga × 6-inch spinal needle was advanced into the cisterna magna using radiographic guidance. CSF was collected successfully with no neurological deficits appreciable on recovery. Brucella spp. was not identified via PCR or culture. This represents the first report of an antemortem CSF tap in a cetacean.
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Dadar M, Alamian S. Investigation of small ruminant brucellosis among smallholder farms: The missing link in control programmes of endemic areas. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 68:376-383. [PMID: 33340438 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic infection with a worldwide distribution and high levels of endemism in some regions, including the Middle East. In Iran, sheep and goats constitute a major part of the livestock population, often kept by small-scale farmers for their own consumption and economic purposes. This investigation aimed at characterizing the Brucella spp. and biovars circulating in sheep and goats under smallholder farming and their potential spillover across farms. For this purpose, from two randomly selected pastoral districts of Alborz and Fars provinces in Iran, a total of 54 aborted foetuses (38 from sheep and 16 from goats) and 528 blood samples were collected from sheep (n = 435), goats (n = 77), farmers (n = 11) and dogs (n = 5). Then, serological, bacteriological and molecular characterization of Brucella isolates was performed using standard methods. Our results showed the high seroprevalence of brucellosis in pastoral districts of Fars and Alborz provinces reaching 16.3%, 11.7% and 12.7% by using the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), serum agglutination test (SAT) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) test, respectively. Furthermore, the results of bacterial culture, conventional biotyping and PCR analyses showed the presence of Brucella melitensis biovar 1 and 2 infections among goat, farmers and dog of the Alborz farms and B. melitensis biovars 1, 2 and 3 among sheep of the Fars farms. Among nine seropositive farmer and dog blood samples (four farmers and five dogs), only three (two farmers and one dog) were positive in both culture and PCR tests. These results stress the need to strengthen screening and control measures in small flocks of small ruminants in Iran that could be the starting point of new outbreaks at the livestock/human interface. The present study also suggests that infected dogs may further maintain the risk of exposure to Brucella pathogens in small farms and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Dadar
- Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI), Karaj, Iran
| | - Saeed Alamian
- Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI), Karaj, Iran
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Mazlina M, Khairani-Bejo S, Hazilawati H, Shaqinah NN, Zamri-Saad M. Antigenic distribution, pathological changes, antibody response and serological detection in non-pregnant goats following experimental infection by Brucella melitensis. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:2028-2038. [PMID: 32979887 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
This study describes the pathological changes, antibody response, isolation and distribution patterns following exposure of non-pregnant goats to live Brucella melitensis. Eighteen healthy adult female goats were divided into two equal groups. Group 1 was infected via conjunctival sac with 109 cfu/ml of B. melitensis, while Group 2 was similarly exposed to sterile PBS. Serum and swabs from the eyes and vagina were collected at 5-day intervals. On days 15, 30 and 75 post-infection, 3 goats from each group were killed before the conjunctiva, ovary, oviduct, uterine horn, uterine body and vagina, the submandibular, prescapular and supramammary lymph nodes, the mammary gland, liver, spleen, urinary bladder and synovial membranes were collected for bacterial isolation and pathological study. Exposure of non-pregnant goats to B. melitensis did not produce clinical signs and gross lesions but produced mild necrosis and inflammation in the lymph nodes, the organs of reproductive tract, the mammary gland and urinary bladder. In general, microscopic lesions were most severe in the D75 goats, followed by D30 and D15 goats. Brucella melitensis was most frequent and significantly (p < .05) isolated from the D30 (64.4 ± 25.2%) and least from D15 goats (39.3 ± 26.0%) goats. The organs that were most frequently isolated were the uterus, followed by the mammary gland, supramammary lymph node and urinary bladder. Earliest isolation from the ocular swabs was on day 5, while the vaginal swabs were on day 20 post-infection. The antibody response showed first significant (p < .05) increase on day 15 and reached peak on day 45 post-infection, corresponding with the first detection of sero-converter goats by the RBPT at 15 days and by the CFT at 40 days post-infection. In conclusion, infected non-pregnant goats shed B. melitensis through the vagina by day 20. The sero-positive goats were detectable by RBPT after 15 days but by CFT after 40 days. Since both serological tests detected positive goats at different time period of infection, paired-serum samplings might reduce this discrepancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazlan Mazlina
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Siti Khairani-Bejo
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Hamzah Hazilawati
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | | | - Mohd Zamri-Saad
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
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13
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Alamian S, Dadar M. Brucella melitensis infection in dog: a critical issue in the control of brucellosis in ruminant farms. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 73:101554. [PMID: 32979614 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Canine brucellosis is a contagious disease associated with health implications for humans as well as for a wide range of wild and domesticated animals. In this study, 173 dog blood specimens were sampled from herding dogs in three different provinces including Tehran (n = 127), Qom (n = 40) and Alborz (n = 6) provinces. The presence of Brucella antibodies was determined using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), slow agglutination test (SAT) and 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME), respectively. The seropositive samples were further screened using blood culture and PCR tests to identify and differentiate the implicated Brucella species. According to our results, 24.3% (42/173), 13.8% (24/173) and 6.3% (11/173) of blood samples were tested positive using RBPT, SAT and 2-ME, respectively. However, among 42 seropositive samples, only 38.1% (16/42) and 14.2% (6/42) were positive by PCR and culture, respectively. Brucella melitensis biovar 1 and biovar 2 was isolated from the bacterial cultures of 6 blood samples and confirmed by biotyping, AMOS PCR and Bruce-ladder PCR assays. These findings highlight the potential risk of Brucella transmission from dog to humans along with other livestock and reflect the critical role of infected dogs in the persistence of Brucella infections among ruminant farms. This study stresses the need for further epidemiological investigations on canine brucellosis among herding dogs and suggests the systematic screening of the disease among companion animals such as dogs in order to improve brucellosis surveillance and control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Alamian
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
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14
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Dadar M, Shahali Y, Fakhri Y, Godfroid J. The global epidemiology of Brucella infections in terrestrial wildlife: A meta-analysis. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:715-729. [PMID: 32679611 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Brucellosis is a widespread zoonotic disease with serious consequences on human and animal health. Brucella infections were reported in many terrestrial wild animals, from subtropical and temperate regions to arctic regions. In many areas, the epidemiology of brucellosis in wildlife is closely associated with the occurrence of the disease in livestock. Some wild species may contribute to the re-introduction of Brucella infections in livestock (spillback), even in officially brucellosis-free (OBF) regions. Through meta-regression analysis, this study draws a global picture of the prevalence of Brucella spp. in terrestrial wild animals, trying to determine most affected subgroups as well as preferential sampling and screening methods. For this purpose, a literature search was carried out among publications published from 1983 to 2019. Different subgroups were compared according to animal species, feeding, gender, age as well as the method used for sampling and for brucellosis diagnostic. To determine heterogeneity of studies, chi-squared test was used and a random-effects model (REM) estimated the pooled prevalence among subgroups. A total of 68 publications, comprising 229 data reports/studies, were selected. The most-reported Brucella species in wildlife was Brucella abortus, and the highest prevalence rate was found in American bison, Bison bison (39.9%) followed by Alpine ibex, Capra ibex (33%). Serology was the most widely applied diagnostic approach (66%), while PCR appeared to be highly sensitive (36.62% of positive results). The gender of animals showed no significant association with the prevalence of brucellosis (p > .05). Blood samples and visceral organs constituted the great majority of specimen used for the detection of Brucella spp., while lymph nodes showed a high prevalence of positive samples (94.6%). The present study provides insight into the global epidemiology and enzootic potential of brucellosis in wild terrestrial animals worldwide, aiming at helping the appropriate authorities to strengthen prevention, surveillance and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Dadar
- Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI), Karaj, Iran
| | - Youcef Shahali
- Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI), Karaj, Iran
| | - Yadolah Fakhri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Food Health Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Jacques Godfroid
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics, Tromsø, Norway
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Glowska E, Filutowska ZK, Dabert M, Gerth M. Microbial composition of enigmatic bird parasites: Wolbachia and Spiroplasma are the most important bacterial associates of quill mites (Acariformes: Syringophilidae). Microbiologyopen 2020; 9:e964. [PMID: 32141700 PMCID: PMC7221428 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The microbiome is an integral component of many animal species, potentially affecting behavior, physiology, and other biological properties. Despite this importance, bacterial communities remain vastly understudied in many groups of invertebrates, including mites. Quill mites (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) are a poorly known group of permanent bird ectoparasites that occupy quills of feathers and feed on bird subcutaneous tissue and fluids. Most of the known species have strongly female‐biased sex ratio, and it was hypothesized that this is caused by endosymbiotic bacteria. Previously, Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Foggie) and a high diversity of Wolbachia strains were detected in quill mites via targeted PCR screens. Here, we use an unbiased 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing approach to determine other bacteria that potentially impact quill mite biology. Results We performed 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of 126 quill mite individuals from eleven species parasitizing twelve species (four families) of passeriform birds. In addition to Wolbachia, we found Spiroplasma as potential symbiont of quill mites. Consistently, high Spiroplasma titers were only found in individuals of two mite species associated with finches of the genus Carduelis, suggesting a history of horizontal transfers of Spiroplasma via the bird host. Furthermore, there was evidence for Spiroplasma negatively affecting Wolbachia titers. We found no evidence for the previously reported Anaplasma in quill mites, but detected sequences of high similarity to the potential pathogens Brucella and Bartonella at low abundances. Other amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) could be assigned to a diverse number of bacterial taxa, including several that were previously isolated from bird skin. Further, many frequently found ASVs were assigned to taxa that show a very broad distribution with no strong prior evidence for symbiotic association with animals. We interpret these findings as evidence for a scarcity of resident microbial associates (other than inherited symbionts) in quill mites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Glowska
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Animal Morphology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznan, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Karolina Filutowska
- Faculty of Biology, Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznan, Poland.,Faculty of Biology, Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznan, Poland
| | - Miroslawa Dabert
- Faculty of Biology, Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznan, Poland
| | - Michael Gerth
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
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Tsokana CN, Sokos C, Giannakopoulos A, Birtsas P, Valiakos G, Spyrou V, Athanasiou LV, Rodi Burriel A, Billinis C. European Brown hare (Lepus europaeus) as a source of emerging and re-emerging pathogens of Public Health importance: A review. Vet Med Sci 2020; 6:550-564. [PMID: 32088933 PMCID: PMC7397891 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
European brown hare (Lepus europaeus, EBH) is probably the most important game animal in Europe throughout its historical distribution. The decline in its populations across its geographic range in Europe have been attributed to factors such as reproductive rate and the ability for adaptation, climate, feed availability, predators, anthropogenic factors and diseases. Apart from common diseases of hares with a high impact on their mortality such as European Brown hare Syndrome, EBH has been involved in the epidemiology of pathogens with zoonotic potential. In this work, the role of EBH as a source of Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Hepatitis E virus (HEV), Yersinia spp., Brucella spp., Francisella tularensis, Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum is discussed. Hares may significantly contribute to the epidemiology of important emerging zoonotic pathogens through maintenance of high endemicity levels as in the case of CCHFV, as a reservoir of important pathogens such as Yersinia spp., B. suis, F. tularensis and L. infantum and as a potential source of T. gondii for other animals, especially for carnivores but also for humans. However, EBH may also be a host of minor importance as in the case of HEV. The continuous surveillance of hare populations will enable the collection of information on the population health status and the pathogens currently circulating in the area posing risk for wildlife, domestic animals and humans. The possible live animal translocations of infected hares, the fact that this species acts as a host of vectors (fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and sandflies) and the prey of carnivores and omnivores that travel in great distances getting into contact with domestic animals and humans, further highlights the need to be included in surveillance studies. Besides, the hunter‐harvested EBH population is an excellent indicator for recent pathogen transmission due to its short lifespan. The present review provides an overview of the role of European Brown Hare as a source of Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Hepatitis E virus (HEV), Yersinia spp., Brucella spp., Francisella tularensis, Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum aiming to highlight the contribution of this species to the epidemiology of important emerging zoonotic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantina N Tsokana
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Christos Sokos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Alexios Giannakopoulos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Periklis Birtsas
- Research Division, Hunting Federation of Macedonia and Thrace, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Forestry and Natural Environment Administration, Technological Institute of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - George Valiakos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Spyrou
- Department of Animal Production, Technological Education Institute of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Labrini V Athanasiou
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | | | - Charalambos Billinis
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
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17
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Susceptibility of Avian Species to Brucella Infection: A Hypothesis-Driven Study. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9020077. [PMID: 31991609 PMCID: PMC7168597 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9020077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucellosis is a highly contagious bacterial disease affecting a wide range of animals, as well as humans. The existence of the clinically diagnosed brucellosis in avian species is controversially discussed. In the current study, we set to summarize the current knowledge on the presence of brucellae in avian species. Anti-Brucella antibodies were monitored in different avian species using classical diagnostic tools. Experimental infection of chicken embryos induced the disease and resulted in the development of specific lesions. Few empirical studies have been performed in adult poultry. However, the isolation of brucellae from naturally-infected chickens has not been possible yet.
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18
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Dougas G, Tsakris A, Beleri S, Patsoula E, Billinis C, Papaparaskevas J. Evidence of Brucella melitensis DNA in the Microbiome of Ctenocephalides felis from Pet Cats in Greece. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:390-392. [PMID: 31905103 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) are the most prevalent ectoparasites of pet animals with cosmopolitan distribution, obligatory hematophagous, and may prey on humans to receive bloodmeals. We studied the microbiota of 100 flea-pools, containing C. felis, and collected from equal number of cats and dogs in the region of Attica, Greece, including Athens. The 16S metagenomics technique detected Brucella spp. nucleotide sequence that was identified as Brucella melitensis DNA by a real-time PCR, in five flea-pools, corresponding to five cats, one owned and the remaining four stray, residing in semiurban and urban areas, respectively. No definite conclusions can be drawn as to the pathway that led to the presence of B. melitensis in common fleas parasitizing cats. We suspect flea or cat contact with wild rodents, ubiquitous in various environments, which participate in the B. melitensis biology. The proximity of the cats and their fleas with humans and previous observations of flea potential to transmit B. melitensis in laboratory animals warrant a more elaborate research as to the vectorial dynamics, the ecological pathways resulting in pathogen carriage, and the risk for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Dougas
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,National Public Health Organization (NPHO), Athens, Greece
| | - Athanassios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stavroula Beleri
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Patsoula
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Charalambos Billinis
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Joseph Papaparaskevas
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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19
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Bokhari H, Maryam A, Shahid R, Siddiqi AR. Oligosaccharyltransferase PglB of Campylobacter jejuni is a glycoprotein. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 36:9. [PMID: 31858269 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-019-2784-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni is the one of the leading cause of bacterial food borne gastroenteritis. PglB, a glycosyltransferase, plays a crucial role of mediating glycosylation of numerous periplasmic proteins. It catalyzes N-glycosylation at the sequon D/E-X1-N-X2-S/T in its substrate proteins. Here we report that the PglB itself is a glycoprotein which self-glycosylates at N534 site in its DYNQS sequon by its own catalytic WWDYG motif. Site-directed mutagenesis, lectin Immunoblot, and mobility shift assays confirmed that the DYNQS is an N-glycosylation motif. PglB's N-glycosylation motif is structurally and functionally similar to its widely studied glycosylation substrate, the OMPH1. Its DYNQS motif forms a solvent-exposed crest. This motif is close to a cluster of polar and hydrophilic residues, which form a loop flanked by two α helices. This arrangement extremely apposite for auto-glycosylation at N534. This self-glycosylation ability of PglB could mediate C. jejuni's ability to colonize the intestinal epithelium. Further this capability may also bear significance for the development of novel conjugated vaccines and diagnostic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habib Bokhari
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Chak Shazad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Arooma Maryam
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Chak Shazad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ramla Shahid
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Chak Shazad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Rauf Siddiqi
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Chak Shazad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
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20
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Shevtsova E, Vergnaud G, Shevtsov A, Shustov A, Berdimuratova K, Mukanov K, Syzdykov M, Kuznetsov A, Lukhnova L, Izbanova U, Filipenko M, Ramankulov Y. Genetic Diversity of Brucella melitensis in Kazakhstan in Relation to World-Wide Diversity. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1897. [PMID: 31456793 PMCID: PMC6700508 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the genetic diversity of 1327 Brucella strains from human patients in Kazakhstan using multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA). All strains were assigned to the Brucella melitensis East Mediterranean group and clustered into 16 MLVA11 genotypes, nine of which are reported for the first time. MLVA11 genotype 116 predominates (86.8%) and is present all over Kazakhstan indicating existence and temporary preservation of a “founder effect” among B. melitensis strains circulating in Central Eurasia. The diversity pattern observed in humans is highly similar to the pattern previously reported in animals. The diversity observed by MLVA suggested that the epidemiological status of brucellosis in Kazakhstan is the result of the introduction of a few lineages, which have subsequently diversified at the most unstable tandem repeat loci. This investigation will allow to select the most relevant strains for testing these hypotheses via whole genome sequencing and to subsequently adjust the genotyping scheme to the Kazakhstan epidemiological situation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gilles Vergnaud
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | | | | | - Kasim Mukanov
- National Center for Biotechnology, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - Marat Syzdykov
- Kazakh Scientific Center for Quarantine and Zoonotic Diseases, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Andrey Kuznetsov
- Kazakh Scientific Center for Quarantine and Zoonotic Diseases, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Larissa Lukhnova
- Kazakh Scientific Center for Quarantine and Zoonotic Diseases, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Uinkul Izbanova
- Kazakh Scientific Center for Quarantine and Zoonotic Diseases, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Maxim Filipenko
- National Center for Biotechnology, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.,Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Synthetic Biology Department, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Yerlan Ramankulov
- National Center for Biotechnology, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.,School of Science and Technology, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
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21
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Guzmán-Verri C, Suárez-Esquivel M, Ruíz-Villalobos N, Zygmunt MS, Gonnet M, Campos E, Víquez-Ruiz E, Chacón-Díaz C, Aragón-Aranda B, Conde-Álvarez R, Moriyón I, Blasco JM, Muñoz PM, Baker KS, Thomson NR, Cloeckaert A, Moreno E. Genetic and Phenotypic Characterization of the Etiological Agent of Canine Orchiepididymitis Smooth Brucella sp. BCCN84.3. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:175. [PMID: 31231665 PMCID: PMC6568212 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the genus Brucella cluster in two phylogenetic groups: classical and non-classical species. The former group is composed of Brucella species that cause disease in mammals, including humans. A Brucella species, labeled as Brucella sp. BCCN84.3, was isolated from the testes of a Saint Bernard dog suffering orchiepididymitis, in Costa Rica. Following standard microbiological methods, the bacterium was first defined as “Brucella melitensis biovar 2.” Further molecular typing, identified the strain as an atypical “Brucella suis.” Distinctive Brucella sp. BCCN84.3 markers, absent in other Brucella species and strains, were revealed by fatty acid methyl ester analysis, high resolution melting PCR and omp25 and omp2a/omp2b gene diversity. Analysis of multiple loci variable number of tandem repeats and whole genome sequencing demonstrated that this isolate was different from the currently described Brucella species. The smooth Brucella sp. BCCN84.3 clusters together with the classical Brucella clade and displays all the genes required for virulence. Brucella sp. BCCN84.3 is a species nova taxonomical entity displaying pathogenicity; therefore, relevant for differential diagnoses in the context of brucellosis. Considering the debate on the Brucella species concept, there is a need to describe the extant taxonomical entities of these pathogens in order to understand the dispersion and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Guzmán-Verri
- Programa de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (PIET), Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica.,Facultad de Microbiología, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Marcela Suárez-Esquivel
- Programa de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (PIET), Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Nazareth Ruíz-Villalobos
- Programa de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (PIET), Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Michel S Zygmunt
- ISP, INRA, Université François Rabelais de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Mathieu Gonnet
- ISP, INRA, Université François Rabelais de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Elena Campos
- Centro Nacional de Referencia en Bacteriología, Instituto Costarricense de Investigación y Enseñanza en Nutrición y Salud (INCIENSA), Cartago, Costa Rica
| | - Eunice Víquez-Ruiz
- Programa de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (PIET), Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Carlos Chacón-Díaz
- Facultad de Microbiología, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Beatriz Aragón-Aranda
- IDISNA and Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Salud Tropical, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Raquel Conde-Álvarez
- IDISNA and Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Salud Tropical, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Moriyón
- IDISNA and Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Salud Tropical, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - José María Blasco
- Unidad de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pilar M Muñoz
- Unidad de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Kate S Baker
- Pathogen Genomics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom.,Institute for Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas R Thomson
- Pathogen Genomics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Axel Cloeckaert
- ISP, INRA, Université François Rabelais de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Edgardo Moreno
- Programa de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (PIET), Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
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Ayyal NM, Abbas ZA, Karim AJ, Abbas ZM, Al-Salihi KA, Khalaf JM, Mahmood DD, Mohammed EA, Jumaa RS, Abdul-Majeed DI. Bacterial isolation from internal organs of rats ( Rattus rattus) captured in Baghdad city of Iraq. Vet World 2019; 12:119-125. [PMID: 30936664 PMCID: PMC6431815 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.119-125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Rats are accused in disseminating many zoonotic diseases. This study aimed to isolate and identify bacteria from internal organs of rats captured in Baghdad City, Iraq. Materials and Methods A total of 120 black rats (R. rattus) were trapped from different areas in Baghdad city. Rats were kept in individual plastic cages for 3 h before euthanizing. Deep pharyngeal swab, intestinal content, urine, and pieces of the liver and spleen, lung, kidney, and brain were obtained aseptically. The specimens were inoculated into peptone water and incubated at 37°C for 24 h for enrichment. A loopful of each specimen was then subcultured onto MacConkey Agar, Blood Agar, and Mannitol Salt Agar. CHROMagar O157 H7 and CHROMagar Listeria were used to detect Escherichia coli 157:7 and Listeria spp., respectively. Biochemical tests on analytical profile index, microscopic examination, and commercial kit for latex agglutination test for serotyping E. coli O157:H7 were used. Results Mixed bacterial isolates were recorded as 116, 52, 36, 28, 18, 6, and 4 from intestinal contents, deep pharyngeal, liver and spleen, urine, lung, brain, and kidney, respectively. Microorganisms included E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter freundii, Proteus vulgaris, E. coli O157:H7, Enterobacter cloacae, Listeria spp., Klebsiella spp., Ochrobactrum anthropi, Aeromonas spp., Brucella spp., Pseudomonas fluorescens, Escherichia fergusonii, Micrococcus spp., Morganella spp., Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas luteola, and Streptobacillus spp. The highest bacterial prevalence (88; 73.33%) was recorded for E. coli, where 68 isolates were identified from the intestinal contents. Of these, four isolates were E. coli O157:H7. Conclusion Rats are important carriers and transmitters of a number of pathogens and can disseminate these microorganisms to humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagham Mohammed Ayyal
- Unit of Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Zainab Abdulzahra Abbas
- Unit of Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Abdulkarim Jafar Karim
- Unit of Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Zainab Majid Abbas
- Department of Pathological Analysis, Babylon Technical Institute, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Karima Akool Al-Salihi
- Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Al-Muthanna University, Al-Muthanna, Iraq
| | - Jenan Mahmood Khalaf
- Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Dunya Dhafir Mahmood
- Unit of Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Eman Abdullah Mohammed
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Rawaa Saladdin Jumaa
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
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Kosoy M, Goodrich I. Comparative Ecology of Bartonella and Brucella Infections in Wild Carnivores. Front Vet Sci 2019; 5:322. [PMID: 30662899 PMCID: PMC6328487 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Phylogenetic sister clades Bartonella and Brucella within the order Rhizobiales present some common biological characteristics as well as evident differences in adaptations to their mammalian reservoirs. We reviewed published data on Bartonella and Brucella infections in wild carnivores to compare the ecology of these bacteria in relatively similar host environments. Arthropod vectors are the main mechanism for Bartonella species transmission between mammalian hosts. The role of arthropods in transmission of Brucella remains disputed, however experimental studies and reported detection of Brucella in arthropods indicate potential vector transmission. More commonly, transmission of Brucella occurs via contact exposure to infected animals or the environment contaminated with their discharges. Of 26 species of carnivores tested for both Bartonella and Brucella, 58% harbored either. Among them were bobcats, African lions, golden jackals, coyotes, wolves, foxes, striped skunks, sea otters, raccoons, and harbor seals. The most common species of Bartonella in wild carnivores was B. henselae, found in 23 species, followed by B. rochalimae in 12, B. clarridgeiae in ten, and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii in seven. Among Brucella species, Br. abortus was reported in over 30 terrestrial carnivore species, followed by Br. canis in seven. Marine carnivores, such as seals and sea lions, can host Br. pinnipedialis. In contrast, there is no evidence of a Bartonella strain specific for marine mammals. Bartonella species are present practically in every sampled species of wild felids, but of 14 Brucella studies of felids, only five reported Brucella and those were limited to detection of antibodies. We found no reports of Bartonella in bears while Brucella was detected in these animals. There is evident host-specificity of Bartonella species in wild carnivores (e.g., B. henselae in felids and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii in canids). A co-adaptation of Brucella with terrestrial wild carnivore hosts is not as straightforward as in domestic animals. Wild carnivores often carry the same pathogens as their domesticated relatives (cats and dogs), but the risk of exposure varies widely because of differences in biology, distribution, and historical interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kosoy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Irina Goodrich
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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EFFECTS OF BRUCELLOSIS SEROLOGIC STATUS ON PHYSIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK ( CERVUS CANADENSIS NELSONI) IN SOUTHWESTERN MONTANA, USA. J Wildl Dis 2018; 55:304-315. [PMID: 30277828 DOI: 10.7589/2018-01-011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Brucellosis, caused by bacteria in the genus Brucella, is an infectious zoonosis affecting animals and humans worldwide. Free-ranging Rocky Mountain elk ( Cervus canadensis nelsoni) and bison ( Bison bison) in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (areas of southwestern Montana, eastern Idaho, and northwestern Wyoming, US) are the self-sustaining reservoirs of bovine brucellosis ( Brucella abortus) and elk are considered the primary source of livestock infections. It has been hypothesized that Brucella-exposed elk might have different physiologic status (pregnancy rates and body condition) and migration behaviors than would healthy elk. Here we tested the effects of brucellosis serologic status on pregnancy rates and winter ingesta free body fat of 100 female elk in southwestern Montana. We also evaluated the effects of serologic status on two characteristics of spring migration behavior, migration types (migrant, mixed migrant, resident, disperser, nomad, and undetermined type) and timing (start and end dates and duration). The migration behaviors were quantified using a model-driven approach based on the relative net squared displacement. We detected a significant difference (P=0.003) in pregnancy rates between seropositive and seronegative elk, with about a 30% drop in seropositive individuals. However, we did not detect differences in body fat between seropositive and seronegative elk or differences in either migration type or timing of spring migration. These results confirmed that the major effect of brucellosis in free-ranging elk is associated with reproduction.
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Madut NA, Nasinyama GW, Muma JB, Sube KLL, Ocan M, Muwonge A, Godfroid J, Jubara AS, Kankya C. Prevalence of brucellosis among patients attending Wau Hospital, South Sudan. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199315. [PMID: 29949605 PMCID: PMC6021100 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of public health importance; its prevalence varies globally. In low-income countries, brucellosis is an endemic and neglected disease affecting both animals and humans. This study was intended to establish brucellosis sero-prevalence among patients attending Wau hospital, South Sudan. Across sectional study, was done among randomly selected patients attending Wau hospital. Data was collected using questionnaires and laboratory investigations. Rose Bengal plate Test (RBPT), Serum agglutination test (SAT) and Competitive Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (c-ELISA) was used in the analysis of blood samples serially starting with RBPT which is more sensitive and least specific then SAT. c-ELISA test which is most specific and less sensitive compared to RBPT and SAT was then used to confirm presence of Brucella antibodies in the samples. A total of 416 participants out of 1664 were enrolled to this study. The majority of participants were between 7-to-76 years of age with mean age of 30.72 (SD+/- 12.83). The sero-positivity of patient's blood samples for brucellosis using c-ELISA was 23.3% (97/416) among patients presenting to Wau hospital. Socio-demographic characteristics, occupation, clinical signs of disease and types of animals reared by animal owners showed no significant correlation with occurrence of sero-positivity among patient's blood samples for brucellosis. While ethnicity (Nilotic), knowledge of zoonotic disease, and consumption of animal urine were statistically significant (p<0.05). The study found a high prevalence of brucellosis among febrile patients attending Wau hospital general outpatient clinic. There is need for co-ordination and collaboration between veterinary and health sectors of government to help prevent and control brucellosis in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuol Aywel Madut
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Bahr el Ghazal, Wau, South Sudan
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems &Veterinary Public Health (BEP), College of Vet. Animal Resources & Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- * E-mail:
| | - George William Nasinyama
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems &Veterinary Public Health (BEP), College of Vet. Animal Resources & Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Bwalya Muma
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Kenneth L. L. Sube
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Juba, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Moses Ocan
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Adrian Muwonge
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Jacques Godfroid
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, University of Tromsø-the Arctic Univertsity of Norway, Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ambrose Samuel Jubara
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Bahr el Ghazal, Wau, South Sudan
| | - Clovice Kankya
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems &Veterinary Public Health (BEP), College of Vet. Animal Resources & Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Zúñiga-Ripa A, Barbier T, Lázaro-Antón L, de Miguel MJ, Conde-Álvarez R, Muñoz PM, Letesson JJ, Iriarte M, Moriyón I. The Fast-Growing Brucella suis Biovar 5 Depends on Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase and Pyruvate Phosphate Dikinase but Not on Fbp and GlpX Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphatases or Isocitrate Lyase for Full Virulence in Laboratory Models. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:641. [PMID: 29675004 PMCID: PMC5896264 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria of the genus Brucella infect a range of vertebrates causing a worldwide extended zoonosis. The best-characterized brucellae infect domestic livestock, behaving as stealthy facultative intracellular parasites. This stealthiness depends on envelope molecules with reduced pathogen-associated molecular patterns, as revealed by the low lethality and ability to persist in mice of these bacteria. Infected cells are often engorged with brucellae without signs of distress, suggesting that stealthiness could also reflect an adaptation of the parasite metabolism to use local nutrients without harming the cell. To investigate this, we compared key metabolic abilities of Brucella abortus 2308 Wisconsin (2308W), a cattle biovar 1 virulent strain, and B. suis 513, the reference strain of the ancestral biovar 5 found in wild rodents. B. suis 513 used a larger number of C substrates and showed faster growth rates in vitro, two features similar to those of B. microti, a species phylogenomically close to B. suis biovar 5 that infects voles. However, whereas B. microti shows enhanced lethality and reduced persistence in mice, B. suis 513 was similar to B. abortus 2308W in this regard. Mutant analyses showed that B. suis 513 and B. abortus 2308W were similar in that both depend on phosphoenolpyruvate synthesis for virulence but not on the classical gluconeogenic fructose-1,6-bisphosphatases Fbp-GlpX or on isocitrate lyase (AceA). However, B. suis 513 used pyruvate phosphate dikinase (PpdK) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PckA) for phosphoenolpyruvate synthesis in vitro while B. abortus 2308W used only PpdK. Moreover, whereas PpdK dysfunction causes attenuation of B. abortus 2308W in mice, in B. suis, 513 attenuation occurred only in the double PckA-PpdK mutant. Also contrary to what occurs in B. abortus 2308, a B. suis 513 malic enzyme (Mae) mutant was not attenuated, and this independence of Mae and the role of PpdK was confirmed by the lack of attenuation of a double Mae-PckA mutant. Altogether, these results decouple fast growth rates from enhanced mouse lethality in the brucellae and suggest that an Fbp-GlpX-independent gluconeogenic mechanism is ancestral in this group and show differences in central C metabolic steps that may reflect a progressive adaptation to intracellular growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaia Zúñiga-Ripa
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología e Instituto de Salud Tropical - Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Thibault Barbier
- Research Unit in Biology of Microorganisms, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Leticia Lázaro-Antón
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología e Instituto de Salud Tropical - Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - María J de Miguel
- Unidad de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Raquel Conde-Álvarez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología e Instituto de Salud Tropical - Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pilar M Muñoz
- Unidad de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jean J Letesson
- Research Unit in Biology of Microorganisms, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Maite Iriarte
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología e Instituto de Salud Tropical - Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Moriyón
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología e Instituto de Salud Tropical - Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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Conde-Álvarez R, Palacios-Chaves L, Gil-Ramírez Y, Salvador-Bescós M, Bárcena-Varela M, Aragón-Aranda B, Martínez-Gómez E, Zúñiga-Ripa A, de Miguel MJ, Bartholomew TL, Hanniffy S, Grilló MJ, Vences-Guzmán MÁ, Bengoechea JA, Arce-Gorvel V, Gorvel JP, Moriyón I, Iriarte M. Identification of lptA, lpxE, and lpxO, Three Genes Involved in the Remodeling of Brucella Cell Envelope. Front Microbiol 2018; 8:2657. [PMID: 29375522 PMCID: PMC5767591 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The brucellae are facultative intracellular bacteria that cause a worldwide extended zoonosis. One of the pathogenicity mechanisms of these bacteria is their ability to avoid rapid recognition by innate immunity because of a reduction of the pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), free-lipids, and other envelope molecules. We investigated the Brucella homologs of lptA, lpxE, and lpxO, three genes that in some pathogens encode enzymes that mask the LPS PAMP by upsetting the core-lipid A charge/hydrophobic balance. Brucella lptA, which encodes a putative ethanolamine transferase, carries a frame-shift in B. abortus but not in other Brucella spp. and phylogenetic neighbors like the opportunistic pathogen Ochrobactrum anthropi. Consistent with the genomic evidence, a B. melitensis lptA mutant lacked lipid A-linked ethanolamine and displayed increased sensitivity to polymyxin B (a surrogate of innate immunity bactericidal peptides), while B. abortus carrying B. melitensis lptA displayed increased resistance. Brucella lpxE encodes a putative phosphatase acting on lipid A or on a free-lipid that is highly conserved in all brucellae and O. anthropi. Although we found no evidence of lipid A dephosphorylation, a B. abortus lpxE mutant showed increased polymyxin B sensitivity, suggesting the existence of a hitherto unidentified free-lipid involved in bactericidal peptide resistance. Gene lpxO putatively encoding an acyl hydroxylase carries a frame-shift in all brucellae except B. microti and is intact in O. anthropi. Free-lipid analysis revealed that lpxO corresponded to olsC, the gene coding for the ornithine lipid (OL) acyl hydroxylase active in O. anthropi and B. microti, while B. abortus carrying the olsC of O. anthropi and B. microti synthesized hydroxylated OLs. Interestingly, mutants in lptA, lpxE, or olsC were not attenuated in dendritic cells or mice. This lack of an obvious effect on virulence together with the presence of the intact homolog genes in O. anthropi and B. microti but not in other brucellae suggests that LptA, LpxE, or OL β-hydroxylase do not significantly alter the PAMP properties of Brucella LPS and free-lipids and are therefore not positively selected during the adaptation to intracellular life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Conde-Álvarez
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN) e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leyre Palacios-Chaves
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universidad Pública de Navarra - Gobierno de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Yolanda Gil-Ramírez
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN) e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miriam Salvador-Bescós
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN) e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marina Bárcena-Varela
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN) e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Aragón-Aranda
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN) e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Estrella Martínez-Gómez
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN) e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Amaia Zúñiga-Ripa
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN) e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - María J de Miguel
- Unidad de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón - Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Toby Leigh Bartholomew
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Sean Hanniffy
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1104, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR7280, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille University UM2, Marseille, France
| | - María-Jesús Grilló
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universidad Pública de Navarra - Gobierno de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - José A Bengoechea
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Vilma Arce-Gorvel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1104, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR7280, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille University UM2, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Gorvel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1104, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR7280, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille University UM2, Marseille, France
| | - Ignacio Moriyón
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN) e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maite Iriarte
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Salud Tropical (ISTUN) e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
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Hosseini-Chegeni A, Tavakoli M, Telmadarraiy Z, Sedaghat MM, Faghihi F. Detection of a Brucella-like (Alphaproteobacteria) Bacterium in Boophilus spp. (Acari: Ixodidae) from Iran. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2017. [DOI: 10.29252/jommid.5.3.4.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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Letesson JJ, Barbier T, Zúñiga-Ripa A, Godfroid J, De Bolle X, Moriyón I. Brucella Genital Tropism: What's on the Menu. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:506. [PMID: 28400761 PMCID: PMC5368252 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thibault Barbier
- Research Unit in Microorganisms Biology, University of Namur Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Amaia Zúñiga-Ripa
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Edificio de Investigación, Instituto de Salud Tropical e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jacques Godfroid
- Arctic Infection Biology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway Tromsø, Norway
| | - Xavier De Bolle
- Research Unit in Microorganisms Biology, University of Namur Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Ignacio Moriyón
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Edificio de Investigación, Instituto de Salud Tropical e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra Pamplona, Spain
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Ducrotoy M, Bertu W, Matope G, Cadmus S, Conde-Álvarez R, Gusi A, Welburn S, Ocholi R, Blasco J, Moriyón I. Brucellosis in Sub-Saharan Africa: Current challenges for management, diagnosis and control. Acta Trop 2017; 165:179-193. [PMID: 26551794 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Brucellosis is a highly contagious zoonosis caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella and affecting domestic and wild mammals. In this paper, the bacteriological and serological evidence of brucellosis in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and its epidemiological characteristics are discussed. The tools available for the diagnosis and treatment of human brucellosis and for the diagnosis and control of animal brucellosis and their applicability in the context of SSA are presented and gaps identified. These gaps concern mostly the need for simpler and more affordable antimicrobial treatments against human brucellosis, the development of a B. melitensis vaccine that could circumvent the drawbacks of the currently available Rev 1 vaccine, and the investigation of serological diagnostic tests for camel brucellosis and wildlife. Strategies for the implementation of animal vaccination are also discussed.
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Isolation and characterization of Brucella abortus isolates from wildlife species in South Korea. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.14405/kjvr.2016.56.3.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Hanot Mambres D, Machelart A, Potemberg G, De Trez C, Ryffel B, Letesson JJ, Muraille E. Identification of Immune Effectors Essential to the Control of Primary and Secondary Intranasal Infection with Brucella melitensis in Mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 196:3780-93. [PMID: 27036913 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1502265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The mucosal immune system represents the first line of defense against Brucella infection in nature. We used genetically deficient mice to identify the lymphocytes and signaling pathways implicated in the control of primary and secondary intranasal infection with B. melitensis Our analysis of primary infection demonstrated that the effectors implicated differ at the early and late stages and are dependent on the organ. TCR-δ, TAP1, and IL-17RA deficiency specifically affects early control of Brucella in the lungs, whereas MHC class II (MHCII) and IFN-γR deficiency impairs late control in the lungs, spleen, and liver. Interestingly, IL-12p35(-/-) mice display enhanced Brucella growth in the spleen but not in the lungs or liver. Secondary intranasal infections are efficiently contained in the lung. In contrast to an i.p. infectious model, in which IL-12p35, MHCII, and B cells are strictly required for the control of secondary infection, we observed that only TCR-β deficiency or simultaneous neutralization of IL-12p35- and IL-17A-dependent pathways impairs the memory protective response against a secondary intranasal infection. Protection is not affected by TCR-δ, MHCII, TAP1, B cell, IL-17RA, or IL-12p35 deficiency, suggesting that CD4(+) and CD8(+) α/β(+) T cells are sufficient to mount a protective immune response and that an IL-17A-mediated response can compensate for the partial deficiency of an IFN-γ-mediated response to control a Brucella challenge. These findings demonstrate that the nature of the protective memory response depends closely on the route of infection and highlights the role of IFN-γ-and IL-17RA-mediated responses in the control of mucosal infection by Brucella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Hanot Mambres
- Microorganisms Biology Research Unit (URBM), Laboratory of Immunology and Microbiology, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences, University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Machelart
- Microorganisms Biology Research Unit (URBM), Laboratory of Immunology and Microbiology, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences, University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Georges Potemberg
- Microorganisms Biology Research Unit (URBM), Laboratory of Immunology and Microbiology, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences, University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Carl De Trez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Interactions, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Free University of Brussels (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bernhard Ryffel
- Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires - UMR7355 CNRS - Université d'Orléans, 45071 Orleans, France; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Capetown 7925, South Africa; and
| | - Jean-Jacques Letesson
- Microorganisms Biology Research Unit (URBM), Laboratory of Immunology and Microbiology, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences, University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Eric Muraille
- Microorganisms Biology Research Unit (URBM), Laboratory of Immunology and Microbiology, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences, University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium; Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium
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Hammerl JA, Göllner C, Al Dahouk S, Nöckler K, Reetz J, Hertwig S. Analysis of the First Temperate Broad Host Range Brucellaphage (BiPBO1) Isolated from B. inopinata. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:24. [PMID: 26858702 PMCID: PMC4729917 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucella species are important human and animal pathogens. Though, only little is known about mobile genetic elements of these highly pathogenic bacteria. To date, neither plasmids nor temperate phages have been described in brucellae. We analyzed genomic sequences of various reference and type strains and identified a number of putative prophages residing within the Brucella chromosomes. By induction, phage BiPBO1 was isolated from Brucella inopinata. BiPBO1 is a siphovirus that infects several Brucella species including Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis. Integration of the phage genome occurs adjacent to a tRNA gene in chromosome 1 (chr 1). The bacterial (attB) and phage (attP) attachment sites comprise an identical sequence of 46 bp. This sequence exists in many Brucella and Ochrobactrum species. The BiPBO1 genome is composed of a 46,877 bp double-stranded DNA. Eighty-seven putative gene products were determined, of which 32 could be functionally assigned. Strongest similarities were found to a temperate phage residing in the chromosome of Ochrobactrum anthropi ATCC 49188 and to prophages identified in several families belonging to the order rhizobiales. The data suggest that horizontal gene transfer may occur between Brucella and Ochrobactrum and underpin the close relationship of these environmental and pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens A. Hammerl
- Department of Biological Safety, Federal Institute for Risk AssessmentBerlin, Germany
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Sparkes J, Ballard G, Fleming PJS. Cooperative hunting between humans and domestic dogs in eastern and northern Australia. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2016. [DOI: 10.1071/wr15028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Dogs aid hunters in many parts of Australia. Because of close proximity, transfer of zoonotic disease between hunters, hunting dogs and wildlife can, and does, occur. Knowledge about cooperative hunting between humans and domestic dogs and interactions with wildlife in Australia is limited, but is necessary to improve zoonotic-risk mitigation strategies.
Aims
We aimed to describe the frequency and geographic distribution of hunting with dogs, and to document interactions between them and wildlife that could contribute to zoonosis transmission.
Methods
Australian hunters were invited via web-based hunting forums, hunting supply stores and government agency communications to complete an online questionnaire about their hunting activities.
Key results
Most of the 440 responding hunters resided on Australia’s eastern coast. Pest animal management and recreation were their primary drivers for hunting with dogs. Most hunters used one or two dogs, and travelled ≥500 km to target feral pigs, rabbits, birds and deer. Almost a quarter of respondents (N = 313) had lost a dog while hunting, but most (93%, N = 61) were reportedly recovered within a few hours. Half the respondents indicated that they had encountered wild dogs while hunting, and reported a range of consequences from non-contact interactions through to attacks on the hunting dog or hunter.
Conclusions
Australian hunters frequently used dogs to assist in hunts of birds and introduced mammals, particularly where access was difficult because of rough terrain or thick vegetation. Interactions between hunters and non-target animals such as wild dogs were common, providing potential pathways for the spread of diseases. Furthermore, hunting expeditions >500 km from the point of residence occurred regularly, which could facilitate translocation of important zoonotic diseases between states and the creation of disparate foci of disease spread, even into highly populated areas.
Implications
Our improved understanding of hunting-dog use in Australia is essential to quantify the risk of disease transmission between wildlife and humans, identify transmission pathways and devise management plans to quash disease outbreaks. To promote rapid detection of exotic diseases, hunters should be encouraged to report unusual wildlife behaviour and interactions with their dogs.
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Hammerl JA, Ulrich RG, Imholt C, Scholz HC, Jacob J, Kratzmann N, Nöckler K, Al Dahouk S. Molecular Survey on Brucellosis in Rodents and Shrews - Natural Reservoirs of Novel Brucella Species in Germany? Transbound Emerg Dis 2015; 64:663-671. [PMID: 26398680 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Brucellosis is a widespread zoonotic disease introduced from animal reservoirs to humans. In Germany, bovine and ovine/caprine brucellosis were eradicated more than a decade ago and mandatory measures in livestock have been implemented to keep the officially brucellosis-free status. In contrast, surveillance of wildlife is still challenging, and reliable data on the prevalence of brucellae in small mammal populations do not exist. To assess the epidemiology of Brucella spp. in rodents and shrews, a molecular survey was carried out. A total of 537 rodents and shrews were trapped in four federal states located throughout Germany and investigated for the presence of Brucella. Using a two-step molecular assay based on the detection of the Brucella-specific bcsp31 and IS711 sequences in tissue samples, 14.2% (n = 76) of the tested animals were positive. These originated mainly from western and south-western Germany, where preliminary analyses indicate population density-dependent Brucella prevalence in voles (Myodes glareolus) and mice (Apodemus spp.). recA typing revealed a close relationship to a potentially novel Brucella species recently isolated from red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Austria. The molecular detection of brucellae in various rodent taxa and for the first time in shrew species shows that these animals may be naturally infected or at least have a history of exposure to Brucella spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Hammerl
- Department of Biological Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - R G Ulrich
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, OIE Collaborating Centre for Zoonoses in Europe, Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - C Imholt
- Julius Kühn-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests, Vertebrate Research Group, Münster, Germany
| | - H C Scholz
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Germany
| | - J Jacob
- Julius Kühn-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests, Vertebrate Research Group, Münster, Germany
| | - N Kratzmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, OIE Collaborating Centre for Zoonoses in Europe, Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - K Nöckler
- Department of Biological Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - S Al Dahouk
- Department of Biological Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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Miller R, Nakavuma JL, Ssajjakambwe P, Vudriko P, Musisi N, Kaneene JB. The Prevalence of Brucellosis in Cattle, Goats and Humans in Rural Uganda: A Comparative Study. Transbound Emerg Dis 2015; 63:e197-e210. [PMID: 25660343 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the presence of brucellosis in cattle, goats and humans in farms from south-western Uganda and identify risk factors associated with brucellosis in these three host groups. Data and serum samples were collected from 768 cattle, 315 goats and 236 humans, with 635 samples of bovine milk, from 70 farms in two different study areas in south-western Uganda. Sera from livestock were tested with the Rose Bengal Plate test, using B. abortus and B. melitensis antigens, and human sera were tested with a commercial IgG/IgM lateral flow assay. Milk samples were tested using the OIE-approved milk ring test. Screening tests for brucellosis were positive in 14% of cattle serum, 29% of bovine milk, 17% of goat serum and 11% of human serum samples. There were significant differences in the test prevalence of brucellosis by study site, with levels higher in the study area near Lake Mburo National Park than in the study area near Queen Elizabeth National Park. Multivariable regression models identified risk factors associated with increasing test positivity at the individual and farm levels for cattle, goats and humans. Positive associations were seen between increasing seropositivity of brucellosis in goats, cattle and humans. Results of multivariable analyses suggest that improvements in farm biosecurity and hygiene may reduce the risk of brucellosis on the farm and suggest a role for ticks in bovine brucellosis. Although cattle are the focus of brucellosis control in Uganda, the significant associations between seropositivity in humans and seropositivity in goats suggest that brucellosis in goats may be an important contributor to the epidemiology of the disease on the farm.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Miller
- Center for Comparative Epidemiology, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - J L Nakavuma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - P Ssajjakambwe
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - P Vudriko
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - N Musisi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - J B Kaneene
- Center for Comparative Epidemiology, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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Abstract
Brucella spp. are facultative intracellular Gram-negative coccobacilli responsible for brucellosis, a worldwide zoonosis. We observed that Brucella melitensis is able to persist for several weeks in the blood of intraperitoneally infected mice and that transferred blood at any time point tested is able to induce infection in naive recipient mice. Bacterial persistence in the blood is dramatically impaired by specific antibodies induced following Brucella vaccination. In contrast to Bartonella, the type IV secretion system and flagellar expression are not critically required for the persistence of Brucella in blood. ImageStream analysis of blood cells showed that following a brief extracellular phase, Brucella is associated mainly with the erythrocytes. Examination by confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy formally demonstrated that B. melitensis is able to invade erythrocytes in vivo. The bacteria do not seem to multiply in erythrocytes and are found free in the cytoplasm. Our results open up new areas for investigation and should serve in the development of novel strategies for the treatment or prophylaxis of brucellosis. Invasion of erythrocytes could potentially protect the bacterial cells from the host's immune response and hamper antibiotic treatment and suggests possible Brucella transmission by bloodsucking insects in nature.
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Vitry MA, Hanot Mambres D, De Trez C, Akira S, Ryffel B, Letesson JJ, Muraille E. Humoral Immunity and CD4+Th1 Cells Are Both Necessary for a Fully Protective Immune Response upon Secondary Infection withBrucella melitensis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 192:3740-52. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Neglia G, Veneziano V, De Carlo E, Galiero G, Borriello G, Francillo M, Campanile G, Zicarelli L, Manna L. Detection of Brucella abortus DNA and RNA in different stages of development of the sucking louse Haematopinus tuberculatus. BMC Vet Res 2013; 9:236. [PMID: 24289112 PMCID: PMC4220825 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-9-236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Brucellosis is considered the world’s most widespread zoonotic infection. It causes abortion and sterility in livestock leading to serious economic losses and has even more serious medical impact in humans, since it can be a trigger to more than 500,000 infections per year worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of Haematopinus tuberculatus, a louse that can parasitize several ruminants, as a new host of brucellosis. Louse specimens were collected from seropositive and seronegative water buffaloes and divided in 3 developmental stages: adults, nymphs and nits. All samples were separately screened for Brucella spp. DNA and RNA detection by Real Time PCR. In particular, primers and probes potentially targeting the 16S rRNA and the Brucella Cell Surface 31 kDalton Protein (bcsp31) genes were used for Real Time PCR and buffalo β actin was used as a housekeeping gene to quantify host DNA in the sample. A known amount of B. abortus purified DNA was utilized for standard curve preparation and the target DNA amount was divided by the housekeeping gene amount to obtain a normalized target value. A further molecular characterization was performed for Brucella strain typing and genotyping by the Bruce-ladder, AMOS-PCR and MLVA assays. Data were statistically analysed by ANOVA. Results Brucella abortus DNA and RNA were detected in all developmental stages of the louse, suggesting the presence of viable bacteria. Data obtained by MLVA characterization support this finding, since the strains present in animals and the relative parasites were not always identical, suggesting bacterial replication. Furthermore, the detection of Brucella DNA and RNA in nits samples demonstrate, for the first time, a trans-ovarial transmission of the bacterium into the louse. Conclusions These findings identified H. tuberculatus as a new host of brucellosis. Further studies are needed to establish the role of this louse in the epidemiology of the disease, such as vector or reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Neglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University, V, Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy.
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Scientific Opinion on the public health hazards to be covered by inspection of meat from farmed game. EFSA J 2013. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2013.3264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Nymo IH, Godfroid J, Åsbakk K, Larsen AK, das Neves CG, Rødven R, Tryland M. A protein A/G indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of anti-Brucella antibodies in Arctic wildlife. J Vet Diagn Invest 2013; 25:369-75. [PMID: 23572454 DOI: 10.1177/1040638713485073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A species-independent indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) based on chimeric protein A/G was established for the detection of anti-Brucella antibodies in Arctic wildlife species and compared to previously established brucellosis serological tests for hooded seals (Cystophora cristata), minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), and polar bears (Ursus maritimus), as well as bacteriology results for reindeer and caribou (Rangifer tarandus sp.). The protein A/G iELISA results were consistent with the other serological tests with Cohen kappa values between 0.47 and 0.92, and the protein A/G iELISA can thus offer a technically simple method for these species yielding results consistent with established brucellosis serological tests. Receiver operator characteristics analysis proved that the reindeer and caribou protein A/G iELISA results were consistent with the bacteriological gold standard with an area under the curve of 0.99, and the protein A/G iELISA was thus validated as a sensitive and specific serological method for the detection of anti-Brucella antibodies in reindeer and caribou. The binding of the antibodies from the respective species to protein A and G were also evaluated in the iELISA. The antibodies from hooded seals and polar bears reacted stronger to protein A than to G. The sei whale, fin whale, reindeer, and caribou antibodies reacted stronger to protein G than to A. The minke whale antibodies reacted to both protein A and G. There was a strong correlation (r s = 0.88-0.98) between the optical density results obtained with the iELISA with protein A/G and protein A or G, showing that protein A/G is as well suited as protein A or G for the detection of anti-Brucella antibodies in these species with the iELISA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingebjørg H Nymo
- Section for Arctic Veterinary Medicine, The Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Stakkevollveien 23, N-9010 Tromsø, Norway.
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The epitopic and structural characterization of Brucella suis biovar 2 O-polysaccharide demonstrates the existence of a new M-negative C-negative smooth Brucella serovar. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53941. [PMID: 23335981 PMCID: PMC3545991 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 12/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The brucellae are Gram-negative bacteria that cause an important zoonosis. Studies with the main Brucella species have shown that the O-antigens of the Brucella smooth lipopolysaccharide are α-(1 → 2) and α-(1 → 3)-linked N-formyl-perosamine polysaccharides that carry M, A and C (A = M, A>M and A<M) epitopes relevant in serodiagnosis and typing. We report that, in contrast to the B. suis biovar 1 O-antigen used as a reference or to all described Brucella O-antigens, B. suis biovar 2 O-antigen failed to bind monoclonal antibodies of C (A = M), C (M>A) and M specificities. However, the biovar 2 O-antigen bound monoclonal antibodies to the Brucella A epitope, and to the C/Y epitope shared by brucellae and Yersinia enterocolitica O:9, a bacterium that carries an N-formyl-perosamine O-antigen in exclusively α-(1 → 2)-linkages. By (13)C NMR spectroscopy, B. suis biovar 1 but not B. suis biovar 2 or Y. enterocolitica O:9 polysaccharide showed the signal characteristic of α-(1 → 3)-linked N-formyl-perosamine, indicating that biovar 2 may altogether lack this linkage. Taken together, the NMR spectroscopy and monoclonal antibody analyses strongly suggest a role for α-(1 → 3)-linked N-formyl-perosamine in the C (A = M) and C (M>A) epitopes. Moreover, they indicate that B. suis biovar 2 O-antigen lacks some lipopolysaccharide epitopes previously thought to be present in all smooth brucellae, thus representing a new brucella serovar that is M-negative, C-negative. Serologically and structurally this new serovar is more similar to Y. enterocolitica O:9 than to other brucellae.
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TRUONG LQ, KIM JT, YOON BI, HER M, JUNG SC, HAHN TW. Epidemiological Survey for Brucella in Wildlife and Stray Dogs, a Cat and Rodents Captured on Farms. J Vet Med Sci 2011; 73:1597-601. [DOI: 10.1292/jvms.11-0222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jung Taek KIM
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University
| | - Byung-Il YOON
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University
| | - Moon HER
- National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service
| | | | - Tae-Wook HAHN
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University
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