1
|
Herrera-Rodríguez D, Jareño-Moreno S, Buch-Cardona C, Mougeot F, Luque-Larena JJ, Vidal D. Water and mosquitoes as key components of the infective cycle of Francisella tularensis in Europe: a review. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38393764 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2319040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is the pathogen of tularemia, a zoonotic disease that have a broad range of hosts. Its epidemiology is related to aquatic environments, particularly in the subspecies holarctica. In this review, we explore the role of water and mosquitoes in the epidemiology of Francisella in Europe. F. tularensis epidemiology has been linked to natural waters, where its persistence has been associated with biofilm and amebas. In Sweden and Finland, the European countries where most human cases have been reported, mosquito bites are a main route of transmission. F. tularensis is present in other European countries, but to date positive mosquitoes have not been found. Biofilm and amebas are potential sources of Francisella for mosquito larvae, however, mosquito vector capacity has not been demonstrated experimentally, with the need to be studied using local species to uncover a potential transmission adaptation. Transstadial, for persistence through life stages, and mechanical transmission, suggesting contaminated media as a source for infection, have been studied experimentally for mosquitoes, but their natural occurrence needs to be evaluated. It is important to clear up the role of different local mosquito species in the epidemiology of F. tularensis and their importance in all areas where tularemia is present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Herrera-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha (UCLM), Ciudad Real, España
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ciudad Real, España
| | - Sara Jareño-Moreno
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, España
| | - Clara Buch-Cardona
- Facultad de Biociencias, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, España
| | - François Mougeot
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ciudad Real, España
| | - Juan José Luque-Larena
- Departamento de Ciencias Agroforestales, E.T.S. Ingenierías Agrarias, Universidad de Valladolid (UVa), Palencia, España
- Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute (iuFOR), Universidad de Valladolid (UVa), Palencia, España
| | - Dolors Vidal
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha (UCLM), Ciudad Real, España
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xi W, Zhang X, Zhu X, Wang J, Xue H, Pan H. Distribution patterns and influential factors of pathogenic bacteria in freshwater aquaculture sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:16028-16047. [PMID: 38308166 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-31897-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Pathogenic bacteria, the major causative agents of aquaculture diseases, are a serious impediment to the aquaculture industry. However, the bioinformatics of pathogenic bacteria and virulence factors (VFs) in sediments, an important component of freshwater aquaculture ecosystems, are not well characterized. In this study, 20 sediment samples were collected from fish pond sediments (FPS), shrimp field sediments (SFS), fish pond sediment control (FPSC), and shrimp field sediment control (SFSC). Molecular biological information was obtained on a total of 173 pathogenic bacteria, 1093 virulence factors (VFs), and 8475 mobile genetic elements (MGEs) from these samples. The results indicated that (1) aquaculture patterns and sediment characteristics can affect the distribution of pathogenic bacteria. According to the results of the Kruskal-Wallis H test, except for Mycobacterium gilvum, there were significant differences (P < 0.05) among the four sediment types in the average abundance of major pathogenic bacteria (top 30 in abundance), and the average abundance of major pathogenic bacteria in the four sediment types followed the following pattern: FPS > SFS > FPSC > SFSC. (2) Pathogenic bacteria are able to implement a variety of complex pathogenic mechanisms such as adhesion, invasion, immune evasion, and metabolic regulation in the host because they carry a variety of VFs such as type IV pili, HSI-I, Alginate, Colibactin, and Capsule. According to the primary classification of the Virulence Factor Database (VFDB), the abundance of VFs in all four types of sediments showed the following pattern: offensive VFs > non-specific VFs > defensive VFs > regulation of virulence-related genes. (3) Total organic carbon (TOC), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), nitrite, and nitrate were mostly only weakly positively correlated with the major pathogenic bacteria and could promote the growth of pathogenic bacteria to some extent, whereas ammonia was significantly positively correlated with most of the major pathogenic bacteria and could play an important role in promoting the growth and reproduction of pathogenic bacteria. (4) Meanwhile, there was also a significant positive correlation between CAZyme genes and major pathogenic bacteria (0.62 ≤ R ≤ 0.89, P < 0.05). This suggests that these pathogenic bacteria could be the main carriers of CAZyme genes and, to some extent, gained a higher level of metabolic activity by degrading organic matter in the sediments to maintain their competitive advantage. (5) Worryingly, the results of correlation analyses indicated that MGEs in aquaculture sediments could play an important role in the spread of VFs (R = 0.82, P < 0.01), and in particular, plasmids (R = 0.75, P < 0.01) and integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs, R = 0.65, P < 0.05) could be these major vectors of VFs. The results of this study contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the health of freshwater aquaculture sediments and provide a scientific basis for aquaculture management and conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiang Xi
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Petroleum Geochemistry and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan, 430100, Hubei, China
- College of Resources and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan, 430100, Hubei, China
| | - Xun Zhang
- China Coal Mine Construction Group Co., LTD, Hefei, 230071, Anhui, China
| | - Xianbin Zhu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Petroleum Geochemistry and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan, 430100, Hubei, China
- College of Resources and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan, 430100, Hubei, China
| | - Jiaming Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Petroleum Geochemistry and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan, 430100, Hubei, China
- College of Resources and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan, 430100, Hubei, China
| | - Han Xue
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Petroleum Geochemistry and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan, 430100, Hubei, China
- College of Resources and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan, 430100, Hubei, China
| | - Hongzhong Pan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Petroleum Geochemistry and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan, 430100, Hubei, China.
- College of Resources and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan, 430100, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schaudinn C, Rydzewski K, Meister B, Grunow R, Heuner K. Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica wild-type is able to colonize natural aquatic ex vivo biofilms. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1113412. [PMID: 36860486 PMCID: PMC9969146 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1113412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are a matrix-associated lifestyle of microbial communities, often enabling survivability and persistence of such bacteria. The objective of this study was to investigate the survival of the wild-type strain A-271 of Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica (Fth) in a natural aquatic ex vivo biofilm. To that purpose, we allowed Fth A-271 to produce its own biofilm on solid surfaces but also to colonize naturally formed biofilms from aquatic habitats, which were infected with Francisella in the laboratory. The survival rates of the bacteria in biofilms were compared to those of planktonic bacteria as a function of the employed culture condition. It could be shown by light- and electron microscopy that Fth is able to form a complex, matrix-associated biofilm. The biofilm form of Francisella showed longer cultivability on agar plates in natural water when compared to planktonic (free-living) bacteria. Be it as a part of the existing ex vivo biofilm or free-floating above as planktonic bacteria, more than 80% of Francisella were not only able to survive under these conditions for 28 days, but even managed to establish microcolonies and areas with their own exclusive biofilm architecture within the ex vivo biofilm. Here, we can demonstrate for the first time that a Francisella tularensis wild-type strain (Type B) is able to successfully colonize an aquatic multi-species ex vivo biofilm. It is worthwhile to speculate that Fth might become more persistent in the environment when it forms its own biofilm or integrates in an existing one. Multi-species biofilms have been shown to be more resistant against stress compared to single-species biofilms. This may have an important impact on the long-term survival of Francisella in aquatic habitats and infection cycles in nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Schaudinn
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS 4), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerstin Rydzewski
- Working Group: Cellular Interactions of Bacterial Pathogens, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany,Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Beate Meister
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roland Grunow
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Heuner
- Working Group: Cellular Interactions of Bacterial Pathogens, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany,Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany,*Correspondence: Klaus Heuner, ✉
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Brunet CD, Hennebique A, Peyroux J, Pelloux I, Caspar Y, Maurin M. Presence of Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica DNA in the Aquatic Environment in France. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071398. [PMID: 34203503 PMCID: PMC8306966 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2018, the incidence of tularemia increased twofold in the west of France, with many pneumonic forms, suggesting environmental sources of infection. We investigated the presence of Francisellatularensis subsp. holarctica and other Francisella species DNA in the natural aquatic environment of this geographic area. Two sampling campaigns, in July 2019 and January 2020, allowed the collection of 87 water samples. Using a combination of real-time PCR assays, we tested the presence of either Francisella sp., F. tularensis/F. novicida, and F. tularensis subsp. holarctica, the latter being the only tularemia agent in Europe. Among 57 water samples of the first campaign, 15 (26.3%) were positive for Francisella sp., nine (15.8%) for F. tularensis and/or F. novicida, and four (7.0%) for F. tularensis subsp. holarctica. Ratios were 25/30 (83.3%), 24/30 (80.0%), and 4/30 (13.3%) for the second campaign. Among the thirty sites sampled during the two campaigns, nine were positive both times for Francisella sp., seven for F. tularensis and/or F. novicida, and one for F. tularensis subsp. holarctica. Altogether, our study reveals a high prevalence of Francisella sp. DNA (including the tularemia agent) in the studied aquatic environment. This aquatic environment could therefore participate in the endemicity of tularemia in the west of France.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camille D. Brunet
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Grenoble Alpes, TIMC, UMR5525, 38000 Grenoble, France; (C.D.B.); (A.H.); (J.P.); (Y.C.)
| | - Aurélie Hennebique
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Grenoble Alpes, TIMC, UMR5525, 38000 Grenoble, France; (C.D.B.); (A.H.); (J.P.); (Y.C.)
- Centre National de Référence des Francisella, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France;
| | - Julien Peyroux
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Grenoble Alpes, TIMC, UMR5525, 38000 Grenoble, France; (C.D.B.); (A.H.); (J.P.); (Y.C.)
| | - Isabelle Pelloux
- Centre National de Référence des Francisella, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France;
| | - Yvan Caspar
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Grenoble Alpes, TIMC, UMR5525, 38000 Grenoble, France; (C.D.B.); (A.H.); (J.P.); (Y.C.)
- Centre National de Référence des Francisella, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France;
| | - Max Maurin
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Grenoble Alpes, TIMC, UMR5525, 38000 Grenoble, France; (C.D.B.); (A.H.); (J.P.); (Y.C.)
- Centre National de Référence des Francisella, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Golovliov I, Bäckman S, Granberg M, Salomonsson E, Lundmark E, Näslund J, Busch JD, Birdsell D, Sahl JW, Wagner DM, Johansson A, Forsman M, Thelaus J. Long-Term Survival of Virulent Tularemia Pathogens outside a Host in Conditions That Mimic Natural Aquatic Environments. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e02713-20. [PMID: 33397692 PMCID: PMC8104992 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02713-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of the zoonotic disease tularemia, can cause seasonal outbreaks of acute febrile illness in humans with disease peaks in late summer to autumn. Interestingly, its mechanisms for environmental persistence between outbreaks are poorly understood. One hypothesis is that F. tularensis forms biofilms in aquatic environments. We utilized two fully virulent wild-type strains: FSC200 (Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica) and Schu S4 (Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis) and three control strains, the attenuated live vaccine strain (LVS; F. tularensis subsp. holarctica), a Schu S4 ΔwbtI mutant that is documented to form biofilms, and the low-virulence strain U112 of the closely related species Francisella novicida Strains were incubated in saline solution (0.9% NaCl) microcosms for 24 weeks at both 4°C and 20°C, whereupon viability and biofilm formation were measured. These temperatures were selected to approximate winter and summer temperatures of fresh water in Scandinavia, respectively. U112 and Schu S4 ΔwbtI formed biofilms, but F. tularensis strains FSC200 and Schu S4 and the LVS did not. All strains exhibited prolonged viability at 4°C compared to 20°C. U112 and FSC200 displayed remarkable long-term persistence at 4°C, with only 1- and 2-fold log reductions, respectively, of viable cells after 24 weeks. Schu S4 exhibited lower survival, yielding no viable cells by week 20. At 24 weeks, cells from FSC200, but not from Schu S4, were still fully virulent in mice. Taken together, these results demonstrate biofilm-independent, long-term survival of pathogenic F. tularensis subsp. holarctica in conditions that mimic overwinter survival in aquatic environments.IMPORTANCE Tularemia, a disease caused by the environmental bacterium Francisella tularensis, is characterized by acute febrile illness. F. tularensis is highly infectious: as few as 10 organisms can cause human disease. Tularemia is not known to be spread from person to person. Rather, all human infections are independently acquired from the environment via the bite of blood-feeding arthropods, ingestion of infected food or water, or inhalation of aerosolized bacteria. Despite the environmental origins of human disease events, the ecological factors governing the long-term persistence of F. tularensis in nature between seasonal human outbreaks are poorly understood. The significance of our research is in identifying conditions that promote long-term survival of fully virulent F. tularensis outside a mammalian host or insect vector. These conditions are similar to those found in natural aquatic environments in winter and provide important new insights on how F. tularensis may persist long-term in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Golovliov
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Stina Bäckman
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Malin Granberg
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Emelie Salomonsson
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Eva Lundmark
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jonas Näslund
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Joseph D Busch
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Dawn Birdsell
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Jason W Sahl
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - David M Wagner
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Anders Johansson
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mats Forsman
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Johanna Thelaus
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Genetic Traces of the Francisella tularensis Colonization of Spain, 1998-2020. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111784. [PMID: 33202547 PMCID: PMC7696290 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 1000 humans have acquired the febrile disease tularemia in Spain since the first notification of human cases in 1997. We here aimed to study the recent molecular evolution of the causative bacterium Francisella tularensis during disease establishment in Spain. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and variable-number tandem repeats (VNTRs) were analyzed in whole-genome sequences (WGS) of F. tularensis. Short-read WGS data for 20 F. tularensis strains from humans infected in the periods 2014-2015 and 2018-2020 in Spain were generated. These data were combined with WGS data of 25 Spanish strains from 1998 to 2008 and two reference strains. Capillary electrophoresis data of VNTR genetic regions were generated and compared with the WGS data for the 11 strains from 2014 to 2015. Evolutionary relationships among strains were analyzed by phylogenetic methods. We identified 117 informative SNPs in a 1,577,289-nucleotide WGS alignment of 47 F. tularensis genomes. Forty-five strains from Spain formed a star-like SNP phylogeny with six branches emerging from a basal common node. The most recently evolved genomes formed four additional star-like structures that were derived from four branches of the basal common node. VNTR copy number variation was detected in two out of 10 VNTR regions examined. Genetic clustering of strains by VNTRs agreed with the clustering by SNPs. The SNP data provided higher resolution among strains than the VNTRs data in all but one cases. There was an excellent correlation between VNTR marker sizing by capillary electrophoresis and prediction from WGS data. The genetic data strongly support that tularemia, indeed, emerged recently in Spain. Distinct genetic patterns of local F. tularensis population expansions imply that the pathogen has colonized a previously disease-free geographical area. We also found that genome-wide SNPs provide higher genetic resolution among F. tularensis genomes than the use of VNTRs, and that VNTR copy numbers can be accurately predicted using short-read WGS data.
Collapse
|
7
|
Optimisation of External Factors for the Growth of Francisella novicida within Dictyostelium discoideum. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:6826983. [PMID: 32090107 PMCID: PMC6996686 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6826983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum has been used as a model organism to study host-pathogen interaction in many intracellular bacteria. Francisella tularensis is a Gram-negative, highly infectious bacterium that causes the zoonotic disease tularemia. The bacterium is able to replicate in different phagocytic and nonphagocytic cells including mammalian, amoebae, and arthropod cells. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal temperature and infection dose in the interaction of Francisella novicida with D. discoideum in order to establish a model of Francisella infection in the social amoeba. The amoeba cells were infected with a different multiplicity of infection (5, 10, and 100) and incubated at different temperatures (22, 25, 27, 30, and 37°C). The number of intracellular bacteria within D. discoideum, as well as cytotoxicity, was determined at 2, 4, 24, 48, and 72 hours after infection. Our results showed that the optimal temperature for Francisella intracellular replication within amoeba is 30°C with the MOI of 10. We can conclude that this MOI and temperature induced the optimal growth of bacteria in Dictyostelium with low cytotoxicity.
Collapse
|
8
|
Siebert C, Villers C, Pavlou G, Touquet B, Yakandawala N, Tardieux I, Renesto P. Francisella novicida and F. philomiragia biofilm features conditionning fitness in spring water and in presence of antibiotics. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228591. [PMID: 32023304 PMCID: PMC7001994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are currently considered as a predominant lifestyle of many bacteria in nature. While they promote survival of microbes, biofilms also potentially increase the threats to animal and public health in case of pathogenic species. They not only facilitate bacteria transmission and persistence, but also promote spreading of antibiotic resistance leading to chronic infections. In the case of Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, biofilms have remained largely enigmatic. Here, applying live and static confocal microscopy, we report growth and ultrastructural organization of the biofilms formed in vitro by these microorganisms over the early transition from coccobacillary into coccoid shape during biofilm assembly. Using selective dispersing agents, we provided evidence for extracellular DNA (eDNA) being a major and conserved structural component of mature biofilms formed by both F. subsp. novicida and a human clinical isolate of F. philomiragia. We also observed a higher physical robustness of F. novicida biofilm as compared to F. philomiragia one, a feature likely promoted by specific polysaccharides. Further, F. novicida biofilms resisted significantly better to ciprofloxacin than their planktonic counterparts. Importantly, when grown in biofilms, both Francisella species survived longer in cold water as compared to free-living bacteria, a trait possibly associated with a gain in fitness in the natural aquatic environment. Overall, this study provides information on survival of Francisella when embedded with biofilms that should improve both the future management of biofilm-related infections and the design of effective strategies to tackle down the problematic issue of bacteria persistence in aquatic ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Corinne Villers
- TIMC-IMAG UMR 5525-UGA CNRS, Grenoble Cedex 9, France.,Université de Caen Normandie, EA4655 U2RM, Caen, France
| | - Georgios Pavlou
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team Membrane Dynamics of Parasite-Host Cell Interactions, CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Bastien Touquet
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team Membrane Dynamics of Parasite-Host Cell Interactions, CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Isabelle Tardieux
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team Membrane Dynamics of Parasite-Host Cell Interactions, CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ahangari Cohan H, Jamshidian M, Rohani M, Moravedji M, Mostafavi E. Surveillance of Francisella tularensis in surface water of Kurdistan province, west of Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 69:101419. [PMID: 31972499 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The etiologic agent of tularemia, Francisella tularensis, is transmitted to humans via ingestion of contaminated water or food, arthropods bite, respiratory aerosols, or direct contact with infected animals body fluids or tissues. In the current study, due to the importance of water in transmitting the disease and the report of the disease in different regions of Iran, surface water of Kurdistan province were evaluated for the presence of F.tularensis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sampling was carried out in five-counties of Kurdistan province. Sixty-six specimens of surface water were collected. The detection was carried out by targeting ISFtu2 and fopA genes using TaqMan real-time PCR. Moreover, the samples were both cultured and inoculated into NMRI inbreed mice. Spleens of inoculated mice and bacterial isolates were tested by TaqMan real-time PCR. RESULTS Despite the lack of isolation of F. tularensis, the results of the molecular testing indicate the presence of bacteria in surface water. Molecular positivity of one sample (1.51%) was confirmed using a real-time PCR for both ISFtu2 and fopA genes. Moreover, 4.54% of the samples were positive for ISFtu2. CONCLUSION Since the in vitro isolation of bacteria from environmental samples is associated with a very low success rate and depends on various environmental parameters, the use of molecular techniques for monitoring of the bacteria in the contaminated areas is fully recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Ahangari Cohan
- Department of Pathobiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Jamshidian
- Department of Pathobiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Rohani
- Department of Microbiology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar-Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Meysam Moravedji
- Department of clinical sciences, Faculty of veterinary medicine, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj Branch, Iran
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar-Ahang, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Tularemia is a Holarctic zoonosis caused by the gamma proteobacterium Francisella tularensis and is considered to be a vector-borne disease. In many regions, human risk is associated with the bites of flies, mosquitoes, or ticks. But the biology of the agent is such that risk may be fomite related, and large outbreaks can occur due to inhalation or ingestion of contaminated materials. Such well-documented human risk factors suggest a role for these risk factors in the enzootic cycle as well. Many arthropods support the growth or survival of the agent, but whether arthropods (ticks in particular) are obligately required for the perpetuation of F. tularensis remains to be demonstrated. As with most zoonoses, our knowledge of the ecology of F. tularensis has been driven with the objective of understanding human risk. In this review, we focus on the role of the arthropod in maintaining F. tularensis, particularly with respect to long-term enzootic persistence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sam R Telford
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health and New England Regional Biosafety Laboratory, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts 01536, USA;
| | - Heidi K Goethert
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health and New England Regional Biosafety Laboratory, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts 01536, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Koene M, Rijks J, Maas M, Ruuls R, Engelsma M, van Tulden P, Kik M, IJzer J, Notermans D, de Vries M, Fanoy E, Pijnacker R, Spierenburg M, Bavelaar H, Berkhout H, Sankatsing S, Diepersloot R, Myrtennas K, Granberg M, Forsman M, Roest HJ, Gröne A. Phylogeographic Distribution of Human and Hare Francisella Tularensis Subsp. Holarctica Strains in the Netherlands and Its Pathology in European Brown Hares (Lepus Europaeus). Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:11. [PMID: 30805312 PMCID: PMC6378916 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sequence-based typing of Francisella tularensis has led to insights in the evolutionary developments of tularemia. In Europe, two major basal clades of F. tularensis subsp. holarctica exist, with a distinct geographical distribution. Basal clade B.6 is primarily found in Western Europe, while basal clade B.12 occurs predominantly in the central and eastern parts of Europe. There are indications that tularemia is geographically expanding and that strains from the two clades might differ in pathogenicity, with basal clade B.6 strains being potentially more virulent than basal clade B.12. This study provides information on genotypes detected in the Netherlands during 2011–2017. Data are presented for seven autochthonous human cases and for 29 European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) with laboratory confirmed tularemia. Associated disease patterns are described for 25 European brown hares which underwent post-mortem examination. The basal clades B.6 and B.12 are present both in humans and in European brown hares in the Netherlands, with a patchy geographical distribution. For both genotypes the main pathological findings in hares associated with tularemia were severe (sub)acute necrotizing hepatitis and splenitis as well as necrotizing lesions and hemorrhages in several other organs. Pneumonia was significantly more common in the B.6 than in the B.12 cases. In conclusion, the two major basal clades present in different parts in Europe are both present in the Netherlands. In hares found dead, both genotypes were associated with severe acute disease affecting multiple organs. Hepatitis and splenitis were common pathological findings in hares infected with either genotype, but pneumonia occurred significantly more frequently in hares infected with the B.6 genotype compared to hares infected with the B.12 genotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Koene
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University and Research, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | - Jolianne Rijks
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Miriam Maas
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Robin Ruuls
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University and Research, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | - Marc Engelsma
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University and Research, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | - Peter van Tulden
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University and Research, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | - Marja Kik
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jooske IJzer
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Daan Notermans
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Maaike de Vries
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Ewout Fanoy
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands.,GGD Rotterdam Rijnmond, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Roan Pijnacker
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Marcel Spierenburg
- Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Herjan Bavelaar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Hanneke Berkhout
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Sanjay Sankatsing
- Department of Internal Medicine, Diakonessenhuis, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Rob Diepersloot
- Department of Medical Microbiology en Immunology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Hendrik-Jan Roest
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University and Research, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | - Andrea Gröne
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rohani M, Shahraki AH, Ghasemi A, Esmaeili S, Karadenizli A, Mostafavi E. The prevalence of Francisella spp. in different natural surface water samples collected from northwest of Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2019; 11:19-24. [PMID: 30996827 PMCID: PMC6462269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Francisella tularensis has a wide distribution in northern hemisphere of the world. Up to now, there was little information about the Francisella spp. situation in the environmental samples in Iran. In this study we aimed to determine the prevalence of Francisella spp. in the environmental samples in northwest of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 237 natural water samples from ponds, rivers, lakes, springs and other surface waters from north western provinces of Iran (Kurdistan and Western Azerbaijan) were collected from September to November 2015. All samples were cultured for Francisella and other bacterial species and Real Time TaqMan PCR was performed on the concentrated and DNA extracted samples. For detection of the presence of bacterial DNA in the samples, two different targets in the genome of Francisella, ISFtu2 and fopA were used. RESULTS Among the tested surface water samples, 40 (17.09%; 95% CI: 12.67-22.33%) and 12 (5.13%; 95%CI: 2.81-8.56%) samples were positive for ISFtu2 and fopA respectively. None of them was positive in culture. CONCLUSION The prevalence of Francisella spp. in the environmental samples in the west of Iran is high and it is comparable with Turkey, Iran's neighboring country. Use of higher copy number genes or IS like ISFtu2 could improve the detection of this organism in the environmental samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Rohani
- Department of Microbiology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran,National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Abdolrazagh Hashemi Shahraki
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ghasemi
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran,Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saber Esmaeili
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran,Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aynur Karadenizli
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Kocaeli University Medical School, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding author: Ehsan Mostafavi, Ph.D, National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran. Tel: +98-21-6411212, Fax: +98-21-89776655,
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cross AR, Baldwin VM, Roy S, Essex-Lopresti AE, Prior JL, Harmer NJ. Zoonoses under our noses. Microbes Infect 2019; 21:10-19. [PMID: 29913297 PMCID: PMC6386771 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
One Health is an effective approach for the management of zoonotic disease in humans, animals and environments. Examples of the management of bacterial zoonoses in Europe and across the globe demonstrate that One Health approaches of international surveillance, information-sharing and appropriate intervention methods are required to successfully prevent and control disease outbreaks in both endemic and non-endemic regions. Additionally, a One Health approach enables effective preparation and response to bioterrorism threats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice R Cross
- Living Systems Institute, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD United Kingdom.
| | - Victoria M Baldwin
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JQ United Kingdom
| | - Sumita Roy
- Living Systems Institute, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD United Kingdom
| | | | - Joann L Prior
- Living Systems Institute, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD United Kingdom; Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JQ United Kingdom; London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Kepple Street, London WC1E 7HT United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J Harmer
- Living Systems Institute, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hennebique A, Boisset S, Maurin M. Tularemia as a waterborne disease: a review. Emerg Microbes Infect 2019; 8:1027-1042. [PMID: 31287787 PMCID: PMC6691783 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2019.1638734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a Gram-negative, intracellular bacterium causing the zoonosis tularemia. This highly infectious microorganism is considered a potential biological threat agent. Humans are usually infected through direct contact with the animal reservoir and tick bites. However, tularemia cases also occur after contact with a contaminated hydro-telluric environment. Water-borne tularemia outbreaks and sporadic cases have occurred worldwide in the last decades, with specific clinical and epidemiological traits. These infections represent a major public health and military challenge. Human contaminations have occurred through consumption or use of F. tularensis-contaminated water, and various aquatic activities such as swimming, canyoning and fishing. In addition, in Sweden and Finland, mosquitoes are primary vectors of tularemia due to infection of mosquito larvae in contaminated aquatic environments. The mechanisms of F. tularensis survival in water may include the formation of biofilms, interactions with free-living amoebae, and the transition to a 'viable but nonculturable' state, but the relative contribution of these possible mechanisms remains unknown. Many new aquatic species of Francisella have been characterized in recent years. F. tularensis likely shares with these species an ability of long-term survival in the aquatic environment, which has to be considered in terms of tularemia surveillance and control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Hennebique
- Centre National de Référence des Francisella, Institut de Biologie et de Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, TIMC-IMAG, Grenoble, France
| | - Sandrine Boisset
- Centre National de Référence des Francisella, Institut de Biologie et de Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, TIMC-IMAG, Grenoble, France
| | - Max Maurin
- Centre National de Référence des Francisella, Institut de Biologie et de Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, TIMC-IMAG, Grenoble, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Janse I, van der Plaats RQJ, de Roda Husman AM, van Passel MWJ. Environmental Surveillance of Zoonotic Francisella tularensis in the Netherlands. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:140. [PMID: 29868496 PMCID: PMC5951967 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Tularemia is an emerging zoonosis caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Francisella tularensis, which is able to infect a range of animal species and humans. Human infections occur through contact with animals, ingestion of food, insect bites or exposure to aerosols or water, and may lead to serious disease. F. tularensis may persist in aquatic reservoirs. In the Netherland, no human tularemia cases were notified for over 60 years until in 2011 an endemic patient was diagnosed, followed by 17 cases in the 6 years since. The re-emergence of tularemia could be caused by changes in reservoirs or transmission routes. We performed environmental surveillance of F. tularensis in surface waters in the Netherlands by using two approaches. Firstly, 339 samples were obtained from routine monitoring -not related to tularemia- at 127 locations that were visited between 1 and 8 times in 2015 and 2016. Secondly, sampling efforts were performed after reported tularemia cases (n = 8) among hares or humans in the period 2013–2017. F. tularensis DNA was detected at 17% of randomly selected surface water locations from different parts of the country. At most of these positive locations, DNA was not detected at each time point and levels were very low, but at two locations contamination was clearly higher. From 7 out of the 8 investigated tularemia cases, F. tularensis DNA was detected in at least one surface water sample collected after the case. By using a protocol tailored for amplification of low amounts of environmental DNA, 10 gene targets were sequenced. Presence of F. tularensis subspecies holarctica was confirmed in 4 samples, and in 2 of these, clades B.12 and B.6 were identified. This study shows that for tularemia, information regarding the spatial and temporal distribution of its causative agent could be derived from environmental surveillance of surface waters. Tracking a particular strain in the environment as source of infection is feasible and could be substantiated by genotyping, which was achieved in water samples with only low levels of F. tularemia present. These techniques allow the establishment of a link between tularemia cases and environmental samples without the need for cultivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingmar Janse
- Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Rozemarijn Q J van der Plaats
- Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Ana Maria de Roda Husman
- Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Mark W J van Passel
- Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Janse I, Maas M, Rijks JM, Koene M, van der Plaats RQ, Engelsma M, van der Tas P, Braks M, Stroo A, Notermans DW, de Vries MC, Reubsaet F, Fanoy E, Swaan C, Kik MJ, IJzer J, Jaarsma RI, van Wieren S, de Roda-Husman AM, van Passel M, Roest HJ, van der Giessen J. Environmental surveillance during an outbreak of tularaemia in hares, the Netherlands, 2015. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 22:30607. [PMID: 28877846 PMCID: PMC5587900 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2017.22.35.30607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Tularaemia, a disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, is a re-emerging zoonosis in the Netherlands. After sporadic human and hare cases occurred in the period 2011 to 2014, a cluster of F. tularensis-infected hares was recognised in a region in the north of the Netherlands from February to May 2015. No human cases were identified, including after active case finding. Presence of F. tularensis was investigated in potential reservoirs and transmission routes, including common voles, arthropod vectors and surface waters. F. tularensis was not detected in common voles, mosquito larvae or adults, tabanids or ticks. However, the bacterium was detected in water and sediment samples collected in a limited geographical area where infected hares had also been found. These results demonstrate that water monitoring could provide valuable information regarding F. tularensis spread and persistence, and should be used in addition to disease surveillance in wildlife.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingmar Janse
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,These authors share first authorship
| | - Miriam Maas
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,These authors share first authorship
| | - Jolianne M Rijks
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Miriam Koene
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Rozemarijn Qj van der Plaats
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Marc Engelsma
- Department of Diagnostics and Crisis Organisation, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Peter van der Tas
- GGD Fryslân, Regional Public Health Service of Friesland, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - Marieta Braks
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Arjan Stroo
- Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Daan W Notermans
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike C de Vries
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Frans Reubsaet
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Ewout Fanoy
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,GGD Utrecht, Regional Public Health Service of Utrecht, Zeist, the Netherlands
| | - Corien Swaan
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Marja Jl Kik
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jooske IJzer
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ryanne I Jaarsma
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Sip van Wieren
- Resource Ecology Group, Department of Environmental Science, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ana Maria de Roda-Husman
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mark van Passel
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Hendrik-Jan Roest
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Joke van der Giessen
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lindhusen Lindhé E, Hjertqvist M, Wahab T. Outbreak of tularaemia connected to a contaminated well in the Västra Götaland region in Sweden. Zoonoses Public Health 2017; 65:142-146. [PMID: 28905501 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Tularaemia, is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. This disease has been reported in Sweden since 1931 and its wide distribution in the country poses a challenge for understanding the transmission, ecology and epidemiology of the disease. In Sweden, the disease is usually transmitted by mosquitoes, but in this study we could show that consumption of well water was epidemiologically linked to the outbreak, by isolating F. tularensis from the water. In this article, we describe an outbreak of tularaemia in the region of Västra Götaland in the southwest of Sweden in spring of 2013.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Lindhusen Lindhé
- Department of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - M Hjertqvist
- Department of Monitoring and Evaluation, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - T Wahab
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Caspar Y, Maurin M. Francisella tularensis Susceptibility to Antibiotics: A Comprehensive Review of the Data Obtained In vitro and in Animal Models. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:122. [PMID: 28443249 PMCID: PMC5386985 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The antibiotic classes that are recommended for tularaemia treatment are the aminoglycosides, the fluoroquinolones and the tetracyclines. However, cure rates vary between 60 and 100% depending on the antibiotic used, the time to appropriate antibiotic therapy setup and its duration, and the presence of complications, such as lymph node suppuration. Thus, antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) of F. tularensis strains remains of primary importance for detection of the emergence of antibiotic resistances to first-line drugs, and to test new therapeutic alternatives. However, the AST methods reported in the literature were poorly standardized between studies and AST data have not been previously evaluated in a comprehensive and comparative way. The aim of the present review was to summarize experimental data on antibiotic susceptibilities of F. tularensis obtained in acellular media, cell models and animal models since the introduction of fluoroquinolones in the treatment of tularaemia in 1989. We compiled MIC data of 33 antibiotics (including aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, macrolides, β-lactams, chloramphenicol, rifampicin, and linezolid) against 900 F. tularensis strains (504 human strains), including 107 subsp. tularensis (type A), 789 subsp. holarctica (type B) and four subsp. mediasiatica strains, using various AST methods. Specific culture media were identified or confirmed as unsuitable for AST of F. tularensis. Overall, MICs were the lowest for ciprofloxacin (≤ 0.002-0.125 mg/L) and levofloxacin, and ranged from ≤ 0.016 to 2 mg/L for gentamicin, and 0.064 to 4 mg/L for doxycycline. No resistant strain to any of these antibiotics was reported. Fluoroquinolones also exhibited a bactericidal activity against intracellular F. tularensis and lower relapse rates in animal models when compared with the bacteriostatic compound doxycycline. As expected, lower MIC values were found for macrolides against type A and biovar I type B strains, compared to biovar II type B strains. The macrolides were more effective against F. tularensis grown in phagocytic cells than in acellular media.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yvan Caspar
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie-Hygiène Hospitalière, Département des agents infectieux, Centre National de Référence des Francisella, Institut de Biologie et de Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble AlpesGrenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, TIMC-IMAGGrenoble, France
| | - Max Maurin
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie-Hygiène Hospitalière, Département des agents infectieux, Centre National de Référence des Francisella, Institut de Biologie et de Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble AlpesGrenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, TIMC-IMAGGrenoble, France
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Buse HY, Schaefer III FW, Rice EW. Enhanced survival but not amplification of Francisella spp. in the presence of free-living amoebae. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung 2017; 64:17-36. [PMID: 27929353 DOI: 10.1556/030.63.2016.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Transmission of Francisella tularensis, the etiologic agent of tularemia, has been associated with various water sources. Survival of many waterborne pathogens within free-living amoeba (FLA) is well documented; however, the role of amoebae in the environmental persistence of F. tularensis is unclear. In this study, axenic FLA cultures of Acanthamoeba castellanii, Acanthamoeba polyphaga, and Vermamoeba vermiformis were each inoculated with virulent strains of F. tularensis (Types A and B), the attenuated live vaccine strain, and Francisella novicida. Experimental parameters included low and high multiplicity of infection and incubation temperatures of 25 and 30 °C for 0-10 days. Francisella spp. survival was enhanced by the presence of FLA; however, bacterial growth and protozoa infectivity were not observed. In contrast, co-infections of A. polyphaga and Legionella pneumophila, used as an amoeba pathogen control, resulted in bacterial proliferation, cytopathic effects, and amoebal lysis. Collectively, even though short-term incubation with FLA was beneficial, the long-term effects on Francisella survival are unknown, especially given the expenditure of available amoebal derived nutrients and the fastidious nature of Francisella spp. These factors have clear implications for the role of FLA in Francisella environmental persistence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen Y. Buse
- 1 National Homeland Security Research Center, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Frank W. Schaefer III
- 1 National Homeland Security Research Center, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Eugene W. Rice
- 1 National Homeland Security Research Center, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
|
21
|
Maurin M, Gyuranecz M. Tularaemia: clinical aspects in Europe. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2016; 16:113-124. [PMID: 26738841 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(15)00355-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Tularaemia is a zoonotic disease caused by Francisella tularensis, a Gram-negative, facultative intracellular bacterium. Typically, human and animal infections are caused by F tularensis subspecies tularensis (type A) strains mainly in Canada and USA, and F tularensis subspecies holarctica (type B) strains throughout the northern hemisphere, including Europe. In the past, the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, and prognostic aspects of tularaemia reported in the English medical literature were mainly those that had been reported in the USA, where the disease was first described. Tularaemia has markedly changed in the past decade, and a large number of studies have provided novel data for the disease characteristics in Europe. In this Review we aim to emphasise the specific and variable aspects of tularaemia in different European countries. In particular, two natural lifecycles of F tularensis have been described in this continent, although not fully characterised, which are associated with different modes of transmission, clinical features, and public health burdens of tularaemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Max Maurin
- Centre National de Référence des Francisella, Département des Agents Infectieux, Institut de Biologie et Pathologie, CHU de Grenoble, Grenoble, cedex 9, France; Université Grenoble Alpes and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire Adaptation et Pathogénie des Microorganismes, IMR 5163, Grenoble, France.
| | - Miklós Gyuranecz
- Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; OIE Reference Laboratory for Tularemia, Budapest, Country
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ozanic M, Gobin I, Brezovec M, Marecic V, Trobonjaca Z, Abu Kwaik Y, Santic M. F. novicida-Infected A. castellanii Does Not Enhance Bacterial Virulence in Mice. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2016; 6:56. [PMID: 27242974 PMCID: PMC4870235 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2016.00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a facultative intracellular bacterium that causes tularemia in humans and animals. Epidemiology of tularemia worldwide is often associated with water-borne transmission, which includes mosquitoes and amoebae as the potential host reservoirs of the bacteria in water environment. In vitro studies showed intracellular replication of F. tularensis within Acanthamoeba castellanii and Hartmanella vermiformis cells. While infection of amoeba by Legionella pneumophila has been shown to enhance infectivity of L. pneumophila the role of F. tularensis-infected protozoa in the pathogenesis of tularemia is not known. We used 6 h coculture of A. castellanii and F. novicida for investigation of the effect of inhaled amoeba on the pathogenesis of tularemia on in vivo model. Balb/c mice were infected intratracheally with F. novicida or with F. novicida-infected A. castellanii. Surprisingly, infection with F. novicida-infected A. castellanii did not lead to bronchopneumonia in Balb/c mice, and Francisella did not disseminate into the liver and spleen. Upon inhalation, F. novicida infects a variety of host cells, though neutrophils are the predominant cells early during infection in the lung infiltrates of pulmonary tularemia. The numbers of neutrophils in the lungs of Balb/c mice were significantly lower in the infection of mice with F. novicida-infected A. castellanii in comparison to group of mice infected only with F. novicida. These results demonstrate that following inoculation of mice with F. novicida-infected A. castellanii, mice did not develop tularemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mateja Ozanic
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of RijekaRijeka, Croatia
| | - Ivana Gobin
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of RijekaRijeka, Croatia
| | - Martin Brezovec
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of RijekaRijeka, Croatia
| | - Valentina Marecic
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of RijekaRijeka, Croatia
| | - Zlatko Trobonjaca
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of RijekaRijeka, Croatia
| | - Yousef Abu Kwaik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Center for Predictive Medicine, College of Medicine, University of LouisvilleLouisville, KY, USA
| | - Marina Santic
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of RijekaRijeka, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Loughman K, Hall J, Knowlton S, Sindeldecker D, Gilson T, Schmitt DM, Birch JWM, Gajtka T, Kobe BN, Florjanczyk A, Ingram J, Bakshi CS, Horzempa J. Temperature-Dependent Gentamicin Resistance of Francisella tularensis is Mediated by Uptake Modulation. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:37. [PMID: 26858709 PMCID: PMC4729955 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gentamicin (Gm) is an aminoglycoside commonly used to treat bacterial infections such as tularemia – the disease caused by Francisella tularensis. In addition to being pathogenic, F. tularensis is found in environmental niches such as soil where this bacterium likely encounters Gm producers (Micromonospora sp.). Here we show that F. tularensis exhibits increased resistance to Gm at ambient temperature (26°C) compared to mammalian body temperature (37°C). To evaluate whether F. tularensis was less permeable to Gm at 26°C, a fluorescent marker [Texas Red (Tr)] was conjugated with Gm, yielding Tr-Gm. Bacteria incubated at 26°C showed reduced fluorescence compared to those at 37°C when exposed to Tr-Gm suggesting that uptake of Gm was reduced at 26°C. Unconjugated Gm competitively inhibited uptake of Tr-Gm, demonstrating that this fluorescent compound was taken up similarly to unconjugated Gm. Lysates of F. tularensis bacteria incubated with Gm at 37°C inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli significantly more than lysates from bacteria incubated at 26°C, further indicating reduced uptake at this lower temperature. Other facultative pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes and Klebsiella pneumoniae) exhibited increased resistance to Gm at 26°C suggesting that the results generated using F. tularensis may be generalizable to diverse bacteria. Regulation of the uptake of antibiotics provides a mechanism by which facultative pathogens survive alongside antibiotic-producing microbes in nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Loughman
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Jesse Hall
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Samantha Knowlton
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Devin Sindeldecker
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Tricia Gilson
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Deanna M Schmitt
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - James W-M Birch
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Tara Gajtka
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Brianna N Kobe
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Aleksandr Florjanczyk
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Jenna Ingram
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Chandra S Bakshi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Joseph Horzempa
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University West Liberty, WV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Silvestri EE, Perkins SD, Rice EW, Stone H, Schaefer FW. Review of processing and analytical methods for Francisella tularensis in soil and water. ANN MICROBIOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13213-015-1144-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
|
25
|
Sissonen S, Rossow H, Karlsson E, Hemmilä H, Henttonen H, Isomursu M, Kinnunen PM, Pelkola K, Pelkonen S, Tarkka E, Myrtennäs K, Nikkari S, Forsman M. Phylogeography of Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica in Finland, 1993-2011. Infect Dis (Lond) 2015; 47:701-6. [PMID: 26004621 DOI: 10.3109/23744235.2015.1049657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Finland repeatedly reports some of the highest incidences of tularaemia worldwide. To determine genetic diversity of the aetiologic agent of tularaemia, Francisella tularensis, a total of 76 samples from humans (n = 15) and animals (n = 61) were analysed. METHODS We used CanSNPs and canINDEL hydrolysis or TaqMan MGB probes for the analyses, either directly from the clinical tissue samples (n = 21) or from bacterial isolates (n = 55). RESULTS The genotypes of the strains were assigned to three previously described basal subspecies holarctica clades. The majority of strains (n = 67) were assigned to B.12, a clade reported to dominate in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. A single strain was assigned to clade B.4, previously reported from North America, Europe and China. The remaining strains (n = 8) were members of clade B.6. Importantly, new diversity was discovered in clade B.6. We describe two newly designed TaqMan MGB probe assays for this new B.6 subclade B.70, and its previously identified sister clade B.11, a clade dominantly found in Western Europe. CONCLUSIONS The high genetic diversity of F. tularensis subspecies holarctica present in Finland is consistent with previous findings in Sweden. The results suggest a northern and southern division of the B.6 subclade B.10, where B.11 predominates in Western and Central Europe and B.70 is found in Fennoscandia. Further research is required to define whether the vast diversity of genotypes found is related to different habitats or reservoir species, their different postglacial immigration routes to Fennoscandia, or dynamics of the reservoir species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Sissonen
- From the Centre for Biothreat Preparedness, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Health and Welfare , Helsinki , Finland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Bäckman S, Näslund J, Forsman M, Thelaus J. Transmission of tularemia from a water source by transstadial maintenance in a mosquito vector. Sci Rep 2015; 5:7793. [PMID: 25609657 PMCID: PMC4302321 DOI: 10.1038/srep07793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are thought to function as mechanical vectors of Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica (F. t. holarctica) causing tularemia in humans. We investigated the clinical relevance of transstadially maintained F. t. holarctica in mosquitoes. Aedes egypti larvae exposed to a fully virulent F. t. holarctica strain for 24 hours, were allowed to develop into adults when they were individually homogenized. Approximately 24% of the homogenates tested positive for F. t. DNA in PCR. Mice injected with the mosquito homogenates acquired tularemia within 5 days. This novel finding demonstrates the possibility of transmission of bacteria by adult mosquitoes having acquired the pathogen from their aquatic larval habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stina Bäckman
- The Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI Division of CBRN Defence and Security SE- 901 82 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jonas Näslund
- The Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI Division of CBRN Defence and Security SE- 901 82 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mats Forsman
- The Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI Division of CBRN Defence and Security SE- 901 82 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Johanna Thelaus
- The Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI Division of CBRN Defence and Security SE- 901 82 Umeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Rossow H, Forbes KM, Tarkka E, Kinnunen PM, Hemmilä H, Huitu O, Nikkari S, Henttonen H, Kipar A, Vapalahti O. Experimental Infection of voles with Francisella tularensis indicates their amplification role in tularemia outbreaks. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108864. [PMID: 25271640 PMCID: PMC4182746 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tularemia outbreaks in humans have been linked to fluctuations in rodent population density, but the mode of bacterial maintenance in nature is unclear. Here we report on an experiment to investigate the pathogenesis of Francisella tularensis infection in wild rodents, and thereby assess their potential to spread the bacterium. We infected 20 field voles (Microtus agrestis) and 12 bank voles (Myodes glareolus) with a strain of F. tularensis ssp. holarctica isolated from a human patient. Upon euthanasia or death, voles were necropsied and specimens collected for histological assessment and identification of bacteria by immunohistology and PCR. Bacterial excretion and a rapid lethal clinical course with pathological changes consistent with bacteremia and tissue necrosis were observed in infected animals. The results support a role for voles as an amplification host of F. tularensis, as excreta and, in particular, carcasses with high bacterial burden could serve as a source for environmental contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Rossow
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kristian M. Forbes
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Finnish Forest Research Institute, Vantaa, Finland
| | - Eveliina Tarkka
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Helsinki University Hospital Laboratory (HUSLAB), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Paula M. Kinnunen
- Centre for Biothreat Preparedness, Centre for Military Medicine, Finnish Defence Forces, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heidi Hemmilä
- Centre for Biothreat Preparedness, Centre for Military Medicine, Finnish Defence Forces, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Otso Huitu
- Finnish Forest Research Institute, Vantaa, Finland
| | - Simo Nikkari
- Centre for Biothreat Preparedness, Centre for Military Medicine, Finnish Defence Forces, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Anja Kipar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Finnish Centre for Laboratory Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- School of Veterinary Science and Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Helsinki University Hospital Laboratory (HUSLAB), Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
The bacterium Francisella tularensis causes the vector-borne zoonotic disease tularemia, and may infect a wide range of hosts including invertebrates, mammals and birds. Transmission to humans occurs through contact with infected animals or contaminated environments, or through arthropod vectors. Tularemia has a broad geographical distribution, and there is evidence which suggests local emergence or re-emergence of this disease in Europe. This review was developed to provide an update on the geographical distribution of F. tularensis in humans, wildlife, domestic animals and vector species, to identify potential public health hazards, and to characterize the epidemiology of tularemia in Europe. Information was collated on cases in humans, domestic animals and wildlife, and on reports of detection of the bacterium in arthropod vectors, from 38 European countries for the period 1992-2012. Multiple international databases on human and animal health were consulted, as well as published reports in the literature. Tularemia is a disease of complex epidemiology that is challenging to understand and therefore to control. Many aspects of this disease remain poorly understood. Better understanding is needed of the epidemiological role of animal hosts, potential vectors, mechanisms of maintenance in the different ecosystems, and routes of transmission of the disease.
Collapse
|
29
|
Rossow H, Sissonen S, Koskela KA, Kinnunen PM, Hemmilä H, Niemimaa J, Huitu O, Kuusi M, Vapalahti O, Henttonen H, Nikkari S. Detection of Francisella tularensis in voles in Finland. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2014; 14:193-8. [PMID: 24575824 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2012.1255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a highly virulent intracellular bacterium causing the zoonotic disease tularemia. It recurrently causes human and animal outbreaks in northern Europe, including Finland. Although F. tularensis infects several mammal species, only rodents and lagomorphs seem to have importance in its ecology. Peak densities of rodent populations may trigger tularemia outbreaks in humans; however, it is still unclear to which extent rodents or other small mammals maintain F. tularensis in nature. The main objective of this study was to obtain information about the occurrence of F. tularensis in small mammals in Finland. We snap-trapped 547 wild small mammals representing 11 species at 14 locations around Finland during 6 years and screened them for the presence of F. tularensis DNA using PCR analysis. High copy number of F. tularensis-specific DNA was detected in tissue samples of five field voles (Microtus agrestis) originating from one location and 2 years. According to DNA sequences of the bacterial 23S ribosomal RNA gene amplified from F. tularensis-infected voles, the infecting agent belongs to the subspecies holarctica. To find out the optimal tissue for tularemia screening in voles, we compared the amounts of F. tularensis DNA in lungs, liver, spleen, and kidney of the infected animals. F. tularensis DNA was detectable in high levels in all four organs except for one animal, whose kidney was F. tularensis DNA-negative. Thus, at least liver, lung, and spleen seem suitable for F. tularensis screening in voles. Thus, liver, lung, and spleen all seem suitable for F. tularensis screening in voles. In conclusion, field voles can be heavily infected with F. tularensis subsp. holarctica and thus potentially serve as the source of infection in humans and other mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Rossow
- 1 Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki , Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Thelaus J, Andersson A, Broman T, Bäckman S, Granberg M, Karlsson L, Kuoppa K, Larsson E, Lundmark E, Lundström JO, Mathisen P, Näslund J, Schäfer M, Wahab T, Forsman M. Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica occurs in Swedish mosquitoes, persists through the developmental stages of laboratory-infected mosquitoes and is transmissible during blood feeding. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2014; 67:96-107. [PMID: 24057273 PMCID: PMC3907667 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-013-0285-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
In Sweden, mosquitoes are considered the major vectors of the bacterium Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica, which causes tularaemia. The aim of this study was to investigate whether mosquitoes acquire the bacterium as aquatic larvae and transmit the disease as adults. Mosquitoes sampled in a Swedish area where tularaemia is endemic (Örebro) were positive for the presence of F. tularensis deoxyribonucleic acid throughout the summer. Presence of the clinically relevant F. tularensis subsp. holarctica was confirmed in 11 out of the 14 mosquito species sampled. Experiments performed using laboratory-reared Aedes aegypti confirmed that F. tularensis subsp. holarctica was transstadially maintained from orally infected larvae to adult mosquitoes and that 25% of the adults exposed as larvae were positive for the presence of F. tularensis-specific sequences for at least 2 weeks. In addition, we found that F. tularensis subsp. holarctica was transmitted to 58% of the adult mosquitoes feeding on diseased mice. In a small-scale in vivo transmission experiment with F. tularensis subsp. holarctica-positive adult mosquitoes and susceptible mice, none of the animals developed tularaemia. However, we confirmed that there was transmission of the bacterium to blood vials by mosquitoes that had been exposed to the bacterium in the larval stage. Taken together, these results provide evidence that mosquitoes play a role in disease transmission in part of Sweden where tularaemia recurs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Thelaus
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, 90182, Umea, Sweden,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Risk factors for pneumonic and ulceroglandular tularaemia in Finland: a population-based case-control study. Epidemiol Infect 2013; 142:2207-16. [PMID: 24289963 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268813002999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Few population-based data are available on factors associated with pneumonic and ulceroglandular type B tularaemia. We conducted a case-control study during a large epidemic in 2000. Laboratory-confirmed case patients were identified through active surveillance and matched control subjects (age, sex, residency) from the national population information system. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. A conditional logistic regression model addressing missing data with Bayesian full-likelihood modelling included 227 case patients and 415 control subjects; reported mosquito bites [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 9·2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4·4-22, population-attributable risk (PAR) 82%] and farming activities (aOR 4·3, 95% CI 2·5-7·2, PAR 32%) were independently associated with ulceroglandular tularaemia, whereas exposure to hay dust (aOR 6·6, 95% CI 1·9-25·4, PAR 48%) was associated with pneumonic tularaemia. Although the bulk of tularaemia type B disease burden is attributable to mosquito bites, risk factors for ulceroglandular and pneumonic forms of tularaemia are different, enabling targeting of prevention efforts accordingly.
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
Our understanding of the virulence and pathogenesis of Francisella spp. has significantly advanced in recent years, including a new understanding that this organism can form biofilms. What is known so far about Francisella spp. biofilms is summarized here and future research questions are suggested. The molecular basis of biofilm production has begun to be studied, especially the role of extracellular carbohydrates and capsule, quorum sensing and two-component signaling systems. Further work has explored the contribution of amoebae, pili, outer-membrane vesicles, chitinases, and small molecules such as c-di-GMP to Francisella spp. biofilm formation. A role for Francisella spp. biofilm in feeding mosquito larvae has been suggested. As no strong role in virulence has been found yet, Francisella spp. biofilm formation is most likely a key mechanism for environmental survival and persistence. The significance and importance of Francisella spp.’s biofilm phenotype as a critical aspect of its microbial physiology is being developed. Areas for further studies include the potential role of Francisella spp. biofilms in the infection of mammalian hosts and virulence regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique L van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology and National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases; George Mason University; Manassas, VA USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Siddaramappa S, Challacombe JF, Petersen JM, Pillai S, Kuske CR. Genetic diversity within the genus Francisella as revealed by comparative analyses of the genomes of two North American isolates from environmental sources. BMC Genomics 2012; 13:422. [PMID: 22920915 PMCID: PMC3479022 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2011] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Francisella tularensis is an intracellular pathogen that causes tularemia in humans and the public health importance of this bacterium has been well documented in recent history. Francisella philomiragia, a distant relative of F. tularensis, is thought to constitute an environmental lineage along with Francisella novicida. Nevertheless, both F. philomiragia and F. novicida have been associated with human disease, primarily in immune-compromised individuals. To understand the genetic relationships and evolutionary contexts among different lineages within the genus Francisella, the genome of Francisella spp. strain TX07-7308 was sequenced and compared to the genomes of F. philomiragia strains ATCC 25017 and 25015, F. novicida strain U112, and F. tularensis strain Schu S4. Results The size of strain ATCC 25017 chromosome was 2,045,775 bp and contained 1,983 protein-coding genes. The size of strain TX07-7308 chromosome was 2,035,931 bp and contained 1,980 protein-coding genes. Pairwise BLAST comparisons indicated that strains TX07-7308 and ATCC 25017 contained 1,700 protein coding genes in common. NUCmer analyses revealed that the chromosomes of strains TX07-7308 and ATCC 25017 were mostly collinear except for a few gaps, translocations, and/or inversions. Using the genome sequence data and comparative analyses with other members of the genus Francisella (e.g., F. novicida strain U112 and F. tularensis strain Schu S4), several strain-specific genes were identified. Strains TX07-7308 and ATCC 25017 contained an operon with six open reading frames encoding proteins related to enzymes involved in thiamine biosynthesis that was absent in F. novicida strain U112 and F. tularensis strain Schu S4. Strain ATCC 25017 contained an operon putatively involved in lactose metabolism that was absent in strain TX07-7308, F. novicida strain U112, and F. tularensis strain Schu S4. In contrast, strain TX07-7308 contained an operon putatively involved in glucuronate metabolism that was absent in the genomes of strain ATCC 25017, F. novicida strain U112, and F. tularensis strain Schu S4. The polymorphic nature of polysaccharide biosynthesis/modification gene clusters among different Francisella strains was also evident from genome analyses. Conclusions From genome comparisons, it appeared that genes encoding novel functions have contributed to the metabolic enrichment of the environmental lineages within the genus Francisella. The inability to acquire new genes coupled with the loss of ancestral traits and the consequent reductive evolution may be a cause for, as well as an effect of, niche selection of F. tularensis. Sequencing and comparison of the genomes of more isolates are required to obtain further insights into the ecology and evolution of different species within the genus Francisella.
Collapse
|
34
|
Duodu S, Larsson P, Sjödin A, Forsman M, Colquhoun DJ. The distribution of Francisella-like bacteria associated with coastal waters in Norway. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2012; 64:370-7. [PMID: 22370877 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-012-0023-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 02/03/2012] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
We report the diversity and distribution of Francisella species in Norwegian coastal and fresh waters following a nationwide survey in which water and sediment samples were collected from locations spanning almost the entire Norwegian coastline. In total, samples were obtained from 149 and 64 seawater and freshwater sites, respectively. DNA extracts from these environmental samples were initially screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using Francisella genus-specific 16S rDNA primers. Positive samples were then amplified with genus-specific primers targeting Francisella succinate dehydrogenase A gene and Francisella philomiragia group-specific sequences for the SAICAR synthetase/phosphoribosylamine-glycine ligase gene. Francisella-related bacteria were identified in approximately 30% of seawater sampled sites, mainly in southern Norway, although a single positive sample was identified in the far north of the country. No PCR positives were identified from the freshwater sources. Sequences related to recognised species, both pathogenic and environmental, were identified, with the majority closely associated with F. philomiragia. However, a number of identified sequences probably represent previously undescribed species. Our data provide evidence of a significant background of Francisella spp. in geographical areas associated with outbreaks of fish francisellosis in Norway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Duodu
- Section for Bacteriology, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ullevaalsveien 68, P.O. Box 750, Sentrum, 0106, Oslo, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Rydén P, Björk R, Schäfer ML, Lundström JO, Petersén B, Lindblom A, Forsman M, Sjöstedt A, Johansson A. Outbreaks of tularemia in a boreal forest region depends on mosquito prevalence. J Infect Dis 2011; 205:297-304. [PMID: 22124130 PMCID: PMC3244368 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jir732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. We aimed to evaluate the potential association of mosquito prevalence in a boreal forest area with transmission of the bacterial disease tularemia to humans, and model the annual variation of disease using local weather data. Methods. A prediction model for mosquito abundance was built using weather and mosquito catch data. Then a negative binomial regression model based on the predicted mosquito abundance and local weather data was built to predict annual numbers of humans contracting tularemia in Dalarna County, Sweden. Results. Three hundred seventy humans were diagnosed with tularemia between 1981 and 2007, 94% of them during 7 summer outbreaks. Disease transmission was concentrated along rivers in the area. The predicted mosquito abundance was correlated (0.41, P < .05) with the annual number of human cases. The predicted mosquito peaks consistently preceded the median onset time of human tularemia (temporal correlation, 0.76; P < .05). Our final predictive model included 5 environmental variables and identified 6 of the 7 outbreaks. Conclusions. This work suggests that a high prevalence of mosquitoes in late summer is a prerequisite for outbreaks of tularemia in a tularemia-endemic boreal forest area of Sweden and that environmental variables can be used as risk indicators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Rydén
- Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, Computational Life Science Cluster, Umeå University, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Lundström JO, Andersson AC, Bäckman S, Schäfer ML, Forsman M, Thelaus J. Transstadial transmission of Francisella tularensis holarctica in mosquitoes, Sweden. Emerg Infect Dis 2011; 17:794-9. [PMID: 21529386 PMCID: PMC3321753 DOI: 10.3201/eid1705.100426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In Sweden, human cases of tularemia caused by Francisella tularensisholarctica are assumed to be transmitted by mosquitoes, but how mosquito vectors acquire and transmit the bacterium is not clear. To determine how transmission of this bacterium occurs, mosquito larvae were collected in an area where tularemia is endemic, brought to the laboratory, and reared to adults in their original pond water. Screening of adult mosquitoes by real-time PCR demonstrated F. tularensislpnA sequences in 14 of the 48 mosquito pools tested; lpnA sequences were demonstrated in 6 of 9 identified mosquito species. Further analysis confirmed the presence of F. tularensisholarctica–specific 30-bp deletion region sequences (FtM19inDel) in water from breeding containers and in 3 mosquito species (Aedes sticticus, Ae. vexans, and Ae. punctor) known to take blood from humans. Our results suggest that the mosquitoes that transmit F. tularensisholarctica during tularemia outbreaks acquire the bacterium already as larvae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan O Lundström
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
|
38
|
Santic M, Ozanic M, Semic V, Pavokovic G, Mrvcic V, Kwaik YA. Intra-Vacuolar Proliferation of F. Novicida within H. Vermiformis. Front Microbiol 2011; 2:78. [PMID: 21747796 PMCID: PMC3128938 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2011.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2011] [Accepted: 04/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a gram negative facultative intracellular bacterium that causes the zoonotic disease tularemia. Free-living amebae, such as Acanthamoeba and Hartmannella, are environmental hosts of several intracellular pathogens. Epidemiology of F. tularensis in various parts of the world is associated with water-borne transmission, which includes mosquitoes and amebae as the potential host reservoirs of the bacteria in water resources. In vitro studies showed intracellular replication of F. tularensis within A. castellanii cells. Whether ameba is a biological reservoir for Francisella in the environment is not known. We used Hartmannella vermiformis as an amebal model system to study the intracellular life of F. novicida. For the first time we show that F. novicida survives and replicates within H. vermiformis. The iglC mutant strain of F. novicida is defective for survival and replication not only within A. castellanii but also in H. vermiformis cells. In contrast to mammalian cells, where bacteria replicate in the cytosol, F. novicida resides and replicates within membrane-bound vacuoles within the trophozoites of H. vermiformis. In contrast to the transient residence of F. novicida within acidic vacuoles prior to escaping to the cytosol of mammalian cells, F. novicida does not reside transiently or permanently in an acidic compartment within H. vermiformis when examined 30 min after initiation of the infection. We conclude that F. tularensis does not replicate within acidified vacuoles and does not escape into the cytosol of H. vermiformis. The Francisella pathogenicity island locus iglC is essential for intra-vacuolar proliferation of F. novicida within H. vermiformis. Our data show a distinct intracellular lifestyle for F. novicida within H. vermiformis compared to mammalian cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Santic
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Telford SR, Goethert HK. Toward an understanding of the perpetuation of the agent of tularemia. Front Microbiol 2011; 1:150. [PMID: 21687803 PMCID: PMC3109306 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2010.00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2010] [Accepted: 12/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidemiology of tularemia has influenced, perhaps incorrectly skewed, our views on the ecology of the agent of tularemia. In particular, the central role of lagomorphs needs to be reexamined. Diverse observations, some incidental, and some that are more generally reproducible, have not been synthesized so that the critical elements of the perpetuation of Francisella tularensis can be identified. Developing a quantitative model of the basic reproduction number of F. tularensis may require separate treatments for Type A and Type B given the fundamental differences in their ecology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sam R Telford
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University North Grafton, MA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|