Pneumonia and bacteremia in a golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae during a translocation program of free-ranging animals in Brazil

Metagenomic sequencing sheds light on microbes putatively associated with pneumonia-related fatalities of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

With emerging infectious disease outbreaks in human, domestic and wild animal populations on the rise, improvements in pathogen characterization and surveillance are paramount for the protection of human and animal health, as well as the conservation of ecologically and economically important wildlife. Genomics offers a range of suitable tools to meet these goals, with metagenomic sequencing facilitating the characterization of whole microbial communities associated with emerging and endemic disease outbreaks. Here, we use metagenomic sequencing in a case-control study to identify microbes in lung tissue associated with newly observed pneumonia-related fatalities in 34 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Wisconsin, USA. We identified 20 bacterial species that occurred in more than a single individual. Of these, only Clostridium novyi was found to substantially differ (in number of detections) between case and control sample groups; however, this difference was not statistically significant. We also detected several bacterial species associated with pneumonia and/or other diseases in ruminants (Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, Trueperella pyogenes, Pasteurella multocida, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Fusobacterium necrophorum); however, these species did not substantially differ between case and control sample groups. On average, we detected a larger number of bacterial species in case samples than controls, supporting the potential role of polymicrobial infections in this system. Importantly, we did not detect DNA of viruses or fungi, suggesting that they are not significantly associated with pneumonia in this system. Together, these results highlight the utility of metagenomic sequencing for identifying disease-associated microbes. This preliminary list of microbes will help inform future research on pneumonia-associated fatalities of white-tailed deer.

Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in cynomolgus monkeys at primate research center facility in Indonesia

BACKGROUND

Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in nonhuman primates has been widely reported and causes significant morbidity and mortality. Animal deaths occur routinely at the Primate Research Center of IPB University. The results of necropsy and culture suggested a K. pneumoniae infection.

METHODS

A mass health assessment of Cynomolgus monkeys (n = 429) was carried out by physical examination and molecular targeting K. pneumoniae (n = 96), family of Coronaviridae (n = 148) and Paramyxoviridae (n = 148).

RESULTS

A total of 49.18% of the animals had clinical symptoms of respiratory disorders, abscesses, trauma, and others. PCR results indicated that 28.57% were positive for K. pneumoniae with 35.71% mortality, while all samples were negative for both virus families.

CONCLUSIONS

There have been outbreaks caused by K. pneumoniae and/or K. pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae. This disease is chronic, infects all of the buildings, and no tendency for disease transmission according to gender and age class.

Streptococcus pasteurianus-induced valvular endocarditis and sepsis in a puerperal emperor tamarin (Saguinus imperator)

Streptococcus pasteurianus is associated with endocarditis and sepsis in humans. A puerperal emperor tamarin died, and necropsy showed a bacterial endocarditis with sepsis. DNA sequencing from the paraffinized heart tissue was compatible with S. pasteurianus. S. pasteurianus could be an important agent associated with sepsis in tamarins.

Surveillance Study of Klebsiella pneumoniae in the Giant Panda Revealed High Genetic Diversity and Antibiotic Therapy Challenge

Klebsiella pneumoniae is not only a worldwide human pathogen, it also effects wildlife, such as the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), in which it has recently been evidenced to result in diarrhea, organ failure, and even death. A K. pneumoniae investigation was carried out at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in 2018. As part of the investigation, the pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing, multilocus-sequence typing (MLST), antibiotic resistance profiles (ARPs), and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were studied based on all isolates. Fecal samples were collected from 72 A. melanoleuca from May to December 2018, and a total of 90 K. pneumoniae were isolated from 153 fecal samples. The genotyping results showed that the isolates had high diversity, of which 84 clusters were obtained by PFGE and 57 STs by MLST. The overall trend of the similarity of isolates was the first sample period > second sample period > third sample period, which showed the increasement of genome variability of K. pneumoniae. In addition, 90 isolates showed high resistance to ampicillin, rifampicin, and compound sulfamethoxazole. Of the obtained isolates, 50% carried 6~8 ARPs, and the carrying volume increased during three sample periods, in which we found two isolates carrying 12 and 13 ARPs during the third sample period, respectively. Moreover, a total of 65 ARGs were detected (90.28%, 65/72) in 90 K. pneumoniae samples. Almost all bacteria sampled contained 17 ARGs that belonged to the β-lactamase, Multidrug, MGEs, Aminoglycoside, and Tetracycline, which may be the basis of ARPs of K. pneumoniae. Moreover, the types of Multidrug and MGEs had a greater impact on antibiotic susceptivity of K. pneumoniae. Our results showed that K. pneumoniae has a serious risk of transmission in A. melanoleuca and K. pneumoniae had a high possibility of genome diversity and the risk of drugs tolerance under the large antibiotic usage.

A comparison of rectal and oral cultivable microbiota in wild and captive black lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysopygus, Mikan 1823)

The black lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysopygus) is an endangered primate species, restricted to the Atlantic Forest fragments of São Paulo state, Brazil, with an estimated wild population of ~1600 individuals. Integrative studies between zoo (ex situ) and wild (in situ) animals are crucial to modern conservation programs. They can demonstrate a substantial impact with the One Health concept, an interdisciplinary research frontier regarding the relations between human, animal, and environmental health. Studies of wild populations of Leontopithecus spp. are scarce and should be encouraged to provide baseline information to develop preventive and curative medicine in zoos and other conservation programs. Studying these animals in the wild can offer important reference parameters for the species. Comparing bacterial communities between in situ and ex situ populations can help us understand both conditions and the dynamics of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. To increase our understanding of resident microorganisms among these groups, we collected oral and rectal samples from captive (zoo) and wild black lion tamarins. We employed a culture method for the identification of aerobic bacteria. Thirty-three specimens were sampled (24 zoo and 8 wild animals) and 18 bacterial genera were identified. We found primarily Gram-positive bacteria in wild animals, whereas in zoo animals, Gram-negative bacteria were dominant. Some of the bacterial species we identified are potentially pathogenic, whereas several others are being reported here for the first time in this host species. Our results reinforce the importance of integrative studies for the future management and conservation of this endangered primate species.

Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae as Unexpected Cause of Fatal Outbreak in Captive Marmosets, Brazil

After the sudden death of captive marmosets in São Paulo, Brazil, we conducted a histologic and microbiologic study. We found hyperacute septicemia caused by hypermucoviscous sequence type 86 K2 Klebsiella pneumoniae. We implemented prophylactic antimicrobial therapy, selected dedicated staff for marmoset interactions, and sanitized the animals’ fruit to successfully control this outbreak.

Bacteriostatic Potential of Melatonin: Therapeutic Standing and Mechanistic Insights

Diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria in animals (e.g., bacterial pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis) and plants (e.g., bacterial wilt, angular spot and canker) lead to high prevalence and mortality, and decomposition of plant leaves, respectively. Melatonin, an endogenous molecule, is highly pleiotropic, and accumulating evidence supports the notion that melatonin's actions in bacterial infection deserve particular attention. Here, we summarize the antibacterial effects of melatonin in vitro, in animals as well as plants, and discuss the potential mechanisms. Melatonin exerts antibacterial activities not only on classic gram-negative and -positive bacteria, but also on members of other bacterial groups, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Protective actions against bacterial infections can occur at different levels. Direct actions of melatonin may occur only at very high concentrations, which is at the borderline of practical applicability. However, various indirect functions comprise activation of hosts' defense mechanisms or, in sepsis, attenuation of bacterially induced inflammation. In plants, its antibacterial functions involve the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway; in animals, protection by melatonin against bacterially induced damage is associated with inhibition or activation of various signaling pathways, including key regulators such as NF-κB, STAT-1, Nrf2, NLRP3 inflammasome, MAPK and TLR-2/4. Moreover, melatonin can reduce formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS, RNS), promote detoxification and protect mitochondrial damage. Altogether, we propose that melatonin could be an effective approach against various pathogenic bacterial infections.

Spontaneous meningoencephalitis by Staphylococcus aureus in an infant golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas)

Non-human primates are susceptible to many bacteria, some of which bear zoonotic potential. We report the pathologic features of spontaneous fulminating meningoencephalitis by Staphylococcus aureus in a captive infant golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) from Brazil.

Leptospira spp., rotavirus, norovirus, and hepatitis E virus surveillance in a wild invasive golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas; Kuhl, 1820) population from an urban park in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The world currently faces severe biodiversity losses caused by anthropogenic activities such as deforestation, pollution, the introduction of exotic species, habitat fragmentation, and climate changes. Disease ecology in altered environments is still poorly understood. The golden-headed lion tamarin (GHLT, Leontopithecus chrysomelas) is an endangered species that became invasive in an urban park in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The initially few invasive GHLT individuals became hundreds, adapted to living in proximity to humans and domestic animals. These GHLTs were captured as part of a conservation project; some animals were translocated to Bahia and some were kept in captivity. This study tested 593 GHLT for Leptospira serology; 100 and 95 GHLT for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) toLeptospira and hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV-3), respectively, and 101 familiar groups for PCR to viruses (rotavirus A, norovirus GI and GII, and HEV-3). One animal had antibodies for Leptospira serovar Shermani and another for serovar Hebdomadis. One saprophyticLeptospira was found by the 16S PCR and sequencing. Viruses were not detected in samples tested. Findings suggest that the epidemiological importance of such pathogens in this GHLT population is either low or nonexistent. These data are important to understand the local disease ecology, as well as monitoring a translocation project, and to contribute data for species conservation.

First case report of non-human primates (Alouatta clamitans) with the hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype K1 strain ST 23: A possible emerging wildlife pathogen

BACKGROUND

Hypervirulent strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae genotype K1 isolates have recently emerged, causing severe pyogenic liver abscess complicated by devastating metastatic infections in humans.

METHODS

We describe a short outbreak of the non-human primate (NHP) research center, associated with a hypervirulent K. pneumoniae. The genetic similarity of the strains was evaluated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) techniques, and virulence encoding genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

The isolates were phenotypically like strains causing community-acquired invasive liver abscess syndrome in humans. All strains exhibited identical PFGE patterns and were found to belong to ST23 and presented a hypermucovisity phenotype and possessed magA and rmpA gene.

CONCLUSION

This is the first case report of NHPs caused by K. pneumoniae displaying a hypermucoviscosity phenotype and belonging to capsular serotypes K1 and ST23.

Suppurative peritonitis by Klebsiella pneumoniae in captive gold-handed tamarin (Saguinus midas midas)

This report describes an outbreak of suppurative peritonitis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in an adult female of captive golden-handed tamarin (Saguinus midas midas). Two virulent and multidrug-resistant strains were isolated and classified through MLST as ST60 and ST1263. The microbiological diagnosis works as a support tool for preventive measures.