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Zaitsev S, Khizhnyakova M, Saltykov Y, Evstifeev V, Khusainov F, Ivanova S, Morozova D, Yakovlev S, Larionova O, Feodorova V. Complete genome sequence of Chlamydia psittaci АМК-16, isolated from a small ruminant in the Middle Volga Region, Russia. Microbiol Resour Announc 2024; 13:e0054323. [PMID: 38534150 PMCID: PMC11080530 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00543-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We report the complete genome sequence of the Chlamydia psittaci АМК-16, recovered from the aborted caprine fetus during a case of chlamydia infection. This 1,152,497-bp genome with 7,552-bp cryptic plasmid provides novel insights into the genetic diversity of chlamydia agent strains particularly those causing the infection in small ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Zaitsev
- Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering named after N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Mariya Khizhnyakova
- Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering named after N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Yury Saltykov
- Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering named after N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Vitaliy Evstifeev
- Federal Center for Toxicological, Radiation and Biological Safety, Kazan, Russia
- Kazan State Academy of Veterinary Medicine by N.E. Bauman, Kazan, Russia
| | - Fidail Khusainov
- Federal Center for Toxicological, Radiation and Biological Safety, Kazan, Russia
| | - Svetlana Ivanova
- Federal Center for Toxicological, Radiation and Biological Safety, Kazan, Russia
| | - Daria Morozova
- Federal Center for Toxicological, Radiation and Biological Safety, Kazan, Russia
| | - Sergey Yakovlev
- Federal Center for Toxicological, Radiation and Biological Safety, Kazan, Russia
| | - Olga Larionova
- Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering named after N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Valentina Feodorova
- Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering named after N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
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Hagenbuch F, Loehrer S, Marti H, Kasimov V, Jelocnik M, Borel N. Investigation of Chlamydia pecorum in livestock from Switzerland reveals a high degree of diversity in bovine strains. Vet Microbiol 2024; 292:110057. [PMID: 38502978 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2024.110057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Chlamydia pecorum is a widespread veterinary chlamydial species causing endemic infections in livestock, such as ruminants and pigs, globally. However, there is limited contemporary knowledge on infecting strain diversity in various hosts. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of C. pecorum strains infecting Swiss livestock through C. pecorum genotyping and phylogenetic analyses in comparison to the global population, while also assessing chlamydial strains for plasmid carriage. A total of 263 C. pecorum positive samples from clinically healthy ruminant and pig herds (Bovines = 216, sheep = 25, pigs = 14) as well as placentae from eight C. pecorum positive ruminant abortion cases from other Swiss herds were investigated. The ompA and Multi-Locus sequence typing revealed novel C. pecorum genotypes, and bovine strains exhibited considerable genetic diversity, contrasting with lower diversity in sheep and pig strains. C. pecorum plasmid was detected in 100.0% of sheep (41/41) and pig (255/255) samples, and in 69.4% of bovine samples (150/216). In contrast, no plasmid was detected in the eight C. pecorum-positive ruminant abortion cases either representing plasmid-less strains or possibly escaping PCR detection due to autolysis of the placenta. This study supports the genetic diversity of C. pecorum strains, particularly in bovines, and identifies novel sequence types in Swiss livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Hagenbuch
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Loehrer
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Hanna Marti
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Vasilli Kasimov
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia; Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, 4556, Australia
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia; Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, 4556, Australia
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland.
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Caspe SG, Ewing DA, Livingstone M, Underwood C, Milne E, Sargison ND, Wattegedera SR, Longbottom D. The Immune Response in the Uteri and Placentae of Chlamydia abortus-Infected Ewes and Its Association with Pregnancy Outcomes. Pathogens 2023; 12:846. [PMID: 37375536 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060846] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The enzootic abortion of ewes, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus), is one of the main causes of abortion in sheep. There are multiple contributory factors, including chlamydial growth, host immune response, and hormonal balance, that result in different pregnancy outcomes, such as abortion, the birth of weak lambs that may die, or healthy lambs. This study aimed to determine the relationship between phenotypical patterns of immune cell infiltration and different pregnancy outcomes in twin-bearing sheep (both lambs born dead; one alive and one dead; both alive) when experimentally infected with C. abortus. Both the sheep uteri and placentae were collected after parturition. All samples were analysed for specific immune cell features, including cell surface antigens and the T-regulatory (Treg) cell-associated transcription factor and cytokines, by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation. Some of these immunological antigens were evaluated in ovine reproductive tissues for the first time. Differential patterns of T helper/Treg cells revealed significant group effects in the placentae. It suggests the potential role that the balance of lymphocyte subsets may play in affecting different pregnancy outcomes in C. abortus-infected sheep. The present study provides novel detailed information about the immune responses observed at the maternofoetal interface in sheep at the time of pre-term abortion or lambing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Gaston Caspe
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik EH26 0PZ, UK
- Estación Experimental Mercedes, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Corrientes W3400, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Elspeth Milne
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH10 5HF, UK
| | - Neil Donald Sargison
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH10 5HF, UK
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Jelocnik M, White RT, Clune T, O'Connell J, Foxwell J, Hair S, Besier S, Tom L, Phillips N, Robbins A, Bogema D, Vaz PK, Legione AR, Jenkins C, Jacobson C. Molecular characterisation of the Australian and New Zealand livestock Chlamydia pecorum strains confirms novel but clonal ST23 in association with ovine foetal loss. Vet Microbiol 2023; 283:109774. [PMID: 37216721 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109774] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia pecorum is a veterinary pathogen associated with abortions and perinatal mortality in sheep. Recent studies investigating foetal and perinatal lamb mortality in sheep from Australia and New Zealand identified C. pecorum clonal sequence type (ST)23 strains in aborted and stillborn lambs. Presently, there is limited genotypic information on C. pecorum strains associated with reproductive disease, although whole genome sequencing (WGS) of one abortigenic ST23 C. pecorum strain identified unique features, including a deletion in the CDS1 locus of the chlamydial plasmid. We applied WGS on two ST23 strains detected in aborted and stillborn lambs from Australia and used phylogenetic and comparative analyses to compare these to the other available C. pecorum genomes. To re-evaluate the genetic diversity of contemporary strains, we applied C. pecorum genotyping, and chlamydial plasmid sequencing to a range of C. pecorum positive samples and isolates from ewes, aborted foetuses and stillborn lambs, cattle and a goat from diverse geographical regions across Australia and New Zealand.The two new C. pecorum genomes are nearly identical to the genome of the Australian abortigenic strain including the unique deletion in the chlamydial plasmid. Genotyping revealed that these novel C. pecorum ST23 strains are widespread and associated with sheep abortions on Australian and New Zealand farms. In addition, a goat C. pecorum strain (denoted ST 304) from New Zealand was also characterised. This study expands the C. pecorum genome catalogue and describes a comprehensive molecular characterisation of the novel livestock ST23 strains associated with foetal and lamb mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Jelocnik
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Centre for Bioinnovation, Sippy Downs, Sunshine Coast, Queensland 4557, Australia.
| | - Rhys T White
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Centre for Bioinnovation, Sippy Downs, Sunshine Coast, Queensland 4557, Australia; The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; The University of Queensland, Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Tom Clune
- Murdoch University, Centre for Animal Production and Health, Perth, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - John O'Connell
- Ministry for Primary Industries, Diagnostic and Surveillance Services Directorate, Upper Hutt 5140, New Zealand. john.o'
| | - Jonathan Foxwell
- Animal Health Laboratory, Ministry for Primary Industries, 66 Ward Street, Upper Hutt 5018, New Zealand.
| | - Sam Hair
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, South Perth, WA 6151, Australia.
| | - Shane Besier
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, South Perth, WA 6151, Australia.
| | - La Tom
- Murdoch University, Centre for Animal Production and Health, Perth, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Nyree Phillips
- Murdoch University, Centre for Animal Production and Health, Perth, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Amy Robbins
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Centre for Bioinnovation, Sippy Downs, Sunshine Coast, Queensland 4557, Australia.
| | - Daniel Bogema
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, New South Wales 2568, Australia.
| | - Paola K Vaz
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Veterinary School, Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Alistair R Legione
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Veterinary School, Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Cheryl Jenkins
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, New South Wales 2568, Australia.
| | - Caroline Jacobson
- Murdoch University, Centre for Animal Production and Health, Perth, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
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Ricard RM, Burton J, Chow-Lockerbie B, Wobeser B. Detection of Chlamydia abortus in aborted chorioallantoises of horses from Western Canada. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023:10406387231171844. [PMID: 37129380 DOI: 10.1177/10406387231171844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydiae are reported to cause abortion in several species, however the association between Chlamydia sp. and equine abortions is poorly understood. A zoonotic transfer event of C. psittaci from aborted equine tissues in Australia has emphasized the need to better understand the prevalence of this pathogen in equine populations. The prevalence of chlamydia in equine abortions in North America has not been investigated thoroughly. We examined 99 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded placental samples submitted between 2009 and 2020 from equine abortions in Western Canada using chlamydia-specific 16S rRNA conventional PCR testing; 26 of 99 submissions tested positive for chlamydial DNA. Most of these submissions (n = 17) had no final diagnosis noted on their original pathology reports. DNA sequencing identified 22 of the 26 cases as C. abortus; 21 of the 22 C. abortus-positive samples were positive on chlamydial immunohistochemistry. These findings contrast with studies in Europe that found a low prevalence of chlamydiae using similar methodology. The high prevalence of the potentially zoonotic C. abortus identified in our study suggests that more substantial biosecurity protocols may be warranted for equine foaling, abortion, and stillbirth in Western Canada to prevent zoonotic transfer of the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Madison Ricard
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Jaidyn Burton
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Betty Chow-Lockerbie
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Bruce Wobeser
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Jonker A, Michel AL. Optimization and Application of Real-Time qPCR Assays in Detection and Identification of Chlamydiales in Products of Domestic Ruminant Abortion. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020290. [PMID: 36839562 PMCID: PMC9965055 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020290] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Domestic ruminant abortions due to infectious agents represent an important cause of economic losses in the agricultural industry. This study aimed to optimise and apply qPCR assays for detection of Chlamydiales in domestic ruminant abortion cases. Primers and probes for detection of the order Chlamydiales, Chlamydia abortus, Chlamydia pecorum, Parachlamydia acanthamoeba and Waddlia chondrophila were taken from the literature to create one singleplex and two duplex assays and the assays were optimised. Placentitis and pneumonia are pathological lesions associated with Chlamydiales infection. In a previous study, twenty-five clinical cases had pathological lesions of placentitis or pneumonia. These cases were investigated further by application of the qPCR assays in this study. Chlamydiales were detected in 16 cases. C. abortus, P. acanthamoeba and W. chondrophila were detected in bovine; and C. pecorum and W. chondrophila in ovine and caprine cases. Chlamydiales were detected in three previously inconclusive cases. Identification was improved from genus to species level (C. pecorum). Four cases remained inconclusive. In conclusion, detection of Chlamydiales and differentiation to species level was improved. This study reports the first detection of P. acanthamoeba and W. chondrophila in abortion cases in South Africa, indicating a potentially significant role in abortions in this country.
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Begg AP, Carrick J, Chicken C, Blishen A, Todhunter K, Eamens K, Jenkins C. Fetoplacental pathology of equine abortion, premature birth, and neonatal loss due to Chlamydia psittaci. Vet Pathol 2022; 59:983-996. [PMID: 36062911 DOI: 10.1177/03009858221120008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This report describes the fetoplacental pathology of Chlamydia psittaci-associated abortion, premature birth, and neonatal loss in 46 of 442 equine abortion investigations between 2015 and 2019. Seven abortions, 26 premature births, and 13 neonatal deaths with positive C. psittaci polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were evaluated. In 83% of cases (38/46), C. psittaci infection was considered as the primary cause of loss based on quantitative PCR (qPCR) confirmation, pathological findings, and exclusion of other causes, and was supported by Chlamydia spp immunolabeling in fetoplacental lesions. Lymphohistiocytic placentitis with vasculitis (36/38) affected the amnion, umbilical cord, and chorioallantois at the umbilical vessel insertion and/or cervical pole. Lymphohistiocytic chorionitis in the subvillous stroma extended to the allantois mostly without villous destruction. Lymphohistiocytic amnionitis and funisitis occurred at the amniotic cord attachment. Lymphohistiocytic hepatitis was observed in 19/38 cases and pneumonia was identified in 26 cases. Chlamydia spp immunolabeled in placenta, lung, liver, or splenic tissue in the cases that were tested (14/38). C. psittaci infection was not the cause of loss in 2 cases with other diseases and of uncertain significance in 6 cases with no conclusive cause of loss. immunohistochemistry (IHC) was negative for 6 of these cases (6/8). The highest Chlamydia load was detected in pooled placental tissues by qPCR. qPCR and IHC had 83% congruence at a qPCR cut-off of 1 gene copy. IHC limits of detection corresponded to infections with 2 × 102 gene copies identified by qPCR. This study confirms the etiological role of C. psittaci as a cause of naturally occurring equine reproductive loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joan Carrick
- Equine Specialist Consulting, Scone, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Anna Blishen
- Scone Equine Hospital Laboratory, Scone, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Kieran Eamens
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW, Australia
| | - Cheryl Jenkins
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW, Australia
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Limón-González MM, Hernández-Castro R, Martínez-Hernández F, Xicohtencatl-Cortes J, Ramírez-Alvarez H, Palomares-Resendiz EG, Díaz-Aparicio E. Genetic diversity of Chlamydia pecorum detected in sheep flocks from Mexico. Braz J Microbiol 2022. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1007/s42770-022-00682-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
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Marin RE, Gardner DR, Armien AG, Fortunato RH, Uzal FA. Intoxication of llamas by Astragalus punae in Argentina. J Vet Diagn Invest 2022; 34:674-678. [PMID: 35524435 PMCID: PMC9266493 DOI: 10.1177/10406387221094272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several plants that contain indolizidine alkaloids, including swainsonine, are toxic to livestock, causing dysfunctional lysosomes and storage disease. Swainsonine induces a neurovisceral disease, known as locoism, in sheep, goats, and cattle, which occurs in several parts of the world, including, but not limited to, the western United States, China, and parts of Australia. In South America, locoism has been described in the Andean region of Argentina affecting sheep, cattle, and llamas. Intoxication by consumption of Astragalus punae was suspected in 4 llamas in Jujuy Province, northwestern Argentina. The grazing area contained abundant specimens of A. punae. The clinical course was ~15 d, and included moderate ataxia, incoordination of hindlimbs, and progressive loss of body condition. Microscopically, fine cytoplasmic microvacuolation was observed in the proximal convoluted renal tubules. Ultrastructurally, these changes consisted of severely dilated lysosomes. Swainsonine was detected in stem and leaf samples of A. punae at a concentration of 0.06%. Based on clinical history and signs, histologic and ultrastructural changes, and plant analysis, a diagnosis of swainsonine toxicosis caused by consumption of A. punae was made, which has not been reported previously, to our knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul E Marin
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, National University of Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina
| | - Dale R Gardner
- Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Logan, UT, USA
| | | | - Renne H Fortunato
- Darwinion Botanic Institute, National Council of Scientific Research, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino, branches, University of California-Davis, CA, USA
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Limón-González MM, Hernández-Castro R, Martínez-Hernández F, Xicohtencatl-Cortes J, Ramírez-Alvarez H, Palomares-Resendiz EG, Díaz-Aparicio E. Genetic diversity of Chlamydia pecorum detected in sheep flocks from Mexico. Braz J Microbiol 2022. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42770-022-00682-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
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Limón-González MM, Hernández-Castro R, Martínez-Hernández F, Xicohtencatl-Cortes J, Ramírez-Alvarez H, Palomares-Resendiz EG, Díaz-Aparicio E. Genetic diversity of Chlamydia pecorum detected in sheep flocks from Mexico. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:605-613. [PMID: 35119684 PMCID: PMC9151965 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00682-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pecorum, an obligate intracellular bacterium, is associated with reproductive and systemic diseases in sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, and koalas. The main conditions include polyarthritis, conjunctivitis, enteritis, pneumonia, encephalomyelitis, orchitis, placentitis, and abortion. Even though there are several studies showing that C. pecorum infections are widely spread in the world, in Mexico there are no reports. During 2016, as part of a sheep restocking program in Mexico, sheep were imported from New Zealand. Briefly after their arrival in the herds in the State of Mexico, these sheep presented abortions during the last third of gestation. A total of 62 sheep vaginal swabs that had presented abortion from different municipalities of the State of Mexico were collected. Bacterial isolation was performed using L929 mouse fibroblasts, and molecular identification was achieved by 23S rRNA (Chlamydiaceae family) and ompA gene (species-specific) real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, the 16S rRNA subunit and ompA gene were amplified and sequenced. Seven of 62 samples were positive for C. pecorum by bacterial isolation, 23S rRNA, and ompA gene real-time PCR. The 16S rRNA subunit and ompA gene amplicons were purified and the nucleotide sequence was determined in both directions. The consensus sequences homology search was performed using BLASTn analysis and showed a 100% of homology with the C. pecorum 16S rRNA subunit and 99% with the C. pecorum ompA gene. The population structure analyses using ompA gene demonstrated 15 genetic populations or clusters of 198 sequences from GenBank and our sequences were in a particular genetic structure corresponding to genotype "O." Herein, we describe the presence of C. pecorum in sheep imported from New Zealand into Mexico. Genetic analysis of the ompA gene showed that the isolates belong to genotype O and are related to strains isolated from sheep, cattle, and koalas.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Limón-González
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - R Hernández-Castro
- Departamento de Ecología de Agentes Patógenos, Hospital General "Dr. Manuel Gea González", Tlalpan, 14080, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - F Martínez-Hernández
- Departamento de Ecología de Agentes Patógenos, Hospital General "Dr. Manuel Gea González", Tlalpan, 14080, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - J Xicohtencatl-Cortes
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología Intestinal, Hospital Infantil de México "Dr. Federico Gómez", Cuauhtémoc, 06720, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - H Ramírez-Alvarez
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 54714, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - E G Palomares-Resendiz
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad (CENID-SAI), Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones ForestalesAgrícolas y Pecuarias, Cuajimalpa, 05110, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - E Díaz-Aparicio
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad (CENID-SAI), Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones ForestalesAgrícolas y Pecuarias, Cuajimalpa, 05110, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Dorsch MA, Casaux ML, Calleros L, Aráoz V, Caffarena RD, Monesiglio C, Barcellos M, da Silva Silveira C, Perdomo Y, Banchero G, Uzal FA, Fraga M, Giannitti F. Placentitis and abortion caused by a multidrug resistant strain of Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus in a sheep in Uruguay. Rev Argent Microbiol 2022; 54:25-30. [PMID: 33875294 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter fetusfetus (Cff) is a major infectious cause of abortion in sheep worldwide, and an opportunistic human pathogen. Information on Cff as an ovine abortifacient in South America is limited. We describe a case of abortion caused by a multidrug resistant strain of Cff in a sheep in Uruguay. In August 2017, 3/57 pregnant ewes (5.3%) aborted whithin one week. Histopathologic examination of the placenta of an aborted ewe revealed severe neutrophilic and fibrinonecrotizing placentitis with vasculitis and thrombosis of the chorionic arterioles. Cff was isolated on microaerobic culture in Skirrow agar, and further confirmed by 16S rDNA PCR amplification and sequencing, and endpoint and real time PCR assays. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing revealed resistance to tetracyclines, nalidixic acid, telithromycin and clindamycin. Other abortifacients were not detected. Further studies are necessary to determine the geographic distribution, ecology, epidemiology, economic impact, and antimicrobial resistance of Cff in sheep flocks in Uruguay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías A Dorsch
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Ruta 50 Km 11, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - María L Casaux
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Ruta 50 Km 11, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Lucía Calleros
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Virginia Aráoz
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Ruta 50 Km 11, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Rubén D Caffarena
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Ruta 50 Km 11, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay; Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Cecilia Monesiglio
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Ruta 50 Km 11, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Maila Barcellos
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Caroline da Silva Silveira
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Ruta 50 Km 11, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Yisell Perdomo
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Ruta 50 Km 11, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Georgget Banchero
- Programa Nacional de Investigación en Producción de Carne y Lana, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS), San Bernardino Laboratory, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino, CA, USA
| | - Martín Fraga
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Ruta 50 Km 11, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Federico Giannitti
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Ruta 50 Km 11, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay.
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13
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Dorsch MA, Cantón GJ, Driemeier D, Anderson ML, Moeller RB, Giannitti F. Bacterial, protozoal and viral abortions in sheep and goats in South America: A review. Small Rumin Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2021.106547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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14
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Rabaza A, Macías-Rioseco M, Fraga M, Uzal FA, Eisler MC, Riet-Correa F, Giannitti F. Coxiella burnetii abortion in a dairy farm selling artisanal cheese directly to consumers and review of Q fever as a bovine abortifacient in South America and a human milk-borne disease. Braz J Microbiol 2021; 52:2511-2520. [PMID: 34405372 PMCID: PMC8578271 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-021-00593-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a highly transmissible intracellular bacterium with a low infective dose that causes Q fever (coxiellosis), a notifiable zoonotic disease distributed worldwide. Livestock are the main source of C. burnetii transmission to humans, which occurs mostly through the aerogenous route. Although C. burnetii is a major abortifacient in small ruminants, it is less frequently diagnosed in aborting cattle. We report a case of C. burnetii abortion in a lactating Holstein cow from a dairy farm producing and selling artisanal cheese directly to consumers in Uruguay, and review the literature on coxiellosis as a bovine abortifacient in South America and as a milk-borne disease. The aborted cow had severe necrotizing placentitis with abundant intratrophoblastic and intralesional C. burnetii confirmed by immunohistochemistry and PCR. After primo-infection in cattle, C. burnetii remains latent in the lymph nodes and mammary glands, with milk being a significant and persistent excretion route. Viable C. burnetii has been found in unpasteurized milk and cheeses after several months of maturing. The risk of coxiellosis after the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, including cheese, is not negligible. This report raises awareness on bovine coxiellosis as a potential food safety problem in on-farm raw cheese manufacturing and sales. The scant publications on abortive coxiellosis in cattle in South America suggest that the condition has probably gone underreported in all countries of this subcontinent except for Uruguay. Therefore, we also discuss the diagnostic criteria for laboratory-based confirmation of C. burnetii abortion in ruminants as a guideline for veterinary diagnosticians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rabaza
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, UK
| | - Melissa Macías-Rioseco
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
- California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) Laboratory, University of California At Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Martín Fraga
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) Laboratory, University of California At Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Mark C Eisler
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, UK
| | - Franklin Riet-Correa
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
- Programa de Pós Graduação Em Ciência Animal Nos Trópicos, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Ondina, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Federico Giannitti
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay.
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15
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Chlamydia pecorum Ovine Abortion: Associations between Maternal Infection and Perinatal Mortality. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111367. [PMID: 34832523 PMCID: PMC8618313 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111367] [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: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pecorum is a common gastrointestinal inhabitant of livestock but infections can manifest in a broad array of clinical presentations and in a range of host species. While C. pecorum is a known cause of ovine abortion, clinical cases have only recently been described in detail. Here, the prevalence and sequence types (STs) of C. pecorum in ewes from a property experiencing high levels of perinatal mortality (PNM) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, were investigated using serological and molecular methods. Ewes that were PNM+ were statistically more likely to test seropositive compared to PNM− ewes and displayed higher antibody titres; however, an increase in chlamydial shedding from either the rectum, vagina or conjunctiva of PNM+ ewes was not observed. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) indicated that C. pecorum ST23 was the major ST shed by ewes in the flock, was the only ST identified from the vaginal site, and was the same ST detected within aborted foetal tissues. Whole genome sequencing of C. pecorum isolated from one abortion case revealed that the C. pecorum plasmid (pCpec) contained a unique deletion in coding sequence 1 (CDS1) that was also present in C. pecorum ST23 shed from the ewes. A further unique deletion was noted in a polymorphic membrane protein gene (pmpG) of the C. pecorum chromosome, which warrants further investigation given the role of PmpG in host cell adherence and tissue tropism.This study describes novel infection parameters in a sheep flock experiencing C. pecorum-associated perinatal mortality, provides the first genomic data from an abortigenic C. pecorum strain, and raises questions about possible links between unique genetic features of this strain and C. pecorum abortion.
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16
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An Accessible Diagnostic Toolbox to Detect Bacterial Causes of Ovine and Caprine Abortion. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091147. [PMID: 34578179 PMCID: PMC8468688 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091147] [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: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Results of laboratory investigations of ovine and caprine cases of abortion in the lambing season 2015–2016 were analyzed, using pathology records of submissions to Royal GD (Deventer, the Netherlands) from January until and including April 2016, in comparison with the results of two accessible alternative techniques for sampling aborted lambs and kids, swabbing the fetal oropharynx and puncture of the fetal lung. Chlamydia abortus was the main cause of abortion in sheep as well as in goats. Other causes of abortion were Campylobacter spp., Listeria spp., Escherichia coli, and Yersinia enterocolitica. Ovine pathological submissions resulted more often in detecting an infectious agent compared to caprine submissions. For the three main bacterial causes of abortion, Campylobacter spp., Listeria spp., and Chlamydia spp., compared to results of the pathological examination, oropharynx mucus, and fetal lung puncture samples showed an observed agreement of 0.87 and 0.89, an expected agreement of 0.579 and 0.584, and a kappa value of 0.691 and 0.737 (95% CI: 0.561–0.82 and 0.614–0.859), respectively. The agreement between the results of the pathological examination and both fetal lung puncture and oropharynx mucus samples was classified as good. In conclusion, although a full step-wise post-mortem examination remains the most proper way of investigating small ruminant abortions, the easily accessible, low-threshold tools for practitioners and farmers as described in this paper not only provide reliable results compared to results of the post-mortem examination but also stimulates farmers and veterinarians to submit fetuses and placentas if necessary. Suggestions for further improvement of both alternatives have been summarized. Both alternatives could also be tailor-made for specific regions with their specific causes of abortion.
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17
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Clune T, Besier S, Hair S, Hancock S, Lockwood A, Thompson A, Jelocnik M, Jacobson C. Chlamydia pecorum detection in aborted and stillborn lambs from Western Australia. Vet Res 2021; 52:84. [PMID: 34116730 PMCID: PMC8196467 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-021-00950-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Lamb survival is an important welfare and productivity issue for sheep industries worldwide. Lower lamb survival has been reported for primiparous ewes, but the causes of this are not well studied. The aim of this study was to determine causes of perinatal deaths for lambs born to primiparous ewes in Western Australia, and identify if infectious diseases are implicated. Lamb mortality from birth to marking were determined for 11 primiparous ewe flocks on 10 farms in Western Australia. Lamb mortality from birth to marking averaged 14% for single-born and 26% for multiple-born lambs. Lamb necropsies (n = 298) identified starvation–mismosthering–exposure (34%), dystocia (24%) and stillbirth (15%) as the most common causes of perinatal lamb death. There was no evidence of exotic abortigenic pathogens in aborted and stillborn lambs (n = 35). Chlamydia pecorum was detected by qPCR in 15/35 aborted and stillborn lambs on 5/6 farms. Preliminary molecular characterisation of C. pecorum detected in samples from aborted and stillborn lambs (n = 8) using both Multilocus Sequence Typing and ompA genotyping indicated all strains were genetically identical to previously described pathogenic livestock strains, denoted ST23, and dissimilar to gastrointestinal strains. High frequency of detection of a pathogenic C. pecorum strains ST23 associated with ovine abortion and stillbirth on multiple farms located across a wide geographic area has not been previously reported. Chlamydia pecorum may contribute to reproductive wastage for primiparous sheep in Western Australia. Further investigation to understand C. pecorum epidemiology and impact on sheep reproduction is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Clune
- Centre for Animal Production and Health, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Shane Besier
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, South Perth, WA, 6151, Australia
| | - Sam Hair
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, South Perth, WA, 6151, Australia
| | - Serina Hancock
- Centre for Animal Production and Health, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Amy Lockwood
- Centre for Animal Production and Health, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Andrew Thompson
- Centre for Animal Production and Health, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4557, Australia
| | - Caroline Jacobson
- Centre for Animal Production and Health, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia.
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18
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Rohner L, Marti H, Torgerson P, Hoffmann K, Jelocnik M, Borel N. Prevalence and molecular characterization of C. pecorum detected in Swiss fattening pigs. Vet Microbiol 2021; 256:109062. [PMID: 33848714 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia (C.) pecorum, an obligate intracellular bacterial species commonly found in ruminants, can also occur in pigs. However, its significance as a potential porcine pathogen, or commensal, is still unclear. In a previous study (Hoffmann et al. 2015), mixed infections of C. suis and C. pecorum were detected in 14 Swiss fattening pig farms. Using these samples, we aimed to investigate the infection dynamics of C. suis and C. pecorum mixed infections in these farms. In addition, we analyzed the genetic diversity of Swiss porcine C. pecorum strains in relation to globally circulating strains. In total, 1284 conjunctival and rectal swabs from 391 pigs, collected at the beginning and end of the fattening period, were tested during the course of this study. We determined the bacterial loads of C. suis and C. pecorum using species-specific real-time PCR (qPCR) and compared these results to already existing DNA-microarray and Chlamydiaceae qPCR data. Overall, C. suis and Chlamydiaceae copy numbers decreased in the course of the fattening period, whereas C. pecorum copy numbers increased. No association was found between clinical signs (conjunctivitis, lameness and diarrhea) and the bacterial loads. Preventive antibiotic treatment at the beginning of the fattening period significantly lowered the chlamydial load and outdoor access was associated with higher loads. Proximity to the nearest ruminants correlated with increased C. pecorum loads, indicating that C. pecorum could be transmitted from ruminants to pigs. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and major outer membrane protein (ompA) genotyping revealed two novel sequence types (STs) (301, 302) and seven unique ompA genotypes (1-7) that appear to form a specific clade separate from other European C. pecorum strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Rohner
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse-Faculty University Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland; Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Hanna Marti
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse-Faculty University Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland; Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland.
| | - Paul Torgerson
- Section of Veterinary Epidemiology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Karolin Hoffmann
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse-Faculty University Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland; Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, 4556, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse-Faculty University Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland; Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
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19
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Helke KL, Meyerholz DK, Beck AP, Burrough ER, Derscheid RJ, Löhr C, McInnes EF, Scudamore CL, Brayton CF. Research Relevant Background Lesions and Conditions: Ferrets, Dogs, Swine, Sheep, and Goats. ILAR J 2021; 62:133-168. [PMID: 33712827 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilab005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models provide a valuable tool and resource for biomedical researchers as they investigate biological processes, disease pathogenesis, novel therapies, and toxicologic studies. Interpretation of animal model data requires knowledge not only of the processes/diseases being studied but also awareness of spontaneous conditions and background lesions in the model that can influence or even confound the study results. Species, breed/stock, sex, age, anatomy, physiology, diseases (noninfectious and infectious), and neoplastic processes are model features that can impact the results as well as study interpretation. Here, we review these features in several common laboratory animal species, including ferret, dog (beagle), pig, sheep, and goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi L Helke
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - David K Meyerholz
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Amanda P Beck
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Eric R Burrough
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine Department, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Rachel J Derscheid
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine Department, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Christiane Löhr
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Elizabeth F McInnes
- Toxicologic Pathology, Toxicology Section, Human Safety at Syngenta, in Jealott's Hill, Bracknell, United Kingdom
| | - Cheryl L Scudamore
- ExePathology, Pathologist at ExePathology, Exmouth, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Cory F Brayton
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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20
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Struthers JD, Lim A, Ferguson S, Lee JK, Chako C, Okwumabua O, Cuneo M, Valle AMD, Brower A. Meningoencephalitis, Vasculitis, and Abortions Caused by Chlamydia pecorum in a Herd of Cattle. Vet Pathol 2021; 58:549-557. [PMID: 33590807 DOI: 10.1177/0300985820985288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A cow dairy (n = 2000) in close proximity to a sheep flock had third-trimester abortions and fatalities in cows and calves over a 14-month period. Eighteen of 33 aborted fetuses (55%) had multifocal random suppurative or mononuclear meningoencephalitis with vasculitis. Seventeen of these affected fetuses had intracytoplasmic bacteria in endothelial cells, and 1 fetus with pericarditis had similar bacteria within mesothelial cells or macrophages. Immunohistochemistry for Chlamydia spp. or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Chlamydia pecorum or both, performed on brain or pooled tissue, were positive in all 14 tested fetuses that had meningoencephalitis and in 4/4 calves and in 3/4 tested cows that had meningoencephalitis and thrombotic vasculitis. In 1 calf and 11/11 fetuses, C. pecorum PCR amplicon sequences were 100% homologous to published C. pecorum sequences. Enzootic chlamydiosis due to C. pecorum was the identified cause of the late term abortions and the vasculitis and meningoencephalitis in fetuses, calves, and cows. C. pecorum, an uncommon bovine abortogenic agent, is a differential diagnosis in late-term aborted fetuses with meningoencephalitis, vasculitis, and polyserositis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ailam Lim
- Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Madison, WI, USA
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21
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Westermann T, Jenkins C, Onizawa E, Gestier S, McNally J, Kirkland P, Zhang J, Bogema D, Manning LK, Walker K, Pinczowski P. Chlamydia pecorum-Associated Sporadic Ovine Abortion. Vet Pathol 2020; 58:114-122. [PMID: 33205699 DOI: 10.1177/0300985820967451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Despite previous detection of Chlamydia pecorum in sporadic ovine abortions, published descriptions of naturally occurring infections with fetoplacental lesions are lacking. This report provides the first descriptions of severe necrosuppurative chorionitis with vasculitis, and fetal pyelonephritis and enteritis in late-term abortions of maiden ewes. Chlamydial infection was detected using a Chlamydia genus-specific qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) on tissue extracts from 3 fetuses. C. pecorum was identified using a targeted qPCR assay, which also determined infectious load within fetal tissues. The presence of viable C. pecorum in fetal samples was confirmed by cell culture. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) data indicated that the C. pecorum strains from each fetus were identical and of sequence type (ST) 23. Chlamydia sp. immunohistochemistry showed strong positive immunolabeling of fetoplacental lesions. Other infectious abortigenic agents were excluded with specific testing. This report confirms C. pecorum as a likely cause of ovine abortion and provides the first descriptions of associated fetoplacental lesions in naturally infected sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Westermann
- 153388Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cheryl Jenkins
- 153388Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emily Onizawa
- 153388Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Gestier
- 153388Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Justine McNally
- North West Local Land Services, Moree, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Kirkland
- 153388Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jing Zhang
- 153388Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel Bogema
- 153388Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Leah K Manning
- 153388Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Keith Walker
- 153388Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pedro Pinczowski
- 153388Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, New South Wales, Australia
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22
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Macías-Rioseco M, Silveira C, Fraga M, Casaux L, Cabrera A, Francia ME, Robello C, Maya L, Zarantonelli L, Suanes A, Colina R, Buschiazzo A, Giannitti F, Riet-Correa F. Causes of abortion in dairy cows in Uruguay. PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-6550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT: A case series study was conducted to determine the frequency of causes of abortion in dairy cattle in Uruguay. The sample size of 102 cases was composed of 53 fetuses, 35 fetuses with placentas, and 14 placentas without an associated fetus. All cases underwent gross and microscopic pathologic examinations as well as microbiological and serological testing. The etiology was determined in 54 (53%) of cases, 51 of which were caused by infectious agents. Within the observed 102 cases, 30 (29%) were caused by Neospora caninum, six (6%) by Coxiella burnetii and two (2%) by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis. Bovine Parainfluenza-3 virus and Salmonella enterica serovar Newport caused one abortion each. Opportunistic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Mannheimia sp., Trueperella pyogenes, and Providencia stuartii) were associated with 11 abortions. In two cases the fetal death was attributed to dystocia, and in one case the fetus had a congenital mesothelioma. Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection was identified in three fetuses; two of which were co-infected with and had typical lesions of N. caninum. No lesions were observed in the other fetus infected by BVDV. Leptospira interrogans was identified in one fetus without lesions. Despite the relatively low overall success rate in establishing an etiological diagnosis in cases of abortion in cattle, a systemic workup of bovine abortion is necessary to establish prevention and control strategies. This also facilitates monitoring and surveillance of reproductive diseases in dairy cattle, some of which represent a risk to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Macías-Rioseco
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Uruguay; Universidad de la Republica, Uruguay
| | - Caroline Silveira
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Uruguay; Universidad de la Republica, Uruguay
| | - Martin Fraga
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Uruguay
| | - Laura Casaux
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Uruguay; Universidad de la Republica, Uruguay
| | | | | | | | | | - Leticia Zarantonelli
- Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Uruguay; Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Uruguay
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23
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Marin RE, Micheloud JF, Vignale ND, Gimeno EJ, O'Toole D, Gardner DR, Woods L, Uzal FA. Intoxication by Astragalus garbancillo var. garbancillo in llamas. J Vet Diagn Invest 2020; 32:467-470. [PMID: 32233843 DOI: 10.1177/1040638720914338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases are inherited and acquired disorders characterized by dysfunctional lysosomes. Intracytoplasmic accumulation of undegraded substrates leads to impaired cellular function and death. Several plant species are toxic to livestock because of the presence of indolizidine alkaloids, including swainsonine, which cause a storage disease. Swainsonine-induced nervous disease (i.e., locoism) of sheep and cattle is well recognized in several parts of the world, particularly in the western United States and in parts of Australia. Spontaneous intoxication by Astragalus garbancillo var. garbancillo was suspected in a group of 70 llamas (Lama glama) in Jujuy Province, northwestern Argentina. The animals grazed an area dominated by stands of A. garbancillo var. garbancillo. Clinical signs were staggering, ataxia, hypermetria, and progressive weight loss. The clinical course in individual animals was ~50 d. The main microscopic changes were Purkinje cell degeneration, necrosis, and loss, associated with intracytoplasmic vacuolation, meganeurite formation, and Wallerian degeneration. Specific positive labeling for ubiquitin was observed in axonal spheroids. Composite leaf and stem samples of A. garbancillo var. garbancillo analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography contained 0.03% swainsonine. Based on the microscopic lesions, clinical history, and plant analysis, a diagnosis was made of storage disease caused by consumption of swainsonine-containing A. garbancillo var. garbancillo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul E Marin
- Facultad Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina (Marin, Vignale).,Área de Sanidad Animal, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Salta, Argentina (Micheloud).,Cátedra de Patología General, Facultad Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina (Gimeno).,Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, Laramie, WY (O'Toole).,USDA-ARS Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Logan, UT (Gardner).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino (Uzal) and Davis (Woods) branches, CA
| | - Juan F Micheloud
- Facultad Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina (Marin, Vignale).,Área de Sanidad Animal, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Salta, Argentina (Micheloud).,Cátedra de Patología General, Facultad Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina (Gimeno).,Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, Laramie, WY (O'Toole).,USDA-ARS Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Logan, UT (Gardner).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino (Uzal) and Davis (Woods) branches, CA
| | - Nilda D Vignale
- Facultad Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina (Marin, Vignale).,Área de Sanidad Animal, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Salta, Argentina (Micheloud).,Cátedra de Patología General, Facultad Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina (Gimeno).,Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, Laramie, WY (O'Toole).,USDA-ARS Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Logan, UT (Gardner).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino (Uzal) and Davis (Woods) branches, CA
| | - Eduardo J Gimeno
- Facultad Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina (Marin, Vignale).,Área de Sanidad Animal, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Salta, Argentina (Micheloud).,Cátedra de Patología General, Facultad Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina (Gimeno).,Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, Laramie, WY (O'Toole).,USDA-ARS Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Logan, UT (Gardner).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino (Uzal) and Davis (Woods) branches, CA
| | - Donal O'Toole
- Facultad Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina (Marin, Vignale).,Área de Sanidad Animal, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Salta, Argentina (Micheloud).,Cátedra de Patología General, Facultad Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina (Gimeno).,Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, Laramie, WY (O'Toole).,USDA-ARS Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Logan, UT (Gardner).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino (Uzal) and Davis (Woods) branches, CA
| | - Dale R Gardner
- Facultad Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina (Marin, Vignale).,Área de Sanidad Animal, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Salta, Argentina (Micheloud).,Cátedra de Patología General, Facultad Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina (Gimeno).,Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, Laramie, WY (O'Toole).,USDA-ARS Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Logan, UT (Gardner).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino (Uzal) and Davis (Woods) branches, CA
| | - Leslie Woods
- Facultad Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina (Marin, Vignale).,Área de Sanidad Animal, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Salta, Argentina (Micheloud).,Cátedra de Patología General, Facultad Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina (Gimeno).,Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, Laramie, WY (O'Toole).,USDA-ARS Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Logan, UT (Gardner).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino (Uzal) and Davis (Woods) branches, CA
| | - Francisco A Uzal
- Facultad Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina (Marin, Vignale).,Área de Sanidad Animal, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Salta, Argentina (Micheloud).,Cátedra de Patología General, Facultad Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina (Gimeno).,Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, Laramie, WY (O'Toole).,USDA-ARS Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Logan, UT (Gardner).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino (Uzal) and Davis (Woods) branches, CA
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24
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Macías-Rioseco M, Riet-Correa F, Miller MM, Sondgeroth K, Fraga M, Silveira C, Uzal FA, Giannitti F. Bovine abortion caused by Coxiella burnetii: report of a cluster of cases in Uruguay and review of the literature. J Vet Diagn Invest 2019; 31:634-639. [PMID: 31179891 DOI: 10.1177/1040638719856394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A cluster of 4 bovine abortions caused by Coxiella burnetii occurred in a dairy herd in Uruguay during a 2-mo period. Case 1 consisted of a placenta from an aborted cow; cases 2-4 were fetuses and their placentas. Grossly, the placenta from one aborted cow had moderate, diffuse reddening of the cotyledons and loss of translucency of the intercotyledonary areas. No gross lesions were observed in the other 3 placentas. Microscopically, 2 of 4 placentas had fibrinonecrotizing placentitis with abundant intratrophoblastic gram-negative coccobacilli. C. burnetii was identified intralesionally by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in all 4 placentas, and by PCR and DNA sequencing in 3 placentas analyzed by these techniques. One fetus had mild neutrophilic alveolitis with multinucleate syncytial cells; no gross or microscopic lesions were observed in the other 2 fetuses examined. The lungs of the 3 fetuses were negative for C. burnetii by IHC. Tests performed to investigate other possible causes of abortions in the 4 cases were negative. C. burnetii causes Q fever in humans and coxiellosis in animals. Clusters of abortions in cattle by C. burnetii have not been reported previously, to our knowledge; this bacterium has been considered an opportunistic pathogen associated only with sporadic abortion in cattle. We present herein a cluster of 4 bovine abortions caused by C. burnetii in a dairy farm during a period of 2 mo and a review of the literature on C. burnetii infection in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Macías-Rioseco
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Macías-Rioseco, Riet-Correa, Fraga, Silveira, Giannitti).,Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay (Macías-Rioseco, Riet-Correa).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California at Davis, San Bernardino, CA (Uzal).,Wyoming State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (Miller, Sondgeroth).,Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN (Giannitti)
| | - Franklin Riet-Correa
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Macías-Rioseco, Riet-Correa, Fraga, Silveira, Giannitti).,Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay (Macías-Rioseco, Riet-Correa).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California at Davis, San Bernardino, CA (Uzal).,Wyoming State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (Miller, Sondgeroth).,Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN (Giannitti)
| | - Myrna M Miller
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Macías-Rioseco, Riet-Correa, Fraga, Silveira, Giannitti).,Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay (Macías-Rioseco, Riet-Correa).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California at Davis, San Bernardino, CA (Uzal).,Wyoming State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (Miller, Sondgeroth).,Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN (Giannitti)
| | - Kerry Sondgeroth
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Macías-Rioseco, Riet-Correa, Fraga, Silveira, Giannitti).,Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay (Macías-Rioseco, Riet-Correa).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California at Davis, San Bernardino, CA (Uzal).,Wyoming State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (Miller, Sondgeroth).,Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN (Giannitti)
| | - Martin Fraga
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Macías-Rioseco, Riet-Correa, Fraga, Silveira, Giannitti).,Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay (Macías-Rioseco, Riet-Correa).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California at Davis, San Bernardino, CA (Uzal).,Wyoming State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (Miller, Sondgeroth).,Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN (Giannitti)
| | - Caroline Silveira
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Macías-Rioseco, Riet-Correa, Fraga, Silveira, Giannitti).,Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay (Macías-Rioseco, Riet-Correa).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California at Davis, San Bernardino, CA (Uzal).,Wyoming State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (Miller, Sondgeroth).,Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN (Giannitti)
| | - Francisco A Uzal
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Macías-Rioseco, Riet-Correa, Fraga, Silveira, Giannitti).,Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay (Macías-Rioseco, Riet-Correa).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California at Davis, San Bernardino, CA (Uzal).,Wyoming State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (Miller, Sondgeroth).,Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN (Giannitti)
| | - Federico Giannitti
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Macías-Rioseco, Riet-Correa, Fraga, Silveira, Giannitti).,Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay (Macías-Rioseco, Riet-Correa).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California at Davis, San Bernardino, CA (Uzal).,Wyoming State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (Miller, Sondgeroth).,Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN (Giannitti)
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Giannitti F, Caffarena RD, Pesavento P, Uzal FA, Maya L, Fraga M, Colina R, Castells M. The First Case of Bovine Astrovirus-Associated Encephalitis in the Southern Hemisphere (Uruguay), Uncovers Evidence of Viral Introduction to the Americas From Europe. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1240. [PMID: 31231334 PMCID: PMC6559012 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrovirus species members of the Mamastrovirus genus (family Astroviridae) have been increasingly recognized as neuroinvasive pathogens in various mammals, including humans, mink, cattle, sheep, and pigs. While cases of astrovirus-associated encephalitis have been reported in North America, Europe, and Asia, their presence has never been documented in the Southern hemisphere. This paper describes a case of astrovirus-associated encephalitis in cattle in Uruguay that broadens the geographic distribution and genetic diversity of neuroinvasive astroviruses and provides phylogeographic evidence of viral introduction to the Americas from Europe. A 22-month-old Holstein steer from a farm in Colonia Department, Uruguay developed progressive neurological signs over a 3-days period before dying. Histopathological examination of the brain and proximal cervical spinal cord revealed disseminated, moderate to severe lymphocytic, histiocytic, and plasmacytic poliomeningoencephalomyelitis with neuronal necrosis. A Mamastrovirus strain in the CH13/NeuroS1 clade, that we called bovine astrovirus (BoAstV)-Neuro-Uy, was identified by reverse transcriptase PCR followed by nearly complete genome sequencing. Additionally, BoAstV was detected intralesionally in the brain by chromogenic RNA in situ hybridization within neuronal perikarya, axons and dendrites. Phylogenetic analysis of BoAstV-Neuro-Uy revealed a close relationship to neurotropic BoAstVs within the Virginia/Human-Mink-Ovine clade, which contains a growing cadre of neuroinvasive astroviruses. Analyzing the complete coding region of neuroinvasive BoAstVs sequences available in GenBank, we estimated an evolutionary rate of 4.27 × 10-4 (95% HPD 2.19–6.46 × 10-4) nucleotide substitutions/site/year. Phylogeographic analysis suggests that the common viral ancestor circulated in Europe between 1794–1940, and was introduced in Uruguay between 1849–1967, to later spread to North America and Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Giannitti
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Estación Experimental INIA La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Rubén Darío Caffarena
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Estación Experimental INIA La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay.,Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Patricia Pesavento
- Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Francisco Alejandro Uzal
- Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Leticia Maya
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro Universitario Regional (CENUR) Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Martín Fraga
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Estación Experimental INIA La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Rodney Colina
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro Universitario Regional (CENUR) Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Matías Castells
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Estación Experimental INIA La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay.,Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro Universitario Regional (CENUR) Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Salto, Uruguay
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Chlamydiaceae: Diseases in Primary Hosts and Zoonosis. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7050146. [PMID: 31137741 PMCID: PMC6560403 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7050146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria of the Chlamydiaceae family are a type of Gram-negative microorganism typified by their obligate intracellular lifestyle. The majority of the members in the Chlamydiaceae family are known pathogenic organisms that primarily infect the host mucosal surfaces in both humans and animals. For instance, Chlamydia trachomatis is a well-known etiological agent for ocular and genital sexually transmitted diseases, while C. pneumoniae has been implicated in community-acquired pneumonia in humans. Other chlamydial species such as C. abortus, C. caviae, C. felis, C. muridarum, C. pecorum, and C. psittaci are important pathogens that are associated with high morbidities in animals. Importantly, some of these animal pathogens have been recognized as zoonotic agents that pose a significant infectious threat to human health through cross-over transmission. The current review provides a succinct recapitulation of the characteristics as well as transmission for the previously established members of the Chlamydiaceae family and a number of other recently described chlamydial organisms.
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Di Paolo LA, Alvarado Pinedo MF, Origlia J, Fernández G, Uzal FA, Travería GE. First report of caprine abortions due to Chlamydia abortus in Argentina. Vet Med Sci 2019; 5:162-167. [PMID: 30663870 PMCID: PMC6556757 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious abortions of goats in Argentina are mainly associated with brucellosis and toxoplasmosis. In this paper, we describe an abortion outbreak in goats caused by Chlamydia abortus. Seventy out of 400 goats aborted. Placental smears stained with modified Ziehl‐Neelsen stain showed many chlamydia‐like bodies within trophoblasts. One stillborn fetus was necropsied and the placenta was examined. No gross lesions were seen in the fetus, but the inter‐cotyledonary areas of the placenta were thickened and covered by fibrino‐suppurative exudate. The most consistent microscopic finding was found in the placenta and consisted of fibrinoid necrotic vasculitis, with mixed inflammatory infiltration in the tunica media. Immunohistochemistry of the placenta was positive for Chlamydia spp. The results of polymerase chain reaction targeting 23S rRNA gene performed on placenta were positive for Chlamydia spp. An analysis of 417 amplified nucleotide sequences revealed 99% identity to those of C. abortus pm225 (GenBank AJ005617) and pm112 (GenBank AJ005613) isolates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of abortion associated with C. abortus in Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro A Di Paolo
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CEDIVE, La Plata, Argentina
| | - María F Alvarado Pinedo
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CEDIVE, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Javier Origlia
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Cátedra de Aves y Pilíferos, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | | | - Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, San Bernardino branch, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Gabriel E Travería
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CEDIVE, La Plata, Argentina
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Carrasco SE, Hu S, Imai DM, Kumar R, Sandusky GE, Yang XF, Derbigny WA. Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) promotes the resolution of Chlamydia muridarum genital tract infection in congenic C57BL/6N mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195165. [PMID: 29624589 PMCID: PMC5889059 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis urogenital serovars primarily replicate in epithelial cells lining the reproductive tract. Epithelial cells recognize Chlamydia through cell surface and cytosolic receptors, and/or endosomal innate receptors such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Activation of these receptors triggers both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms that are required for chlamydial clearance, but are also responsible for the immunopathology in the reproductive tract. We previously demonstrated that Chlamydia muridarum (Cm) induces IFN-β in oviduct epithelial cells (OE) in a TLR3-dependent manner, and that the synthesis of several cytokines and chemokines are diminished in Cm-challenged OE derived from TLR3-/- 129S1 mice. Furthermore, our in vitro studies showed that Cm replication in TLR3-/- OE is more efficient than in wild-type OE. Because TLR3 modulates the release inflammatory mediators involved in host defense during Cm infection, we hypothesized that TLR3 plays a protective role against Cm-induced genital tract pathology in congenic C57BL/6N mice. Using the Cm mouse model for human Chlamydia genital tract infections, we demonstrated that TLR3-/- mice had increased Cm shedding during early and mid-stage genital infection. In early stage infection, TLR3-/- mice showed a diminished synthesis of IFN-β, IL-1β, and IL-6, but enhanced production of IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. In mid-stage infection, TLR3-/- mice exhibited significantly enhanced lymphocytic endometritis and salpingitis than wild-type mice. These lymphocytes were predominantly scattered along the endometrial stroma and the associated smooth muscle, and the lamina propria supporting the oviducts. Surprisingly, our data show that CD4+ T-cells are significantly enhanced in the genital tract TLR3-/- mice during mid-stage Chlamydial infection. In late-stage infections, both mouse strains developed hydrosalpinx; however, the extent of hydrosalpinx was more severe in TLR3-/- mice. Together, these data suggest that TLR3 promotes the clearance of Cm during early and mid-stages of genital tract infection, and that loss of TLR3 is detrimental in the development hydrosalpinx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian E. Carrasco
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Comparative Pathology Laboratory, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Sishun Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Denise M. Imai
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Comparative Pathology Laboratory, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Ramesh Kumar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - George E. Sandusky
- Department of Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - X. Frank Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Wilbert A. Derbigny
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
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Bommana S, Walker E, Desclozeaux M, Jelocnik M, Timms P, Polkinghorne A, Carver S. Molecular and serological dynamics of Chlamydia pecorum infection in a longitudinal study of prime lamb production. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4296. [PMID: 29379689 PMCID: PMC5787346 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia pecorum is a globally significant livestock pathogen causing pathology and production losses. The on-farm infection and serological dynamics and the relevance of existing diagnostic tools for diagnosing C. pecorum in livestock remains poorly characterized. In this study, we characterized the antigen and antibody dynamics of this pathogen in a longitudinal study of prime lamb production, utilizing the infection focused C. pecorum-specific 16S rRNA qPCR assay and serology based chlamydial Complement fixation Test (CFT). METHODS The study consisted of 76 Border Leicester mixed sex lambs (39 females and 37 males) that were sampled bimonthly from 2-10 months of age in a commercial farm operating in Central NSW, Australia. Blood/plasma was analysed for CFT antibodies, and swabs from conjunctival, rectal and vaginal sites were analysed for C. pecorum shedding using qPCR. We assessed the temporal and overall dynamics of C. pecorum in lambs, including detailed description and comparison of qPCR and CFT, the timing of first detection by either diagnostic method, the lag between infection and antibody response; and the distribution of qPCR load and CFT antibody titre over time. RESULTS Over the study period, C. pecorum was highly prevalent (71.0% by qPCR, 92.1% by CFT, 96.0% by both), with 21.1% (16/76) lambs shedding ≥1, 000 qPCR copies/µl (denoted as high shedders). C. pecorum shedding (as evidence of infection) were first observed at two months of age (14.4%) with a significant peak of infection occurring at six months of age (34.2%), whereas seroconversions peaked at eight months of age (81.5%). 52.6% of C. pecorum qPCR and CFT positive lambs became qPCR negative by 10 months of age, indicating clearance of chlamydial infection. Although CFT is utilised for on-farm detection of active infection, we confirm that it lagged behind qPCR detection (average lag 1.7 ± 2.1 months) and that the proportion of qPCR positives simultaneously identified by CFT was low with 2/11 (18.1%), 0/13, 17/25 (68.0%), 5/7 (71.4%) and 1/10 (10.0%) concurrent seroconversions occurring at two, four, six, eight and 10 months of age, respectively. DISCUSSION This work reveals rapid rates of C. pecorum infection and widespread exposure during lamb production. The comparison of molecular and serological diagnostic agreement longitudinally, supports the use of qPCR as an important ancillary tool for the detection of active infections in conjunction with chlamydial CFT for routine veterinary diagnostics. Development of rapid Point-of-Care (POC) tools for diagnosing active infection would be valuable for producers and veterinarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankhya Bommana
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | | | - Marion Desclozeaux
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Borel N, Polkinghorne A, Pospischil A. A Review on Chlamydial Diseases in Animals: Still a Challenge for Pathologists? Vet Pathol 2018; 55:374-390. [PMID: 29310550 DOI: 10.1177/0300985817751218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydiae have a worldwide distribution causing a wide range of diseases in human hosts, livestock, and companion animals as well as in wildlife and exotic species. Moreover, they can persist in their hosts as asymptomatic infections for extended periods of time. The introduction of molecular techniques has revolutionized the Chlamydia field by expanding the host range of known chlamydial species but also by discovering new species and even new families of bacteria in the broader order Chlamydiales. The wide range of hosts, diseases, and tissues affected by chlamydiae complicate the diagnosis such that standard diagnostic approaches for these bacteria are rare. Bacteria of the Chlamydiales order are small and their inclusions are difficult to detect by standard microscopy. With the exception of avian and ovine chlamydiosis, macroscopic and/or histologic changes might not be pathognomic or indicative for a chlamydial infection or even not present at all. Moreover, detection of chlamydial DNA in specimens in the absence of other methods or related pathological lesions questions the significance of such findings. The pathogenic potential of the majority of recently identified Chlamydia-related bacteria remains largely unknown and awaits investigation through experimental or natural infection models including histomorphological characterization of associated lesions. This review aims to summarize the historical background and the most important developments in the field of animal chlamydial research in the past 5 years with a special focus on pathology. It will summarize the current nomenclature, present critical thoughts about diagnostics, and give an update on chlamydial infections in domesticated animals such as livestock, companion animals and birds, as well as free-ranging and captive wild animals such as reptiles, fish, and marsupials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Borel
- 1 Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- 2 Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Andreas Pospischil
- 1 Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Bommana S, Walker E, Desclozeaux M, Timms P, Polkinghorne A. Humoral immune response against two surface antigens of Chlamydia pecorum in vaccinated and naturally infected sheep. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188370. [PMID: 29190736 PMCID: PMC5708773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pecorum is a globally recognised livestock pathogen due to the significant clinical and economic impact it poses to livestock producers. Routine serological diagnosis is through a complement fixation test (CFT), which is often criticised for cross-reactivity, poor sensitivity and specificity. Although serology remains the preferred method in veterinary diagnostic laboratories, serological assays based on surface antigens of C. pecorum have not been established until now. In this study, we evaluated the use of two chlamydial recombinant protein antigens (PmpG and MOMP-G) by a direct IgG ELISA method for detection of ovine anti-chlamydial antibodies. Using the Pepscan method we then identified B cell epitopes across PmpG and MOMP-G proteins, in lambs with (a) naturally occurring asymptomatic C. pecorum infections (b) C. pecorum-associated polyarthritis and (c) recombinant PmpG and MOMP-G vaccine. Plasma IgG antibodies to PmpG in natural infection of lambs were detected earlier in infection than CFT and served as an acute phase marker. Antibodies to MOMP-G IgG were significantly heightened in lambs with C. pecorum-associated polyarthritis. PmpG and MOMP-G specific B-cell epitope mapping revealed epitope responses in immunised lambs cluster with some of the epitope responses in naturally infected lambs. B-cell epitope mapping further revealed that lambs with polyarthritis recognised several unique PmpG (50% frequency, peptide 8, 25, 40, 41 and 50) and MOMP (50% frequency, peptide 50) epitopes in comparison to asymptomatic infections. The findings of this study will have implications towards improved serodiagnosis of C. pecorum infections in livestock and inform the downstream development of alternative peptide-based antigens for future C. pecorum vaccine studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankhya Bommana
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Evelyn Walker
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
- Central West Local Land Services, Dubbo, Australia
| | - Marion Desclozeaux
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
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Taylor-Brown A, Polkinghorne A. New and emerging chlamydial infections of creatures great and small. New Microbes New Infect 2017; 18:28-33. [PMID: 28560043 PMCID: PMC5436083 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Until recently, our knowledge of the host range and diversity of members of the Chlamydiaceae, obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens of humans and animals, was thought to be nearly complete. Aided by advances in molecular diagnostics, a new picture is emerging, however, that the host barriers may be looser than previously thought for many chlamydial species. While cross-host transmission of chlamydial species is a concern for animal health, new reports highlight an emerging zoonotic risk for several species associated with intensification of farming and the widespread popularity of companion animals. The description of an expanded cohort of new species within this family from avian and reptilian hosts has also highlighted how much we still have to learn about the biology and pathogenicity of the Chlamydiaceae as a whole. Reports emerging about these relatives of the traditional chlamydial pathogens are matched by the continued identification of novel Chlamydia-related bacteria in the phylum Chlamydiae, providing evidence that many may be pathogenic to humans or animals and pose a zoonotic or vector-borne risk. The review examines the new hosts described for well-characterized chlamydial veterinary pathogens, emerging novel chlamydial species and the potential for these to cause disease in their respective hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Taylor-Brown
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - A Polkinghorne
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
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