1
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Ashoori N, Ranjbar MM, Schirhagl R. In silico vaccine design: Targeting highly epitopic regions of Clostridium perfringens type D epsilon toxin and Clostridium novyi type B alpha toxin for optimal immunogenicity. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 25:153-164. [PMID: 39257963 PMCID: PMC11384337 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.08.009] [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: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Livestock infections caused by highly toxic bacteria, such as Clostridium perfringens type D and Clostridium novyi type B, present significant challenges in veterinary medicine. Such infections often require complex and elusive treatment regimens. Developing effective vaccines tailored to combat these specific pathogens remains a pressing need within the field. These bacteria are notorious for their extreme toxicity and the difficulty in culturing them for vaccine production. To address this challenge, we engineered a new potential vaccine candidate capable of neutralizing the virulence of both bacterial strains. Leveraging computational techniques, we identified epitopic regions within C. perfringens Epsilon Toxin (ETX) and C. novyi Alpha Toxin (ATX). Through fusion gene design, we integrated these epitopic regions alongside the PADRE-peptide sequence. The PADRE-peptide serves as a universal adjuvant to induce an immune response. The culmination of our efforts materialized in a Recombinant Fusion Protein D (rFPD), a novel vaccine construct designed to elicit robust and specific immune defenses against both bacterial species. By combining in-silico design and molecular engineering, our study represents a promising stride toward combating the impact of these pathogenic bacteria in livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Ashoori
- Groningen University, University Medical Centre Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AW Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Ranjbar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Romana Schirhagl
- Groningen University, University Medical Centre Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AW Groningen, the Netherlands
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2
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Ierardi RA, Burnum AL, Camp LE, Delaney LE, Gull T, Havis BM, Johnson GC, Kim DY, Kuroki K, Mammone RM, Mitchell WJ, Navarro MA, Rivero LA, Shapiro K, Smith AC, Valerio CM, Williams F, Zinn MM, Uzal FA. Bacillary hemoglobinuria in beef cattle infected with Fascioloides magna in Missouri. J Vet Diagn Invest 2024:10406387241280741. [PMID: 39301884 DOI: 10.1177/10406387241280741] [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: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacillary hemoglobinuria (BH) is an infectious disease, mostly affecting cattle, caused by Clostridium haemolyticum (C. novyi type D), with acute hepatic necrosis and intravascular hemolysis. Cattle are typically predisposed to BH by liver injury caused by Fasciola hepatica, although cases have been reported in cattle without evidence of this parasite. Here we describe a cluster of 14 BH cases from 7 counties in north-central to central Missouri submitted to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory between December 2020 and April 2023. Postmortem examination in all cases revealed hemoglobinuria and acute hepatic necrosis with large numbers of gram-positive bacilli with terminal-to-subterminal spores. Flukes, fluke ova, and/or fluke pigment consistent with Fascioloides magna were identified in 12 of 14 cases. Sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) from one fluke had 100% identity to F. magna. C. novyi was detected by fluorescent antibody testing of liver impression smears (11 of 12 cases) and by immunohistochemistry of liver sections (7 of 7 cases). PCR on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues amplified the C. haemolyticum beta toxin gene in each of the 7 cases tested. To our knowledge, a confirmed cluster of BH associated with F. magna has not been reported previously in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie A Ierardi
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Annabelle L Burnum
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Lauren E Camp
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Lauren E Delaney
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Tamara Gull
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Brett M Havis
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Idexx Laboratories, Westbrook, ME, USA
| | - Gayle C Johnson
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Dae Young Kim
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Kei Kuroki
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Renata M Mammone
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | - William J Mitchell
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Mauricio A Navarro
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, San Bernardino, CA
- Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Luis A Rivero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Karen Shapiro
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Amanda C Smith
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Courtney M Valerio
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Fred Williams
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Michael M Zinn
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Idexx Laboratories, Westbrook, ME, USA
| | - Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, San Bernardino, CA
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3
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MADA T, UMEDA A, KODAMA A, TAKAMATSU D. The first isolation of Clostridium massiliodielmoense from a dead beef cow in Japan and pitfalls to be aware of in identifying the Clostridium species. J Vet Med Sci 2024; 86:925-929. [PMID: 39010150 PMCID: PMC11422693 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.24-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridium sp. was detected in the organs of a cow with black watery diarrhea in Japan. Results identifying this species were inconsistent; Clostridium novyi type A infection was suggested by PCR assay targeting Clostridium fliC region (fliC-multiplex PCR), while 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified the isolated bacteria as Clostridium massiliodielmoense. Sequencing of fliC-multiplex PCR products from the isolates revealed the presence of fliC region in C. massiliodielmoense, which had 92.7% nucleotide similarity to that of C. novyi type A JCM 1406T, leading to the false positive detection of C. novyi by the PCR. This is the first C. massiliodielmoense isolation from clinical specimens, suggesting the need for further research on its pathogenicity and improvement in fliC-multiplex PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi MADA
- Division of Infectious Animal Disease Research, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Asami UMEDA
- Oita Prefectural Oita Livestock Hygiene Service Center, Oita, Japan
| | - Akira KODAMA
- Oita Prefectural Oita Livestock Hygiene Service Center, Oita, Japan
| | - Daisuke TAKAMATSU
- Division of Infectious Animal Disease Research, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki, Japan
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
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4
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Prentice MB, Gilbertson MLJ, Storm DJ, Turner WC, Walsh DP, Pinkerton ME, Kamath PL. Metagenomic sequencing sheds light on microbes putatively associated with pneumonia-related fatalities of white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus). Microb Genom 2024; 10:001214. [PMID: 38536208 PMCID: PMC10995629 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001214] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
With emerging infectious disease outbreaks in human, domestic and wild animal populations on the rise, improvements in pathogen characterization and surveillance are paramount for the protection of human and animal health, as well as the conservation of ecologically and economically important wildlife. Genomics offers a range of suitable tools to meet these goals, with metagenomic sequencing facilitating the characterization of whole microbial communities associated with emerging and endemic disease outbreaks. Here, we use metagenomic sequencing in a case-control study to identify microbes in lung tissue associated with newly observed pneumonia-related fatalities in 34 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Wisconsin, USA. We identified 20 bacterial species that occurred in more than a single individual. Of these, only Clostridium novyi was found to substantially differ (in number of detections) between case and control sample groups; however, this difference was not statistically significant. We also detected several bacterial species associated with pneumonia and/or other diseases in ruminants (Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, Trueperella pyogenes, Pasteurella multocida, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Fusobacterium necrophorum); however, these species did not substantially differ between case and control sample groups. On average, we detected a larger number of bacterial species in case samples than controls, supporting the potential role of polymicrobial infections in this system. Importantly, we did not detect DNA of viruses or fungi, suggesting that they are not significantly associated with pneumonia in this system. Together, these results highlight the utility of metagenomic sequencing for identifying disease-associated microbes. This preliminary list of microbes will help inform future research on pneumonia-associated fatalities of white-tailed deer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie L. J. Gilbertson
- Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Wendy C. Turner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Daniel P. Walsh
- U.S. Geological Survey, Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, University of Montana, Montana, USA
| | - Marie E. Pinkerton
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Pauline L. Kamath
- School of Food and Agriculture, University of Maine, Maine, USA
- Maine Center for Genetics in the Environment, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA
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5
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Angwenyi SKS, Hassell J, Miller MA, Mutinda M, Vitali F, Murray S. A
review of
clostridial
diseases
in
rhinoceroses. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shaleen Kemunto Sarange Angwenyi
- Global Health Program Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Washington, DC USA
- Mpala Research Centre Nanyuki Kenya
| | - James Hassell
- Global Health Program Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Washington, DC USA
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Disease Yale School of Public Health New Haven Connecticut USA
| | - Michele Ann Miller
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences Private Bag X1 Stellenbosch South Africa
| | - Mathew Mutinda
- Veterinary Services Department Kenya Wildlife Service Nairobi Kenya
| | - Francesca Vitali
- Global Health Program Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Washington, DC USA
| | - Suzan Murray
- Global Health Program Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Washington, DC USA
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6
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Taylor SD, Kritchevsky JE, Huang P, Olave C, Waxman SJ, Miller MA. A seasonal idiopathic hepatitis syndrome in horses presented to a Midwestern veterinary teaching hospital. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2022; 261:266-272. [PMID: 36476415 DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.08.0368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report history, clinical examination findings, clinicopathologic findings, diagnostic test results, treatment, and outcome in horses with a novel idiopathic hepatitis syndrome. ANIMALS 13 client-owned horses. PROCEDURES Medical records of horses that were presented with fever and increased blood liver enzyme activity over a 16-month period were reviewed (December 1, 2020, to April 1, 2022). Collected data included signalment, history, clinical and clinicopathologic findings, diagnostic test results, treatment, clinical progression, and short-term outcome. RESULTS Affected horses were presented between December and April of each of the 2 seasons investigated. The majority of horses developed cyclic fevers over the course of 3 weeks, during which time histologic evidence of hepatitis was observed. Histologic lesions included hepatic necrosis, neutrophilic to lymphohistiocytic inflammation, biliary epithelial injury, and portal fibrosis. Systemic inflammation was evidenced by increased serum amyloid A concentration and leukon changes. No horse developed signs of hepatic insufficiency, and all horses clinically recovered. Return of serum activity of GGT to within the reference range occurred within 16 weeks in most horses. Histologic lesions remained evident up to 27 weeks after initial presentation in 1 horse. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Although an etiologic agent has not been identified, an apparently seasonal equine hepatitis syndrome was characterized by fever, systemic inflammation, increased liver enzyme activity, and histologic evidence of hepatitis. An infectious cause is suspected on the basis of histology and outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra D Taylor
- 1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Janice E Kritchevsky
- 1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Patrick Huang
- 2Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Carla Olave
- 1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Sarah J Waxman
- 1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Margaret A Miller
- 2Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
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7
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Morrell EL, Odriozola E, Dorsch MA, Fiorentino MA, Rivera ME, Poppenga R, Navarro MA, Uzal FA, Cantón G. A review of cardiac blackleg in cattle, and report of 2 cases without skeletal muscle involvement in Argentina. J Vet Diagn Invest 2022; 34:929-936. [PMID: 36039784 PMCID: PMC9597342 DOI: 10.1177/10406387221120816] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Blackleg is an infectious disease caused by Clostridium chauvoei. Cardiac blackleg has been reported in ruminants as an uncommon presentation of the disease; its pathogenesis is not understood completely. We include here a literature review of cardiac blackleg and a description of 2 cases in 12-15-mo-old feedlot steers in Argentina. Fourteen of 1,190 steers died suddenly over a period of 10 d. Postmortem examinations were performed on 5 of these animals. Grossly, severe, diffuse, fibrinous pericarditis and pleuritis, multifocal necrohemorrhagic myocarditis, diffuse pulmonary congestion, mild splenomegaly, and moderate congestion of meningeal vessels were observed. No significant gross lesions were observed in the skeletal muscles of any animal. Histology was performed on 2 of the steers. The main microscopic features were necrotizing myocarditis with myriad intralesional gram-positive rods with subterminal spores plus fibrinosuppurative pericarditis and pleuritis. C. chauvoei was detected by immunohistochemistry and PCR in the myocardium of both animals. These findings confirm a diagnosis of cardiac blackleg in these 2 steers and presumptively in the other affected animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matías A. Dorsch
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences,
National University of Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
- Animal Health Research Platform,
National Institute of Agricultural Research, La Estanzuela,
Colonia, Uruguay
| | - María A. Fiorentino
- National Institute of Agricultural
Technology, Balcarce, Argentina
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences,
National University of Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - María E. Rivera
- National Institute of Agricultural
Technology, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Robert Poppenga
- Davis Laboratories, School of
Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, CA,
USA
| | - Mauricio A. Navarro
- California Animal Health and Food
Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino, CA, USA
- Instituto de Patología Animal,
Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile,
Valdivia, Chile
| | - Francisco A. Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food
Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino, CA, USA
| | - Germán Cantón
- National Institute of Agricultural
Technology, Balcarce, Argentina
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8
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Trusiano B, Todd SM, Barrett S, Ciepluch M, Fox A, McClendon D, Lahmers KK, Oakes VJ, Carvallo F, Corrigan V, LeCuyer TE. Necrotizing hepatitis caused by Clostridium novyi type B in a dog with no predisposing liver lesions: a case report. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:366. [PMID: 36199095 PMCID: PMC9533544 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03436-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious necrotic hepatitis (INH) is typically a disease of ruminants caused by Clostridium novyi type B. Growth of the causative agent is supported by development of an anaerobic environment within the liver. In dogs, C. novyi is rare and has only been previously reported as a post-mortem diagnosis. In one case, infection was secondary to metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma and the other was presumptively diagnosed on histopathology of a hepatic lesion in a dog initially presented for acute collapse. CASE PRESENTATION An 8-year-old spayed, female mixed breed dog was presented for acute onset of hyporexia and vomiting. Serum biochemistry revealed elevated hepatocellular injury and cholestatic liver enzymes. Ultrasound revealed peritoneal fluid accumulation and multiple hepatic masses. Cytologic examination of liver aspirates and peritoneal fluid revealed frequent 4 × 1 μm bacilli with a terminal endospore. Anaerobic bacterial growth isolated from the fluid sample could not be identified using typical laboratory identification techniques. Long-read, whole genome sequencing was performed, and the organism was identified as Clostridium novyi type B. Antimicrobial and hepatic support treatment were initiated. The patient re-presented 27 days later, and the follow up liver aspirate with cytology revealed no appreciable bacteria and anaerobic culture was negative. The patient was presented four months later and a large hepatic mass and peritoneal fluid were again identified on abdominal ultrasound. Cytologic examination of the peritoneal fluid revealed bacilli similar to those identified on initial presentation. The patient was euthanized. The most significant finding on necropsy was necrotizing hepatitis with intralesional endospore-forming bacilli compatible with recurrence of Clostridium novyi type B. There was no identifiable cause of an anaerobic insult to the liver. CONCLUSIONS This case demonstrates the diagnostic utility of using cytology as part of the initial diagnostic work up for infectious hepatitis. The cytologic findings coupled with whole genome sequencing and anaerobic culture were crucial for the identification and classification of the organism identified on fine needle aspirate. Clostridium novyi type B should be considered when bacilli organisms containing a terminal endospore are identified on liver aspirates collected from canine patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brie Trusiano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, VA Tech, 205 Duck Pond Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
- Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services, VA-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
| | - S Michelle Todd
- Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services, VA-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Sarah Barrett
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, VA Tech, 205 Duck Pond Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
- Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services, VA-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
- Present Address: Zoetis, Inc., US NJ Remote, Parsippany-Troy Hills, USA
| | - Michael Ciepluch
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Alexandra Fox
- Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services, VA-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Diamond McClendon
- Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services, VA-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Kevin K Lahmers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, VA Tech, 205 Duck Pond Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
- Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services, VA-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Vanessa J Oakes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, VA Tech, 205 Duck Pond Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
- Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services, VA-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Francisco Carvallo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, VA Tech, 205 Duck Pond Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
- Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services, VA-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Virginia Corrigan
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
- Present Address: Department of Rural Resilience and Innovation, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, 28608, USA
| | - Tessa E LeCuyer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, VA Tech, 205 Duck Pond Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
- Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services, VA-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
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9
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Alves MLF, Ferreira MRA, Rodrigues RR, Conceição FR. Clostridium haemolyticum, a review of beta toxin and insights into the antigen design for vaccine development. Mol Immunol 2022; 148:45-53. [PMID: 35665660 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Phospholipases C (PLCs) represent an important group of lethal toxins produced by pathogenic bacteria of the Clostridium genus, including the beta toxin of C. haemolyticum. Bacillary hemoglobinuria in cattle and sheep is the main disease caused by this pathogen and its incidence can be reduced by annual vaccination of herds. Currently, widely used vaccines depend on cultivating the pathogen and obtaining high concentrations of the toxin, disadvantages that can be overcome with the use of recombinant vaccines. In the development of this new generation of immunizing agents, identifying and understanding the structural and immunological aspects of the antigen are crucial steps, but despite this, the beta toxin is poorly characterized. Fortunately, the time and resources required for these investigations can be reduced using immunoinformatics. To advance the development of recombinant vaccines, in addition to a brief review of the structural and immunological aspects of beta toxin, this work provides in silico mapping of immunodominant regions to guide future vaccinology studies against C. haemolyticum. A review of alternatives to overcome the limitations of beta toxin vaccines (conventional or recombinant) is also proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariliana Luiza Ferreira Alves
- Instituto Federal Sul-rio-grandense - IFSUL, Praça Vinte de Setembro, 455, Centro, Pelotas CEP 96.015-360, RS, Brazil; Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CP 354, Pelotas CEP 96.160-000, RS, Brazil.
| | - Marcos Roberto Alves Ferreira
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CP 354, Pelotas CEP 96.160-000, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael Rodrigues Rodrigues
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CP 354, Pelotas CEP 96.160-000, RS, Brazil
| | - Fabricio Rochedo Conceição
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CP 354, Pelotas CEP 96.160-000, RS, Brazil
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10
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Clostridial Diseases of Horses: A Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020318. [PMID: 35214776 PMCID: PMC8876495 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The clostridial diseases of horses can be divided into three major groups: enteric/enterotoxic, histotoxic, and neurotoxic. The main enteric/enterotoxic diseases include those produced by Clostridium perfringens type C and Clostridioides difficile, both of which are characterized by enterocolitis. The main histotoxic diseases are gas gangrene, Tyzzer disease, and infectious necrotic hepatitis. Gas gangrene is produced by one or more of the following microorganisms: C. perfringens type A, Clostridium septicum, Paeniclostridium sordellii, and Clostridium novyi type A, and it is characterized by necrotizing cellulitis and/or myositis. Tyzzer disease is produced by Clostridium piliforme and is mainly characterized by multifocal necrotizing hepatitis. Infectious necrotic hepatitis is produced by Clostridium novyi type B and is characterized by focal necrotizing hepatitis. The main neurotoxic clostridial diseases are tetanus and botulism, which are produced by Clostridium tetani and Clostridium botulinum, respectively. Tetanus is characterized by spastic paralysis and botulism by flaccid paralysis. Neither disease present with specific gross or microscopic lesions. The pathogenesis of clostridial diseases involves the production of toxins. Confirming a diagnosis of some of the clostridial diseases of horses is sometimes difficult, mainly because some agents can be present in tissues of normal animals. This paper reviews the main clostridial diseases of horses.
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11
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Abedi Jafari F, Abdoli A, Pilehchian R, Soleimani N, Hosseini SM. The oncolytic activity of Clostridium novyi nontoxic spores in breast cancer. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2021; 12:405-414. [PMID: 36381634 PMCID: PMC9596882 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2021.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Hypoxia context is highly specific for tumors and represents a unique niche which is not found elsewhere in the body. Clostridium novyi is an obligate anaerobic bacterium. It has a potential to treat tumors. The aim of this study was to produce the C. novyi nontoxic spores and to investigate its oncolytic effect on breast cancer in mice model. Methods: Primarily, the lethal toxin gene in C. novyi type B was removed. Colonies were isolated using PCR testing. To assure the removal of alpha-toxin, plasmid extraction and in vivo assay were conducted. Next, to treat breast cancer model in different sizes of tumors, a single dose of spores of C. novyi nontoxic was tested. Results: The results denoted that C. novyi nontoxic lost lethal toxin and a--ppeared to be safe. For smaller than 1000 mm3 tumors, a single dose of C. novyi nontoxic was able to cure 100% of mice bearing breast tumors. Hence the mice remained free of tumor relapse. Tumors larger than 1000 mm3 were not cured by a single dose- of C. novyi nontoxic treatment. Conclusion: The experiment concluded that the C. novyi nontoxic might be a suitable and safe candidate, a novel therapeutic approach to encounter such hypoxic regions in the center of tumors. Research also showed that bacteriolytic therapy by C. novyi nontoxic could lead to regression in small tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Abedi Jafari
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Asghar Abdoli
- Department of Hepatitis and HIV, Pasteur Institute of Iran (IPI), Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Pilehchian
- Specialized Clostridia Research Laboratory, Department of Anaerobic Vaccine Research and Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Alborz, Iran
| | - Neda Soleimani
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Masoud Hosseini
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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Abstract
Large clostridial toxins (LCTs) are a family of bacterial exotoxins that infiltrate and destroy target cells. Members of the LCT family include Clostridioides difficile toxins TcdA and TcdB, Paeniclostridium sordellii toxins TcsL and TcsH, Clostridium novyi toxin TcnA, and Clostridium perfringens toxin TpeL. Since the 19th century, LCT-secreting bacteria have been isolated from the blood, organs, and wounds of diseased individuals, and LCTs have been implicated as the primary virulence factors in a variety of infections, including C. difficile infection and some cases of wound-associated gas gangrene. Clostridia express and secrete LCTs in response to various physiological signals. LCTs invade host cells by binding specific cell surface receptors, ultimately leading to internalization into acidified vesicles. Acidic pH promotes conformational changes within LCTs, which culminates in translocation of the N-terminal glycosyltransferase and cysteine protease domain across the endosomal membrane and into the cytosol, leading first to cytopathic effects and later to cytotoxic effects. The focus of this review is on the role of LCTs in infection and disease, the mechanism of LCT intoxication, with emphasis on recent structural work and toxin subtyping analysis, and the genomic discovery and characterization of LCT homologues. We provide a comprehensive review of these topics and offer our perspective on emerging questions and future research directions for this enigmatic family of toxins.
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Jeong CG, Seo BJ, Nazki S, Jung BK, Khatun A, Yang MS, Kim SC, Noh SH, Shin JH, Kim B, Kim WI. Characterization of Clostridium novyi isolated from a sow in a sudden death case in Korea. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:127. [PMID: 32375805 PMCID: PMC7203850 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02349-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Multifocal spherical nonstaining cavities and gram-positive, rod-shaped, and endospore-forming bacteria were found in the liver of a sow that died suddenly. Clostridium novyi type B was identified and isolated from the sudden death case, and the isolate was characterized by molecular analyses and bioassays in the current study. Results C. novyi was isolated from the liver of a sow that died suddenly and was confirmed as C. novyi type B by differential PCR. The C. novyi isolate fermented glucose and maltose and demonstrated lecithinase activity, and the cell-free culture supernatant of the C. novyi isolate exhibited cytotoxicity toward Vero cells, demonstrating that the isolate produces toxins. In addition, whole-genome sequencing of the C. novyi isolate was performed, and the complete sequences of the chromosome (2.29 Mbp) and two plasmids (134 and 68 kbp) were identified for the first time. Based on genome annotation, 7 genes were identified as glycosyltransferases, which are known as alpha toxins; 23 genes were found to be related to sporulation; 12 genes were found to be related to germination; and 20 genes were found to be related to chemotaxis. Conclusion C. novyi type B was isolated from a sow in a sudden death case and confirmed by biochemical and molecular characterization. Various virulence-associated genes were identified for the first time based on whole-genome sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Gi Jeong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, 79 Gobong-ro, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung-Joo Seo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, 79 Gobong-ro, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Salik Nazki
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, 79 Gobong-ro, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Kwon Jung
- School of Applied Biosciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Amina Khatun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, 79 Gobong-ro, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54596, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Myeon-Sik Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, 79 Gobong-ro, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Chai Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, 79 Gobong-ro, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hyun Noh
- MSD Animal Health Korea Ltd., Seoul, 04637, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Shin
- School of Applied Biosciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Bumseok Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, 79 Gobong-ro, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Il Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, 79 Gobong-ro, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54596, Republic of Korea.
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Abstract
Clostridia can cause hepatic damage in domestic livestock, and wild and laboratory animals. Clostridium novyi type B causes infectious necrotic hepatitis (INH) in sheep and less frequently in other species. Spores of C. novyi type B can be present in soil; after ingestion, they reach the liver via portal circulation where they persist in phagocytic cells. Following liver damage, frequently caused by migrating parasites, local anaerobic conditions allow germination of the clostridial spores and production of toxins. C. novyi type B alpha toxin causes necrotizing hepatitis and extensive edema, congestion, and hemorrhage in multiple organs. Clostridium haemolyticum causes bacillary hemoglobinuria (BH) in cattle, sheep, and rarely, horses. Beta toxin is the main virulence factor of C. haemolyticum, causing hepatic necrosis and hemolysis. Clostridium piliforme, the causal agent of Tyzzer disease (TD), is the only gram-negative and obligate intracellular pathogenic clostridia. TD occurs in multiple species, but it is more frequent in foals, lagomorphs, and laboratory animals. The mode of transmission is fecal-oral, with ingestion of spores from a fecal-contaminated environment. In affected animals, C. piliforme proliferates in the intestinal mucosa, resulting in necrosis, and then disseminates to the liver and other organs. Virulence factors for this microorganism have not been identified, to date. Given the peracute or acute nature of clostridial hepatitis in animals, treatment is rarely effective. However, INH and BH can be prevented, and should be controlled by vaccination and control of liver flukes. To date, no vaccine is available to prevent TD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio A Navarro
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino, CA (Navarro, Uzal)
| | - Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino, CA (Navarro, Uzal)
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Zaragoza NE, Orellana CA, Moonen GA, Moutafis G, Marcellin E. Vaccine Production to Protect Animals Against Pathogenic Clostridia. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E525. [PMID: 31514424 PMCID: PMC6783934 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11090525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium is a broad genus of anaerobic, spore-forming, rod-shaped, Gram-positive bacteria that can be found in different environments all around the world. The genus includes human and animal pathogens that produce potent exotoxins that cause rapid and potentially fatal diseases responsible for countless human casualties and billion-dollar annual loss to the agricultural sector. Diseases include botulism, tetanus, enterotoxemia, gas gangrene, necrotic enteritis, pseudomembranous colitis, blackleg, and black disease, which are caused by pathogenic Clostridium. Due to their ability to sporulate, they cannot be eradicated from the environment. As such, immunization with toxoid or bacterin-toxoid vaccines is the only protective method against infection. Toxins recovered from Clostridium cultures are inactivated to form toxoids, which are then formulated into multivalent vaccines. This review discusses the toxins, diseases, and toxoid production processes of the most common pathogenic Clostridium species, including Clostridiumbotulinum, Clostridiumtetani, Clostridiumperfringens, Clostridiumchauvoei, Clostridiumsepticum, Clostridiumnovyi and Clostridiumhemolyticum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas E. Zaragoza
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (N.E.Z.); (C.A.O.)
| | - Camila A. Orellana
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (N.E.Z.); (C.A.O.)
| | - Glenn A. Moonen
- Zoetis, 45 Poplar Road, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia; (G.A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - George Moutafis
- Zoetis, 45 Poplar Road, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia; (G.A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Esteban Marcellin
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (N.E.Z.); (C.A.O.)
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Echenique JV, Soares MP, Uzal FA, Ladeira SR, Albano APN, Bandarra PM, Schild AL. Blackleg in a free-range brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira). PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-5914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT: A case of blackleg in a brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) associated with trauma from being hit by a car in southern Rio Grande do Sul is reported. The clinical signs included fever, dehydration and lethargy that worsened progressively until 36 hours after the accident, when the animal died. In the fore right limb, there was a comminuted closed fracture of the radius and ulna but no skin wounds were observed. Grossly, the musculature of the pelvic limbs presented hemorrhage, edema and emphysema. Microscopically, the muscles of both rear legs had necrosis, edema, hemorrhage and mild inflammatory infiltration of neutrophils. Clostridium chauvoei was cultured from affected skeletal muscles, and it was also detected by immunohistochemistry, confirming a diagnosis of blackleg. The overlapping habitat of cattle and brown brocket deer is proposed as a predisposing factor in this case and alerts to spillover cases maybe happening in this region. In addition, blackleg should be included as differential diagnoses of deer with post-traumatic myositis.
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