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Seth-Smith H, Bommana S, Dean D, Read TD, Marti H. Chlamydia suis undergoes interclade recombination promoting Tet-island exchange. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:724. [PMID: 39060998 PMCID: PMC11282597 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10606-6] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The obligate intracellular bacterial family Chlamydiaceae comprises a number of different species that cause disease in various vertebrate hosts including humans. Chlamydia suis, primarily found in the gastrointestinal tract of pigs, is the only species of the Chlamydiaceae family to have naturally gained tetracycline resistance (TetR), through a genomic island (Tet-island), integrated into the middle of chromosomal invasin-like gene inv. Previous studies have hypothesised that the uptake of the Tet-island from a host outside the Chlamydiaceae family was a unique event, followed by spread among C. suis through homologous recombination. In vitro recombination studies have shown that Tet-island exchange between C. suis strains is possible. Our aim in this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the interclade recombination of the Tet-island, among currently circulating C. suis field strains compared to in vitro-generated recombinants, using published whole genome sequences of C. suis field strains (n = 35) and in vitro-generated recombinants (n = 63). RESULTS We found that the phylogeny of inv better reflected the phylogeny of the Tet-island than that of the whole genome, supporting recombination rather than site-specific insertion as the means of transfer. There were considerable differences between the distribution of recombinations within in vitro-generated strains compared to that within the field strains. These differences are likely because in vitro-generated recombinants were selected for a tetracycline and rifamycin/rifampicin resistant background, leading to the largest peak of recombination across the Tet-island. Finally, we found that interclade recombinations across the Tet-island were more variable in length downstream of the Tet-island than upstream. CONCLUSIONS Our study supports the hypothesis that the occurrence of TetR strains in both clades of C. suis came about through interclade recombination after a single ancestral horizontal gene transfer event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Seth-Smith
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sankhya Bommana
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Deborah Dean
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Joint Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, University of California San Francisco, Berkeley and San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Timothy D Read
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hanna Marti
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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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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Proctor J, Stadler M, Cortes LM, Brodsky D, Poisson L, Gerdts V, Smirnov AI, Smirnova TI, Barua S, Leahy D, Beagley KW, Harris JM, Darville T, Käser T. A TriAdj-Adjuvanted Chlamydia trachomatis CPAF Protein Vaccine Is Highly Immunogenic in Pigs. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:423. [PMID: 38675805 PMCID: PMC11054031 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12040423] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infections are the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Despite effective antibiotics for Ct, undetected infections or delayed treatment can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancies, and chronic pelvic pain. Besides humans, chlamydia poses similar health challenges in animals such as C. suis (Cs) in pigs. Based on the similarities between humans and pigs, as well as their chlamydia species, we use pigs as a large biomedical animal model for chlamydia research. In this study, we used the pig model to develop a vaccine candidate against Ct. The vaccine candidate consists of TriAdj-adjuvanted chlamydial-protease-like activity factor (CPAF) protein. We tested two weekly administration options-twice intranasal (IN) followed by twice intramuscular (IM) and twice IM followed by twice IN. We assessed the humoral immune response in both serum using CPAF-specific IgG (including antibody avidity determination) and also in cervical and rectal swabs using CPAF-specific IgG and IgA ELISAs. The systemic T-cell response was analyzed following in vitro CPAF restimulation via IFN-γ and IL-17 ELISpots, as well as intracellular cytokine staining flow cytometry. Our data demonstrate that while the IN/IM vaccination mainly led to non-significant systemic immune responses, the vaccine candidate is highly immunogenic if administered IM/IN. This vaccination strategy induced high serum anti-CPAF IgG levels with strong avidity, as well as high IgA and IgG levels in vaginal and rectal swabs and in uterine horn flushes. In addition, this vaccination strategy prompted a pronounced cellular immune response. Besides inducing IL-17 production, the vaccine candidate induced a strong IFN-γ response with CD4 T cells. In IM/IN-vaccinated pigs, these cells also significantly downregulated their CCR7 expression, a sign of differentiation into peripheral-tissue-homing effector/memory cells. Conclusively, this study demonstrates the strong immunogenicity of the IM/IN-administered TriAdj-adjuvanted Ct CPAF vaccine candidate. Future studies will test the vaccine efficacy of this promising Ct vaccine candidate. In addition, this project demonstrates the suitability of the Cs pre-exposed outbred pig model for Ct vaccine development. Thereby, we aim to open the bottleneck of large animal models to facilitate the progression of Ct vaccine candidates into clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Proctor
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Maria Stadler
- Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Center of Pathobiology, Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lizette M. Cortes
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - David Brodsky
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Lydia Poisson
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Volker Gerdts
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A3, Canada
| | - Alex I. Smirnov
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Tatyana I. Smirnova
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Subarna Barua
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA;
| | - Darren Leahy
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia
| | - Kenneth W. Beagley
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia
| | - Jonathan M. Harris
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia
| | - Toni Darville
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Tobias Käser
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Center of Pathobiology, Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Yang J, Chen S, Quan M, Li L, Shang L, Fan Z, Hu S. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Chlamydia Infection in Pigs in Hunan Province, Southern China, 2017-2018. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024; 24:214-218. [PMID: 38422215 PMCID: PMC11035838 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0064] [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] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Chlamydia is a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium that is pathogenic for humans and a large variety of veterinary animal species. However, there is no continuous monitoring of chlamydia infection data in pigs in Hunan province, southern China. Therefore, in order to evaluate the seroprevalence and identify risk factors associated with Chlamydia infection in pigs within this region, a comprehensive study was conducted. Methods: A total of 3848 serum samples were collected from pigs (from farmers and companies) between May 2017 and August 2018. The presence of specific antibodies against Chlamydia was determined through the employment of the indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA). Results: The overall seroprevalence of Chlamydia was determined to be 26.90% (1038/3848, 95% confidence interval: 25.60-28.40). By employing statistical analysis using SPSS software (p < 0.05), factors such as altitude, sampling regions, and rearing systems of pigs were identified as potential risk factors for Chlamydia infection. Conclusion: These findings elucidate a substantial prevalence of Chlamydia in pigs within the mountainous region of Hunan province, southern China, thereby highlighting a potential risk to human health. These results underscore the need for proactive measures and targeted interventions to mitigate the transmission of Chlamydia in porcine populations, safeguarding both animal welfare and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junkun Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, PR China
- Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, PR China
| | - Shilin Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, PR China
- Wanning Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center of Hainan Province, Wanning, PR China
| | - Minxiu Quan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Leqin Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Ling Shang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Zhongxin Fan
- Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center of Hunan Province, Changsha, PR China
| | - Shifeng Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, PR China
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Unterweger C, Koch M, Winkler S, Hammer S, Oppeneder A, Ladinig A. Chlamydia suis survival in dust: First insights. Res Vet Sci 2024; 166:105109. [PMID: 38103533 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105109] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia (C.) suis, a zoonotic intracellular bacterium, is described as a causative agent for conjunctivitis, particularly in nursery and fattening pigs. Chlamydiaceae are claimed to survive drying and to persist in dust. The objective of this study was to evaluate the viability of Chlamydia in dust sampled in a fattening pig farm with a high appearance of chlamydial-induced conjunctivitis. Dust was collected and stored at room temperature. To evaluate bacterial load and survival over time, quantitative PCR (Chlamydiaceae, C. suis) and isolation in cell culture were performed every week for up to 16 weeks. While qPCR results remained highly positive with consistent bacterial loads between 103 and 104 copy numbers/100 μL eluate over a period of 16 weeks and even after 40 weeks, it was not possible to isolate Chlamydia except for the initial sample. These results show only short-term viability of C. suis in dust. This is an important information regarding reduction of chlamydial loads in pig farms and risk for pigs and people to get infected via dust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Unterweger
- University Clinic for Swine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Michaela Koch
- University Clinic for Swine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Simona Winkler
- University Clinic for Swine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Sabine Hammer
- Institute of Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Alexander Oppeneder
- Traunkreis Vet Clinic GmbH, Grossendorf 3, 4551 Ried im Traunkreis, Austria.
| | - Andrea Ladinig
- University Clinic for Swine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
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Marti H, Biggel M, Shima K, Onorini D, Rupp J, Charette SJ, Borel N. Chlamydia suis displays high transformation capacity with complete cloning vector integration into the chromosomal rrn-nqrF plasticity zone. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0237823. [PMID: 37882558 PMCID: PMC10715202 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02378-23] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The obligate intracellular Chlamydia genus contains many pathogens with a negative impact on global health and economy. Despite recent progress, there is still a lack of genetic tools limiting our understanding of these complex bacteria. This study provides new insights into genetic manipulation of Chlamydia with the opportunistic porcine pathogen Chlamydia suis, the only chlamydial species naturally harboring an antibiotic resistance gene, originally obtained by horizontal gene transfer. C. suis is transmissible to humans, posing a potential public health concern. We report that C. suis can take up vectors that lack the native plasmid, a requirement for most chlamydial transformation systems described to date. Additionally, we show that C. trachomatis, the most common cause for bacterial sexually transmitted infections and infectious blindness worldwide, can be transformed with C. suis vectors. Finally, the chromosomal region that harbors the resistance gene of C. suis is highly susceptible to complete vector integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Marti
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Biggel
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kensuke Shima
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Delia Onorini
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Rupp
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Steve J. Charette
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bioinformatics, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Loehrer S, Hagenbuch F, Marti H, Pesch T, Hässig M, Borel N. Longitudinal study of Chlamydia pecorum in a healthy Swiss cattle population. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292509. [PMID: 38079424 PMCID: PMC10712897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pecorum is a globally endemic livestock pathogen but prevalence data from Switzerland has so far been limited. The present longitudinal study aimed to get an insight into the C. pecorum prevalence in Swiss cattle and investigated infection dynamics. The study population consisted of a bovine herd (n = 308) located on a farm in the north-eastern part of Switzerland. The herd comprised dairy cows, beef cattle and calves all sampled up to five times over a one-year period. At each sampling timepoint, rectal and conjunctival swabs were collected resulting in 782 samples per sampled area (total n = 1564). Chlamydiaceae screening was performed initially, followed by C. pecorum-specific real-time qPCR on all samples. For C. pecorum-positive samples, bacterial loads were determined. In this study, C. pecorum was the only chlamydial species found. Animal prevalences were determined to be 5.2-11.4%, 38.1-61.5% and 55-100% in dairy cows, beef cattle and calves, respectively. In all categories, the number of C. pecorum-positive samples was higher in conjunctival (n = 151) compared to rectal samples (n = 65), however, the average rectal load was higher. At a younger age, the chlamydial prevalence and the mean bacterial loads were significantly higher. Of all sampled bovines, only 9.4% (29/308) were high shedders (number of copies per μl >1,000). Calves, which tested positive multiple times, either failed to eliminate the pathogen between sampling timepoints or were reinfected, whereas dairy cows were mostly only positive at one timepoint. In conclusion, C. pecorum was found in healthy Swiss cattle. Our observations suggested that infection takes place at an early age and immunity might develop over time. Although the gastrointestinal tract is supposed to be the main infection site, C. pecorum was not present in rectal samples from dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Loehrer
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Hagenbuch
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hanna Marti
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Pesch
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Hässig
- Department for Farm Animals, Section for Herd Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Zhang H, Zhang Z, Li Y, Li W, Jin Y, Li Z, Zhou J, Tong D. Seroprevalence of Chlamydia abortus and Brucella spp. and risk factors for Chlamydia abortus in pigs from China. Acta Trop 2023; 248:107050. [PMID: 37875168 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107050] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydiosis and brucellosis induced abortions have resulted in significant economic losses in the global livestock industry. Although there have been numerous reports on these two diseases in ruminants in China, limited information is available regarding the prevalence of Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus) and Brucella spp. infection in pigs. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of C. abortus and Brucella spp. infections in pig serum using serology and to identify potential risk factors. In total, 2816 serum samples were collected from 12 provinces in China. The presence of C. abortus antibodies was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while the presence of Brucella spp. antibodies was examined using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and the Standard Agglutination Test (SAT). The seroprevalences of C. abortus and Brucella spp. were 8.38 % (236/2816) and 0.11 % (3/2816), respectively. Geographical location, season, and age were found to be risk factors associated with C. abortus infection in pig herds in China (p<0.01), and the seropositive rate for C. abortus in sow herds was strongly associated with the occurrence of abortion (p<0.01). Overall, in China, pigs exhibit a higher seroprevalence of C. abortus, whereas the prevalence of Brucella is limited. This study represents the first comprehensive survey of C. abortus and Brucella spp. in pig herds in China that established potential risk factors and provided data for the prevention and control of intraspecies and interspecies transmission of C. abortus to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaiyu Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Zhixiang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Yunhui Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Youshun Jin
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Zhaocai Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Jizhang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
| | - Dewen Tong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China.
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Feodorova VA, Zaitsev SS, Lyapina AM, Kichemazova NV, Saltykov YV, Khizhnyakova MA, Evstifeev VV, Larionova OS. Whole genome sequencing characteristics of Chlamydia psittaci caprine AMK-16 strain, a promising killed whole cell veterinary vaccine candidate against chlamydia infection. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293612. [PMID: 37903115 PMCID: PMC10615304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is a primary zoonotic pathogen with a broad host range causing severe respiratory and reproductive system infection in animals and humans. To reduce the global burden of C. psittaci-associated diseases on animal welfare and health and to control the pathogen spread in husbandry, effective vaccines based on promising vaccine candidate(s) are required. Recently, the caprine C. psittaci AMK-16 strain (AMK-16) demonstrated a high level of protection (up to 80-100%) in outbred mice and pregnant rabbits immunized with these formaldehyde-inactivated bacteria against experimental chlamydial wild-type infection. This study investigated the molecular characteristics of AMK-16 by whole-genome sequencing followed by molecular typing, phylogenetic analysis and detection of main immunodominant protein(s) eliciting the immune response in mouse model. Similarly to other C. psittaci, AMK-16 harbored an extrachromosomal plasmid. The whole-genome phylogenetic analysis proved that AMK-16 strain belonging to ST28 clustered with only C. psittaci but not with Chlamydia abortus strains. However, AMK-16 possessed the insert which resulted from the recombination event as the additional single chromosome region of a 23,100 bp size with higher homology to C. abortus (98.38-99.94%) rather than to C. psittaci (92.06-92.55%). At least six of 16 CDSs were absent in AMK-16 plasticity zone and 41 CDSs in other loci compared with the reference C. psittaci 6BC strain. Two SNPs identified in the AMK-16 ompA sequence resulted in MOMP polymorphism followed by the formation of a novel genotype/subtype including three other C. psittaci strains else. AMK-16 MOMP provided marked specific cellular and humoral immune response in 100% of mice immunized with the inactivated AMK-16 bacteria. Both DnaK and GrpE encoded by the recombination region genes were less immunoreactive, inducing only a negligible T-cell murine immune response, while homologous antibodies could be detected in 50% and 30% of immunized mice, respectively. Thus, AMK-16 could be a promising vaccine candidate for the development of a killed whole cell vaccine against chlamydiosis in livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina A. Feodorova
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Department for Microbiology and Biotechnology, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Sergey S. Zaitsev
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Anna M. Lyapina
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Natalya V. Kichemazova
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Yury V. Saltykov
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Mariya A. Khizhnyakova
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Vitaliy V. Evstifeev
- Laboratory of Viral and Chlamydial Infections, Federal Center for Toxicological, Radiation and Biological Safety, Kazan, Russia
- Department of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology, Kazan State Academy of Veterinary Medicine by N.E. Bauman, Kazan City, Russia
| | - Olga S. Larionova
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Department for Microbiology and Biotechnology, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
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10
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Vanat V, Aeby S, Greub G. Ticks and Chlamydia-Related Bacteria in Swiss Zoological Gardens Compared to in Contiguous and Distant Control Areas. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2468. [PMID: 37894126 PMCID: PMC10609390 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102468] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are vectors of numerous agents of medical importance and may be infected by various Chlamydia-related bacteria, such as members of Parachlamydiaceae and Rhabdochlamydiaceae families, which are sharing the same biphasic life cycle with the pathogenic Chlamydia. However, the veterinary importance of ticks and of their internalized pathogens remains poorly studied. Thus, we wondered (i) whether the prevalence of ticks was higher in zoological gardens than in control areas with similar altitude, vegetation, humidity and temperature, and (ii) whether the presence of Chlamydia-related bacteria in ticks may vary according to the environment in which the ticks are collected. A total of 212 Ixodes ricinus ticks were collected, and all were tested for the presence of DNA from any member of the Chlamydiae phylum using a pan-Chlamydiae quantitative PCR (qPCR). We observed a higher prevalence of ticks outside animal enclosures in both zoos, compared to in enclosures. Tick prevalence was also higher outside zoos, compared to in enclosures. With 30% (3/10) of infected ticks, the zoological gardens presented a prevalence of infected ticks that was higher than that in contiguous areas (13.15%, 10/76), and higher than the control distant areas (8.65%, 9/104). In conclusion, zoological gardens in Switzerland appear to contain fewer ticks than areas outside zoological gardens. However, ticks from zoos more often contain Chlamydia-like organisms than ticks from contiguous or distant control areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Vanat
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne and University Hospital Center (CHUV), 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland; (V.V.); (S.A.)
| | - Sébastien Aeby
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne and University Hospital Center (CHUV), 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland; (V.V.); (S.A.)
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne and University Hospital Center (CHUV), 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland; (V.V.); (S.A.)
- Service of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Center (CHUV), 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
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11
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Liu J, Ma X, Zhuo Y, Xu S, Hua L, Li J, Feng B, Fang Z, Jiang X, Che L, Zhu Z, Lin Y, Wu D. The Effects of Bacillus subtilis QST713 and β-mannanase on growth performance, intestinal barrier function, and the gut microbiota in weaned piglets. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad257. [PMID: 37583344 PMCID: PMC10449409 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad257] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effects of different Bacillus subtilis QST713 doses and a B. subtilis QST713 and β-mannanase mix on growth performance, intestinal barrier function, and gut microbiota in weaned piglets. In total, 320 healthy piglets were randomly assigned to four groups: 1) control group (basal diet), 2) BS100 group (basal diet plus 100 mg/kg B. subtilis QST713), 3) BS200 group (basal diet plus 200 mg/kg B. subtilis QST713), and 4) a BS100XT group (basal diet plus 100 mg/kg B. subtilis QST713 and 150 mg/kg β-mannanase). The study duration was 42 d. We showed that feed intake in weaned piglets on days 1 to 21 was increased in group BS100 (P < 0.05), and that the feed conversion ratio in group BS100XT animals decreased throughout the study (P < 0.05). In terms of microbial counts, the BS100XT group showed reduced Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens numbers on day 21 (P < 0.05). Moreover, no significant α-diversity differences were observed across all groups during the study (P > 0.05). However, principal coordinates analysis indicated clear separations in bacterial community structures across groups (analysis of similarities: P < 0.05) on days 21 and 42. Additionally, E-cadherin, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) expression in piglet feces increased (P < 0.05) by adding B. subtilis QST713 and β-mannanase to diets. Notably, this addition decreased short-chain fatty acid concentrations. In conclusion, B. subtilis QST713 addition or combined B. subtilis QST713 plus β-mannanase effectively improved growth performance, intestinal barrier function, and microbial balance in weaned piglets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchen Liu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Xiangyuan Ma
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Yong Zhuo
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Shengyu Xu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Lun Hua
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Jian Li
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Bin Feng
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Zhengfeng Fang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Xuemei Jiang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Lianqiang Che
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Zeyuan Zhu
- Elanco Animal Health, Mutiara Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yan Lin
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - De Wu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
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12
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Heat stress in pigs and broilers: role of gut dysbiosis in the impairment of the gut-liver axis and restoration of these effects by probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:126. [PMCID: PMC9673442 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00783-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractHeat stress is one of the most challenging stressors for animal production due to high economic losses resulting from impaired animal’s productivity, health and welfare. Despite the fact that all farm animal species are susceptible to heat stress, birds and pigs are particularly sensitive to heat stress due to either lacking or non-functional sweat glands. Convincing evidence in the literature exists that gut dysbiosis, a term used to describe a perturbation of commensal gut microbiota, develops in broilers and pigs under heat stress. Owing to the protective role of commensal bacteria for the gut barrier, gut dysbiosis causes a disruption of the gut barrier leading to endotoxemia, which contributes to the typical characteristics of heat stressed broilers and growing and growing-finishing pigs, such as reduced feed intake, decreased growth and reduced lean carcass weight. A substantial number of studies have shown that feeding of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics is an efficacious strategy to protect broilers from heat stress-induced gut barrier disruption through altering the gut microbiota and promoting all decisive structural, biochemical, and immunological elements of the intestinal barrier. In most of the available studies in heat stressed broilers, the alterations of gut microbiota and improvements of gut barrier function induced by feeding of either probiotics, prebiotics or synbiotics were accompanied by an improved productivity, health and/or welfare when compared to non-supplemented broilers exposed to heat stress. These findings indicate that the restoration of gut homeostasis and function is a key target for dietary interventions aiming to provide at least partial protection of broilers from the detrimental impact of heat stress conditions. Despite the fact that the number of studies dealing with the same feeding strategy in heat stressed pigs is limited, the available few studies suggest that feeding of probiotics might also be a suitable approach to enhance productivity, health and welfare in pigs kept under heat stress conditions.
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13
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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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14
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Ali HHM, Al-Bayati LH. Serological and Histopathological Investigation of Chlamydia abortus in Aborted Ewes in Wasit, Iraq. ARCHIVES OF RAZI INSTITUTE 2022; 77:1105-1111. [PMID: 36618285 PMCID: PMC9759238 DOI: 10.22092/ari.2022.357270.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus is one of the most important pathogens, which causes a marked economic loss in small ruminants, in particular sheep, worldwide. This study aimed to detect the prevalence of C. abortus in the sera of aborted ewes in Wasit province, Iraq, using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), followed by the investigation of the main histopathological alterations that occurred in some organs of the dead newborns. Out of 180 tested samples by ELISA, 32.22% of the evaluated animals showed positive reactions to IgG antibodies toward C. abortus. Concerning the titers of the infection of seropositive ewes, there were significant increases in values of moderate level of antibody titer (55.17%), compared to mild (32.76%) and severe (12.07%) levels of infection. History data showed a significant variation (P<0.05) in the existence of seropositive ewes with other field animals. However, significant increases (P<0.05) were reported in the seropositive ewes existed with goat (91.38%) and cattle (84.48%), while significant decreases (P<0.05) were observed in positive ewes found in donkeys (8.62%), horses (3.45%), and camels (0%). Regarding the histopathology results, the findings of the small intestine showed marked necrosis of intestinal villous, hyperplastic tissues, and necrosis in some mucosal glands; however, in the liver, there was small ductal proliferation with mild portal fibrosis, necrotic debris, and focal areas of hemorrhage in the parenchyma. In conclusion, the findings of this study represent the first Iraqi data concerning Chlamydial detection in aborted ewes; however, further studies in other regions and animal species are necessary to know the actual prevalence of organisms and initiate active measures for control and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. H. M Ali
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Wasit University, Wasit, Iraq
| | - L. H Al-Bayati
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Wasit University, Wasit, Iraq
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15
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Orjuela AG, Reyes Castañeda LJ, Tobón JC, Parra Arango JL, Guzmán-Barragán B. Seroprevalence of antibodies to Chlamydia abortus and risk factors in cattle from Villavicencio, Colombia. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09481. [PMID: 35637665 PMCID: PMC9142854 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus is a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium, responsible for abortions and reproductive problems. The disease has a high zoonotic potential and causes great economic losses in ruminant farmers. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 514 cattle from 24 farms of Villavicencio, Colombia. The blood samples were collected from each individual animal and analyzed by Indirect Elisa for immunoglobulin G (IgG) in blood serum (Idexx Chlamydiosis total Ab test). A serum was considered positive when the optical density (OD) of the sample was ≥30% of that of the positive control serum. Data on potential risk factors associated with the disease were collected through a questionnaire in each farm and analyzed. The individual and herd prevalence was estimated. A risk factors analysis was performed through univariate and multivariable using the software SPSS version 20. The animal level seroprevalence was found to be 47.1% and the herd 91.6%. The prevalence in cattle aged 0-1, 1-3 and >4 years was 23.8%; 31.4% and 51.4% respectively. The risk factors associated with the prevalence of disease were female sex (OR = 2.102 CI: 1.066-4.144), age older than 4 years (OR = 2.707 CI: 1.667-4.394), presence of canines on the farm (OR = 2.556 CI: 1.560-4.189) and retention of placenta (OR = 2.678 CI: 1.670-4.295). A high prevalence was identified, suggesting natural infection where the pathogen could be transmitted to humans at the animal-human interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Góngora Orjuela
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de los Llanos, Villavicencio, Colombia
| | | | - Julio César Tobón
- Industria Colombiana de Productos Veterinarios (Vecol), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jorge L. Parra Arango
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de los Llanos, Villavicencio, Colombia
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16
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Marti H, Jelocnik M. Animal Chlamydiae: A Concern for Human and Veterinary Medicine. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030364. [PMID: 35335688 PMCID: PMC8951289 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Marti
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse-Faculty University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (H.M.); (M.J.)
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs 4556, Australia
- Correspondence: (H.M.); (M.J.)
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17
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Xia B, Wu W, Fang W, Wen X, Xie J, Zhang H. Heat stress-induced mucosal barrier dysfunction is potentially associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis in pigs. ANIMAL NUTRITION (ZHONGGUO XU MU SHOU YI XUE HUI) 2022; 8:289-299. [PMID: 35024466 PMCID: PMC8717382 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2021.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Heat stress (HS) can be detrimental to the gut health of swine. Many negative outcomes induced by HS are increasingly recognized as including modulation of intestinal microbiota. In turn, the intestinal microbiota is a unique ecosystem playing a critical role in mediating the host stress response. Therefore, we aimed to characterize gut microbiota of pigs’ exposure to short-term HS, to explore a possible link between the intestinal microbiota and HS-related changes, including serum cytokines, oxidation status, and intestinal epithelial barrier function. Our findings showed that HS led to intestinal morphological and integrity changes (villus height, serum diamine oxidase [DAO], serum D-lactate and the relative expressions of tight junction proteins), reduction of serum cytokines (interleukin [IL]-8, IL-12, interferon-gamma [IFN-γ]), and antioxidant activity (higher glutathione [GSH] and malondialdehyde [MDA] content, and lower superoxide dismutase [SOD]). Also, 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that although there was no difference in microbial α-diversity, some HS-associated composition differences were revealed in the ileum and cecum, which partly led to an imbalance in the production of short-chain fatty acids including propionate acid and valerate acid. Relevance networks revealed that HS-derived changes in bacterial genera and microbial metabolites, such as Chlamydia, Lactobacillus, Succinivibrio, Bifidobacterium, Lachnoclostridium, and propionic acid, were correlated with oxidative stress, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and inflammation in pigs. Collectively, our observations suggest that intestinal damage induced by HS is probably partly related to the gut microbiota dysbiosis, though the underlying mechanism remains to be fully elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Weida Wu
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Wei Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.,Academy of State Administration of Grain, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Xiaobin Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jingjing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hongfu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
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18
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Oh JK, Vasquez R, Kim SH, Hwang IC, Song JH, Park JH, Kim IH, Kang DK. Multispecies probiotics alter fecal short-chain fatty acids and lactate levels in weaned pigs by modulating gut microbiota. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2021; 63:1142-1158. [PMID: 34796353 PMCID: PMC8564300 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2021.e94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are metabolic products produced during the
microbial fermentation of non-digestible fibers and play an important role in
metabolic homeostasis and overall gut health. In this study, we investigated the
effects of supplementation with multispecies probiotics (MSPs) containing
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Limosilactobacillus
reuteri, and Levilactobacillus brevis on the gut
microbiota, and fecal SCFAs and lactate levels of weaned pigs. A total of 38
pigs weaned at 4 weeks of age were fed either a basal diet or a diet
supplemented with MSPs for 6 weeks. MSP administration significantly increased
the fecal concentrations of lactate (2.3-fold; p <
0.01), acetate (1.8-fold; p < 0.05), and formate
(1.4-fold; p < 0.05). Moreover, MSP supplementation
altered the gut microbiota of the pigs by significantly increasing the
population of potentially beneficial bacteria such as
Olsenella, Catonella,
Catenibacterium, Acidaminococcus, and
Ruminococcaceae. MSP supplementation also decreased the
abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia and
Chlamydia. The modulation of the gut microbiota was
observed to be strongly correlated with the changes in fecal SCFAs and lactate
levels. Furthermore, we found changes in the functional pathways present within
the gut, which supports our findings that MSP modulates the gut microbiota and
SCFAs levels in pigs. The results support the potential use of MSPs to improve
the gut health of animals by modulating SCFAs production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Kyoung Oh
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Centre for Translational Microbiome Research (CTMR), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Robie Vasquez
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Kim
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
| | - In-Chan Hwang
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Song
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
| | - Jae Hong Park
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
| | - In Ho Kim
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
| | - Dae-Kyung Kang
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
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19
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Characteristics of Chlamydia suis Ocular Infection in Pigs. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091103. [PMID: 34578134 PMCID: PMC8470092 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia (C.) suis can often be isolated from conjunctival swab specimens from pigs with conjunctivitis or keratoconjunctivitis. In the field, it is assumed to be a multifactorial disease triggered by immunosuppressing factors. This is the first experimental study to provoke clinical signs of conjunctivitis in pigs after C. suis primary mono-infection. Five six-week-old male piglets, free of ocular chlamydia shedding and seronegative for Chlamydia, were conjunctivally infected with the C. suis-type strain S45 (1 × 109 inclusion forming units), while four piglets served as negative controls. The infection group developed clinical signs of conjunctivitis with a peak in the first week post-infection. Immunohistochemical evaluation revealed the presence of Chlamydia not only in the conjunctival epithelium, but also in the enlarged lacrimal glands, lungs, and intestine. No circulating antibodies could be detected during the whole study period of three weeks, although three different test systems were applied as follows: the complement fixation test, MOMP-based Chlamydiaceae ELISA, and PmpC-based C. suis ELISA. Meanwhile, high numbers of IFN-γ-producing lymphocytes within PBMC were seen after C. suis re-stimulation 14 days post-infection. Hence, these data suggest that entry via the eye may not elicit immunological responses comparable to other routes of chlamydial infections.
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20
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Livingstone M, Wattegedera SR, Palarea-Albaladejo J, Aitchison K, Corbett C, Sait M, Wilson K, Chianini F, Rocchi MS, Wheelhouse N, Entrican G, Longbottom D. Efficacy of Two Chlamydia abortus Subcellular Vaccines in a Pregnant Ewe Challenge Model for Ovine Enzootic Abortion. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9080898. [PMID: 34452023 PMCID: PMC8402522 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9080898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus, the aetiological agent of enzootic abortion of ewes, is a major cause of reproductive loss in small ruminants worldwide, accounting for significant economic losses to the farming industry. Disease can be managed through the use of commercial inactivated or live whole organism-based vaccines, although both have limitations particularly in terms of efficacy, safety and disease-associated outbreaks. Here we report a comparison of two experimental vaccines (chlamydial outer membrane complex (COMC) and octyl glucoside (OG)-COMC) based on detergent extracted outer membrane preparations of C. abortus and delivered as prime-boost immunisations, with the commercial live vaccine Cevac® Chlamydia in a pregnant sheep challenge model. No abortions occurred in either experimental vaccine group, while a single abortion occurred in the commercial vaccine group. Bacterial shedding, as a measure of potential risk of transmission of infection to naïve animals, was lowest in the COMC vaccinated group, with reductions of 87.5%, 86.4% and 74% observed for the COMC, OG-COMC and live commercial vaccine groups, respectively, compared to the unvaccinated challenge control group. The results show that the COMC vaccine performed the best and is a safer efficacious alternative to the commercial vaccines. However, to improve commercial viability, future studies should optimise the antigen dose and number of inoculations required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morag Livingstone
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Sean Ranjan Wattegedera
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | | | - Kevin Aitchison
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Cecilia Corbett
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Michelle Sait
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Kim Wilson
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Francesca Chianini
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Mara Silvia Rocchi
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Nicholas Wheelhouse
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Gary Entrican
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
- Correspondence:
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21
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Aumayer H, Leonard CA, Pesch T, Prähauser B, Wunderlin S, Guscetti F, Borel N. Chlamydia suis is associated with intestinal NF-κB activation in experimentally infected gnotobiotic piglets. Pathog Dis 2021; 78:5893292. [PMID: 32804203 PMCID: PMC8140907 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftaa040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia suis intestinal infection of single-animal experimental groups of gnotobiotic newborn piglets was previously reported to cause severe, temporary small intestinal epithelium damage. We investigated archived intestinal samples for pro-inflammatory nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation, Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 production and immune cell influx. Samples were collected 2, 4 and 7 days post-inoculation with C. suis strain S45/6 or mock inoculum (control). Increased nuclear localization of epithelial NF-κB, representative of activation, in the jejunum and ileum of C. suis-infected animals, compared to uninfected controls, began by 2 days post-infection (dpi) and persisted through 7 dpi. Infected animals showed increased production of IL-8, peaking at 2 dpi, compared to controls. Infection-mediated CD45-positive immune cell influx into the jejunal lamina propria peaked at 7 dpi, when epithelial damage was largely resolved. Activation of NF-κB appears to be a key early event in the innate response of the unprimed porcine immune system challenged with C. suis. This results in an acute phase, coinciding with the most severe clinical symptoms, diarrhea and weight loss. Immune cells recruited shortly after infection remain present in the lamina propria during the recovery phase, which is characterized by reduced chlamydial shedding and restored intestinal epithelium integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Aumayer
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cory Ann Leonard
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Pesch
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Prähauser
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabina Wunderlin
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Franco Guscetti
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Borel
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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22
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Leite FL, Winfield B, Miller EA, Weber BP, Johnson TJ, Sylvia F, Vasquez E, Vannucci F, Beckler D, Isaacson RE. Oral Vaccination Reduces the Effects of Lawsonia intracellularis Challenge on the Swine Small and Large Intestine Microbiome. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:692521. [PMID: 34336979 PMCID: PMC8322526 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.692521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Porcine proliferative enteropathy remains one of the most prevalent diseases in swine herds worldwide. This disease is caused by Lawsonia intracellularis, an intracellular bacterial pathogen that primarily colonizes the ileum. In this study, we evaluated changes to the microbiome of the ileal mucosa, ileal digesta, cecal digesta, and feces subsequent to challenge with L. intracellularis and to an oral live vaccine against L. intracellularis. Given that gut homogenates have been used since 1931 to study this disease, we also characterized the microbial composition of a gut homogenate from swine infected with L. intracellularis that was used as challenge material. The L. intracellularis challenge led to a dysbiosis of the microbiome of both the small and large intestine marked by an increase of pathobionts including Collinsella, Campylobacter, Chlamydia, and Fusobacterium. This microbiome response could play a role in favoring L. intracellularis colonization and disease as well as potentially predisposing to other diseases. Vaccination altered both small and large intestine microbiome community structure and led to a significant 3.03 log10 reduction in the amount of L. intracellularis shed by the challenged pigs. Vaccination also led to a significant decrease in the abundance of Collinsella, Fusobacterium, and Campylobacter among other microbial changes compared with non-vaccinated and challenged animals. These results indicate that L. intracellularis infection is associated with broad changes to microbiome composition in both the large and small intestine, many of which can be mitigated by vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando L. Leite
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA, United States
| | - Brittanie Winfield
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. Miller
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Bonnie P. Weber
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Timothy J. Johnson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Fred Sylvia
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA, United States
| | - Erika Vasquez
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Fabio Vannucci
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | | | - Richard E. Isaacson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
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23
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De Puysseleyr L, De Puysseleyr K, Rybarczyk J, Vander Donck P, De Vos WH, Vanrompay D. Transferrins Reduce Replication of Chlamydia suis in McCoy Cells. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070858. [PMID: 34358007 PMCID: PMC8308531 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia suis (C. suis) resides in the intestines of pigs and tetracycline-resistant strains are emerging worldwide. Intestinal infections are often subclinical. However, the gut is regarded as a C. suis reservoir and clinical infections have been associated with enteritis, conjunctivitis, pneumonia and reproductive failure. C. suis was found in boar semen and venereal transmission occurred. We studied the anti-Chlamydia suis activity of ovotransferrin (ovoTF) and bovine lactoferrin (bLF). Pre-incubation of C. suis with bLF or ovoTF had no significant effect on overall chlamydia replication (mean fluorescence area) in McCoy cells. The addition of ovoTF to the culture medium had no effect on bacterial replication, but the addition of 0.5 or 5 mg/mL of bLF significantly reduced the inclusion size by 17% and 15% respectively. Egg components are used for cryopreservation of boar semen. When inoculating an ovoTF-containing and Chlamydia suis-spiked semen sample in McCoy cells, a significant reduction in inclusion number (by 7%) and overall replication (by 11%) was observed. Thus, we showed that transferrins possess anti-chlamydial activity. Moreover, ovoTF addition to semen extenders might reduce C. suis venereal transmission. Further research is needed to unravel the mechanisms behind the observations and to enhance the effect of transferrins on C. suis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leentje De Puysseleyr
- Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (L.D.P.); (K.D.P.); (J.R.); (P.V.D.)
| | - Kristien De Puysseleyr
- Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (L.D.P.); (K.D.P.); (J.R.); (P.V.D.)
| | - Joanna Rybarczyk
- Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (L.D.P.); (K.D.P.); (J.R.); (P.V.D.)
| | - Paulien Vander Donck
- Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (L.D.P.); (K.D.P.); (J.R.); (P.V.D.)
| | - Winnok H. De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium;
| | - Daisy Vanrompay
- Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (L.D.P.); (K.D.P.); (J.R.); (P.V.D.)
- Correspondence:
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24
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Marti H, Bommana S, Read TD, Pesch T, Prähauser B, Dean D, Borel N. Generation of Tetracycline and Rifamycin Resistant Chlamydia Suis Recombinants. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:630293. [PMID: 34276577 PMCID: PMC8278220 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.630293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The Chlamydiaceae are a family of obligate intracellular, gram-negative bacteria known to readily exchange DNA by homologous recombination upon co-culture in vitro, allowing the transfer of antibiotic resistance residing on the chlamydial chromosome. Among all the obligate intracellular bacteria, only Chlamydia (C.) suis naturally integrated a tetracycline resistance gene into its chromosome. Therefore, in order to further investigate the readiness of Chlamydia to exchange DNA and especially antibiotic resistance, C. suis is an excellent model to advance existing co-culture protocols allowing the identification of factors crucial to promote homologous recombination in vitro. With this strategy, we co-cultured tetracycline-resistant with rifamycin group-resistant C. suis, which resulted in an allover recombination efficiency of 28%. We found that simultaneous selection is crucial to increase the number of recombinants, that sub-inhibitory concentrations of tetracycline inhibit rather than promote the selection of double-resistant recombinants, and identified a recombination-deficient C. suis field isolate, strain SWA-110 (1-28b). While tetracycline resistance was detected in field isolates, rifampicin/rifamycin resistance (RifR) had to be induced in vitro. Here, we describe the protocol with which RifR C. suis strains were generated and confirmed. Subsequent whole-genome sequencing then revealed that G530E and D461A mutations in rpoB, a gene encoding for the β-subunit of the bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP), was likely responsible for rifampicin and rifamycin resistance, respectively. Finally, whole-genome sequencing of recombinants obtained by co-culture revealed that recombinants picked from the same plate may be sibling clones and confirmed C. suis genome plasticity by revealing variable, apparently non-specific areas of recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Marti
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sankhya Bommana
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Timothy D Read
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Theresa Pesch
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Prähauser
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Deborah Dean
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Joint Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Joint Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Nicole Borel
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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25
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Encapsulated Mixture of Methyl Salicylate and Tributyrin Modulates Intestinal Microbiota and Improves Growth Performance of Weaned Piglets. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9061342. [PMID: 34205785 PMCID: PMC8235159 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Tributyrin and essential oils have been used as alternatives to antimicrobials to improve gut health and growth performance in piglets. This study was to evaluate the effects of a dietary supplement with two encapsulated products containing different combinations of tributyrin with oregano or with methyl salicylate on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters related to the physiological status, intestinal microbiota and metabolites of piglets. A total of 108 weaned crossbred piglets (Yorkshire × Landrace, 21 ± 1 d, 8.21 ± 0.04 kg) were randomly divided into three groups. Piglets were fed with one of the following diets for 5 weeks: a basal diet as the control (CON); the control diet supplemented with an encapsulated mixture containing 30% of methyl salicylate and tributyrin at a dosage of 3 kg/t (CMT); and the control diet supplemented with an encapsulated mixture containing 30% of oregano oil and tributyrin at a dosage of 3 kg/t (COT). At the end of the feeding trial, six piglets from each group were slaughtered to collect blood and gut samples for physiological status and gut microbiological analysis. The study found that the CMT group was larger in feed intake (FI) (p < 0.05), average daily gain (ADG) (p = 0.09), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) (p < 0.05), blood total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p < 0.05), and crypt depth in the ileum (p < 0.05) compared with the CON group. The genus abundance of Tissierella and Campylobacter in the CMT group was significantly decreased compared with the CON group. The CMT group also resulted in significantly higher activity in amino acid metabolism and arginine biosynthesis compared with the CON group. The COT group was larger in T-AOC, and the genus abundance of Streptophyta and Chlamydia was significantly increased in the ileum compared with the CON group. Data analysis found a significantly high correlation between the genus abundance of Chlamydia and that of Campylobacter in the ileum. The genus abundance of Campylobacter was also positively correlated with the sorbitol level. In general, the results indicated that the supplementation of both encapsulated mixtures in diet of weaned piglets could improve the animal blood antioxidant capacity. Additionally, the encapsulated mixture of methyl salicylate plus tributyrin improved the growth performance and resulted in certain corresponding changes in nutrient metabolism and in the genus abundance of ileum microbial community.
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Dell’Anno M, Reggi S, Caprarulo V, Hejna M, Sgoifo Rossi CA, Callegari ML, Baldi A, Rossi L. Evaluation of Tannin Extracts, Leonardite and Tributyrin Supplementation on Diarrhoea Incidence and Gut Microbiota of Weaned Piglets. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1693. [PMID: 34204108 PMCID: PMC8229630 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of the dietary administration of a combination of Quebracho and Chestnut tannins, leonardite and tributyrin were evaluated in weaned piglets. A total of 168 weaned piglets (Landrace × Large White) were randomly allotted to two experimental groups (6 pens/group, 14 piglets/pen). Animals were fed a basal control diet (CTRL) and a treatment diet (MIX) supplemented with 0.75% tannin extracts, 0.25% leonardite and 0.20% tributyrin for 28 days. Individual body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly. Diarrhoea incidence was recorded by a faecal scoring scale (0-3; considering diarrhoea ≥ 2). At 0 and 28 days, faecal samples were obtained from four piglets/pen for microbiological and chemical analyses of faecal microbiota, which were then assessed by V3-V4 region amplification sequencing. At 28 days, blood from two piglets/pen was sampled to evaluate the serum metabolic profile. After 28 days, a reduction in diarrhoea incidence was observed in the MIX compared to CTRL group (p < 0.05). In addition, compared to CTRL, MIX showed a higher lactobacilli:coliform ratio and increased Prevotella and Fibrobacter genera presence (p < 0.01). The serum metabolic profile showed a decreased level of low-density lipoproteins in the treated group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a combination of tannin extract, leonardite and tributyrin could decrease diarrhoea incidence and modulate the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Dell’Anno
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety “Carlo Cantoni” (VESPA), Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (S.R.); (M.H.); (C.A.S.R.); (A.B.); (L.R.)
| | - Serena Reggi
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety “Carlo Cantoni” (VESPA), Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (S.R.); (M.H.); (C.A.S.R.); (A.B.); (L.R.)
| | - Valentina Caprarulo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (DMMT), Università Degli Studi di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Monika Hejna
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety “Carlo Cantoni” (VESPA), Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (S.R.); (M.H.); (C.A.S.R.); (A.B.); (L.R.)
| | - Carlo Angelo Sgoifo Rossi
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety “Carlo Cantoni” (VESPA), Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (S.R.); (M.H.); (C.A.S.R.); (A.B.); (L.R.)
| | - Maria Luisa Callegari
- Department for Sustainable Food Process (DiSTAS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 29122 Piacenza, Italy;
| | - Antonella Baldi
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety “Carlo Cantoni” (VESPA), Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (S.R.); (M.H.); (C.A.S.R.); (A.B.); (L.R.)
| | - Luciana Rossi
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety “Carlo Cantoni” (VESPA), Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (S.R.); (M.H.); (C.A.S.R.); (A.B.); (L.R.)
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Sheng CY, Gong QL, Ma BY, Liu Y, Ge GY, Li DL, Luan MH, Diao NC, Li JM, Shi K, Leng X, Du R. Prevalence of Chlamydia in Pigs in China from 1985 to 2020: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:517-533. [PMID: 33887161 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2694] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia is a small gram-negative (G-) microorganism that can be dangerous to human and animals. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of Chlamydia infection in swine in China. From PubMed, ScienceDirect, Chinese Web of knowledge (CNKI), VIP Chinese journal database, and Wanfang database, we collected a total of 72 publications reported in 1985-2020. The prevalence of Chlamydia was 22.48% in China. In the sampling year subgroup, the prevalence after 2011 was the highest (26.14%). In southern China, the prevalence was 30.97%. By contrast, the prevalence in northern China was only 10.79%. Also the difference was significant (p < 0.05). In the provincial level, Hubei had the highest rate of 36.23%. Boars had a higher prevalence (29.47%). The prevalence of Chlamydia detection in pigs with reproductive disorders (21.86%) was higher than that without reproductive disorders. Among the three age groups, finishing pigs (21.43%) had the highest prevalence. The prevalence in large-scale farmed pigs (28.58%) was the highest in the subgroup of feeding methods. The prevalence in farms was 24.29%, which was the highest in the survey areas. The prevalence in spring was the highest with 40.51%. Other methods had the highest prevalence (39.61%) than enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect hemagglutination assay. The prevalence of Chlamydia psittaci 18.41% was lower than the prevalence of Chlamydia abortus (41.35%). We also analyzed the impact of different climate factor subgroups (rainfall, temperature, and humidity) on the probability of pigs suffering from the disease. The results showed that Chlamydia was widespread in pigs in China. We suggest that we should strengthen the detection of Chlamydia in the semen of breeding pigs and pigs with reproductive disorders, and reasonably control the environment of large-scale pig farms, so as to reduce further infection of Chlamydia in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Yan Sheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Qing-Long Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Bao-Yi Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Yi Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Gui-Yang Ge
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Dong-Li Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Mei-Hui Luan
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun P.R. China
| | - Nai-Chao Diao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Ming Li
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun P.R. China
| | - Kun Shi
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun P.R. China
| | - Xue Leng
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun P.R. China
| | - Rui Du
- Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
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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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Hrnková J, Schneiderová I, Golovchenko M, Grubhoffer L, Rudenko N, Černý J. Role of Zoo-Housed Animals in the Ecology of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens-A Review. Pathogens 2021; 10:210. [PMID: 33669161 PMCID: PMC7919684 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are ubiquitous ectoparasites, feeding on representatives of all classes of terrestrial vertebrates and transmitting numerous pathogens of high human and veterinary medical importance. Exotic animals kept in zoological gardens, ranches, wildlife parks or farms may play an important role in the ecology of ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), as they may serve as hosts for local tick species. Moreover, they can develop diseases of varying severity after being infected by TBPs, and theoretically, can thus serve as reservoirs, thereby further propagating TBPs in local ecosystems. The definite role of these animals in the tick-host-pathogen network remains poorly investigated. This review provides a summary of the information currently available regarding ticks and TBPs in connection to captive local and exotic wildlife, with an emphasis on zoo-housed species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johana Hrnková
- Centre for Infectious Animal Diseases and Zoonoses, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Prague 6, 165 00 Suchdol, Czech Republic;
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Prague 6, 165 00 Suchdol, Czech Republic;
| | - Irena Schneiderová
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Prague 6, 165 00 Suchdol, Czech Republic;
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 2 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marina Golovchenko
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (M.G.); (L.G.); (N.R.)
| | - Libor Grubhoffer
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (M.G.); (L.G.); (N.R.)
- Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Natalie Rudenko
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (M.G.); (L.G.); (N.R.)
| | - Jiří Černý
- Centre for Infectious Animal Diseases and Zoonoses, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Prague 6, 165 00 Suchdol, Czech Republic;
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Prague 6, 165 00 Suchdol, Czech Republic;
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Zhang L, Li C, Zhai Y, Feng L, Bai K, Zhang Z, Huang Y, Li T, Li D, Li H, Cui P, Chen D, Wang H, Yang X. Analysis of the vaginal microbiome of giant pandas using metagenomics sequencing. Microbiologyopen 2020; 9:e1131. [PMID: 33205903 PMCID: PMC7755806 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, a total of 14 vaginal samples (GPV1‐14) from giant pandas were analyzed. These vaginal samples were divided into two groups as per the region and age of giant pandas. All the vaginal samples were analyzed using metagenomic sequencing. As per the outcomes of metagenomic analysis, Proteobacteria (39.04%), Firmicutes (5.27%), Actinobacteria (2.94%), and Basidiomycota (2.77%) were found to be the dominant phyla in the microbiome of the vaginal samples. At the genus level, Pseudomonas (21.90%) was found to be the most dominant genus, followed by Streptococcus (3.47%), Psychrobacter (1.89%), and Proteus (1.38%). Metastats analysis of the microbial species in the vaginal samples of giant pandas from Wolong Nature Reserve, Dujiangyan and Ningbo Youngor Zoo, and Ya'an Bifengxia Nature Reserve was found to be significantly different (p < 0.05). Age groups, that is, AGE1 (5‐10 years old) and AGE2 (11‐16 years old), also demonstrated significantly different inter‐group microbial species (p < 0.05). For the first time, Chlamydia and Neisseria gonorrhoeae were detected in giant pandas’ reproductive tract. GPV3 vaginal sample (2.63%) showed highest Chlamydia content followed by GPV14 (0.91%), and GPV7 (0.62%). GPV5 vaginal sample (7.17%) showed the highest Neisseria gonorrhoeae content, followed by GPV14 (7.02%), and GPV8 (6.50%). Furthermore, we employed eggNOG, CAZy, KEGG, and NCBI databases to investigate the functional significance of giant panda's vaginal microbial community. The outcomes indicated that giant panda's vaginal microbes were involved in biological processes. The data from this study will help in improving the reproductive health of giant pandas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Caiwu Li
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, Qionglai Mountains Conservation Biology of Endangered Wild Animals and Plants National Permanent Scientific Research Base, Dujiangyan, PR China
| | - Yaru Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Lan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Keke Bai
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Zhizhong Zhang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, Qionglai Mountains Conservation Biology of Endangered Wild Animals and Plants National Permanent Scientific Research Base, Dujiangyan, PR China
| | - Yan Huang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, Qionglai Mountains Conservation Biology of Endangered Wild Animals and Plants National Permanent Scientific Research Base, Dujiangyan, PR China
| | - Ti Li
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, Qionglai Mountains Conservation Biology of Endangered Wild Animals and Plants National Permanent Scientific Research Base, Dujiangyan, PR China
| | - Desheng Li
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, Qionglai Mountains Conservation Biology of Endangered Wild Animals and Plants National Permanent Scientific Research Base, Dujiangyan, PR China
| | - Hao Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Pengfei Cui
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Danyu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Hongning Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Xin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
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Pagliarani S, Johnston SD, Beagley KW, Dief H, Palmieri C. The occurrence and pathology of chlamydiosis in the male reproductive tract of non-human mammals: A review. Theriogenology 2020; 154:152-160. [PMID: 32622195 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Organisms belonging to the Family Chlamydiaceae are responsible for a broad range of diseases in humans, livestock, companion animals and non-domestic species. Infection of the reproductive organs can cause a range of syndromes of which sub- and infertility are the most frequently observed clinical manifestations. While the gross and histological lesions associated with the isolation of Chlamydiaceae from the non-human female reproductive tract are well documented, little attention has been given to the pathological effects of this infection in the male genital system. As such, the occurrence and importance of Chlamydia-associated disease in male non-human mammalian species is less well documented. In order to improve our understanding of the significance of chlamydiosis in domestic, laboratory and wild animals, this review provides an up-to-date summary of Chlamydia-associated male reproductive pathology, whether that infection occurs naturally or experimentally. Although most lesions in males are described as incidental and of minor significance, results of recent studies suggest that infection with Chlamydiaceae can adversely impact male fertility and/or be instrumental in disease transmission. Although in humans, bulls and mice Chlamydia infection has been associated with morphological and functional abnormalities of the spermatozoa, this review will focus on the gross and histological findings linked to the colonisation of the genital system by this pathogen. Advances in our understanding of male reproductive chlamydiosis are necessary for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, as well as epidemiological and conservation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pagliarani
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia; School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia.
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia
| | - Kenneth W Beagley
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, 4001, Australia
| | - Hamdy Dief
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia
| | - Chiara Palmieri
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia
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Sun LX, Liang QL, Hu XH, Li Z, Yang JF, Zou FC, Zhu XQ. First Report of Chlamydia Seroprevalence and Risk Factors in Domestic Black-Boned Sheep and Goats in China. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:363. [PMID: 32766288 PMCID: PMC7380085 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00363] [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: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gram-negative bacteria of the genus Chlamydia cause a wide range of diseases in humans and animals. The seroprevalence of Chlamydia in domestic black-boned sheep and goats in China is unknown. In this survey, a total of 481 serum samples were collected randomly from domestic black-boned sheep and goats from three counties in Yunnan province, southwest China, from July to August 2017. The sera were examined by an indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA). Antibodies to Chlamydia were detected in 100/481 [20.79%, 95% confidence interval (CI), 17.16–24.42] serum samples (IHA titer ≥1:64). The Chlamydia seroprevalence ranged from 12.21% (95% CI, 7.81–16.61) to 30.89% (95% CI, 22.72–39.06) across different regions in Yunnan province, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The seroprevalence in male domestic black-boned sheep and goats (28.64%; 95% CI, 22.36–34.92) was significantly higher than that in the females (15.25%; 95% CI, 11.05–19.45) (P < 0.01). However, there was no statistically significant difference in Chlamydia seroprevalence in domestic black-boned sheep and goats between ages and species (P > 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Chlamydia seroprevalence in domestic black-boned sheep and goats in Yunnan Province, southwest China. These data provide baseline information for future implementation of measures to control Chlamydia infection in these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Xiu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qin-Li Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhao Li
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jian-Fa Yang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Feng-Cai Zou
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
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Isolation of Tetracycline-Resistant Chlamydia suis from a Pig Herd Affected by Reproductive Disorders and Conjunctivitis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9040187. [PMID: 32316412 PMCID: PMC7235844 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9040187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to various challenges in diagnosing chlamydiosis in pigs, antibiotic treatment is usually performed before any molecular or antibiotic susceptibility testing. This could increase the occurrence of tetracycline-resistant Chlamydia (C.) suis isolates in the affected pig population and potentiate the reoccurrence of clinical signs. Here, we present a case of an Austrian pig farm, where tetracycline resistant and sensitive C. suis isolates were isolated from four finishers with conjunctivitis. On herd-level, 10% of the finishers suffered from severe conjunctivitis and sows showed a high percentage of irregular return to estrus. Subsequent treatment of whole-herd using oxytetracycline led to a significant reduction of clinical signs. Retrospective antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed tetracycline resistance and decreased susceptibility to doxycycline in half of the ocular C. suis isolates, and all isolates were able to partially recover following a single-dose tetracycline treatment in vitro. These findings were later confirmed in vivo, when all former clinical signs recurred three months later. This case report raises awareness of tetracycline resistance in C. suis and emphasizes the importance of preventative selection of tetracycline resistant C. suis isolates.
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PREVALENCE OF CHLAMYDIACEAE AND TETRACYCLINE RESISTANCE GENES IN WILD BOARS OF CENTRAL EUROPE. J Wildl Dis 2020; 56:512-522. [PMID: 32216676 DOI: 10.7589/2019-11-275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Our aim was to investigate the occurrence and distribution of Chlamydia suis and other Chlamydiaceae in the wild boar (Sus scrofa) population of Switzerland and Northern Italy and the detection of tetracycline resistance genes by PCR. We collected a total of 471 conjunctival swabs (n=292), rectal swabs (n=147), and lung tissue samples (n=32) belonging to 292 wild boars. The prevalence of Chlamydiaceae in the investigated wild boar populations was very low (1.4%, 4/292). We found C. suis in rectal or conjunctival swabs but not in lung samples. The low chlamydial prevalence might be attributed to limited contacts between wild boars and outdoor domestic pigs due to strict biosecurity measures or limited numbers of rural pig herds. The tetA(C) gene fragment was detected in six samples, which were all negative for Chlamydiaceae, and was probably not of chlamydial origin but more likely from other bacteria. The low tetracycline resistance rate in wild boar might be explained by the lack of selective pressure. However, transmission of resistance genes from domestic pigs to wild boar or selective pressure in the environment could lead to the development and spread of tetracycline-resistant C. suis strains in wild boars.
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Nie F, Gong Q, Yang J, Xi C, Wang Y, Wang G, Zhang L, Li X, Huo D, Hou C. Establishment of a Multiplex Real-Time TaqMan-MGB Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Method for the Simultaneous Detection of Three Animal Chlamydia Species. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:9369-9376. [PMID: 31814605 PMCID: PMC6921693 DOI: 10.12659/msm.918344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydiae are spread globally and cause infectious diseases in both humans and animals. The existing detection methods for this disease have numerous shortcomings, including low sensitivity, time consuming procedures, and high contamination vulnerability. MATERIAL AND METHODS To overcome shortcomings for detecting animal chlamydiosis, a multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was established for simultaneously detecting and differentiating 3 Chlamydia species (C. pecorum, C. abortus, and C. psittaci) by real time PCR based on TaqMan-MGB technology. RESULTS The limit of detection was 20.2 copies/µL for Chlamydophila (Cp.) abortus, 30.8 copies/µL for Cp. pecorum, and 16 copies/µL for Cp. psittaci. This method has good repeatability and stability as coefficients of variation range from 0.04% to 1.38%. Furthermore, compared with OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) recommended PCR assay and previously reported animal chlamydia shell PCR, this multiplex PCR assay demonstrated 99% concordance in detecting clinical samples of porcine nasal swabs and vaginal swabs. CONCLUSIONS The novel established method in this study was able to detect 3 types of Chlamydia species simultaneously, and had high sensitivity, strong specificity, and good stability. It provided a rapid, reliable, and convenient method for epidemiological and clinical diagnosis of chlamydiosis in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuping Nie
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China (mainland).,Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Qian Gong
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Jun Yang
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Cunxian Xi
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Yu Wang
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Guomin Wang
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Lei Zhang
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Xianliang Li
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Danqun Huo
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Changjun Hou
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China (mainland)
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Sun WW, Zhang NZ, Kang YH, Zhang L, Shan XF. First Report of Chlamydia Seroprevalence in Slaughter Pigs in Shandong Province, Eastern China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 20:51-53. [PMID: 31368858 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia, a kind of obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacteria, can infect humans and animals worldwide, including pigs. However, the information on Chlamydia infection is unavailable in pigs in Shandong province, eastern China. To assess the seroprevalence and risk factors of Chlamydia infection in pigs in Shandong province, eastern China, a total of 2108 serum samples of slaughter pigs were collected between January 2017 and December 2018, and specific antibodies against Chlamydia were detected by the indirect hemagglutination assay. The overall Chlamydia seroprevalence was 24.15% (509/2108, 95% confidence interval: 22.32-25.97). Species, sampling regions, and rearing systems of pigs were considered as risk factors for Chlamydia infection through statistical analysis by SAS analysis (p < 0.05). These results indicated that Chlamydia is highly prevalent in slaughter pigs in Shandong province, eastern China, and may pose a potential risk for human health. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of Chlamydia seroprevalence in slaughter pigs in Shandong province, eastern China. Moreover, this is the first report to compare the Chlamydia seroprevalence between domestic pigs and farmed wild boars in a same study, which may provide important data for preventing and controlling Chlamydia infection in pigs in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu-Wen Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Nian-Zhang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Huan Kang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Feng Shan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
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Zwirzitz B, Pinior B, Metzler-Zebeli B, Handler M, Gense K, Knecht C, Ladinig A, Dzieciol M, Wetzels SU, Wagner M, Schmitz-Esser S, Mann E. Microbiota of the Gut-Lymph Node Axis: Depletion of Mucosa-Associated Segmented Filamentous Bacteria and Enrichment of Methanobrevibacter by Colistin Sulfate and Linco-Spectin in Pigs. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:599. [PMID: 31031713 PMCID: PMC6470194 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms are translocated from the gut to lymphatic tissues via immune cells, thereby challenging and training the mammalian immune system. Antibiotics alter the gut microbiome and consecutively might also affect the corresponding translocation processes, resulting in an imbalanced state between the intestinal microbiota and the host. Hence, understanding the variant effects of antibiotics on the microbiome of gut-associated tissues is of vital importance for maintaining metabolic homeostasis and animal health. In the present study, we analyzed the microbiome of (i) pig feces, ileum, and ileocecal lymph nodes under the influence of antibiotics (Linco-Spectin and Colistin sulfate) using 16S rRNA gene sequencing for high-resolution community profiling and (ii) ileocecal lymph nodes in more detail with two additional methodological approaches, i.e., cultivation of ileocecal lymph node samples and (iii) metatranscriptome sequencing of a single lymph node sample. Supplementation of medicated feed showed a local effect on feces and ileal mucosa-associated microbiomes. Pigs that received antibiotics harbored significantly reduced amounts of segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) along the ileal mucosa (p = 0.048; 199.17-fold change) and increased amounts of Methanobrevibacter, a methanogenic Euryarchaeote in fecal samples (p = 0.005; 20.17-fold change) compared to the control group. Analysis of the porcine ileocecal lymph node microbiome exposed large differences between the viable and the dead fraction of microorganisms and the microbiome was altered to a lesser extent by antibiotics compared with feces and ileum. The core microbiome of lymph nodes was constituted mainly of Proteobacteria. RNA-sequencing of a single lymph node sample unveiled transcripts responsible for amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism as well as protein turnover, DNA replication and signal transduction. The study presented here is the first comparative study of microbial communities in feces, ileum, and its associated ileocecal lymph nodes. In each analyzed site, we identified specific phylotypes susceptible to antibiotic treatment that can have profound impacts on the host physiological and immunological state, or even on global biogeochemical cycles. Our results indicate that pathogenic bacteria, e.g., enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, could escape antibiotic treatment by translocating to lymph nodes. In general ileocecal lymph nodes harbor a more diverse and active community of microorganisms than previously assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Zwirzitz
- Institute of Milk Hygiene, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, FFoQSI GmbH, Tulln an der Donau, Austria
| | - Beate Pinior
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Metzler-Zebeli
- University Clinic for Swine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Monika Handler
- Institute of Milk Hygiene, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristina Gense
- Institute of Milk Hygiene, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Knecht
- University Clinic for Swine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Ladinig
- University Clinic for Swine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Monika Dzieciol
- Institute of Milk Hygiene, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefanie U Wetzels
- Institute of Milk Hygiene, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, FFoQSI GmbH, Tulln an der Donau, Austria
| | - Martin Wagner
- Institute of Milk Hygiene, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, FFoQSI GmbH, Tulln an der Donau, Austria
| | | | - Evelyne Mann
- Institute of Milk Hygiene, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, FFoQSI GmbH, Tulln an der Donau, Austria
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Bommana S, Polkinghorne A. Mini Review: Antimicrobial Control of Chlamydial Infections in Animals: Current Practices and Issues. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:113. [PMID: 30778341 PMCID: PMC6369208 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia are a genus of successful obligate intracellular pathogens spread across humans, wildlife, and domesticated animals. The most common species reported in livestock in this genus are Chlamydia abortus, Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia suis, and Chlamydia pecorum. Chlamydial infections trigger a series of inflammatory disease-related sequelae including arthritis, conjunctivitis, pneumonia, and abortion. Other bacteria in the phylum Chlamydiae have also been reported in livestock and wildlife but their impact on animal health is less clear. Control of chlamydial infections relies on the use of macrolides, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines. Tetracycline resistance (TETR) reported for porcine C. suis strains in association with the use of tetracycline feed is a potentially significant concern given experimental evidence highlighting that the genetic elements inferring TETR may be horizontally transferred to other chlamydial species. As documented in human Chlamydia trachomatis infections, relapse of infections, bacterial shedding post-antibiotic treatment, and disease progression despite chlamydial clearance in animals have also been reported. The identification of novel chlamydiae as well as new animal hosts for previously described chlamydial pathogens should place a renewed emphasis on basic in vivo studies to demonstrate the efficacy of existing and new antimicrobial treatment regimes. Building on recent reviews of antimicrobials limited to C. trachomatis and C. suis, this review will explore the use of antimicrobials, the evidence and factors that influence the treatment failure of chlamydial infections in animals and the future directions in the control of these important veterinary pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankhya Bommana
- The Animal Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- The Animal Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
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Eckert T, Goericke-Pesch S, Heydel C, Bergmann M, Kauffold J, Failing K, Wehrend A. Interaction of different Chlamydiae species with bovine spermatozoa. BMC Microbiol 2019; 19:23. [PMID: 30683062 PMCID: PMC6347757 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-019-1392-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Interaction of spermatozoa and Chlamydiae spp. might contribute to reduced fertility in cattle. To proof this hypothesis, bovine semen was incubated with viable or heat inactivated Chlamydia (C.) abortus or psittaci (Multiplicity of infection = 1) and sperm motility was monitored with a computer-assisted sperm analyzer over 24 h. Additionally, the interaction with the spermatozoa was further investigated by means of light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results Only viable Chlamydiae of both species decreased sperm motility and this only after about 9 h. Taking binding rates into account, the loss of sperm motility after about 9 h could likely be a consequence of Chlamydiae attachment to the spermatozoa. About two thirds of the Chlamydiae elementary bodies were bound to the front third of the sperm, the acrosomal region. No inclusions of Chlamydiae in spermatozoa were observed in TEM after 2 h co-incubation. Conclusions As initial motility was not affected following co-incubation of viable Chlamydiae and bovine sperm, it seems likely that sperm could serve as a carrier/vehicle for Chlamydiae facilitating cervical passage of Chlamydiae spp. in cattle. Additionally, our results suggest that spermatozoa carrying Chlamydiae may have no initial disadvantage in reaching the oviduct, but are immotile at the time of ovulation what might have an impact on fertilization capacities of the individual sperm. Consequently, high concentrations of the investigated Chlamydiae in the seminal plasma or female genital tract might play a role in reduced fertility in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Eckert
- Klinikum Veterinärmedizin, Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 106, 35392, Giessen, Germany.,Institute for Veterinary-Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 100, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sandra Goericke-Pesch
- Klinikum Veterinärmedizin, Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 106, 35392, Giessen, Germany. .,Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Section for Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlægevej 68, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark. .,Reproductive Unit of the Clinics - Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Carsten Heydel
- Institute for Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 85-89, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Martin Bergmann
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 98, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kauffold
- Ambulatorische und Geburtshilfliche Tierklinik, Veterinärmedizinische Fakultät, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 29, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Klaus Failing
- Unit for Biomathematics and Data Processing, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Str., 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Axel Wehrend
- Klinikum Veterinärmedizin, Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 106, 35392, Giessen, Germany
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Antimicrobial Resistance in Chlamydiales, Rickettsia, Coxiella, and Other Intracellular Pathogens. Microbiol Spectr 2018; 6. [PMID: 29651977 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.arba-0003-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This article will provide current insights into antimicrobial susceptibilities and resistance of an important group of bacterial pathogens that are not phylogenetically related but share lifestyle similarities in that they are generally considered to be obligate intracellular microbes. As such, there are shared challenges regarding methods for their detection and subsequent clinical management. Similarly, from the laboratory perspective, susceptibility testing is rarely undertaken, though molecular approaches might provide new insights. One should also bear in mind that the highly specialized microbial lifestyle restricts the opportunity for lateral gene transfer and, consequently, acquisition of resistance.
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Borel N, Marti H, Pospischil A, Pesch T, Prähauser B, Wunderlin S, Seth-Smith HMB, Low N, Flury R. Chlamydiae in human intestinal biopsy samples. Pathog Dis 2018; 76:5185114. [PMID: 30445531 PMCID: PMC6276272 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/fty081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is frequently detected in anorectal specimens from men and women. A recent hypothesis suggests that C. trachomatis is a natural commensal organism asymptomatically colonizing the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, we investigated the presence of chlamydial DNA and antigen in intestinal biopsy samples taken during colonoscopy. Cases (n = 32) were patients whose histopathology reports included the term ‘chlamydia’, suggesting a possible history of infection. Control patients (n = 234) did not have chlamydia mentioned in their histopathology report and all tested negative for Chlamydiaceae DNA by 23S ribosomal RNA-based real-time PCR. Amongst the cases, C. trachomatis DNA was detected in the appendix and colon of two female and one male patients. Chlamydia abortus DNA was present in the colon of a fourth female patient. Thus, chlamydial DNA could be demonstrated in intestinal biopsy samples proximal to the anorectal site and inclusions were identified in rectum or appendix of two of these patients by immunohistochemistry. However, the findings in two cases were compatible with sexually acquired C. trachomatis. The identification of C. trachomatis DNA/antigen does not prove the presence of active infection with replicating bacteria. Larger prospective studies on fresh tissue samples are required to confirm the data obtained in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hanna Marti
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Pospischil
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Pesch
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Prähauser
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabina Wunderlin
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Helena M B Seth-Smith
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Low
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Renata Flury
- Cantonal Hospital Winterthur, Brauerstrasse 15, CH-8400 Winterthur, Switzerland
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Kieckens E, Van den Broeck L, Van Gils M, Morré S, Vanrompay D. Co-Occurrence of Chlamydia suis DNA and Chlamydia suis-Specific Antibodies in the Human Eye. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018; 18:677-682. [PMID: 30251925 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia suis is a swine pathogen that causes economic losses due to reproductive failure. Recently, C. suis has been detected in human eyes. However, knowledge of the zoonotic potential is still limited. C. suis infections in swine could present a risk for public health because (1) tetracycline-resistant C. suis strains are emerging in the pork industry, (2) tetracycline resistance gene transfers in vitro from C. suis to the human pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis and as previously demonstrated, (3) C. suis and C. trachomatis can be both present in the human eye. Pig farmers were sampled during a seminar in West-Flanders. Conjunctival swabs for detection of C. suis and C. trachomatis and for the detection of mucosal antibodies against C. suis and C. trachomatis were collected. The farmers completed a questionnaire designed to assess information on the following: (1) the health status of their pigs, (2) administration of veterinary drugs, (3) their professional and nonprofessional activities, (4) general health status, (5) smoking habits, (6) use of medication, (7) allergies, and (8) clinical signs/history. Thirty-three on 40 (82.5%) farmers participated. None of the conjunctival swabs contained C. trachomatis DNA and mucosal antibodies against C. trachomatis were not detected. Six of 33 (18.2%) farmers had C. suis DNA in their eyes and 22 of 33 (67%) swabs contained C. suis-specific mucosal antibodies. The older the farmer, higher the chance of finding C. suis antibodies in the eye. There was a significant correlation between the presence of conjunctivitis in the pigs and the occurrence of C. suis DNA in the eye of their owner. This study shows that C. suis may transfer from pigs to the human eye as specific mucosal antibodies were detected in conjunctivae of pig farmers. Veterinarians, general practitioners, and occupational physicians should be aware of the zoonotic potential of C. suis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien Kieckens
- Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Van den Broeck
- Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mathias Van Gils
- Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Servaas Morré
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute for Public Health Genomics, Research School GROW (School for Oncology and Developmental Biology), University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Daisy Vanrompay
- Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Marti H, Borel N, Dean D, Leonard CA. Evaluating the Antibiotic Susceptibility of Chlamydia - New Approaches for in Vitro Assays. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1414. [PMID: 30018602 PMCID: PMC6037721 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigs are the natural hosts of Chlamydia suis, the only Chlamydia species known to spontaneously acquire homotypic resistance conferred by a class C tetracycline resistance gene. Various susceptibility assays have existed for several years, but there is no widely accepted, standardized assay to determine chlamydial antibiotic susceptibility. In this study, we developed new approaches to determine the in vitro susceptibility of Chlamydia to different antibiotics in view of existing protocols. Specifically, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) is based on a consensus of both inclusion number reduction and alteration of inclusion size and morphology upon antibiotic exposure. In addition to these, we employed a recovery assay, allowing observation of the chlamydial response to drug removal and subsequent recovery, as compared to both continued exposure and to the unexposed control. We propose a simple and fast screening method to detect tetracycline resistant C. suis strains within 2 to 3 days with minimal use of consumables. For proof of principle, we evaluated the susceptibility of three C. suis field strains and the reference strain S45/6 to tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, and penicillin, antibiotics commonly used to prevent respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases on fattening pig farms. We found that tetracycline sensitive strains can easily be distinguished from resistant strains using the evaluation parameters proposed in this study. Moreover, we report that S45/6 is sensitive to sulfamethoxazole while all evaluated C. suis field strains showed some degree of sulfamethoxazole resistance. Finally, we confirm that Penicillin G induces the chlamydial stress response in all evaluated C. suis strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Marti
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Immunobiology and Vaccine Development, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Deborah Dean
- Center for Immunobiology and Vaccine Development, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA, United States.,Joint Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Joint Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States.,School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Cory A Leonard
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Nie LB, Liang QL, Zou Y, Gao YH, Zhao Q, Hu GX, Zhu XQ. First Report of Chlamydia Seroprevalence in Farmed Wild Boars in China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018; 18:504-508. [PMID: 29688824 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia is Gram-negative obligate bacterium, which can cause human diseases worldwide and has huge economic impact on animals. It is yet to know whether farmed wild boars are infected with Chlamydia in China. To assess risk factors of Chlamydia infection in farmed wild boars in China, from April 2015 to February 2016, a total of 837 serum samples of farmed wild boars were collected in Jilin province, northeastern China, and antibodies against Chlamydia were examined by the indirect hemagglutination assay. The investigation showed that antibodies to Chlamydia were detected in 332 (39.67%, 95% CI 33.36-42.98) of 837 serum samples of farmed wild boars, seroprevalence ranged from 33.71% to 44.42% among different regions and the differences were statistically significant by SPSS analysis (p = 0.0248). These results indicated that Chlamydia is highly prevalent in farmed wild boars in Jilin province, northeastern China, and may pose a potential risk for human health. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Chlamydia seroprevalence in farmed wild boars in China, which provided baseline data for preventing and controlling Chlamydia infection in wild boars in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan-Bi Nie
- 1 Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun Jilin Province, The People's Republic of China .,2 State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, The People's Republic of China
| | - Qin-Li Liang
- 2 State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, The People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zou
- 2 State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, The People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Hang Gao
- 1 Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun Jilin Province, The People's Republic of China
| | - Quan Zhao
- 1 Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun Jilin Province, The People's Republic of China
| | - Gui-Xue Hu
- 1 Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun Jilin Province, The People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- 2 State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, The People's Republic of China .,3 Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine , Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, The People's Republic of China
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Rypuła K, Kumala A, Płoneczka-Janeczko K, Lis P, Karuga-Kuźniewska E, Dudek K, Całkosiński I, Kuźnik P, Chorbiński P. Occurrence of reproductive disorders in pig herds with and without Chlamydia suis infection - statistical analysis of breeding parameters. Anim Sci J 2018. [PMID: 29536596 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydiae are frequently encountered Gram-negative intracellular eubacteria that can cause clear manifestations or clinically asymptomatic disorders. C. suis and other chlamydia are primarily isolated in cases of reproductive disorders. This study was performed to estimate the impact of Chlamydia suis infection on reproduction in sows by analyzing reproduction rates and breeding parameters. The test was conducted on first generation (F1) pigs from Polish Landrace (PL) × Polish Large White (PLW). Sixty-four herds were investigated and 500 vaginal swabs were collected. Isolation of DNA was carried out directly from the swabs. All samples were analyzed for Chlamydia suis by real-time PCR with a locked nucleic acid (LNA)-containing probe. To analyze the impact of chlamydia infection on reproductive parameters, evaluation questionnaires were used. Reproductive problems were found in 77.3% of the farms tested. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that in the farms with 10 up to 120 sows, there were higher reproductive problems with chlamydia infection than in smaller and bigger pig farms. The most common problems were estrus repetition, which was reported by 57.81% of the surveyed farms, and the birth of dead piglets, which was reported by 31.25% of the investigated pig farms. Abortions, which were reported by 28.12% of the surveyed farms, were the least common reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Rypuła
- Division of Infectious Diseases of Animals and Veterinary Administration, Department of Epizootiology with Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Kumala
- Laboratory of Neurotoxicology and Environmental Diagnosis, Faculty of Health Science, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Płoneczka-Janeczko
- Division of Infectious Diseases of Animals and Veterinary Administration, Department of Epizootiology with Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Paweł Lis
- Division of Infectious Diseases of Animals and Veterinary Administration, Department of Epizootiology with Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ewa Karuga-Kuźniewska
- Division of Infectious Diseases of Animals and Veterinary Administration, Department of Epizootiology with Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Dudek
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ireneusz Całkosiński
- Laboratory of Neurotoxicology and Environmental Diagnosis, Faculty of Health Science, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Patrycja Kuźnik
- Division of Infectious Diseases of Animals and Veterinary Administration, Department of Epizootiology with Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Paweł Chorbiński
- Division of Infectious Diseases of Animals and Veterinary Administration, Department of Epizootiology with Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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Hu SF, Li F, Zheng WB, Liu GH. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Chlamydia abortus Infection in Goats in Hunan Province, Subtropical China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018; 18:500-503. [PMID: 29360009 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus is an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacteria, which can infect animals and human, including goats. However, little information on C. abortus infection is available in goats in Hunan province, subtropical China. To investigate the seroprevalence and risk factors of C. abortus infection in goats in Hunan province, China, a total of 911 goat blood samples were collected randomly from 14 herds having number of goats ranging from 1000 to 3000 from March 2014 to December 2015. Seropositive animals were found in 11 out of 14 (78.57%) goat herds with seroprevalence ranging from 0.00% to 29.94% in individual herds. Overall, the seroprevalence of C. abortus infection was different among regions (southern Hunan: 1.78%; northeast Hunan: 5.47%; and west Hunan: 15.29%), gender (male: 4.58% and female: 9.10%), seasons (spring: 5.97%; summer: 2.61%; autumn: 16.88%; and winter: 10.94%), and ages (year ≤1: 2.39%; 1 < year ≤2: 9.58%; 2 < year ≤3: 9.16%; and year >3: 17.57%). Risk factors for C. abortus infection were associated with region, season, and age in this study. To our knowledge, this is the first document to demonstrate the existence of C. abortus infection in goats, and the seroprevalence was 8.45% out of 911 goats in Hunan province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Feng Hu
- 1 Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University , Changsha, Hunan Province, The People's Republic of China .,2 Hunan Co-Innovation Center of Animal Production Safety , Changsha, Hunan Province, The People's Republic of China
| | - Fen Li
- 1 Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University , Changsha, Hunan Province, The People's Republic of China .,2 Hunan Co-Innovation Center of Animal Production Safety , Changsha, Hunan Province, The People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Bin Zheng
- 1 Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University , Changsha, Hunan Province, The People's Republic of China
| | - Guo-Hua Liu
- 1 Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University , Changsha, Hunan Province, The People's Republic of China .,2 Hunan Co-Innovation Center of Animal Production Safety , Changsha, Hunan Province, The People's Republic of China
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Van Kruiningen HJ, Helal Z, Leroyer A, Garmendia A, Gower-Rousseau C. ELISA Serology for Antibodies Against Chlamydia trachomatis in Crohn's Disease. Gastroenterology Res 2018; 10:334-338. [PMID: 29317940 PMCID: PMC5755634 DOI: 10.14740/gr922w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recently we reported IgA anti-Chlamydia antibodies in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), in particular in four patients from a single family of six with CD. Methods We studied sera from four cohorts from the north of France. These were identified as: EPIMAD (80 pediatric onset CD and 20 pediatric onset ulcerative colitis), MINOTOR (148 adult onset sporadic CD and 50 adult onset ulcerative colitis), Grande Famillies (50) and matched controls for the Grande Famillies cohort (49). Sera were tested using commercial anti-Chlamydia trachomatis (LGV2:434) IgG and IgA human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Cutoff for positivity was 11.0 standard units. Results Patients with sporadic CD, unaffected first degree relatives from multiplex families and ulcerative colitis patients had no greater serologic reactivity than controls. However, multiplex families’ patients had twice as many positives as the other groups: for IgG 20% vs. 8%; for IgA 20% vs. 10%. Conclusions Though not attaining statistical significance, the data showed that familial CD patients had greater exposure to C. trachomatis than sporadic CD patients, supporting our earlier results from one family from the north of France. More specific serologic tests based on outer membrane proteins will need to be employed against the various Chlamydia species with zoonotic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zeinab Helal
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ariane Leroyer
- EA4483 - IMPECS - IMPact of Environmental ChemicalS on Human Health, Faculte de Medecine, Lille 2 University, France
| | - Antonio Garmendia
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Corrine Gower-Rousseau
- Inserm, UMR 995, LIRIC, Team 5 "Epidemiology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: From Epidemiology to Functional Analysis", Faculte de Medecine, Lille 2 University, France.,Department of Public Health, Epidemiology and Economic Health, Registre Epimad, Maison Regionale de la Recherche Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Regional, Lille, France
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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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De Puysseleyr K, Kieckens E, De Puysseleyr L, Van den Wyngaert H, Ahmed B, Van Lent S, Creasy HH, Myers GSA, Vanrompay D. Development of a Chlamydia suis-specific antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on the use of a B-cell epitope of the polymorphic membrane protein C. Transbound Emerg Dis 2018; 65:e457-e469. [PMID: 29314736 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia suis infections lead to economic loss in the pork industry. Chlamydia suis infections could be successfully treated with tetracyclines until the appearance of a tetracycline resistant phenotype, which was acquired via horizontal gene transfer of the tet(C) gene. Given the importance of C. suis as a swine pathogen and as a recently emerged tetracycline resistant pathogen with zoonotic potential, our aim was to develop a sensitive C. suis-specific antibody ELISA based on the polymorphic membrane proteins (Pmps). Chlamydia Pmps are important virulence factors and candidate antigens for serodiagnosis. We identified nine Pmps (PmpA to I) in C. suis strain MD56 using a recently developed Hidden-Markov model. PmpC was the most promising candidate for the development of a C. suis-specific antibody ELISA as the protein was absent in C. abortus, C. pecorum and C. psittaci which also infect pigs and as the protein contained C. suis-specific amino acid regions, absent in C. trachomatis PmpC. We identified an immunodominant B-cell epitope in C. suis PmpC using experimental porcine sera. The sensitivity and specificity of the PmpC ELISA was compared to the complement fixation test (CFT) and to a recombinant MOMP ELISA using experimental sera. The PmpC ELISA detected all positive control sera and was in contrast to CFT and the rMOMP ELISA 100% C. suis specific as positive control sera against other Chlamydia species did not react in the PmpC ELISA. The test was successfully validated using slaughterhouse sera and sera from clinically affected pigs. The PmpC ELISA could assist in diminishing the spread of C. suis infections in the pork industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- K De Puysseleyr
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - E Kieckens
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - L De Puysseleyr
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - H Van den Wyngaert
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - B Ahmed
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - S Van Lent
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - H H Creasy
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - G S A Myers
- i3 Institute, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - D Vanrompay
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
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Li M, Jelocnik M, Yang F, Gong J, Kaltenboeck B, Polkinghorne A, Feng Z, Pannekoek Y, Borel N, Song C, Jiang P, Li J, Zhang J, Wang Y, Wang J, Zhou X, Wang C. Asymptomatic infections with highly polymorphic Chlamydia suis are ubiquitous in pigs. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:370. [PMID: 29191191 PMCID: PMC5710075 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1295-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia suis is an important, globally distributed, highly prevalent and diverse obligate intracellular pathogen infecting pigs. To investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of C. suis in China, 2,137 nasal, conjunctival, and rectal swabs as well as whole blood and lung samples of pigs were collected in 19 regions from ten provinces of China in this study. Results We report an overall positivity of 62.4% (1,334/2,137) of C. suis following screening by Chlamydia spp. 23S rRNA-based FRET-PCR and high-resolution melting curve analysis and confirmatory sequencing. For C. suis-positive samples, 33.3 % of whole blood and 62.5% of rectal swabs were found to be positive for the C. suis tetR(C) gene, while 13.3% of whole blood and 87.0% of rectal swabs were positive for the C. suis tet(C) gene. Phylogenetic comparison of partial C. suis ompA gene sequences revealed significant genetic diversity in the C. suis strains. This genetic diversity was confirmed by C. suis-specific multilocus sequence typing (MLST), which identified 26 novel sequence types among 27 examined strains. Tanglegrams based on MLST and ompA sequences provided evidence of C. suis recombination amongst the strains analyzed. Conclusions Genetically highly diverse C. suis strains are exceedingly prevalent in pigs. As it stands, the potential pathogenic effect of C. suis on pig health and production of C. suis remains unclear and will be the subject of further investigations. Further study is also required to address the transmission of C. suis between pigs and the risk of 'spill-over' and 'spill-back' of infections to wild animals and humans. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12917-017-1295-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD, Maroochydore, Australia
| | - Feng Yang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianseng Gong
- Poultry Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | | | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD, Maroochydore, Australia
| | - Zhixin Feng
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-Products, Nanjing, China
| | - Yvonne Pannekoek
- Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute for Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chunlian Song
- Yunnan Agricultural University College of Animal Science & Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases Diagnostic and Immunology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Li
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jilei Zhang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaoyao Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengming Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. .,College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA.
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