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Choi JH, Kim TH, Kim ET, Kim YR, Lee H. Molecular epidemiology and virulence factors of group B Streptococcus in South Korea according to the invasiveness. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:740. [PMID: 39060964 PMCID: PMC11282841 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09625-1] [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: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes invasive infections in newborns and elderly individuals, but is a noninvasive commensal bacterium in most immunocompetent people. Recently, the incidence of invasive GBS infections has increased worldwide, and there is growing interest in the molecular genetic characteristics of invasive GBS strains. Vaccines against GBS are expected in the near future. Here, we aimed to analyze the molecular epidemiology of GBS according to the invasiveness in South Korea. METHODS We analyzed GBS isolates collected and stored in two hospitals in South Korea between January 2015 and December 2020. The invasiveness of these isolates was determined via a retrospective review of clinical episodes. Totally, 120 GBS isolates from 55 children and 65 adults were analyzed. Serotype and sequence type (ST) were determined using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and multilocus sequence typing, respectively. Fourteen virulence factor-encoding genes of GBS were analyzed using multiplex PCR. RESULTS Forty one (34.2%) were invasive infection-related GBS isolates (iGBS). The most frequently detected serotype was III (39/120, 32.5%), and it accounted for a high proportion of iGBS (21/41, 51.2%). The most frequent ST was ST19 (18/120, 15.0%), followed by ST2 (17/120, 14.2%). Serotype III/ST17 was predominant in iGBS (12/41, 29.3%), and all 17 ST2 strains were noninvasive. The distribution of most of the investigated virulence factors was not significantly related to invasiveness; noteworthily, most of the serotype III/ST17 iGBS carried pilus island (PI) 2b (10/12, 83.3%), and the prevalence of fbsB was significantly low compared with noninvasive GBS isolates (P = 0.004). Characteristically, the combination of bca(+)-cspA(+)-pavA(+)-fbsB(-)-rib(+)-bac(-) was predominant in iGBS (24.4%, 10/41). CONCLUSIONS Serotype III/ST17 GBS carrying PI-2b was frequently detected in iGBS. There was no significant association between invasiveness and the pattern of virulence factors; however, a specific combination of virulence factors was predominant in iGBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hong Choi
- Pediatrics, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea
- Pediatrics, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hyoung Kim
- Biomedicine and Drug Development, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui Tae Kim
- Biomedicine and Drug Development, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea
- Microbiology and Immunology, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ree Kim
- Laboratory Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunju Lee
- Pediatrics, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
- Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Creti R, Imperi M, Khan UB, Berardi A, Recchia S, Alfarone G, Gherardi G. Emergence of High-Level Gentamicin Resistance in Streptococcus agalactiae Hypervirulent Serotype IV ST1010 (CC452) Strains by Acquisition of a Novel Integrative and Conjugative Element. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:491. [PMID: 38927158 PMCID: PMC11201010 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13060491] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococci, GBS) is responsible for severe infections in both neonates and adults. Currently, empiric antimicrobial therapy for sepsis and meningitis is the combined use of penicillin and gentamicin due to the enhanced bactericidal activity. However, high-level gentamicin resistance (HLGR) abrogates the synergism. The rate of HLGR was investigated within a dataset of 433 GBS strains collected from cases of invasive disease in both adults and neonates as well as from pregnant carriers. GBS isolates (n = 20, 4.6%) presented with HLGR (gentamicin MIC breakpoint >1024 mg/L) that was differently diffused between strains from adults or neonates (5.2% vs. 2.8%). Notably, 70% of HLGR GBS strains (14 isolates) were serotype IV. Serotype IV HLGR-GBS isolates were susceptible to all antibiotics tested, exhibited the alpha-C/HvgA/PI-2b virulence string, and belonged to sequence type 1010 (clonal complex (CC) 452). The mobile element that harbored the HLGR aac(6')-aph(2)″ gene is a novel integrative and conjugative element (ICE) about 45 kb long, derived from GBS 515 ICE tRNALys. The clonal expansion of this HLGR hypervirulent serotype IV GBS CC452 sublineage may pose a threat to the management of infections caused by this strain type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Creti
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Reparto di Antibiotico-Resistenza e Patogeni Speciali, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.I.); (S.R.); (G.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Monica Imperi
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Reparto di Antibiotico-Resistenza e Patogeni Speciali, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.I.); (S.R.); (G.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Uzma Basit Khan
- Parasites and Microbes Programme, The Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK;
| | - Alberto Berardi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Simona Recchia
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Reparto di Antibiotico-Resistenza e Patogeni Speciali, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.I.); (S.R.); (G.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Giovanna Alfarone
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Reparto di Antibiotico-Resistenza e Patogeni Speciali, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.I.); (S.R.); (G.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Giovanni Gherardi
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Reparto di Antibiotico-Resistenza e Patogeni Speciali, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.I.); (S.R.); (G.A.); (G.G.)
- Unità di Ricerca di Scienze Batteriologiche Applicate, Facoltà Dipartimentale di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
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Alzayer M, Alkhulaifi MM, Alyami A, Aldosary M, Alageel A, Garaween G, Shibl A, Al-Hamad AM, Doumith M. Genomic insights into the diversity, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance of group B Streptococcus clinical isolates from Saudi Arabia. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1377993. [PMID: 38711928 PMCID: PMC11070470 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1377993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Detailed assessment of the population structure of group B Streptococcus (GBS) among adults is still lacking in Saudi Arabia. Here we characterized a representative collection of isolates from colonized and infected adults. Methods GBS isolates (n=89) were sequenced by Illumina and screened for virulence and antimicrobial resistance determinants. Genetic diversity was assessed by single nucleotide polymorphisms and core-genome MLST analyses. Results Genome sequences revealed 28 sequence types (STs) and nine distinct serotypes, including uncommon serotypes VII and VIII. Majority of these STs (n=76) belonged to the human-associated clonal complexes (CCs) CC1 (33.71%), CC19 (25.84%), CC17 (11.24%), CC10/CC12 (7.87%), and CC452 (6.74%). Major CCs exhibited intra-lineage serotype diversity, except for the hypervirulent CC17, which exclusively expressed serotype III. Virulence profiling revealed that nearly all isolates (94.38%) carried at least one of the four alpha family protein genes (i.e., alphaC, alp1, alp2/3, and rib), and 92.13% expressed one of the two serine-rich repeat surface proteins Srr1 or Srr2. In addition, most isolates harbored the pilus island (PI)-2a alone (15.73%) or in combination with PI-1 (62.92%), and those carrying PI-2b alone (10.11%) belonged to CC17. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the sequenced isolates according to CCs and further subdivided them along with their serotypes. Overall, isolates across all CC1 phylogenetic clusters expressed Srr1 and carried the PI-1 and PI-2a loci, but differed in genes encoding the alpha-like proteins. CC19 clusters were dominated by the III/rib/srr1/PI-1+PI-2a (43.48%, 10/23) and V/alp1/srr1/PI-1+PI-2a (34.78%, 8/23) lineages, whereas most CC17 isolates (90%, 9/10) had the same III/rib/srr2/P1-2b genetic background. Interestingly, genes encoding the CC17-specific adhesins HvgA and Srr2 were detected in phylogenetically distant isolates belonging to ST1212, suggesting that other highly virulent strains might be circulating within the species. Resistance to macrolides and/or lincosamides across all major CCs (n=48) was associated with the acquisition of erm(B) (62.5%, 30/48), erm(A) (27.1%, 13/48), lsa(C) (8.3%, 4/48), and mef(A) (2.1%, 1/48) genes, whereas resistance to tetracycline was mainly mediated by presence of tet(M) (64.18%, 43/67) and tet(O) (20.9%, 14/67) alone or in combination (13.43%, 9/67). Discussion These findings underscore the necessity for more rigorous characterization of GBS isolates causing infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Alzayer
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manal M. Alkhulaifi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Alyami
- Pathology and Clinical Laboratory, Medicine Administration, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Aldosary
- Pathology and Clinical Laboratory, Medicine Administration, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Alageel
- Pathology and Clinical Laboratory, Medicine Administration, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghada Garaween
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atef Shibl
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arif M. Al-Hamad
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michel Doumith
- Infectious Diseases Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Enany S, Tartor YH, Kishk RM, Gadallah AM, Ahmed E, Magdeldin S. Proteomics and metabolomics analyses of Streptococcus agalactiae isolates from human and animal sources. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20980. [PMID: 38017083 PMCID: PMC10684508 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47976-y] [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: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae), group B Streptococcus (GBS), a major cause of infection in a wide variety of diseases, have been compared in different human and animal sources. We aimed to compare the bacterial proteome and metabolome profiles of human and animal S. agalactiae strains to delineate biological interactions relevant to infection. With the innovative advancement in mass spectrometry, a comparative result between both strains provided a solid impression of different responses to the host. For instance, stress-related proteins (Asp23/Gls24 family envelope stress response protein and heat shock protein 70), which play a role in the survival of GBS under extreme environmental conditions or during treatment, are highly expressed in human and animal strains. One human strain contains ꞵ-lactamase (serine hydrolase) and biofilm regulatory protein (lytR), which are important virulence regulators and potential targets for the design of novel antimicrobials. Another human strain contains the aminoglycosides-resistance bifunctional AAC/APH (A0A0U2QMQ5) protein, which confers resistance to almost all clinically used aminoglycosides. Fifteen different metabolites were annotated between the two groups. L-aspartic acid, ureidopropionic acid, adenosine monophosphate, L-tryptophan, and guanosine monophosphate were annotated at higher levels in human strains. Butyric acid, fumaric acid, isoleucine, leucine, and hippuric acid have been found in both human and animal strains. Certain metabolites were uniquely expressed in animal strains, with fold changes greater than 2. For example, putrescine modulates biofilm formation. Overall, this study provides biological insights into the substantial possible bacterial response reflected in its macromolecular production, either at the proteomic or metabolomic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shymaa Enany
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
- Biomedical Research Department, Armed Force College of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Yasmine H Tartor
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Rania M Kishk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Gadallah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Eman Ahmed
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Unit, Department of Basic Research, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, 11441, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Sameh Magdeldin
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Unit, Department of Basic Research, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, 11441, Egypt
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
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Hsu JF, Lu JJ, Chu SM, Lee WJ, Huang HR, Chiang MC, Yang PH, Tsai MH. The Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of Streptococcus agalactiae Meningitis in Neonates. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15387. [PMID: 37895067 PMCID: PMC10607198 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015387] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is an important pathogen of bacterial meningitis in neonates. We aimed to investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of neonatal GBS meningitis. All neonates with GBS meningitis at a tertiary level medical center in Taiwan between 2003 and 2020 were analyzed. Capsule serotyping, multilocus sequence typing, antimicrobial resistance, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) were performed on the GBS isolates. We identified 48 neonates with GBS meningitis and 140 neonates with GBS sepsis. Neonates with GBS meningitis had significantly more severe clinical symptoms; thirty-seven neonates (77.8%) had neurological complications; seven (14.6%) neonates died; and 17 (41.5%) survivors had neurological sequelae at discharge. The most common serotypes that caused meningitis in neonates were type III (68.8%), Ia (20.8%), and Ib (8.3%). Sequence type (ST) is highly correlated with serotypes, and ST17/III GBS accounted for more than half of GBS meningitis cases (56.3%, n = 27), followed by ST19/Ia, ST23/Ia, and ST12/Ib. All GBS isolates were sensitive to ampicillin, but a high resistance rates of 72.3% and 70.7% to erythromycin and clindamycin, respectively, were noted in the cohort. The virulence and pilus genes varied greatly between different GBS serotypes. WGS analyses showed that the presence of PezT; BspC; and ICESag37 was likely associated with the occurrence of meningitis and was documented in 60.4%, 77.1%, and 52.1% of the GBS isolates that caused neonatal meningitis. We concluded that GBS meningitis can cause serious morbidity in neonates. Further experimental models are warranted to investigate the clinical and genetic relevance of GBS meningitis. Specific GBS strains that likely cause meningitis requires further investigation and clinical attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Fu Hsu
- Division of Pediatric Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (J.-F.H.); (S.-M.C.); (W.-J.L.); (H.-R.H.); (M.-C.C.); (P.-H.Y.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Jang-Jih Lu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ming Chu
- Division of Pediatric Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (J.-F.H.); (S.-M.C.); (W.-J.L.); (H.-R.H.); (M.-C.C.); (P.-H.Y.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Wei-Ju Lee
- Division of Pediatric Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (J.-F.H.); (S.-M.C.); (W.-J.L.); (H.-R.H.); (M.-C.C.); (P.-H.Y.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Hsuan-Rong Huang
- Division of Pediatric Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (J.-F.H.); (S.-M.C.); (W.-J.L.); (H.-R.H.); (M.-C.C.); (P.-H.Y.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Chou Chiang
- Division of Pediatric Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (J.-F.H.); (S.-M.C.); (W.-J.L.); (H.-R.H.); (M.-C.C.); (P.-H.Y.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Peng-Hong Yang
- Division of Pediatric Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (J.-F.H.); (S.-M.C.); (W.-J.L.); (H.-R.H.); (M.-C.C.); (P.-H.Y.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Horng Tsai
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Yunlin 638, Taiwan
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Briaud P, Gautier T, Rong V, Mereghetti L, Lanotte P, Hiron A. The Streptococcus agalactiae Exonuclease ExoVII Is Required for Resistance to Exogenous DNA-Damaging Agents. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0002423. [PMID: 37162366 PMCID: PMC10294681 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00024-23] [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: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae is a human pathogen responsible for severe invasive infections in newborns. In this bacterium, XseB, a part of the ExoVII exonuclease, was shown to be specifically more abundant in the hypervirulent ST-17 strains. In Escherichia coli, ExoVII is associated either with mismatch repair or with recombinational DNA repair and is redundant with other exonucleases. In this study, the biological role of S. agalactiae ExoVII was examined. The ΔexoVII mutant strain was subjected to different DNA-damaging agents, as well as a large set of mutants impaired either in the mismatch repair pathway or in processes of recombinational DNA repair. Our results clarified the role of this protein in Gram-positive bacteria as we showed that ExoVII is not significantly involved in mismatch repair but is involved in bacterial recovery after exposure to exogenous DNA-damaging agents such as ciprofloxacin, UV irradiation, or hydrogen peroxide. We found that ExoVII is more particularly important for resistance to ciprofloxacin, likely as part of the RecF DNA repair pathway. Depending on the tested agent, ExoVII appeared to be fully redundant or nonredundant with another exonuclease, RecJ. The importance of each exonuclease, ExoVII or RecJ, in the process of DNA repair is thus dependent on the considered DNA lesion. IMPORTANCE This study examined the role of the ExoVII exonuclease of Streptococcus agalactiae within the different DNA repair processes. Our results concluded that ExoVII is involved in bacterial recovery after exposure to different exogenous DNA-damaging agents but not in the mismatch repair pathway. We found that ExoVII is particularly important for resistance to ciprofloxacin, likely as part of the RecF DNA repair pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Briaud
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, Tours, France
| | - T. Gautier
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, Tours, France
| | - V. Rong
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, Tours, France
| | - L. Mereghetti
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, Tours, France
- CHRU de Tours, Service de Bactériologie-Virologie-Hygiène, Tours, France
| | - P. Lanotte
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, Tours, France
- CHRU de Tours, Service de Bactériologie-Virologie-Hygiène, Tours, France
| | - A. Hiron
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, Tours, France
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Clonal Complex 12 Serotype Ib Streptococcus agalactiae Strain Causing Complicated Sepsis in Neonates: Clinical Features and Genetic Characteristics. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0377822. [PMID: 36475780 PMCID: PMC9927456 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03778-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus [GBS]) is well known to cause serious diseases in infants. A serotype Ib GBS strain has recently emerged and become prevalent in Southeast Asia. We aimed to investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of this strain. All neonates with invasive GBS diseases from a tertiary-level medical center in Taiwan between 2003 and 2020 were analyzed. The capsule serotyping, multilocus sequence typing, and antimicrobial resistance analyses were performed on all the invasive GBS isolates, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed specifically on the type Ib GBS strain. A total of 188 neonates with invasive GBS disease during the study period were identified. The type Ib GBS strain accounted for 7.4% (n = 14) of neonatal GBS invasive diseases. Almost all type Ib GBS isolates belonged to sequence type 12 (13/14, 92.9%) and clonal complex 12. Neonates with type Ib GBS disease had a significantly higher rate of complicated sepsis (10/14, 71.4%; P < 0.05) and sepsis-attributable mortality (6/14, 42.9%; P < 0.05). Additionally, type Ib GBS isolates had significantly higher rates of resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin (both 100%; P < 0.05) than other GBS serotypes. WGS revealed the presence of an ~75-kb integrative and conjugative element, ICESag37, comprising multiple antibiotic resistance and virulence genes, and PI-1 plus PI-2a were noted in all type Ib serotype 12 (ST12) GBS isolates; these isolates may be responsible for its high invasiveness and antimicrobial resistance rates. The genomic characteristics of the type Ib clonal complex 12 (CC12) GBS strain may account for the high illness severity associated with this strain and its antibiotic resistance. Continuous monitoring and advanced strategies to control the spread of type Ib CC12 GBS should be considered. IMPORTANCE A type Ib ST12 GBS strain is not a common isolate in neonatal invasive diseases and has been ignored for a long time. However, the recent literature and our data showed that such a GBS strain is associated with a significantly higher risk of severe sepsis, higher illness severity, and a significantly higher rate of sepsis-attributable mortality. This study found a novel gene cluster, including the presence of ICESag37 and specific pilus genes, carrying multiple antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes, which may be responsible for the clinical characteristics. Because of the higher mortality and severity of illness, we concluded that continuous monitoring of the type Ib ST12 GBS strain is warranted in the future.
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Molecular Epidemiology of Group B Streptococcus Colonization in Egyptian Women. Microorganisms 2022; 11:microorganisms11010038. [PMID: 36677330 PMCID: PMC9861799 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Streptococcus agalactiae or Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes severe neonatal infections with a high burden of disease, especially in Africa. Maternal vaginal colonization and perinatal transmissions represent the common mode of acquiring the infection. Development of an effective maternal vaccine against GBS relies on molecular surveillance of the maternal GBS population to better understand the global distribution of GBS clones and serotypes. (2) Methods: Here, we present genomic data from a collection of colonizing GBS strains from Ismailia, Egypt that were sequenced and characterized within the global JUNO project. (3) Results: A large proportion of serotype VI, ST14 strains was discovered, a serotype which is rarely found in strain collections from the US and Europe and typically not included in the current vaccine formulations. (4) Conclusions: The molecular epidemiology of these strains clearly points to the African origin with the detection of several sequence types (STs) that have only been observed in Africa. Our data underline the importance of continuous molecular surveillance of the GBS population for future vaccine implementations.
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Tsai IA, Su Y, Wang YH, Chu C. Alterations in Genes rib, scpB and Pilus Island Decrease the Prevalence of Predominant Serotype V, Not III and VI, of Streptococcus agalactiae from 2008 to 2012. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101145. [PMID: 36297202 PMCID: PMC9611264 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101145] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) can infect newborns, pregnant women and immunocompromised or elderly people. This study aimed to investigate differences in three pilus genes and virulence genes pavA, cfb, rib and scpB and changes in predominant serotypes III, V and VI from 2008 to 2012. The susceptibilities to penicillin, ceftriaxone, azithromycin, erythromycin, clindamycin, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin of 145 GBS strains of serotype III, V and VI strains from 2008 and 2012 were determined using disc diffusion method. PCR identification of ST-17, the pilus genes and virulence genes; multilocus sequence typing (MLST); and conserved domain and phylogenetic analysis of scpB-1 and scpB-2 proteins were performed. A dramatic number reduction was observed in serotype V, not III and V, from 2008 to 2012. The rate of resistance to azithromycin, clindamycin and erythromycin was the highest in serotype V. ST-17 was only found in serotype III with pilus genes PI-1+PI-2b. The major pilus genotype was PI-1+PI-2a. Serotype V without the rib gene was reduced in number between two studied years. Compared to scpB-1, scpB-2 had a 128-bp deletion in a PA C5a-like peptidase domain and putative integrin-binding motif RGD. In conclusion, reduction in serotype V may be due to presence of scpB-2 or lack of genes scpB and rib.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-An Tsai
- Ph.D. Program of Agriculture Science, College of Agriculture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City 600, Taiwan
| | - Yaochi Su
- Ph.D. Program of Agriculture Science, College of Agriculture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City 600, Taiwan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City 600, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Hsiang Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Puzi City 613, Taiwan
| | - Chishih Chu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Sciences, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City 600, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-5-2717898
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Circulation of Streptococcus agalactiae ST103 in a Free Stall Italian Dairy Farm. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0038322. [PMID: 35536052 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00383-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We report here on an outbreak of mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae, or group B Streptococcus, in a northern Italy (Lombardy Region) free stall dairy farm. This outbreak was unusual because it occurred in a closed dairy herd and proved to be extremely difficult to resolve even after the application of the classical control procedures, which are specifically focused on the contagious nature of S. agalactiae. In order to better understand the potential origins of the pathogen and the critical points that could impair the eradication program and to investigate the possible presence of S. agalactiae in sources outside the mammary gland, we collected 656 individual composite milk samples, 577 samples from extramammary body sites (289 rectal, 284 vaginal, and four throat samples from milking cows, dry cows, heifers, and calves), and 81 samples from the cattle environment, including the milking parlor and the barn. Twenty-two S. agalactiae isolates were obtained from lactating cows or their environment. Of these, nine were isolated from milk, two were from rectal swabs, and two were from vaginal swabs, while nine were isolated from environmental samples. Based on molecular serotyping, pilus island (PI) typing and multilocus sequence typing, all isolates belonged to serotype III, pilus type PI-1/2b, and sequence type 103 (ST103), a type previously described to have an environmental transmission cycle and a potential human origin. Once the classical mastitis control measures were supplemented with environmental hygiene measures, herd monitoring using bulk tank milk revealed no further positive results for S. agalactiae, and the outbreak was considered resolved. IMPORTANCE Streptococcus agalactiae is an important pathogen in humans and cattle. Bovine mastitis caused by this bacterium and its control are generally associated with contagious transmission between animals. More recently, the presence of a fecal-oral transmission cycle in cattle has been proposed, linked to the ability of some S. agalactiae strains to survive in the bovine gastrointestinal tract and environment. Based on analysis of 1,316 specimens from cattle and their environment on a single dairy farm, we demonstrate the presence of sequence type 103 (ST103), which may have an environmental mode of transmission. This possibility was supported by the fact that the mastitis outbreak could not be controlled through measures to prevent contagious transmission alone and required additional environmental hygiene measures to be brought to a halt. This case study highlights that measures to control animal disease need to evolve alongside the microorganisms that cause them.
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Lacasse M, Valentin AS, Corvec S, Bémer P, Jolivet-Gougeon A, Plouzeau C, Tandé D, Mereghetti L, Bernard L, Lartigue MF. Genotypic Characterization and Biofilm Production of Group B Streptococcus Strains Isolated from Bone and Joint Infections. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0232921. [PMID: 35357222 PMCID: PMC9045227 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02329-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone and joint infections (BJI) represent the second cause of invasive Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections. Biofilm formation plays a major role in BJI. This study's aim was to analyze the genetic features and biofilm production of GBS strains. In six French laboratories, 77 GBS strains isolated from BJI and 57 strains from vaginal human colonization (Hcol) were characterized and compared by Multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST). PCR was used to search for the adhesins (bsaB, lmb, scpB, fbsA, fbsB, hvgA, bibA, bca, srr-1, and srr-2) and Pilus Islands (PI) related genes (PI-1, PI-2a, PI-2b). Biofilm production was studied by crystal violet assay. Strains were categorized into three groups, based on Specific Biofilm Formation (SBF) values defined as: weak, moderate, or strong producers. Molecular study revealed three major clonal complexes (CC) in BJI strains: CC1 (42%), CC23 (22%) and CC10 (14%). Several associations between CC and adhesin/pili were identified: CC1 with srr2, PI-1 + 2a; CC10 with srr-1, bca, PI-1 + 2a; CC17 with fbsB, hvgA, srr-2, PI-1+PI-2b; CC19 with bibA, srr-1, PI-1 + 2a; CC23 with fbsB, bibA, srr-1, PI-2a. The biofilm production was significantly different according to CC, adhesins and pili gene detection. CC10, CC23 and strains harboring fbsB produce more biofilm than CC1, PI-1 + 2a (independently). Finally, SBF values were significantly stronger for Hcol strains rather than for BJI strains (76% versus 40%). This study revealed that Hcol strains appeared to produce stronger biofilm than BJI strains, though they belonged to similar CCs and had the same adhesin and pili content. IMPORTANCE Bone and joint infections (BJI) are pathologies that can be life-threatening and result in compromised functional prognosis for patients. Relapses are common and often related to biofilm formation. Group B streptococci (GBS) BJI increased since the last decade. However, few data are available on this subject in the literature. Our study aims to highlight genotype and biofilm production of GBS isolates from BJI. Seventy-seven GBS strains isolated from BJI and 57 from asymptomatic human vaginal colonization were characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), adhesins content, nature of the pili and the ability to form biofilm. Our results revealed that vaginal human colonization strains produced stronger biofilm than BJI strains, despite belonging to the same phylogenetic lineage and having the same adhesin and pili content.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne-Sophie Valentin
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, Tours, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Service de Bactériologie, Virologie et Hygiène Hospitalière, Tours, France
| | - Stéphane Corvec
- University Hospital Center of Nantes, Bacteriology Department, Nantes University, Nantes, France
| | - Pascale Bémer
- University Hospital Center of Nantes, Bacteriology Department, Nantes University, Nantes, France
| | - Anne Jolivet-Gougeon
- University of Rennes, INSERM, University Hospital of Rennes, NUMECAN Institute (Nutrition Metabolisms and Cancer), Rennes, France
| | - Chloé Plouzeau
- Bacteriology-Hospital Hygiene Department, University Hospital of Poitiers, Poitiers University, Poitiers, France
| | - Didier Tandé
- Bacteriology-Hospital Hygiene Department, University Hospital of Brest, Brest University, Brest, France
| | - Laurent Mereghetti
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, Tours, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Service de Bactériologie, Virologie et Hygiène Hospitalière, Tours, France
| | - Louis Bernard
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Service de Maladies infectieuses, Tours, France
| | - Marie-Frédérique Lartigue
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, Tours, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Service de Bactériologie, Virologie et Hygiène Hospitalière, Tours, France
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12
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Invasive Group B Streptococcal Disease in Neonates and Infants, Italy, Years 2015-2019. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122579. [PMID: 34946181 PMCID: PMC8708122 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive infections by group B streptococci (iGBS) are the leading cause of sepsis and meningitis in the first three months of life worldwide. The clinical and microbiological characteristics of neonatal and infant iGBS in Italy during the years 2015–2019 were investigated. Voluntary-based surveillance reported 191 cases (67 early-onset (EOD) and 124 late-onset disease (LOD)) and 89 bacterial isolates were received. The main clinical manifestations were sepsis (59.2%) followed by meningitis (21.5%), bacteremia (12.0%) and septic shock (6.3%). Hospitalized preterm babies accounted for one third of iGBS and constituted the most fragile population in terms of mortality (8.2%) and brain damage (16.4%). GBS serotype III was predominant in EOD (56%) and caused almost all LOD (95%). The rate of resistance to clindamycin reached 28.8%. Most of clindamycin-resistant GBS strains (76%) were serotype III-ST17 and possessed the genetic markers of the emerging multidrug resistant (MDR) CC-17 sub-clone. Our data revealed that iGBS is changing since it is increasingly reported as a healthcare-associated infection (22.6%), mainly caused by MDR-CC17. Continuous monitoring of the clinical and microbiological characteristics of iGBS remains of primary importance and it represents, at present, the most effective tool to support prevention strategies and the research on the developing GBS vaccine.
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Hsu JF, Tsai MH, Lin LC, Chu SM, Lai MY, Huang HR, Chiang MC, Yang PH, Lu JJ. Genomic Characterization of Serotype III/ST-17 Group B Streptococcus Strains with Antimicrobial Resistance Using Whole Genome Sequencing. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101477. [PMID: 34680594 PMCID: PMC8533585 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Antibiotic-resistant type III/ST-17 Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus, GBS) strain is predominant in neonatal invasive GBS diseases. We aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance profiles and genetic characteristics of type III/ST-17 GBS strains. Methods: A total of 681 non-duplicate GBS isolates were typed (MLST, capsular types) and their antibiotic resistances were performed. Several molecular methods (WGS, PCR, sequencing and sequence analysis) were used to determine the genetic context of antibiotic resistant genes and pili genes. Results: The antibiotic resistant rates were significantly higher in type Ib (90.1%) and type III (71.1%) GBS isolates. WGS revealed that the loss of PI-1 genes and absence of ISSag5 was found in antibiotic-resistant III/ST-17 GBS isolates, which is replaced by a ~75-kb integrative and conjugative element, ICESag37, comprising multiple antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. Among 190 serotype III GBS isolates, the most common pilus island was PI-2b (58.4%) alone, which was found in 81.3% of the III/ST-17 GBS isolates. Loss of PI-1 and ISSag5 was significantly associated with antibiotic resistance (95.5% vs. 27.8%, p < 0.001). The presence of ICESag37 was found in 83.6% of all III/ST-17 GBS isolates and 99.1% (105/106) of the antibiotic-resistant III/ST-17 GBS isolates. Conclusions: Loss of PI-1 and ISSag5, which is replaced by ICESag37 carrying multiple antibiotic resistance genes, accounts for the high antibiotic resistance rate in III/ST-17 GBS isolates. The emerging clonal expansion of this hypervirulent strain with antibiotic resistance after acquisition of ICESag37 highlights the urgent need for continuous surveillance of GBS infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Fu Hsu
- Division of Pediatric Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (J.-F.H.); (S.-M.C.); (M.-Y.L.); (H.-R.H.); (M.-C.C.); (P.-H.Y.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Horng Tsai
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 638, Taiwan
| | - Lee-Chung Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Shih-Ming Chu
- Division of Pediatric Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (J.-F.H.); (S.-M.C.); (M.-Y.L.); (H.-R.H.); (M.-C.C.); (P.-H.Y.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Mei-Yin Lai
- Division of Pediatric Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (J.-F.H.); (S.-M.C.); (M.-Y.L.); (H.-R.H.); (M.-C.C.); (P.-H.Y.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Hsuan-Rong Huang
- Division of Pediatric Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (J.-F.H.); (S.-M.C.); (M.-Y.L.); (H.-R.H.); (M.-C.C.); (P.-H.Y.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Chou Chiang
- Division of Pediatric Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (J.-F.H.); (S.-M.C.); (M.-Y.L.); (H.-R.H.); (M.-C.C.); (P.-H.Y.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Peng-Hong Yang
- Division of Pediatric Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (J.-F.H.); (S.-M.C.); (M.-Y.L.); (H.-R.H.); (M.-C.C.); (P.-H.Y.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Jang-Jih Lu
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-328-1200 (ext. 2554); Fax: +886-3-397-1827
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Berardi A, Spada C, Creti R, Auriti C, Gambini L, Rizzo V, Capretti M, Laforgia N, Papa I, Tarocco A, Lanzoni A, Biasucci G, Piccinini G, Nardella G, Latorre G, Merazzi D, Travan L, Reggiani MLB, Baroni L, Ciccia M, Lucaccioni L, Iughetti L, Lugli L. Maternal Carriage in Late-Onset Group B Streptococcus Disease, Italy. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:2279-2287. [PMID: 34423765 PMCID: PMC8386770 DOI: 10.3201/eid2709.210049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
At the time of late-onset disease, mothers often have positive breast milk culture or group B Streptococcus bacteriuria, suggesting heavy maternal colonization. We retrospectively investigated mother-to-infant transmission of group B Streptococcus (GBS) in 98 cases of late-onset disease reported during 2007–2018 by a network in Italy. Mothers with full assessment of vaginal/rectal carriage tested at prenatal screening and at time of late onset (ATLO) were included. Thirty-three mothers (33.7%) were never GBS colonized; 65 (66.3%) were vaginal/rectal colonized, of which 36 (36.7%) were persistently colonized. Mothers with vaginal/rectal colonization ATLO had high rates of GBS bacteriuria (33.9%) and positive breast milk culture (27.5%). GBS strains from mother–infant pairs were serotype III and possessed the surface protein antigen Rib. All but 1 strain belonged to clonal complex 17. GBS strains from 4 mother–infant pairs were indistinguishable through pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. At least two thirds of late-onset cases are transmitted from mothers, who often have vaginal/rectal carriage, positive breast milk culture, or GBS bacteriuria, which suggests heavy maternal colonization.
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Maeda T, Fukushima Y, Yoshida H, Goto M, Fujita T, Tsuyuki Y, Takahashi T. Biofilm production ability and associated characteristics of Streptococcus agalactiae isolates from companion animals and humans. J Infect Chemother 2021; 27:1571-1577. [PMID: 34217606 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2021.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We evaluated biofilm production ability (BPA) of Streptococcus agalactiae isolates from companion animals/humans and clarified the relationship between BPA populations and other microbiological features. METHODS Companion animal-/human-origin isolates were collected with host information. We measured BPA using crystal violet staining, via virulence-associated gene profiling (hylB-pavA-pilB-spb1-srtC1-brpA), capsular genotyping, multilocus sequence typing, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotyping/genotyping. Significant difference in BPA of isolates from different hosts was assessed. We analyzed the association between BPA populations and the virulence genotypes, capsular genotypes, sequence types/clonal complexes, and AMR phenotypes/genotypes. Inhibitory effect of berberine on BPA was evaluated. RESULTS Five, twenty-six, and twenty-six isolates belonged to strong, moderate, and weak biofilm producers, whereas seventeen showed no biofilm production. We defined strong, moderate, or weak biofilm producers as the producer group (n = 57) to conduct a comparative analysis between the producer and non-producer populations. There was a significant correlation between the producer population and vaginal specimen. We found significant associations between the producer group and presence (57.9%) of pilB and between the non-producer population and presence (70.6%) of spb1. There was no association between the producer group and capsular genotypes, sequence types/clonal complexes, and AMR phenotypes/genotypes (except for a significant correlation between the producer group and AMR to minocycline). We confirmed inhibitory effect of berberine at sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against the type strain on BPA. CONCLUSION Our observations suggest that S. agalactiae harboring pilB is more capable of producing biofilms, with berberine inhibitory effect at sub-MICs on BPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Maeda
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Yasuto Fukushima
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Haruno Yoshida
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Mieko Goto
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Fujita
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Kitasato University Medical Center, 6-100 Arai, Kitamoto, Saitama, 364-8501, Japan
| | - Yuzo Tsuyuki
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan; Division of Clinical Laboratory, Sanritsu Zelkova Veterinary Laboratory, 3-5-5 Ogibashi, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-0011, Japan
| | - Takashi Takahashi
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan.
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Carra E, Russo S, Micheli A, Garbarino C, Ricchi M, Bergamini F, Bassi P, Prosperi A, Piva S, Cricca M, Schiavo R, Merialdi G, Serraino A, Arrigoni N. Evidence of Common Isolates of Streptococcus agalactiae in Bovines and Humans in Emilia Romagna Region (Northern Italy). Front Microbiol 2021; 12:673126. [PMID: 34177854 PMCID: PMC8226232 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.673126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus, GBS) is one of the most important agents of bovine mastitis and causes remarkable direct and indirect economic losses to the livestock sector. Moreover, this species can cause severe human diseases in susceptible individuals. To investigate the zoonotic potential of S. agalactiae, 203 sympatric isolates from both humans and cattle, isolated in the same time frame (2018) and in the same geographic area (Emilia Romagna region, Northern Italy), were characterized by molecular capsular typing (MCT), pilus island typing (PI), and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). In addition, antibiotic-resistant phenotypes were investigated. The distribution of the allelic profiles obtained by combining the three genotyping methods (MCT-PI-MLST) resulted in 64 possible genotypes, with greater genetic variability among the human compared to the bovine isolates. Although the combined methods had a high discriminatory power (>96,2%), five genotypes were observed in both species (20,9% of the total isolates). Furthermore, some of these strains shared the same antibiotic resistance profiles. The finding of human and bovine isolates with common genotypes and antibiotic resistance profiles supports the hypothesis of interspecies transmission of S. agalactiae between bovines and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Carra
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute in Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Simone Russo
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute in Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessia Micheli
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute in Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Garbarino
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute in Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Matteo Ricchi
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute in Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Federica Bergamini
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute in Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bassi
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute in Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alice Prosperi
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute in Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Piva
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Cricca
- Microbiology, DIMES, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Center for Applied Biomedical Research, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Schiavo
- Microbiology, Department of Clinical Pathology, "Guglielmo da Saliceto" Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Merialdi
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute in Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Serraino
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Norma Arrigoni
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute in Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
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Motallebirad T, Fazeli H, Ghahiri A, Shokri D, Jalalifar S, Moghim S, Esfahani BN. Prevalence, population structure, distribution of serotypes, pilus islands and resistance genes among erythromycin-resistant colonizing and invasive Streptococcus agalactiae isolates recovered from pregnant and non-pregnant women in Isfahan, Iran. BMC Microbiol 2021; 21:139. [PMID: 33947330 PMCID: PMC8096152 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-021-02186-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The information on antibiotic resistance and molecular features of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) are essential for epidemiological purposes as well as vaccine development. Therefore, we aimed to assess the antimicrobial resistance profiles and molecular characteristics of GBS isolates in Isfahan, Iran. A total number of 72 colonizing and invasive GBS were collected from pregnant and non-pregnant women. The GBS isolates were analyzed for resistance profiles, capsular genotyping, and detection of PI-1, PI-2a, PI-2b, hvgA, ermB, ermTR, lnuB and, mefA genes. Besides, erythromycin-resistant strains were subjected to multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Results The prevalence of colonizing and invasive GBS were 11 and 0.05%, respectively. The frequency of capsular serotypes was as follows: III (26.3%), Ia (20.83%), Ib and V (each 15.2%), IV (9.7%), II (8.3%), VII (2.7%), and VI (1.3%). Overall frequencies of PIs were as follows: PI-1, 37.5%, PI-1 + PI-2a, 30.5%, PI-1 + PI-2b, 29.1% and PI-2b, 2.7%. Two maternal colonizing GBS (2.6%) were hvgA positive and were belonged to ST-17/CPS-III/PI-1 + PI-2b lineage. Among 30(41.6%) erythromycin resistant GBS, 21 isolates (70%) harbored ermB gene, followed by ermTR (23.3%) and mefA (10%). One clindamycin-resistant isolate harbored the lnuB gene. MLST analysis revealed the following five clonal complexes (CCs) and nine STs: (CC-19/ST-335, ST-19, and ST-197), (CC-12/ST-43, ST-12), (CC-23/ST-163, ST-23), (CC-17/ST-17) and (CC-4/ST-16). Conclusion The study shows an alarmingly high prevalence of erythromycin-resistant GBS in Iran. In addition, we report dissemination of ST-335/CPS-III clone associated with tetracycline and erythromycin resistance in our region. The distribution of capsular and pilus genotypes varies between invasive and colonizing GBS that could be helpful for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Motallebirad
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezar-Jerib Street, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Fazeli
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezar-Jerib Street, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ataollah Ghahiri
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Al-Zahra university Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Dariush Shokri
- Infectious disease and tropical medicine research center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Saba Jalalifar
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezar-Jerib Street, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sharareh Moghim
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezar-Jerib Street, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Bahram Nasr Esfahani
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezar-Jerib Street, Isfahan, Iran.
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Yoshida H, Goto M, Takahiro M, Fukushima Y, Fujita T, Tsuyuki Y, Takahashi T. Intracellular invasion ability of Streptococcus agalactiae among non-invasive isolates from human adults and companion animals in Japan. J Infect Chemother 2021; 27:999-1004. [PMID: 33663930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2021.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study evaluated the cell invasion ability (CIA) of Streptococcus agalactiae isolates from humans and companion animals and clarified the relationship between CIA populations and their microbiological features. METHODS Human-origin and companion animal-origin isolates were collected along with host information. We measured CIA using human-lineage colon cancer epithelium (Caco-2) and keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell lines, via virulence-associated gene profiling (bca-rib-bac-lmb-cylE-hylB-pavA-pilB-spb1-srtC1-brpA), capsular genotyping, multilocus sequence typing, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotyping/genotyping. Significant differences in data regarding CIA into epithelium and keratinocytes and those of isolates from different hosts were assessed. We analyzed the association of CIA populations with the virulence genotypes, capsular genotypes, sequence types/clonal complexes, and AMR phenotypes/genotypes. RESULTS A comparative analysis was performed between human (n = 15) and canine (n = 17) non-invasive isolates. There was a difference in CIA data between Caco-2 and HaCaT cells using human and animal isolates. For percent invasion ability into Caco-2 cells, we designated values ≥ 0.1 as high-frequency CIA and values < 0.1 as low-frequency CIA. Fourteen isolates harbored high-frequency and 18 isolates harbored low-frequency strains. There was no association between the high-frequency population and the virulence genotypes, capsular genotypes, sequence types/clonal complexes, and AMR phenotypes/genotypes. CONCLUSION This is the first report assessing the invasion ability of S. agalactiae into HaCaT and Caco-2 cells. Our observations suggest that S. agalactiae is more capable of entering Caco-2 rather than HaCaT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruno Yoshida
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan.
| | - Mieko Goto
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Maeda Takahiro
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Yasuto Fukushima
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Fujita
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Kitasato University Medical Center, 6-100 Arai, Kitamoto, Saitama, 364-8501, Japan
| | - Yuzo Tsuyuki
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan; Division of Clinical Laboratory, Sanritsu Zelkova Veterinary Laboratory, 3-5-5 Ogibashi, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-0011, Japan
| | - Takashi Takahashi
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
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Motallebirad T, Fazeli H, Jalalifar S, Shokri D, Moghim S, Nasr Esfahani B. Molecular Characterization of Hospital- and Community-Acquired Streptococcus agalactiae Isolates among Nonpregnant Adults in Isfahan, Iran. Adv Biomed Res 2021; 9:44. [PMID: 33457327 PMCID: PMC7792884 DOI: 10.4103/abr.abr_25_20] [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: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The increasing incidence of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection among nonpregnant adults has become of growing clinical and public health concern. The current study investigated the distribution of important virulence determinants and antibiotic susceptibility of GBS isolates causing community acquired (CA) and hospital acquired (HA) infections among nonpregnant adults. Materials and Methods: A total of 62 GBS, including 31 CA GBS and 31 HA GBS, were collected from a teaching hospital in Isfahan, Iran. Capsular polysaccharide genotypes (CPS), PI 1, PI 2a, PI 2b, and hypervirulent GBS adhesin (hvgA) virulence genes and antibiotic resistance profiling were determined. Results: There were 19 (30.6%) cases of underlying disease that diabetes mellitus (20.9%) was most common. The rate of multidrug resistant GBS strains was accounted for 29%. Distribution of macrolide resistant phenotypes was as follows: constitutive macrolides, lincosamides, and streptogramin B (MLSB) (15 isolates); inducible resistance to MLSB; and L phenotype (each 5 isolates) and M phenotype (1 isolate). V and Ia serotypes were the most predominant capsular type in HA GBS and CA GBS isolates, respectively. The most frequent pilus types were PI 1, PI 1+PI 2a, PI 1+PI 2b, and PI 2a. PI 1 and PI 1+PI 2a had significantly different distributions between CA and HA GBS isolates. Three CA GBS isolates (9.6%) were positive for hvgA gene that belonged to clonal complex 17/sequence type 17/CPS III/PI 1+PI 2b lineage. Conclusion: There was a significant difference in the distribution of PIs among CA GBS and HA GBS isolates in our region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Motallebirad
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Fazeli
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Saba Jalalifar
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Darioush Shokri
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Technology, Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sharareh Moghim
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Bahram Nasr Esfahani
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Maeda T, Takayama Y, Fujita T, Taniyama D, Tsuyuki Y, Shibayama A, Goto M, Yoshida H, Takahashi T. Comparison between Invasive and Non-Invasive Streptococcus agalactiae Isolates from Human Adults, Based on Virulence Gene Profiles, Capsular Genotypes, Sequence Types, and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns. Jpn J Infect Dis 2020; 74:316-324. [PMID: 33390429 DOI: 10.7883/yoken.jjid.2020.761] [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: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed whether invasive group B Streptococcus (GBS) isolates were similar to non-invasive isolates from adult patients. Invasive and non-invasive GBS isolates were collected from three hospitals and two laboratory centers between January 2015 and October 2019. The isolates were identified by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and amplification of the GBS-specific dltS gene. The virulence gene profiles, capsular genotypes, sequence types (STs)/clonal complexes (CCs), and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotypes/genotypes were determined for the 72 invasive and 50 non-invasive isolates that were comparatively analyzed. We observed a significantly decreased rate of rib detection in the invasive isolates compared to that in the non-invasive isolates (77.8% vs. 92.0%, P < 0.05). Additionally, we found significant differences in the prevalence of CC1 (23.6% vs. 46.0%, P < 0.05) and CC26 (12.5% vs. 2.0%, P < 0.05) between invasive and non-invasive populations. However, there were no significant differences in the comparative data of the virulence gene profiles, capsular genotypes, other STs/CCs, and AMR phenotypes/genotypes between the two populations. These findings suggest that both invasive and non-invasive isolates share similar features in terms of virulence gene profile, capsular genotype, ST/CC, and AMR genotype/phenotype (except for the rates of rib detection and CC1/CC26 prevalence).
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Maeda
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Takayama
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, Japan.,Division of Clinical Laboratory, Byotai-Seiri Laboratory, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Fujita
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, Japan.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Kitasato University Medical Center, Japan
| | - Daisuke Taniyama
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, Japan.,Department of General Internal Medicine, Tokyo Saiseikai Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Yuzo Tsuyuki
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, Japan.,Division of Clinical Laboratory, Sanritsu Laboratory, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Shibayama
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, Japan.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Mishuku Hospital, Federation of National Public Service Personnel Mutual Aid Associations, Japan
| | - Mieko Goto
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, Japan
| | - Haruno Yoshida
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, Japan
| | - Takashi Takahashi
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences & Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, Japan
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Deciphering Streptococcal Biofilms. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111835. [PMID: 33233415 PMCID: PMC7700319 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococci are a diverse group of bacteria, which are mostly commensals but also cause a considerable proportion of life-threatening infections. They colonize many different host niches such as the oral cavity, the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tract. While these host compartments impose different environmental conditions, many streptococci form biofilms on mucosal membranes facilitating their prolonged survival. In response to environmental conditions or stimuli, bacteria experience profound physiologic and metabolic changes during biofilm formation. While investigating bacterial cells under planktonic and biofilm conditions, various genes have been identified that are important for the initial step of biofilm formation. Expression patterns of these genes during the transition from planktonic to biofilm growth suggest a highly regulated and complex process. Biofilms as a bacterial survival strategy allow evasion of host immunity and protection against antibiotic therapy. However, the exact mechanisms by which biofilm-associated bacteria cause disease are poorly understood. Therefore, advanced molecular techniques are employed to identify gene(s) or protein(s) as targets for the development of antibiofilm therapeutic approaches. We review our current understanding of biofilm formation in different streptococci and how biofilm production may alter virulence-associated characteristics of these species. In addition, we have summarized the role of surface proteins especially pili proteins in biofilm formation. This review will provide an overview of strategies which may be exploited for developing novel approaches against biofilm-related streptococcal infections.
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Nabavinia M, Khalili MB, Sadeh M, Eslami G, Vakili M, Azartoos N, Mojibiyan M. Distribution of Pilus island and antibiotic resistance genes in Streptococcus agalactiae obtained from vagina of pregnant women in Yazd, Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2020; 12:411-416. [PMID: 33603995 PMCID: PMC7867704 DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v12i5.4601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Due to the important role of Streptococcus agalactiae, Group B streptococci (GBS), in production of invasive disease in neonates, investigation regarding the pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance factors is necessary in selecting the appropriate therapeutic agents. Beside capsule, the pilus has been currently recognized as an important factor in enhancing the pathogenicity of GBS. Resistance of GBS to selected antibiotics is noticeably increasing which is mainly due to the anomalous use of these drugs for treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of pili genes followed by antibiotic susceptibility of GBS, previously serotyped, isolated from pregnant women in the city of Yazd, Iran. Materials and Methods: Fifty seven GBS from pregnant women were subjected to multiplex PCR for determination of PI-1, PI-2a and PI-2b pilus-islands and simultaneously, the phenotype of antibiotic resistance to penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, clindamycin, gentamycin and levofloxacin was determined. Antibiotic resistance genes (ermA, ermB, mefA, tetM, int-Tn) were further diagnosed using PCR and multiplex PCR. Results: PI-1+PI-2a with 71.9%; followed by PI-2a (21.1%) and PI-2b (7%) were observed. PI-1+PI-2a in serotype III was (73.2%), serotype II, Ia, Ib and V were 12.2%, 9.8%, 2.4% and 2.4% respectively. GBS penicillin sensitive was 89.5% and 96.5% resistance to tetracycline. The frequency of resistance genes were as follows: tetM (93%), ermA (33.3%), ermB (8.8%), int-Tn (80.7%) and mefA (0). Conclusion: Majority of GBS contained PI-1+PI-2a. Hence presence of this pilus stabilizes the colonization, therefore designing a program for diagnosing and treatment of infected pregnant women seems to be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdieh Nabavinia
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bagher Khalili
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Maryam Sadeh
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Gilda Eslami
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mahmood Vakili
- Department of Public Medicine, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Nastaran Azartoos
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mahdiye Mojibiyan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mojibiyan Hospital, Yazd, Iran
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Phylogeny, recombination, and invasiveness of group B Streptococcus revealed by genomic comparisons of its global strains. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 40:581-590. [PMID: 33067737 PMCID: PMC7567417 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-020-04067-4] [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: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Capsular polysaccharide (CPS) genes and pilus islands encode important virulence factors for group B Streptococcus (GBS) genomes. This study aims to detect phylogenetic inconsistency in CPS genes and pilus islands in GBSs and to explore its relationship with invasiveness. A total of 1016 GBS genomes were downloaded from the NCBI public database. The multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and Bayesian analysis of Population Structure (BAPS) analyses were both conducted for phylogeny construction. Serotyping and pilus typing were determined in silico using the genomic sequences. The CPS and pilus typing results were generally consistent with MLST and BAPS clustering. GBS isolates of serotype II and of the PI-1 + PI-2b and PI-2a types were more prone to phylogenetic inconsistency than the others. Isolates of serotype Ib and of PI-1 + PI-2a were more likely to appear as colonizing strains, whereas PI-2b was more likely to appear in invasive strains. For serotype V, phylogenetic inconsistency occurred more commonly in colonizing isolates, while for serotype III, the opposite occurred. The present study profiles for the first time the phylogenetic inconsistency of CPS genes and pilus islands in global GBS isolates, which is helpful for infection control and the development of new vaccines for the prevention of GBS occurrence.
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24
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Zhang L, Ma L, Zhu L, Zhou XH, Xu LJ, Guo C, Meng JH, Zhang XH, Liu QH, Huang R. Molecular characterization of pathogenic group B streptococcus from a tertiary hospital in Shanxi, China: High incidence of sequence type 10 strains in infants/pregnant women. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2020; 54:1094-1100. [PMID: 32826191 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2020.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of serious infection in infants. Understanding its regional molecular epidemiology is helpful for regulating efficient prevention practice. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted to collected data from infants and pregnant women with culture-proven GBS disease in the largest women and children's medical center in Shanxi between January 2017 and September 2019. All GBS isolates were analyzed by multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) as well as distribution of pilus island (PI) genes. RESULTS A total of 54 GBS isolates were obtained from 36 (66.7%) pregnant women and 18 (33.3%) infants with invasive disease. Among invasive GBS strains, the most common sequence type was ST10 (72.2%, P < 0.05), followed by ST23 and ST19. The ST10 strain was also the leading sequence type in colonizing pregnant women (44.4%, P < 0.05). All of the isolates carried at least one pilus island. The most frequently detected pilus island was PI-1+PI-2a (85.2%, P < 0.05), followed in turn by PI-2a and PI-2b. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that one hypervirulent clone, sequence type 10, accounts for a large proportion of invasive GBS disease in infants and colonizing pregnant women, and the PI-1+PI-2a sub-lineages should be noted in infant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanxi Children's Hospital Shanxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Lan Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanxi Children's Hospital Shanxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanxi Children's Hospital Shanxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanxi Children's Hospital Shanxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Li-Jun Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanxi Children's Hospital Shanxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanxi Children's Hospital Shanxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jin-Hua Meng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanxi Children's Hospital Shanxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xin-Hua Zhang
- Neonatal Department, Shanxi Children's Hospital Shanxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qing-Hua Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanxi Children's Hospital Shanxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Taiyuan, China
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25
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Increasing Resistance and Changes in Distribution of Serotypes of Streptococcus agalactiae in Poland. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9070526. [PMID: 32610654 PMCID: PMC7400139 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9070526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae is responsible for serious infections in newborn babies, pregnant women, and other patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate antimicrobial susceptibility, serotype distribution, and virulence determinants of the S. agalactiae isolates derived from clinical specimens considering the global increase of both antibiotic resistance and virulence. A total of 165 isolates were identified and serotyped by PCR techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed by disk diffusion method, gradient diffusion method and VITEK® System. Virulence associated genes were investigated by PCR; ability to form biofilm was assessed using a microtiter plate assay. The highest observed MIC value for penicillin G was 0.12 µg/mL, seen in 8.5% of isolates. Resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin were found in 30.38% and 24.8% of the strains, respectively. The serotype III (32.73%), V (25.45%), and Ia (18.18%) were found as the most frequently represented. Previously unidentified strains in Poland, belonging to serotypes VI (three strains) and VII (one strain) were recognized. The presence of genes encoding various virulence factors as well as diverse ability to form biofilm were found. In conclusion, macrolide-resistance and decreased susceptibility to penicillin G were revealed signifying the increasing resistance among group B streptococci. Moreover, the presence of genes encoding various virulence factors and the ability to form biofilm were confirmed indicating their role in the pathomechanisms of the evaluated GBS infections.
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Richards VP, Velsko IM, Alam MT, Zadoks RN, Manning SD, Pavinski Bitar PD, Hassler HB, Crestani C, Springer GH, Probert BM, Town CD, Stanhope MJ. Population Gene Introgression and High Genome Plasticity for the Zoonotic Pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae. Mol Biol Evol 2019; 36:2572-2590. [PMID: 31350563 PMCID: PMC6805230 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msz169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The influence that bacterial adaptation (or niche partitioning) within species has on gene spillover and transmission among bacterial populations occupying different niches is not well understood. Streptococcus agalactiae is an important bacterial pathogen that has a taxonomically diverse host range making it an excellent model system to study these processes. Here, we analyze a global set of 901 genome sequences from nine diverse host species to advance our understanding of these processes. Bayesian clustering analysis delineated 12 major populations that closely aligned with niches. Comparative genomics revealed extensive gene gain/loss among populations and a large pan genome of 9,527 genes, which remained open and was strongly partitioned among niches. As a result, the biochemical characteristics of 11 populations were highly distinctive (significantly enriched). Positive selection was detected and biochemical characteristics of the dispensable genes under selection were enriched in ten populations. Despite the strong gene partitioning, phylogenomics detected gene spillover. In particular, tetracycline resistance (which likely evolved in the human-associated population) from humans to bovine, canines, seals, and fish, demonstrating how a gene selected in one host can ultimately be transmitted into another, and biased transmission from humans to bovines was confirmed with a Bayesian migration analysis. Our findings show high bacterial genome plasticity acting in balance with selection pressure from distinct functional requirements of niches that is associated with an extensive and highly partitioned dispensable genome, likely facilitating continued and expansive adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent P Richards
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
| | - Irina M Velsko
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Jena, Germany
| | - Md Tauqeer Alam
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Ruth N Zadoks
- Pentlands Science Park, Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, United Kingdom
- Institute for Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Shannon D Manning
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI
| | - Paulina D Pavinski Bitar
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Hayley B Hassler
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
| | - Chiara Crestani
- Pentlands Science Park, Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, United Kingdom
| | - Garrett H Springer
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
| | - Brett M Probert
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
| | | | - Michael J Stanhope
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
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Furfaro LL, Chang BJ, Kahler CM, Payne MS. Genomic characterisation of perinatal Western Australian Streptococcus agalactiae isolates. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223256. [PMID: 31577825 PMCID: PMC6774530 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As a leading cause of neonatal sepsis, Streptococcus agalactiae, commonly known as Group B Streptococcus, is a major neonatal pathogen. Current global screening practices employ risk- or culture-based protocols for detection of these organisms. In Western Australia (WA), universal culture-based screening is provided, with subsequent intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis for all S. agalactiae-positive women during labour. Widespread antibiotic exposure is not ideal and this is one of the factors driving development of vaccines against S. agalactiae. Vaccine candidates have focused on the capsule, surface proteins and pilus types, however, capsule serotypes are known to vary geographically. The aim of this study was to use genome sequencing to gain an understanding of the circulating genotypes in WA, and to assess variations in the associated gene pools. We sequenced 141 antenatal carriage (vaginal/rectal) isolates and 10 neonatal invasive disease isolates from WA. Based on the global PubMLST database, the 151 strains were characterised into 30 sequence types, with clustering of these mainly into clonal complexes 1, 12, 17, 19 and 23. Of the genes encoding eleven surface proteins that were analysed, the most prevalent were fbp, lmb and scpB which were present in ≥ 98% of isolates. A cluster of non-haemolytic isolates, one of which was a neonatal invasive disease isolate, appeared to lack the entire cyl locus. Admixture analysis of population structure revealed evidence of genetic transfer among the WA isolates across structural groups. When compared against the PubMLST S. agalactiae data, WA isolates showed high levels of strain diversity with minimal apparent clustering. This is the first whole genome sequence study of WA S. agalactiae isolates and also represents the first addition of Australian isolate data to PubMLST. This report provides insight into the distribution and diversity of vaccine targets of S. agalactiae within Western Australia, indicating that the most appropriate capsular vaccine for this population would be the proposed pentavalent (Cps Ia, Ib, II, III and V) preparation, whilst vaccines targeting surface proteins should ideally utilise Fbp, Lmb and/or ScpB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy L. Furfaro
- The School of Medicine, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Barbara J. Chang
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, The Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Charlene M. Kahler
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, The Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Matthew S. Payne
- The School of Medicine, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Epidemiology of group B streptococcal infection in pregnant women and diseased infants in mainland China. Pediatr Neonatol 2019; 60:487-495. [PMID: 31445795 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal sepsis and an important cause of maternal disease in many countries; however, no accurate population-based epidemiological data on GBS is yet available in mainland China. In this systematic literature review, we obtained published data regarding the maternal GBS colonization rate, incidence of invasive GBS disease in infants, clinical screening, and the associated GBS typing and clinical outcomes in China. The maternal GBS colonization rate in mainland China ranged from 3.7 to 14.52%, and the incidence of invasive GBS disease in infants was 0.55-1.79 per 1000 live births, with a case fatality risk ranging from 6.45 to 7.1%. Serotype III was the dominant serotype that was observed in GBS isolates. GBS detection and identification has become more commonplace, due to the availability of polymerase chain reaction and DNA microarray technologies. Immunizing pregnant women against GBS is an emerging approach through which newborns are protected from GBS. The available data suggest that five GBS serotypes (Ia, Ib, II, III, and V) account for the majority of the cases of GBS disease in mainland China. Furthermore, conjugate vaccines comprising some or all of these serotypes are of potential value in the prevention of GBS infection.
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Armistead B, Oler E, Adams Waldorf K, Rajagopal L. The Double Life of Group B Streptococcus: Asymptomatic Colonizer and Potent Pathogen. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:2914-2931. [PMID: 30711542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a β-hemolytic gram-positive bacterium that colonizes the lower genital tract of approximately 18% of women globally as an asymptomatic member of the gastrointestinal and/or vaginal flora. If established in other host niches, however, GBS is highly pathogenic. During pregnancy, ascending GBS infection from the vagina to the intrauterine space is associated with preterm birth, stillbirth, and fetal injury. In addition, vertical transmission of GBS during or after birth results in life-threatening neonatal infections, including pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. Although the mechanisms by which GBS traffics from the lower genital tract to vulnerable host niches are not well understood, recent advances have revealed that many of the same bacterial factors that promote asymptomatic vaginal carriage also facilitate dissemination and virulence. Furthermore, highly pathogenic GBS strains have acquired unique factors that enhance survival in invasive niches. Several host factors also exist that either subdue GBS upon vaginal colonization or alternatively permit invasive infection. This review summarizes the GBS and host factors involved in GBS's state as both an asymptomatic colonizer and an invasive pathogen. Gaining a better understanding of these mechanisms is key to overcoming the challenges associated with vaccine development and identification of novel strategies to mitigate GBS virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blair Armistead
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, WA, USA; Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle 98101, WA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Oler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle 98195, WA, USA
| | - Kristina Adams Waldorf
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, WA, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle 98195, WA, USA; Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, University of Washington, Seattle 98109, WA, USA; Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg 413 90, Sweden
| | - Lakshmi Rajagopal
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, WA, USA; Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle 98101, WA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle 98195, WA, USA.
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Tavares GC, Pereira FL, Barony GM, Rezende CP, da Silva WM, de Souza GHMF, Verano-Braga T, de Carvalho Azevedo VA, Leal CAG, Figueiredo HCP. Delineation of the pan-proteome of fish-pathogenic Streptococcus agalactiae strains using a label-free shotgun approach. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:11. [PMID: 30616502 PMCID: PMC6323687 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5423-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) is a major pathogen of Nile tilapia, a global commodity of the aquaculture sector. The aims of this study were to evaluate protein expression in the main genotypes of GBS isolated from diseased fishes in Brazil using a label-free shotgun nano-liquid chromatography-ultra definition mass spectrometry (nanoLC-UDMSE) approach and to compare the differential abundance of proteins identified in strains isolated from GBS-infected fishes and humans. RESULTS A total of 1070 protein clusters were identified by nanoLC-UDMSE in 5 fish-adapted GBS strains belonging to sequence types ST-260 and ST-927 and the non-typeable (NT) lineage and 1 human GBS strain (ST-23). A total of 1065 protein clusters corresponded to the pan-proteome of fish-adapted GBS strains; 989 of these were identified in all fish-adapted GBS strains (core proteome), and 62 were shared by at least two strains (accessory proteome). Proteins involved in the stress response and in the regulation of gene expression, metabolism and virulence were detected, reflecting the adaptive ability of fish-adapted GBS strains in response to stressor factors that affect bacterial survival in the aquatic environment and bacterial survival and multiplication inside the host cell. Measurement of protein abundance among different hosts showed that 5 and 26 proteins were exclusively found in the human- and fish-adapted GBS strains, respectively; the proteins exclusively identified in fish isolates were mainly related to virulence factors. Furthermore, 215 and 269 proteins were up- and down-regulated, respectively, in the fish-adapted GBS strains in comparison to the human isolate. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that the core proteome of fish-adapted GBS strains is conserved and demonstrated high similarity of the proteins expressed by fish-adapted strains to the proteome of the human GBS strain. This high degree of proteome conservation of different STs suggests that, a monovalent vaccine may be effective against these variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Campos Tavares
- AQUACEN - National Reference Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Felipe Luiz Pereira
- AQUACEN - National Reference Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Morais Barony
- AQUACEN - National Reference Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Cristiana Perdigão Rezende
- AQUACEN - National Reference Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Wanderson Marques da Silva
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Thiago Verano-Braga
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Vasco Ariston de Carvalho Azevedo
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Carlos Augusto Gomes Leal
- AQUACEN - National Reference Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Henrique César Pereira Figueiredo
- AQUACEN - National Reference Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. .,School of Veterinary, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30161-970, Brazil.
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Cobo-Ángel C, Jaramillo-Jaramillo AS, Lasso-Rojas LM, Aguilar-Marin SB, Sanchez J, Rodriguez-Lecompte JC, Ceballos-Márquez A, Zadoks RN. Streptococcus agalactiae is not always an obligate intramammary pathogen: Molecular epidemiology of GBS from milk, feces and environment in Colombian dairy herds. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208990. [PMID: 30532177 PMCID: PMC6287850 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
For many years Streptococcus agalactiae has been considered an obligate intramammary and strictly contagious pathogen in dairy cattle. However, recent reports of S. agalactiae isolation from extramammary sources have contradicted that premise. To gain further insight into the epidemiology of S. agalactiae infection in cattle, we examined its distribution and heterogeneity of strains in bovine milk, bovine feces, and the environment in Colombian dairy farms. First, a longitudinal study was conducted at herd level in 152 dairy herds. Bulk tank milk samples from each herd where collected twice a month for six months. A follow-up study with a cross sectional design at the cow level was conducted in a subset of 25 farms positive for S. agalactiae. Cow-level milk samples from 1712 lactatting cows and 1545 rectal samples were collected, as well as 120 environmental samples. Samples were used for S. agalactiae detection and genotyping using Multi Locus Sequence Typing. Results showed sporadic rather than repeated isolation of S. agalactiae from bulk tank milk in 40% of the positive herds, challenging the idea that S. agalactiae is a highly contagious pathogen causing chronic infections. S. agalactiae was isolated from rectal or environmental samples in 32% and 12% of cross-sectional study farms, respectively, demonstrating that the bacteria can survive in extramammary sources and that S. agalactiae is not an obligate intramammary pathogen. The same strain was isolated from rectal and bulk tank milk samples in eight farms, suggesting that fecal shedding is frequent, and contributes to the presence of S. agalactiae in bulk tank. High within-herd heterogeneity of strains was found, which is distinct from the situation in developed dairy industries. These new epidemiological findings should be considered to adjust surveillance and control recommendations for S. agalactiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cobo-Ángel
- Research Group in Milk Quality and Veterinary Epidemiology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales, Colombia
- * E-mail:
| | - Ana S. Jaramillo-Jaramillo
- Research Group in Milk Quality and Veterinary Epidemiology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales, Colombia
| | - Laura M. Lasso-Rojas
- Research Group in Milk Quality and Veterinary Epidemiology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales, Colombia
| | - Sandra B. Aguilar-Marin
- Research Group in Milk Quality and Veterinary Epidemiology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales, Colombia
| | - Javier Sanchez
- Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Juan C. Rodriguez-Lecompte
- Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Alejandro Ceballos-Márquez
- Research Group in Milk Quality and Veterinary Epidemiology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales, Colombia
| | - Ruth N. Zadoks
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, United Kingdom
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Kayansamruaj P, Soontara C, Unajak S, Dong HT, Rodkhum C, Kondo H, Hirono I, Areechon N. Comparative genomics inferred two distinct populations of piscine pathogenic Streptococcus agalactiae, serotype Ia ST7 and serotype III ST283, in Thailand and Vietnam. Genomics 2018; 111:1657-1667. [PMID: 30453061 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2018.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The genomes of Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus; GBS) collected from diseased fish in Thailand and Vietnam over a nine-year period (2008-2016) were sequenced and compared (n = 21). Based on capsular serotype and multilocus sequence typing (MLST), GBS isolates are divided into 2 groups comprised of i) serotype Ia; sequence type (ST)7 and ii) serotype III; ST283. Population structure inferred by core genome (cg)MLST and Bayesian clustering analysis also strongly indicated distribution of two GBS populations in both Thailand and Vietnam. Deep phylogenetic analysis implied by CRISPR array's spacer diversity was able to cluster GBS isolates according to their temporal and geographic origins, though ST7 has varying CRISPR1-spacer profiles when compared to ST283 strains. Based on overall genotypic features, Thai ST283 strains were closely related to the Singaporean ST283 strain causing foodborne illness in humans in 2015, thus, signifying zoonotic potential of this GBS population in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chayanit Soontara
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sasimanas Unajak
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ha Thanh Dong
- Department of Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Channarong Rodkhum
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Research Unit of Fish Infectious Diseases (RU-FIDs), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Hidehiro Kondo
- Laboratory of Genome Science, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ikuo Hirono
- Laboratory of Genome Science, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nontawith Areechon
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Nie S, Lu X, Jin Z, Gao J, Ma D, Deng J, Wu X, Hu YW, Zheng L, Wang Q. Characterization of group B Streptococcus isolated from sterile and non-sterile specimens in China. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 92:56-61. [PMID: 29858112 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of invasive neonatal infections and has increasingly been associated with invasive diseases in non-pregnant adults. We collected 113 GBS isolates recovered from sterile and non-sterile specimens from seven tertiary hospitals in China between October 2014 and September 2016. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed and the sequence types, serotypes, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of the isolates were characterized and correlated. Significantly higher C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels and absolute neutrophil counts were observed in patients with invasive infections than in those with non-invasive infections (P < 0.05). The 113 isolates were grouped into 24 sequence types, 5 clonal complexes, and 6 serotypes. multivariate analysis revealed that clonal complex 17 isolates characterized by serotype iii, the surface protein gene rib, and the pilus island pi-2b were independently correlated with invasive infection (or: 6.79; 95% ci: 2.31-19.94, P < 0.001). These results suggest alternative molecular biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of GBS infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuping Nie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China; Laboratory Medicine Centre, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuedong Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhengjiang Jin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hubei Provincial Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital,Wuhan, China
| | - Juyi Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The university of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dongli Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jikui Deng
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xianglin Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Guangming New District People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan-Wei Hu
- Laboratory Medicine Centre, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Laboratory Medicine Centre, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Centre, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Shabayek S, Spellerberg B. Group B Streptococcal Colonization, Molecular Characteristics, and Epidemiology. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:437. [PMID: 29593684 PMCID: PMC5861770 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae or group B streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of serious neonatal infections. GBS is an opportunistic commensal constituting a part of the intestinal and vaginal physiologic flora and maternal colonization is the principal route of GBS transmission. GBS is a pathobiont that converts from the asymptomatic mucosal carriage state to a major bacterial pathogen causing severe invasive infections. At present, as many as 10 serotypes (Ia, Ib, and II–IX) are recognized. The aim of the current review is to shed new light on the latest epidemiological data and clonal distribution of GBS in addition to discussing the most important colonization determinants at a molecular level. The distribution and predominance of certain serotypes is susceptible to variations and can change over time. With the availability of multilocus sequence typing scheme (MLST) data, it became clear that GBS strains of certain clonal complexes possess a higher potential to cause invasive disease, while other harbor mainly colonizing strains. Colonization and persistence in different host niches is dependent on the adherence capacity of GBS to host cells and tissues. Bacterial biofilms represent well-known virulence factors with a vital role in persistence and chronic infections. In addition, GBS colonization, persistence, translocation, and invasion of host barriers are largely dependent on their adherence abilities to host cells and extracellular matrix proteins (ECM). Major adhesins mediating GBS interaction with host cells include the fibrinogen-binding proteins (Fbs), the laminin-binding protein (Lmb), the group B streptococcal C5a peptidase (ScpB), the streptococcal fibronectin binding protein A (SfbA), the GBS immunogenic bacterial adhesin (BibA), and the hypervirulent adhesin (HvgA). These adhesins facilitate persistent and intimate contacts between the bacterial cell and the host, while global virulence regulators play a major role in the transition to invasive infections. This review combines for first time epidemiological data with data on adherence and colonization for GBS. Investigating the epidemiology along with understanding the determinants of mucosal colonization and the development of invasive disease at a molecular level is therefore important for the development of strategies to prevent invasive GBS disease worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Shabayek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Barbara Spellerberg
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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Oppegaard O, Mylvaganam H, Skrede S, Kittang BR. Exploring the arthritogenicity of Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis. BMC Microbiol 2018; 18:17. [PMID: 29482512 PMCID: PMC5828338 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-018-1160-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the past decades, Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) has been increasingly recognized as an important human pathogen. Osteoarticular infections is one of the predominant disease manifestations of SDSE, but the pathogenetic rationale for its arthritogenicity has yet to be unravelled. We aimed to explore if the rising incidence of osteoarticular infections caused by this pathogen in our region emanated from clonal expansion of strains with enhanced tropism for bone and joint tissue components or orthopaedic implants. RESULTS Twenty-nine SDSE-isolates associated with osteoarticular infections were retrospectively identified. Their genomic content and affinity for fibronectin, collagen and stainless steel were compared to 24 temporally and geographically matched SDSE blood culture isolates obtained from patients without bone or joint infections. Despite a thorough genetic and phenotypic dissection, neither the presence or absence of any single gene, nor the binding abilities of the SDSE isolates, were predictive of clinical entity. SNP analysis revealed a heterogenous population, and a correlation between phylogenetic relationships and disease manifestation was not evident. However, we identified a strong concordance between phenotypic binding abilities and genetic variations in the pilus-region, also denoted as the FCT-region (Fibronectin binding, Collagen binding and T-antigen). This observation could be related to the ample and varied repertoire of putative adhesins residing within this region, including proteins predicted to adhere to fibronectin and collagen, as well as fibrinogen. CONCLUSIONS SDSE strains associated with osteoarticular infections do not emanate from subpopulation characterized by distinct genetic or phenotypic traits. The genetic architecture of the pilus region was predictive of the adhesive properties of the SDSE-isolates, but its role in tissue tropism needs further investigation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive characterization of the genetic landscape of the SDSE pilus region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oddvar Oppegaard
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Haima Mylvaganam
- Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Steinar Skrede
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Lyhs U, Kulkas L, Katholm J, Waller KP, Saha K, Tomusk RJ, Zadoks RN. Streptococcus agalactiae Serotype IV in Humans and Cattle, Northern Europe 1. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 22:2097-2103. [PMID: 27869599 PMCID: PMC5189126 DOI: 10.3201/eid2212.151447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae is an emerging pathogen of nonpregnant human adults worldwide and a reemerging pathogen of dairy cattle in parts of Europe. To learn more about interspecies transmission of this bacterium, we compared contemporaneously collected isolates from humans and cattle in Finland and Sweden. Multilocus sequence typing identified 5 sequence types (STs) (ST1, 8, 12, 23, and 196) shared across the 2 host species, suggesting possible interspecies transmission. More than 54% of the isolates belonged to those STs. Molecular serotyping and pilus island typing of those isolates did not differentiate between populations isolated from different host species. Isolates from humans and cattle differed in lactose fermentation, which is encoded on the accessory genome and represents an adaptation to the bovine mammary gland. Serotype IV-ST196 isolates were obtained from multiple dairy herds in both countries. Cattle may constitute a previously unknown reservoir of this strain.
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Patras KA, Nizet V. Group B Streptococcal Maternal Colonization and Neonatal Disease: Molecular Mechanisms and Preventative Approaches. Front Pediatr 2018; 6:27. [PMID: 29520354 PMCID: PMC5827363 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2018.00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonizes the gastrointestinal and vaginal epithelium of a significant percentage of healthy women, with potential for ascending intrauterine infection or transmission during parturition, creating a risk of serious disease in the vulnerable newborn. This review highlights new insights on the bacterial virulence determinants, host immune responses, and microbiome interactions that underpin GBS vaginal colonization, the proximal step in newborn infectious disease pathogenesis. From the pathogen perspective, the function GBS adhesins and biofilms, β-hemolysin/cytolysin toxin, immune resistance factors, sialic acid mimicry, and two-component transcriptional regulatory systems are reviewed. From the host standpoint, pathogen recognition, cytokine responses, and the vaginal mucosal and placental immunity to the pathogen are detailed. Finally, the rationale, efficacy, and potential unintended consequences of current universal recommended intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis are considered, with updates on new developments toward a GBS vaccine or alternative approaches to reducing vaginal colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Patras
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems & Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Victor Nizet
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems & Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Population structure and virulence gene profiles of Streptococcus agalactiae collected from different hosts worldwide. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 37:527-536. [PMID: 29181634 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-017-3146-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates and causes severe infections in pregnant women and nonpregnant predisposed adults, in addition to various animal species worldwide. Still, information on the population structure of S. agalactiae and the geographical distribution of different clones is limited. Further data are urgently needed to identify particularly successful clones and obtain insights into possible routes of transmission within one host species and across species borders. We aimed to determine the population structure and virulence gene profiles of S. agalactiae strains from a diverse set of sources and geographical origins. To this end, 373 S. agalactiae isolates obtained from humans and animals from five different continents were typed by DNA microarray profiling. A total of 242 different S. agalactiae strains were identified and further analyzed. Particularly successful clonal lineages, hybridization patterns, and strains were identified that were spread across different continents and/or were present in more than one host species. In particular, several strains were detected in both humans and cattle, and several canine strains were also detected in samples from human, bovine, and porcine hosts. The findings of our study suggest that although S. agalactiae is well adapted to various hosts including humans, cattle, dogs, rodents, and fish, interspecies transmission is possible and occurs between humans and cows, dogs, and rabbits. The virulence and resistance gene profiles presented enable new insights into interspecies transmission and make a crucial contribution to the identification of suitable targets for therapeutic agents and vaccines.
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Pang M, Sun L, He T, Bao H, Zhang L, Zhou Y, Zhang H, Wei R, Liu Y, Wang R. Molecular and virulence characterization of highly prevalent Streptococcus agalactiae circulated in bovine dairy herds. Vet Res 2017; 48:65. [PMID: 29037262 PMCID: PMC5644065 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-017-0461-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae continues to be one of the major veterinary and economic issues in certain areas of the world. The more prevalent S. agalactiae strains that cause bovine mastitis in China dairy farms belong to a number of bovine-adapted sequence types (STs) ST67, ST103 and ST568. However, it is unknown why these STs can emerge as highly prevalent clones in bovine dairy farms. Here, to determine if a variety of virulence characteristics were associated with these highly prevalent STs, the molecular and virulence characterization of 116 strains isolated from bovine, human, fish and environment were analyzed. Our data showed that all bovine-adapted strains could be assigned to capsular genotype Ia or II, and carried pilus island 2b, and lactose operon. Importantly, we demonstrated that the growth ability in milk, biofilm formation ability and adhesion ability to bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) were significantly higher for all bovine-adapted strains compared to strains from other origins. Additionally, ST103 and ST568 strains exhibited significantly higher hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity than ST67 strains. In conclusion, our study provides substantial evidence for the hypothesis that the virulence characteristics including efficient growth in milk, elevated biofilm formation ability, together with strong adhesion ability might have favored the high prevalence of the STs in the bovine environment, whereas the hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity were not the crucial characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoda Pang
- Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Lichang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Tao He
- Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Hongdu Bao
- Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Lili Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Ruicheng Wei
- Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Yongjie Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Ran Wang
- Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing, 210014, China.
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40
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Teatero S, Neemuchwala A, Yang K, Gomes J, Athey TBT, Martin I, Demczuk W, McGeer A, Fittipaldi N. Genetic evidence for a novel variant of the pilus island 1 backbone protein in group B Streptococcus. J Med Microbiol 2017; 66:1409-1415. [PMID: 28923133 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Pili contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of infection of group B Streptococcus (GBS) by facilitating adhesion and invasion of host cells. GBS pilin subunits (the backbone pilin protein, BP, and the ancillary pilin proteins, AP) as well as the specific enzymes required for pilus assembly are encoded by genes located in two separate genomic regions, known as pilus island 1 (PI-1) and PI-2. Our aim was to characterize the pilus profile of a collection of GBS isolates from metropolitan Toronto, Canada. METHODOLOGY The pilus profile of 1332 invasive and colonizing GBS isolates was determined by PCR and, in selected cases, by whole genome sequencing. RESULTS While investigating the pilus profile of a collection of GBS organisms, we discovered that 51 isolates possessed a novel variant of the PI-1 BP, which we named BP-1b. The predicted translated sequences of archetypical GBS BP-1 and novel BP-1b variants shared only 63 % amino acid sequence homology. The novel BP-1b variant was most common among strains of serotype Ib and VI, but was also found among strains of serotypes Ia, II, III and VIII. CONCLUSION We describe a relatively frequent occurrence of a novel PI-1 BP that cannot be detected by a commonly used multiplex PCR scheme, which could lead to strains being mistyped as PI-1 negative. We present PCR primers that can easily be incorporated into the multiplex PCR assay to identify strains with novel BP-1b variant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Irene Martin
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Walter Demczuk
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Allison McGeer
- Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nahuel Fittipaldi
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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41
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Reyes J, Chaffer M, Rodriguez-Lecompte JC, Sánchez J, Zadoks RN, Robinson N, Cardona X, Ramírez N, Keefe GP. Short communication: Molecular epidemiology of Streptococcus agalactiae differs between countries. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:9294-9297. [PMID: 28918144 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus or Streptococcus agalactiae continue to be challenging for milk quality programs in countries with emerging dairy industries, such as Colombia, where high prevalence has been reported. Molecular typing of isolates is needed to understand the variability and epidemiology of this pathogen and to develop effective control and eradication programs. We characterized the molecular profile of Strep. agalactiae isolated from cows with subclinical mastitis in 21 Colombian dairy herds and measured diversity within and between herds using multilocus sequence typing. Isolates belonged to sequence type 248 [clonal complex (CC) 103; n = 30), ST1 (CC1; n = 6) or ST22 (CC22; n = 4)], whereas members of CC67/61, the dominant type in North America, were not detected. Presence of multiple clonally unrelated sequence type within a herd was common, which contrasts with the situation in European countries and suggests introduction from multiple sources. Our results demonstrate that conclusions from molecular epidemiological studies in 1 region cannot necessarily be extrapolated to other regions, and no single bovine-adapted CC of Strep. agalactiae exists in Colombia. Improvements in internal and external biosecurity will be needed to reduce Strep. agalactiae prevalence in Colombian dairy herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Reyes
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada C1A 4P3; Biogenesis Research Group, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Antioquia, Calle 70 No. 52-21, C.P. 050010 Medellin, Colombia.
| | - M Chaffer
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada C1A 4P3
| | - Juan Carlos Rodriguez-Lecompte
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada C1A 4P3
| | - Javier Sánchez
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada C1A 4P3
| | - Ruth N Zadoks
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Scotland, UK, EH26 0PZ; Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK, G61 1QH
| | - Natasha Robinson
- Maritime Quality Milk Laboratory, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada C1A 4P3
| | | | - N Ramírez
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Centauro Research Group, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Antioquia, Calle 70 No. 52-21, C.P. 050010 Medellín, Colombia
| | - G P Keefe
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada C1A 4P3
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42
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Lazzarin M, Mu R, Fabbrini M, Ghezzo C, Rinaudo CD, Doran KS, Margarit I. Contribution of pilus type 2b to invasive disease caused by a Streptococcus agalactiae ST-17 strain. BMC Microbiol 2017; 17:148. [PMID: 28673237 PMCID: PMC5496222 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-017-1057-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major cause of invasive disease especially in neonates. In GBS three structurally distinct pilus polymers have been identified as important virulence factors and promising vaccine candidates. The vast majority of Group B Streptococci belonging to the hypervirulent serotype III ST-17 lineage bear pilus types 1 and 2b. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relative contribution of these two pilus types to the pathogenesis of a ST-17 strain. Results We performed in vivo and in vitro analysis of isogenic knockout mutants derived from the GBS COH1 ST-17 strain deprived of either pilus type 1 or 2b. We compared the two pilus mutants with the wild type strain in a mouse model of invasive disease, in vitro survival in macrophages, and adherence/invasion assays using human brain endothelial and lung epithelial cell lines. Significantly less of the pilus 2b mutant was recovered from the blood, lungs and brain tissue of infected mice compared to the wild-type and pilus 1 mutant strains. Further, while the pilus 2b mutant survived similarly in murine macrophages, it exhibited a lower capacity to adhere and invade human brain epithelial and lung endothelial cell lines. Conclusions The data suggest an important role of pilus 2b in mediating GBS infection and host cell interaction of strains belonging to the hypervirulent GBS ST-17 lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rong Mu
- Department of Biology and Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr., NLS 317, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kelly S Doran
- Department of Biology and Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr., NLS 317, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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43
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Carvalho-Castro GA, Silva JR, Paiva LV, Custódio DAC, Moreira RO, Mian GF, Prado IA, Chalfun-Junior A, Costa GM. Molecular epidemiology of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from mastitis in Brazilian dairy herds. Braz J Microbiol 2017; 48:551-559. [PMID: 28256391 PMCID: PMC5498452 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjm.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae is one of the most common pathogens leading to mastitis in dairy herds worldwide; consequently, the pathogen causes major economic losses for affected farmers. In this study, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), genotypic capsular typing by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and virulence gene detection were performed to address the molecular epidemiology of 59 bovine (mastitis) S. agalactiae isolates from 36 dairy farms located in the largest milk-producing mesoregions in Brazil (Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Paraná, and Pernambuco). We screened for the virulence genes bac, bca, bibA, cfb, hylB, fbsA, fbsB, PI-1, PI-2a, and PI-2b, which are associated with adhesion, invasion, tissue damage, and/or immune evasion. Furthermore, five capsular types were identified (Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV), and a few isolates were classified as non-typeable (NT). MLST revealed the following eight sequence types (STs): ST-61, ST-67, ST-103, ST-146, ST-226, ST-314, and ST-570, which were clustered in five clonal complexes (CC64, CC67, CC103, CC17, and CC314), and one singleton, ST-91. Among the virulence genes screened in this study, PI-2b, fbsB, cfb, and hylB appear to be the most important during mastitis development in cattle. Collectively, these results establish the molecular epidemiology of S. agalactiae isolated from cows in Brazilian herds. We believe that the data presented here provide a foundation for future research aimed at developing and implementing new preventative and treatment options for mastitis caused by S. agalactiae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juliana R Silva
- Federal University of Lavras, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Luciano V Paiva
- Federal University of Lavras, Central Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Lavras, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael O Moreira
- Federal University of Lavras, Central Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Glaucia F Mian
- Federal University of Lavras, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Ingrid A Prado
- Federal University of Lavras, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Lavras, Brazil
| | | | - Geraldo M Costa
- Federal University of Lavras, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Lavras, Brazil.
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44
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Medugu N, Iregbu KC, Parker RE, Plemmons J, Singh P, Audu LI, Efetie E, Davies HD, Manning SD. Group B streptococcal colonization and transmission dynamics in pregnant women and their newborns in Nigeria: implications for prevention strategies. Clin Microbiol Infect 2017; 23:673.e9-673.e16. [PMID: 28274774 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2017.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Because few studies have been conducted on group B Streptococcus (GBS) in Nigeria, we sought to estimate GBS colonization and transmission frequencies for 500 women and their newborns and identify risk factors for both outcomes. METHODS GBS strains were characterized for antibiotic susceptibilities, capsule (cps) genotype, pilus island profile and multilocus sequence type (ST). RESULTS In all, 171 (34.2%) mothers and 95 (19.0%) of their newborns were colonized with GBS; the vertical transmission rate was 48.5%. One newborn developed early-onset disease, yielding an incidence of 2.0 cases per 1000 live births (95% CI 0.50-7.30). Rectal maternal colonization (OR 26.6; 95% CI 13.69-51.58) and prolonged rupture of membranes (OR 4.2; 95% CI 1.03-17.17) were associated with neonatal colonization, whereas prolonged membrane rupture (OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.04-11.39) and young maternal age (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.22-3.39) were associated with maternal colonization. Women reporting four or more intrapartum vaginal examinations (OR 6.1; 95% CI 3.41-10.93) and douching (OR 3.7; 95% CI 2.26-6.11) were also more likely to be colonized. Twelve STs were identified among 35 mother-baby pairs with evidence of transmission; strains of cpsV ST-19 (n = 9; 25.7%) and cpsIII ST-182 (n = 7; 20.0%) predominated. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate high rates of colonization and transmission in a population that does not use antibiotics to prevent neonatal infections, a strategy that should be considered in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Medugu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, National Hospital Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - K C Iregbu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, National Hospital Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - R E Parker
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - J Plemmons
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - P Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - L I Audu
- Department of Paediatrics, National Hospital Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - E Efetie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Hospital Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - H D Davies
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - S D Manning
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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45
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Périchon B, Szili N, du Merle L, Rosinski-Chupin I, Gominet M, Bellais S, Poyart C, Trieu-Cuot P, Dramsi S. Regulation of PI-2b Pilus Expression in Hypervirulent Streptococcus agalactiae ST-17 BM110. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169840. [PMID: 28107386 PMCID: PMC5249243 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The widely spread Streptococcus agalactiae (also known as Group B Streptococcus, GBS) “hypervirulent” ST17 clone is strongly associated with neonatal meningitis. The PI-2b locus is mainly found in ST17 strains but is also present in a few non ST17 human isolates such as the ST-7 prototype strain A909. Here, we analysed the expression of the PI-2b pilus in the ST17 strain BM110 as compared to the non ST17 A909. Comparative genome analyses revealed the presence of a 43-base pair (bp) hairpin-like structure in the upstream region of PI-2b operon in all 26 ST17 genomes, which was absent in the 8 non-ST17 strains carrying the PI-2b locus. Deletion of this 43-bp sequence in strain BM110 resulted in a 3- to 5-fold increased transcription of PI-2b. Characterization of PI-2b promoter region in A909 and BM110 strains was carried out by RNAseq, primer extension, qRT-PCR and transcriptional fusions with gfp as reporter gene. Our results indicate the presence of a single promoter (Ppi2b) with a transcriptional start site (TSS) mapped 37 bases upstream of the start codon of the first PI-2b gene. The large operon of 16 genes located upstream of PI-2b codes for the group B carbohydrate (also known as antigen B), a major constituent of the bacterial cell wall. We showed that the hairpin sequence located between antigen B and PI-2b operons is a transcriptional terminator. In A909, increased expression of PI-2b probably results from read-through transcription from antigen B operon. In addition, we showed that an extended 5’ promoter region is required for maximal transcription of gfp as a reporter gene in S. agalactiae from Ppi2b promoter. Gene reporter assays performed in Lactococcus lactis strain NZ9000, a related non-pathogenic Gram-positive species, revealed that GBS-specific regulatory factors are required to drive PI-2b transcription. PI-2b expression is up-regulated in the BM110ΔcovR mutant as compared to the parental BM110 strain, but this effect is probably indirect. Collectively, our results indicate that PI-2b expression is regulated in GBS ST17 strains, which may confer a selective advantage in the human host either by reducing host immune responses and/or increasing their dissemination potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Périchon
- Institut Pasteur, Biology of Gram-positive Pathogens Unit, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) ERL3526, Paris, France
| | - Noémi Szili
- Institut Pasteur, Biology of Gram-positive Pathogens Unit, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) ERL3526, Paris, France
| | - Laurence du Merle
- Institut Pasteur, Biology of Gram-positive Pathogens Unit, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) ERL3526, Paris, France
| | | | - Myriam Gominet
- Institut Pasteur, Biology of Gram-positive Pathogens Unit, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) ERL3526, Paris, France
| | - Samuel Bellais
- Équipe Barrières et Pathogènes, Institut Cochin, Inserm 1016, CNRS UMR, Paris France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre-Site Cochin, France
| | - Claire Poyart
- Équipe Barrières et Pathogènes, Institut Cochin, Inserm 1016, CNRS UMR, Paris France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre-Site Cochin, France
- CNR Streptocoques, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, site Cochin, AP-HP
- DHU Risques et Grossesse, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Trieu-Cuot
- Institut Pasteur, Biology of Gram-positive Pathogens Unit, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) ERL3526, Paris, France
| | - Shaynoor Dramsi
- Institut Pasteur, Biology of Gram-positive Pathogens Unit, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) ERL3526, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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46
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Parker RE, Knupp D, Al Safadi R, Rosenau A, Manning SD. Contribution of the RgfD Quorum Sensing Peptide to rgf Regulation and Host Cell Association in Group B Streptococcus. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8010023. [PMID: 28067833 PMCID: PMC5295018 DOI: 10.3390/genes8010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus; GBS) is a common inhabitant of the genitourinary and/or gastrointestinal tract in up to 40% of healthy adults; however, this opportunistic pathogen is able to breach restrictive host barriers to cause disease and persist in harsh and changing conditions. This study sought to identify a role for quorum sensing, a form of cell to cell communication, in the regulation of the fibrinogen-binding (rgfBDAC) two-component system and the ability to associate with decidualized endometrial cells in vitro. To do this, we created a deletion in rgfD, which encodes the putative autoinducing peptide, in a GBS strain belonging to multilocus sequence type (ST)-17 and made comparisons to the wild type. Sequence variation in the rgf operon was detected in 40 clinical strains and a non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism was detected in rgfD in all of the ST-17 genomes that resulted in a truncation. Using qPCR, expression of rgf operon genes was significantly decreased in the ST-17 ΔrgfD mutant during exponential growth with the biggest difference (3.3-fold) occurring at higher cell densities. Association with decidualized endometrial cells was decreased 1.3-fold in the mutant relative to the wild type and rgfC expression was reduced 22-fold in ΔrgfD following exposure to the endometrial cells. Collectively, these data suggest that this putative quorum sensing molecule is important for attachment to human tissues and demonstrate a role for RgfD in GBS pathogenesis through regulation of rgfC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Parker
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - David Knupp
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Rim Al Safadi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Agnѐs Rosenau
- Infectiologie et Santé Publique ISP, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Université de Tours, Equipe Bactéries et Risque Materno-fœtal, UMR1282 Tours, France.
| | - Shannon D Manning
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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47
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Almeida A, Alves-Barroco C, Sauvage E, Bexiga R, Albuquerque P, Tavares F, Santos-Sanches I, Glaser P. Persistence of a dominant bovine lineage of group B Streptococcus reveals genomic signatures of host adaptation. Environ Microbiol 2016; 18:4216-4229. [PMID: 27696631 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a host-generalist species, most notably causing disease in humans and cattle. However, the differential adaptation of GBS to its two main hosts, and the risk of animal to human infection remain poorly understood. Despite improvements in control measures across Europe, GBS is still one of the main causative agents of bovine mastitis in Portugal. Here, by whole-genome analysis of 150 bovine GBS isolates we discovered that a single CC61 clone is spreading throughout Portuguese herds since at least the early 1990s, having virtually replaced the previous GBS population. Mutations within an iron/manganese transporter were independently acquired by all of the CC61 isolates, underlining a key adaptive strategy to persist in the bovine host. Lateral transfer of bacteriocin production and antibiotic resistance genes also underscored the contribution of the microbial ecology and genetic pool within the bovine udder environment to the success of this clone. Compared to strains of human origin, GBS evolves twice as fast in bovines and undergoes recurrent pseudogenizations of human-adapted traits. Our work provides new insights into the potentially irreversible adaptation of GBS to the bovine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Almeida
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Evolution et Ecologie de la Résistance aux Antibiotiques, Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 3525, Paris, France.,Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - Cinthia Alves-Barroco
- Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, UCIBIO - Unidade de Ciências Biomoleculares Aplicadas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Elisabeth Sauvage
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Evolution et Ecologie de la Résistance aux Antibiotiques, Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 3525, Paris, France
| | - Ricardo Bexiga
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Albuquerque
- CIBIO - Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO, Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Fernando Tavares
- CIBIO - Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO, Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal.,Faculdade de Ciências, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ilda Santos-Sanches
- Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, UCIBIO - Unidade de Ciências Biomoleculares Aplicadas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Philippe Glaser
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Evolution et Ecologie de la Résistance aux Antibiotiques, Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 3525, Paris, France
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48
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Campisi E, Rosini R, Ji W, Guidotti S, Rojas-López M, Geng G, Deng Q, Zhong H, Wang W, Liu H, Nan C, Margarit I, Rinaudo CD. Genomic Analysis Reveals Multi-Drug Resistance Clusters in Group B Streptococcus CC17 Hypervirulent Isolates Causing Neonatal Invasive Disease in Southern Mainland China. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1265. [PMID: 27574519 PMCID: PMC4983569 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal invasive disease caused by group B Streptococcus (GBS) represents a significant public health care concern globally. However, data related to disease burden, serotype distribution, and molecular epidemiology in China and other Asian countries are very few and specifically relative to confined regions. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic characteristics of GBS isolates recovered from neonates with invasive disease during 2013–2014 at Guangzhou and Changsha hospitals in southern mainland China. We assessed the capsular polysaccharide type, pilus islands (PIs) distribution and hvgA gene presence in a panel of 26 neonatal clinical isolates, of which 8 were recovered from Early Onset Disease and 18 from Late Onset Disease (LOD). Among 26 isolates examined, five serotypes were identified. Type III was the most represented (15 cases), particularly among LOD strains (n = 11), followed by types Ib (n = 5), V (n = 3), Ia (n = 2) and II (n = 1). We performed whole-genome sequencing analysis and antimicrobial susceptibility testing on the 14 serotype III isolates belonging to the hypervirulent Clonal Complex 17 (serotype III-CC17). The presence of PI-2b alone was associated with 13 out of 14 serotype III-CC17 strains. Genome analysis led us to identify two multi-drug resistance gene clusters harbored in two new versions of integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs), carrying five or eight antibiotic resistance genes, respectively. These ICEs replaced the 16 kb-locus that normally contains the PI-1 operon. All isolates harboring the identified ICEs showed multiple resistances to aminoglycoside, macrolide, and tetracycline antibiotic classes. In conclusion, we report the first whole-genome sequence analysis of 14 GBS serotype III-CC17 strains isolated in China, representing the most prevalent lineage causing neonatal invasive disease. The acquisition of newly identified ICEs conferring multiple antibiotic resistance could in part explain the spread of this specific clone among Chinese neonatal isolates and underlines the need for a constant epidemiological surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmondo Campisi
- GlaxoSmithKline Vaccines S.r.l., SienaItaly; Laboratory of Bacterial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NYUSA
| | | | - Wenjing Ji
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an, China
| | | | | | - Guozhu Geng
- Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Shanghai China
| | - Qiulian Deng
- Clinical Laboratory, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou China
| | - Huamin Zhong
- Clinical Laboratory, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou China
| | - Weidong Wang
- Changsha Hospital for Maternal and Child Health, Changsha China
| | - Haiying Liu
- Clinical Laboratory, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou China
| | | | | | - C D Rinaudo
- GlaxoSmithKline Vaccines S.r.l., Siena Italy
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Campisi E, Rinaudo CD, Donati C, Barucco M, Torricelli G, Edwards MS, Baker CJ, Margarit I, Rosini R. Serotype IV Streptococcus agalactiae ST-452 has arisen from large genomic recombination events between CC23 and the hypervirulent CC17 lineages. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29799. [PMID: 27411639 PMCID: PMC4944191 DOI: 10.1038/srep29799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) causes life-threatening infections in newborns and adults with chronic medical conditions. Serotype IV strains are emerging both among carriers and as cause of invasive disease and recent studies revealed two main Sequence Types (STs), ST-452 and ST-459 assigned to Clonal Complexes CC23 and CC1, respectively. Whole genome sequencing of 70 type IV GBS and subsequent phylogenetic analysis elucidated the localization of type IV isolates in a SNP-based phylogenetic tree and suggested that ST-452 could have originated through genetic recombination. SNPs density analysis of the core genome confirmed that the founder strain of this lineage originated from a single large horizontal gene transfer event between CC23 and the hypervirulent CC17. Indeed, ST-452 genomes are composed by two parts that are nearly identical to corresponding regions in ST-24 (CC23) and ST-291 (CC17). Chromosome mapping of the major GBS virulence factors showed that ST-452 strains have an intermediate yet unique profile among CC23 and CC17 strains. We described unreported large recombination events, involving the cps IV operon and resulting in the expansion of serotype IV to CC23. This work sheds further light on the evolution of GBS providing new insights on the recent emergence of serotype IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmondo Campisi
- GSK Vaccines s.r.l., Siena, Italy.,Sapienza, Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Donati
- Department of Computational Biology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, Italy
| | - Mara Barucco
- GSK Vaccines s.r.l., Siena, Italy.,Department of physics "Enrico Fermi", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Morven S Edwards
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Carol J Baker
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Fabbrini M, Rigat F, Rinaudo CD, Passalaqua I, Khacheh S, Creti R, Baldassarri L, Carboni F, Anderloni G, Rosini R, Maione D, Grandi G, Telford JL, Margarit I. The Protective Value of Maternal Group B Streptococcus Antibodies: Quantitative and Functional Analysis of Naturally Acquired Responses to Capsular Polysaccharides and Pilus Proteins in European Maternal Sera. Clin Infect Dis 2016; 63:746-753. [PMID: 27402816 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciw377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis. A vaccine targeting pregnant women could protect infants through placentally transferred antibodies. The association between GBS maternal antibody concentrations and the risk of neonatal infection has been investigated in US and African populations. Here we studied naturally acquired immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to GBS capsular polysaccharides (CPS) and pilus proteins in European pregnant women. METHODS Maternal sera were prospectively collected in 8 EU countries from 473 GBS non-colonized and 984 colonized pregnant women who delivered healthy neonates and from 153 mothers of infants with GBS disease. GBS strains from these colonized women and infected infants were obtained in parallel and their capsular and pilus types were identified by serological and molecular methods. Maternal serum concentrations of IgG anti- Ia, -Ib, -III and -V polysaccharides and anti-BP-1, -AP1-2a and -BP-2b pilus proteins were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antibody functional activity was quantified by Opsonophagocytic Killing Assay. RESULTS Antibody levels against CPS and pilus proteins were significantly higher in GBS colonized women delivering healthy babies than in mothers of neonates with GBS disease or non-colonized women. Moreover, maternal anti-capsular IgG concentrations showed a significant correlation with functional titers measured by Opsonophagocytic Killing Assay. CONCLUSIONS Maternal anti-capsular IgG concentrations above 1 µg/mL mediated GBS killing in vitro and were predicted to respectively reduce by 81% (95% confidence interval, 40%-100%) and 78% (45%-100%) the risk of GBS Ia and III early-onset disease in Europe.
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