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Miller HK, Priestley RA, Smith CB, Cherry C, Kersh GJ. Longitudinal surveillance of Coxiella burnetii following an abortion storm in domestic goats. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1426573. [PMID: 39346957 PMCID: PMC11427434 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1426573] [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: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Q fever is a disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, which can cause serious illness in humans and abortions in goats. A Q fever outbreak among an unvaccinated goat herd led to a 65% loss of the kid crop in spring 2018. To assess the impact of the outbreak on the herd and environment, longitudinal surveillance of the ranch was conducted across three samplings in September 2018, April 2019, and May 2022. Antibodies against C. burnetii were monitored by an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Shedding was monitored through analysis of vaginal/fecal swabs and milk. Environmental swabs and bulk soil were collected from various locations around the ranch. Animal and environmental samples were analyzed for C. burnetii DNA by PCR. Herd-level seroprevalence decreased from 89% in 2018 to 84.3% in 2019, and 64.5% in 2022. Overall herd shedding was 14.4% in 2018, 7.4% in 2019, and 6.7% in 2022. The percentage of C. burnetii-positive environmental samples was 83.7% in 2018, 51.7% in 2019, and 28.6% in 2022. Serological evidence suggests that new infections were occurring in the herd 4 years post-abortion storm. This study demonstrates the presence of C. burnetii shedding and environmental contamination in a goat operation at least four kidding seasons after an outbreak. A better understanding of management practices that can improve outcomes for infected herds, particularly in areas without access to vaccines against C. burnetii, is needed to better protect operators and the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halie K Miller
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Rachael A Priestley
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Cody B Smith
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Cara Cherry
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Gilbert J Kersh
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Khademi P, Tukmechi A, Sgroi G, Ownagh A, Enferadi A, Khalili M, Mardani K. Molecular and genotyping techniques in diagnosis of Coxiella burnetii: An overview. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 123:105655. [PMID: 39116951 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Although we live in the genomic era, the accessibility of the complete genome sequence of Coxiella burnetii, the etiological agent of Q fever, has increased knowledge in the field of genomic diversity of this agent However, it is still somewhat of a "question" microorganism. The epidemiology of Q fever is intricate due to its global distribution, repository and vector variety, as well as absence of surveys defining the dynamic interaction among these factors. Moreover, C. burnetii is a microbial agent that can be utilized as a bioterror weapon. Therefore, typing techniques used to recognize the strains can also be used to trace infections back to their source which is of great significance. In this paper, the latest and current typing techniques of C. burnetii spp. are reviewed illustrating their advantages and constraints. Recently developed multi locus VNTR analysis (MLVA) and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing methods are promising in improving diagnostic capacity and enhancing the application of genotyping techniques for molecular epidemiologic surveys of the challenging pathogen. However, most of these studies did not differentiate between C. burnetii and Coxiella-like endosymbionts making it difficult to estimate the potential role that ticks play in the epidemiology of Q fever. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the vector competence of different tick species to transmit C. burnetii. Knowledge of the vector and reservoir competence of ticks is important for taking adequate preventive measures to limit infection risks. The significant prevalence observed for the IS1111 gene underscores its substantial presence, while other genes display comparatively lower prevalence rates. Methodological variations, particularly between commercial and non-commercial kit-based methods, result in different prevalence outcomes. Variations in sample processing procedures also lead to significant differences in prevalence rates between mechanical and non-mechanical techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyman Khademi
- Department of Microbiology and Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Amir Tukmechi
- Department of Microbiology and Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran.
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of southern Italy, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Abdulghaffar Ownagh
- Department of Microbiology and Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Ahmad Enferadi
- Department of Microbiology and Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Khalili
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Karim Mardani
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
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Miller HK, Kersh GJ. Efficacy of rifapentine and other rifamycins against Coxiella burnetii in vitro. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0103424. [PMID: 38864598 PMCID: PMC11218529 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01034-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Since 1999, doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine have been the recommended treatment for chronic Q fever, a life-threatening disease caused by the bacterial pathogen, Coxiella burnetii. Despite the duration of its use, the treatment is not ideal due to the lengthy treatment time, high mortality rate, resistant strains, and the potential for contraindicated usage. A literature search was conducted to identify studies that screened large panels of drugs against C. burnetii to identify novel targets with potential efficacy against C. burnetii. Twelve candidate antimicrobials approved for use in humans by the US Food and Drug Administration were selected and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined against the low virulence strain Nine Mile phase II. Rifabutin and rifaximin were the best performing antibiotics tested with MICs of ≤0.01 µg mL-1. Further screening of these top candidates was conducted alongside two drugs from the same class, rifampin, well-characterized, and rifapentine, not previously reported against C. burnetii. These were screened against virulent strains of C. burnetii representing three clinically relevant genotypes. Rifapentine was the most effective in the human monocytic leukemia cell line, THP-1, with a MIC ≤0.01 µg mL-1. In the human kidney epithelial cell line, A-498, efficacy of rifapentine, rifampin, and rifabutin varied across C. burnetii strains with MICs between ≤0.001 and 0.01 µg mL-1. Rifampin, rifabutin, and rifapentine were all bactericidal against C. burnetii; however, rifabutin and rifapentine demonstrated impressive bactericidal activity as low as 0.1 µg mL-1 and should be further explored as alternative Q fever treatments given their efficacy in vitro. IMPORTANCE This work will help inform investigators and physicians about potential alternative antimicrobial therapies targeting the causative agent of Q fever, Coxiella burnetii. Chronic Q fever is difficult to treat, and alternative antimicrobials are needed. This manuscript explores the efficacy of rifamycin antibiotics against virulent strains of C. burnetii representing three clinically relevant genotypes in vitro. Importantly, this study determines the susceptibility of C. burnetii to rifapentine, which has not been previously reported. Evaluation of the bactericidal activity of the rifamycins reveals that rifabutin and rifapentine are bactericidal at low concentrations, which is unusual for antibiotics against C. burnetii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halie K. Miller
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Gilbert J. Kersh
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Böttcher J, Alex M, Dänicke S, Gethmann J, Mertens-Scholz K, Janowetz B. Susceptibility, Immunity, and Persistent Infection Drive Endemic Cycles of Coxiellosis on Dairy Farms. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1056. [PMID: 38612295 PMCID: PMC11011148 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Coxiella (C.) burnetii, a zoonotic bacterium, is prevalent in dairy farms. Some cows develop a persistent infection and shed C. burnetii into milk and occasionally by amniotic fluid at calving. Serological diagnosis of Q fever in humans is performed by phase (Ph)-specific antibody tests; PhII antibodies usually indicate an acute infection, while the development of a chronic infection is characterised by elevated PhI antibody titres. Phase-specific tests have now been established for diagnosis of coxiellosis in cattle. Additionally, an interferon-γ (IFN-γ) recall assay has been implemented to assess cellular immunity to C. burnetii in cattle. Milk samples from all lactating cows (n = 2718) of 49 Bavarian dairy farms were collected through a convenience sample and analysed for phase-specific antibodies. Antibody profiles were evaluated by age. Based on the seropositivity of first-lactation cows, three distinct herd profiles were observed: an 'acute' state of herd infection was characterised by a PhI-/PhII+ pattern. The detection of PhI antibodies (PhI+/PhII+) characterised the 'chronic' state, and seronegative results defined the 'silent' state of herd infection. If antibodies had not been detected in multiparous cows, the herd was considered as probably free of coxiellosis. The analysed cattle herds were noted to have an 'acute' (n = 12, 24.5%), 'chronic' (n = 18, 36.8%), or 'silent' state of herd infection (n = 16, 32.6%). Only three farms (6.1%) were classified as 'free' of C. burnetii. The detection of these herd states over a time period of 4 years in one farm indicated that the described states occur in a cyclical manner. Frequently, a wave-like profile was seen, i.e., a circumscribed seronegative age group was flanked by seropositive age groups. In seronegative animals, IFN-γ reactivity was demonstrated. Seroconversion after vaccination was observed by day 7 post-vaccination in chronically infected herds, whereas in the case of silent infection, it started by day 14. These data indicated a pre-existing immunity in seronegative animals in chronically infected herds. Additionally, IFN-γ reactivity was detected in seronegative calves (>3 months) and heifers from chronically infected farms compared to a negative farm. An infection prior to 3 months of age resulted in cellular immunity in the absence of detectable antibodies. An infection around calving would explain this. The aforementioned circumscribed seronegative age groups are, therefore, explained by an infection early in life during active shedding at calving. Based on these results, an endemic cycle of coxiellosis is proposed: Susceptible young heifers get infected by persistently infected cows. Subsequently, shedding of C. burnetii at calving results in infection and then in cellular immunity in offspring. When these calves enter the cow herd two years later, a maximum of herd immunity is achieved, shedding ceases, and new susceptible animals are raised. In an acutely infected dairy farm, the PhI+/PhII+ serological pattern prevailed in second-lactation cows. In this study, stored sera collected since birth were analysed retrospectively. From the earliest seroconversion, the peak of seroconversion took about 33 months. These data suggested a slow spread of infection within herds. The classification of dairy cow herds is a promising basis for further analysis of the clinical impact of coxiellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Böttcher
- Bavarian Animal Health Service, Senator-Gerauer-Straße 23, D-85586 Poing, Germany; (M.A.); (B.J.)
| | - Michaela Alex
- Bavarian Animal Health Service, Senator-Gerauer-Straße 23, D-85586 Poing, Germany; (M.A.); (B.J.)
| | - Sven Dänicke
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Bundesallee 37, D-38116 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Jörn Gethmann
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany;
| | - Katja Mertens-Scholz
- Institute for Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Naumburger Straße 96a, D-07743 Jena, Germany;
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control and Center for Sepsis Care and Control (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Britta Janowetz
- Bavarian Animal Health Service, Senator-Gerauer-Straße 23, D-85586 Poing, Germany; (M.A.); (B.J.)
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Yanmaz B, Ozgen EK. Molecular prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in cheese samples: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1335. [PMID: 38100127 PMCID: PMC10766031 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cheese is a popular dairy product consumed worldwide, and it has been implicated as a source of Coxiella burnetii infections. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to describe the molecular prevalence and source analysis of C. burnetii in cheese samples. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted using the Medline/PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to identify studies reporting the molecular prevalence of C. burnetii in cheese samples. The pooled prevalence of C. burnetii in cheese samples was estimated using a random-effects model. RESULTS A meta-analysis was conducted using the mean and standard deviation values obtained from 13 original studies. The overall molecular prevalence of C. burnetii in cheese was estimated to be 25.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.1%-39.7%). The I2 value of 96.3% (CI95% 94.9-97.3) suggested high heterogeneity, with a τ2 of 0.642 (CI95% -0.141 to 0.881), and an χ2 statistic of 323.77 (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our meta-analysis provides a thorough assessment of the molecular prevalence and source analysis of C. burnetii in cheese samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berna Yanmaz
- Department of Public HealthFaculty of Veterinary MedicineBurdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy UniversityBurdurTurkey
| | - Ediz Kagan Ozgen
- Department of MicrobiologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineAtatürk UniversityErzurumTurkey
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Mokarizadeh K, Ownagh A, Tajik H. Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in Kope cheese and cattle milk in West Azerbaijan, Iran. VETERINARY RESEARCH FORUM : AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL 2023; 14:289-293. [PMID: 37342287 PMCID: PMC10278903 DOI: 10.30466/vrf.2022.544750.3323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
There are few studies on Coxiella burnetii (Cb) as a causative agent of Q fever in dairy products in Iran. The prevalence of Cb was studied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method in Kope (pot) cheese and cattle milk collected from West Azerbaijan province, Iran. A total number of 240 Kope cheese and 560 milk samples were collected during the year 2020. All samples were subjected to PCR based on transposable gene IS1111. The results showed that 12.50% (95.00% confidence interval (CI): 9.00 - 16.10%) of Kope cheese and 13.00% (95.00% CI: 10.00 - 17.30%) of milk samples were positive for Cb. There was a significant difference in cheese and milk contaminations with Cb among the defined age groups as well as regional and seasonal variations. It was concluded that Kope cheese and cattle milk are important sources of Cb and should be considered as important risk factors in the epidemiology of Q fever disease in public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosar Mokarizadeh
- DVM Student, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran;
| | - Addolghaffar Ownagh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran;
| | - Hossein Tajik
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
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Metters G, Hemsley C, Norville I, Titball R. Identification of essential genes in Coxiella burnetii. Microb Genom 2023; 9:mgen000944. [PMID: 36723494 PMCID: PMC9997736 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is an intracellular pathogen responsible for causing Q fever in humans, a disease with varied presentations ranging from a mild flu-like sickness to a debilitating illness that can result in endocarditis. The intracellular lifestyle of C. burnetii is unique, residing in an acidic phagolysosome-like compartment within host cells. An understanding of the core molecular biology of C. burnetii will greatly increase our understanding of C. burnetii growth, survival and pathogenesis. We used transposon-directed insertion site sequencing (TraDIS) to reveal C. burnetii Nine Mile Phase II genes fundamental for growth and in vitro survival. Screening a transposon library containing >10 000 unique transposon mutants revealed 512 predicted essential genes. Essential routes of synthesis were identified for the mevalonate pathway, as well as peptidoglycan and biotin synthesis. Some essential genes identified (e.g. predicted type IV secretion system effector genes) are typically considered to be associated with C. burnetii virulence, a caveat concerning the axenic media used in the study. Investigation into the conservation of the essential genes identified revealed that 78 % are conserved across all C. burnetii strains sequenced to date, which probably play critical functions. This is the first report of a whole genome transposon screen in C. burnetii that has been undertaken for the identification of essential genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgie Metters
- Department of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.,Defence Science and Technology Laboratories, CBR Division, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JQ, UK
| | - Claudia Hemsley
- Department of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.,Present address: Molecular Microbiology Division, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5AA, UK
| | - Isobel Norville
- Department of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.,Defence Science and Technology Laboratories, CBR Division, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JQ, UK
| | - Richard Titball
- Department of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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Hemsley CM, Essex-Lopresti A, Chisnall T, Millar M, Neale S, Reichel R, Norville IH, Titball RW. MLVA and com1 genotyping of Coxiella burnetii in farmed ruminants in Great Britain. Vet Microbiol 2023; 277:109629. [PMID: 36535174 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of the zoonotic disease Q fever, has been shown to be endemic in Great Britain, but information on the prevailing genomic lineages or Genomic Groups (GGs) of Coxiella burnetii is limited. The aim of this study was to genotype C. burnetii isolates from infected farmed ruminants by Multiple Locus Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA) and identify their associated Genomic Group. A total of 51 Coxiella-containing abortion samples from farmed ruminants (sheep, goats, and cattle), which were collected in Great Britain during 2013-2018, were included in the study, 34 of which returned a C. burnetii MLVA genotype. All bovine samples (n = 18), 5/7 of the ovine samples, and 3/9 of the caprine samples belonged to an MLVA cluster which we could link to the MST20 genotype of GG III, whereas 6/9 of the caprine samples and 2/7 of the ovine samples belonged to MLVA clusters which we could link to the MST33 or MST32 genotypes of GG II (7 vs 1 sample(s), respectively). We also noted that the Coxiella-specific com1 gene contained unique mutations that could genomotype isolates, i.e. assign them to a Genomic Group. In conclusion, both goats and sheep in Great Britain (from 2014 onward) were found to carry the same MLVA genotypes (MST33-like; GG II) that were linked to a human Q fever outbreak in the Netherlands. This knowledge in combination with the usage of genotyping/genomotyping methods should prove useful in future surveillance programs and in the management of outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M Hemsley
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
| | | | | | | | - Sue Neale
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Penrith, UK.
| | | | - Isobel H Norville
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK; Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK.
| | - Richard W Titball
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
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Sobotta K, Bonkowski K, Heydel C, Henning K, Menge C. Phenotype of Coxiella burnetii Strains of Different Sources and Genotypes in Bovine Mammary Gland Epithelial Cells. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121422. [PMID: 36558755 PMCID: PMC9786247 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of C. burnetii in dairy herds and continuous shedding via milk by chronically infected cows, bovine milk is not recognized as a relevant source of human Q fever. We hypothesized that the bovine mammary gland epithelial cell line PS represents a suitable in vitro model for the identification of C. burnetii-strain-specific virulence properties that may account for this discrepancy. Fifteen C. burnetii strains were selected to represent different host species and multiple loci variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) genotypes (I, II, III and IV). The replication efficiencies of all strains were similar, even though strains of the MLVA-genotype II replicated significantly better than genotype I strains, and bovine and ovine isolates replicated better than caprine ones. Bovine milk isolates replicated with similar efficiencies to isolates from other bovine organs. One sheep isolate (Cb30/14, MLVA type I, isolated from fetal membranes) induced a remarkable up-regulation of IL-1β and TNF-α, whereas prototypic strains and bovine milk isolates tended to suppress pro-inflammatory responses. While infection with strain Nine Mile I rendered the cells partially refractory to re-stimulation with E. coli lipopolysaccharide, Cb30/14 exerted a selective suppressive effect which was restricted to IL-6 and TNF-α and spared IL-1β. PS cells support the replication of different strains of C. burnetii and respond in a strain-specific manner, but isolates from bovine milk did not display a common pattern, which distinguishes them from strains identified as a public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Sobotta
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Naumburger Strasse 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Katharina Bonkowski
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Naumburger Strasse 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Carsten Heydel
- Institute for Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus-Liebig-University (JLU), Frankfurter Strasse 85-89, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Klaus Henning
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Naumburger Strasse 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Menge
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Naumburger Strasse 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Anastácio S, de Sousa SR, Saavedra MJ, da Silva GJ. Role of Goats in the Epidemiology of Coxiella burnetii. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121703. [PMID: 36552213 PMCID: PMC9774940 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Since its first description in the late 1930s, Q fever has raised many questions. Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent, is a zoonotic pathogen affecting a wide range of hosts. This airborne organism leads to an obligate, intracellular lifecycle, during which it multiplies in the mononuclear cells of the immune system and in the trophoblasts of the placenta in pregnant females. Although some issues about C. burnetii and its pathogenesis in animals remain unclear, over the years, some experimental studies on Q fever have been conducted in goats given their excretion pattern. Goats play an important role in the epidemiology and economics of C. burnetii infections, also being the focus of several epidemiological studies. Additionally, variants of the agent implicated in human long-term disease have been found circulating in goats. The purpose of this review is to summarize the latest research on C. burnetii infection and the role played by goats in the transmission of the infection to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Anastácio
- Vasco da Gama Research Centre (CIVG), Department of Veterinary Sciences, Vasco da Gama University School, Avenida José R. Sousa Fernandes 197 Lordemão, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center of Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Health Science Campus, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Sérgio Ramalho de Sousa
- Vasco da Gama Research Centre (CIVG), Department of Veterinary Sciences, Vasco da Gama University School, Avenida José R. Sousa Fernandes 197 Lordemão, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria José Saavedra
- Laboratory Medical Microbiology—Antimicrobials, Biocides and Biofilms Unit, Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences and Inov4Agro—Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Jorge da Silva
- Center of Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Health Science Campus, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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Rabaza A, Macías-Rioseco M, Fraga M, Uzal FA, Eisler MC, Riet-Correa F, Giannitti F. Coxiella burnetii abortion in a dairy farm selling artisanal cheese directly to consumers and review of Q fever as a bovine abortifacient in South America and a human milk-borne disease. Braz J Microbiol 2021; 52:2511-2520. [PMID: 34405372 PMCID: PMC8578271 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-021-00593-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a highly transmissible intracellular bacterium with a low infective dose that causes Q fever (coxiellosis), a notifiable zoonotic disease distributed worldwide. Livestock are the main source of C. burnetii transmission to humans, which occurs mostly through the aerogenous route. Although C. burnetii is a major abortifacient in small ruminants, it is less frequently diagnosed in aborting cattle. We report a case of C. burnetii abortion in a lactating Holstein cow from a dairy farm producing and selling artisanal cheese directly to consumers in Uruguay, and review the literature on coxiellosis as a bovine abortifacient in South America and as a milk-borne disease. The aborted cow had severe necrotizing placentitis with abundant intratrophoblastic and intralesional C. burnetii confirmed by immunohistochemistry and PCR. After primo-infection in cattle, C. burnetii remains latent in the lymph nodes and mammary glands, with milk being a significant and persistent excretion route. Viable C. burnetii has been found in unpasteurized milk and cheeses after several months of maturing. The risk of coxiellosis after the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, including cheese, is not negligible. This report raises awareness on bovine coxiellosis as a potential food safety problem in on-farm raw cheese manufacturing and sales. The scant publications on abortive coxiellosis in cattle in South America suggest that the condition has probably gone underreported in all countries of this subcontinent except for Uruguay. Therefore, we also discuss the diagnostic criteria for laboratory-based confirmation of C. burnetii abortion in ruminants as a guideline for veterinary diagnosticians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rabaza
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, UK
| | - Melissa Macías-Rioseco
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
- California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) Laboratory, University of California At Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Martín Fraga
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) Laboratory, University of California At Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Mark C Eisler
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, UK
| | - Franklin Riet-Correa
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
- Programa de Pós Graduação Em Ciência Animal Nos Trópicos, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Ondina, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Federico Giannitti
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay.
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Huang M, Ma J, Jiao J, Li C, Chen L, Zhu Z, Ruan F, Xing L, Zheng X, Fu M, Ma B, Gan C, Mao Y, Zhang C, Sun P, Liu X, Lin Z, Chen L, Lu Z, Zhou D, Wen B, Chen W, Xiong X, Xia J. The epidemic of Q fever in 2018 to 2019 in Zhuhai city of China determined by metagenomic next-generation sequencing. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009520. [PMID: 34264939 PMCID: PMC8282036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii (Cb). From January 2018 to November 2019, plasma samples from 2,382 patients with acute fever of unknown cause at a hospital in Zhuhai city of China were tested using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Of those tested, 138 patients (5.8%) were diagnosed with Q fever based on the presence of Cb genomic DNA detected by mNGS. Among these, 78 cases (56.5%) presented from Nov 2018 to Mar 2019, suggesting an outbreak of Q fever. 55 cases with detailed clinical information that occurred during the outbreak period were used for further analysis. The vast majority of plasma samples from those Cb-mNGS-positive patients were positive in a Cb-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (n = 38) and/or indirect immunofluorescence assay (n = 26). Mobile phone tracing data was used to define the area of infection during the outbreak. This suggested the probable infection source was Cb-infected goats and cattle at the only official authorized slaughterhouse in Zhuhai city. Phylogenic analysis based on genomic sequences indicated Cb strains identified in the patients, goat and cattle were formed a single branch, most closely related to the genomic group of Cb dominated by strains isolated from goats. Our study demonstrates Q fever was epidemic in 2018–2019 in Zhuhai city, and this is the first confirmed epidemic of Q fever in a contemporary city in China. Generally, the clinical diagnosis of acute Q fever, which is caused by Coxiella burnetii, is based on serologic methods that detect the presence antibodies produced by the body to fight the infection. However, the lag time between becoming infected and production of antibodies limits early diagnosis using this method. Here, we confirmed an epidemic of human Q fever in Zhuhai, a contemporary city in China, using clinical metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and cell phone location data. Our results indicate that Cb-infected goats and cattle at the only official authorized slaughterhouse in Zhuhai were the likely infection source for the Q fever epidemic. More importantly, we demonstrate that mNGS is a useful tool for rapid and effective public health responses to acute bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxing Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU), Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Department of Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Jun Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dong-Da-Jie Street, Fengtai, Beijing, China
| | - Chunna Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU), Zhuhai, China
| | - Luan Chen
- BGI PathoGenesis Pharmaceutical Technology, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhongyi Zhu
- BGI PathoGenesis Pharmaceutical Technology, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Feng Ruan
- Zhuhai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China
| | - Li Xing
- BGI PathoGenesis Pharmaceutical Technology, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinchun Zheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU), Zhuhai, China
| | - Mengjiao Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dong-Da-Jie Street, Fengtai, Beijing, China
| | - Binyin Ma
- BGI PathoGenesis Pharmaceutical Technology, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chongjie Gan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU), Zhuhai, China
| | - Yuanchen Mao
- BGI PathoGenesis Pharmaceutical Technology, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chongnan Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU), Zhuhai, China
| | - Ping Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU), Zhuhai, China
| | - Xi Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU), Zhuhai, China
| | - Ziliang Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU), Zhuhai, China
| | - Lu Chen
- BGI PathoGenesis Pharmaceutical Technology, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dong-Da-Jie Street, Fengtai, Beijing, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dong-Da-Jie Street, Fengtai, Beijing, China
| | - Bohai Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dong-Da-Jie Street, Fengtai, Beijing, China
| | - Weijun Chen
- BGI PathoGenesis Pharmaceutical Technology, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- * E-mail: (WJC); (XLX); (JXY)
| | - Xiaolu Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dong-Da-Jie Street, Fengtai, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (WJC); (XLX); (JXY)
| | - Jinyu Xia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU), Zhuhai, China
- * E-mail: (WJC); (XLX); (JXY)
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13
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Piel LMW, Durfee CJ, White SN. Proteome-wide analysis of Coxiella burnetii for conserved T-cell epitopes with presentation across multiple host species. BMC Bioinformatics 2021; 22:296. [PMID: 34078271 PMCID: PMC8170629 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-021-04181-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coxiella burnetii is the Gram-negative bacterium responsible for Q fever in humans and coxiellosis in domesticated agricultural animals. Previous vaccination efforts with whole cell inactivated bacteria or surface isolated proteins confer protection but can produce a reactogenic immune responses. Thereby a protective vaccine that does not cause aberrant immune reactions is required. The critical role of T-cell immunity in control of C. burnetii has been made clear, since either CD8+ or CD4+ T cells can empower clearance. The purpose of this study was to identify C. burnetii proteins bearing epitopes that interact with major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) from multiple host species (human, mouse, and cattle). Results Of the annotated 1815 proteins from the Nine Mile Phase I (RSA 493) assembly, 402 proteins were removed from analysis due to a lack of inter-isolate conservation. An additional 391 proteins were eliminated from assessment to avoid potential autoimmune responses due to the presence of host homology. We analyzed the remaining 1022 proteins for their ability to produce peptides that bind MHCI or MHCII. MHCI and MHCII predicted epitopes were filtered and compared between species yielding 777 MHCI epitopes and 453 MHCII epitopes. These epitopes were further examined for presentation by both MHCI and MHCII, and for proteins that contained multiple epitopes. There were 31 epitopes that overlapped positionally between MHCI and MHCII across host species. Of these, there were 9 epitopes represented within proteins containing ≥ 5 total epitopes, where an additional 24 proteins were also epitope dense. In all, 55 proteins were found to contain high scoring T-cell epitopes. Besides the well-studied protein Com1, most identified proteins were novel when compared to previously studied vaccine candidates. Conclusion These data represent the first proteome-wide evaluation of C. burnetii peptide epitopes. Furthermore, the inclusion of human, mouse, and bovine data capture a range of hosts for this zoonotic pathogen plus an important model organism. This work provides new vaccine targets for future vaccination efforts and enhances opportunities for selecting multiple T-cell epitope types to include within a vaccine. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12859-021-04181-w.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Codie J Durfee
- USDA-ARS Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Stephen N White
- USDA-ARS Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA. .,Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA. .,Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.
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14
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Correlating Genotyping Data of Coxiella burnetii with Genomic Groups. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10050604. [PMID: 34069306 PMCID: PMC8156542 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic pathogen that resides in wild and domesticated animals across the globe and causes a febrile illness, Q fever, in humans. Several distinct genetic lineages or genomic groups have been shown to exist, with evidence for different virulence potential of these lineages. Multispacer Sequence Typing (MST) and Multiple-Locus Variable number tandem repeat Analysis (MLVA) are being used to genotype strains. However, it is unclear how these typing schemes correlate with each other or with the classification into different genomic groups. Here, we created extensive databases for published MLVA and MST genotypes of C. burnetii and analysed the associated metadata, revealing associations between animal host and human disease type. We established a new classification scheme that assigns both MST and MLVA genotypes to a genomic group and which revealed additional sub-lineages in two genomic groups. Finally, we report a novel, rapid genomotyping method for assigning an isolate into a genomic group based on the Cox51 spacer sequence. We conclude that by pooling and streamlining existing datasets, associations between genotype and clinical outcome or host source were identified, which in combination with our novel genomotyping method, should enable an estimation of the disease potential of new C. burnetii isolates.
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15
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Bauer B, Prüfer L, Walter M, Ganter I, Frangoulidis D, Runge M, Ganter M. Comparison of Coxiella burnetii Excretion between Sheep and Goats Naturally Infected with One Cattle-Associated Genotype. Pathogens 2020; 9:E652. [PMID: 32823701 PMCID: PMC7459479 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9080652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The main reservoir of Coxiella (C.) burnetii are ruminants. They shed the pathogen through birth products, vaginal mucus, faeces and milk. A direct comparison of C. burnetii excretions between naturally infected sheep and goats was performed on the same farm to investigate species-specific differences. The animals were vaccinated with an inactivated C. burnetii phase I vaccine at the beginning of the study period for public health reasons. Vaginal and rectal swabs along with milk specimens were taken monthly during the lambing period and once again at the next lambing season. To estimate the environmental contamination of the animals' housings, nasal swabs from every animal were taken simultaneously. Moreover, dust samples from the windowsills and straw beddings were collected. All samples were examined by qPCR targeting the IS1111 gene and the MLVA/VNTR typing method was performed. Whole genome sequencing was applied to determine the number of IS1111 copies followed by a calculation of C. burnetii genome equivalents of each sample. The cattle-associated genotype C7 was detected containing 29 IS1111 copies. Overall, goats seem to shed more C. burnetii through vaginal mucus and in particular shed more and for longer via the rectal route than sheep. This is supported by the larger quantities of C. burnetii DNA detected in caprine nasal swabs and environmental samples compared to the ovine ones. Transmission of C. burnetii from cattle to small ruminants must also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Bauer
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Louise Prüfer
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Eintrachtweg 17, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (L.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Mathias Walter
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 Munich, Germany; (M.W.); (D.F.)
| | - Isabel Ganter
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Dimitrios Frangoulidis
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 Munich, Germany; (M.W.); (D.F.)
- Bundeswehr Medical Service Headquarters VI-2, Medical Intelligence & Information (MI2), Dachauer Straße 128, 80637 Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Runge
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Eintrachtweg 17, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (L.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany;
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16
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Abstract
Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, is widely present in dairy products around the world. It has been isolated from unpasteurised milk and cheese and can survive for extended periods of time under typical storage conditions for these products. Although consumption of contaminated dairy products has been suggested as a potential route for transmission, it remains controversial. Given the high prevalence of C. burnetii in dairy products, we sought to examine the feasibility of transmitting the major sequence types (ST16, ST8 and ST20) of C. burnetii circulating in the United States. We delivered three strains of C. burnetii, comprising each sequence type, directly into the stomachs of immunocompetent BALB/c mice via oral gavage (OG) and assessed them for clinical symptoms, serological response and bacterial dissemination. We found that mice receiving C. burnetii by OG had notable splenomegaly only after infection with ST16. A robust immune response and persistence in the stomach and mesenteric lymph nodes were observed in mice receiving ST16 and ST20 by OG, and dissemination of C. burnetii to peripheral tissues was observed in all OG infected mice. These findings support the oral route as a mode of transmission for C. burnetii.
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17
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Cocking JH, Deberg M, Schupp J, Sahl J, Wiggins K, Porty A, Hornstra HM, Hepp C, Jardine C, Furstenau TN, Schulte-Hostedde A, Fofanov VY, Pearson T. Selective whole genome amplification and sequencing of Coxiella burnetii directly from environmental samples. Genomics 2019; 112:1872-1878. [PMID: 31678592 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2019.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is a widely available, inexpensive means of providing a wealth of information about an organism's diversity and evolution. However, WGS for many pathogenic bacteria remain limited because they are difficult, slow and/or dangerous to culture. To avoid culturing, metagenomic sequencing can be performed directly on samples, but the sequencing effort required to characterize low frequency organisms can be expensive. Recently developed methods for selective whole genome amplification (SWGA) can enrich target DNA to provide efficient sequencing. We amplified Coxiella burnetii (a bacterial select agent and human/livestock pathogen) from 3 three environmental samples that were overwhelmed with host DNA. The 68- to 147-fold enrichment of the bacterial sequences provided enough genome coverage for SNP analyses and phylogenetic placement. SWGA is a valuable tool for the study of difficult-to-culture organisms and has the potential to facilitate high-throughput population characterizations as well as targeted epidemiological or forensic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Hager Cocking
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America; School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America.
| | - Michael Deberg
- School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America
| | - Jim Schupp
- Pathogen and Microbiome Division, TGen North, Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America.
| | - Jason Sahl
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America.
| | - Kristin Wiggins
- Pathogen and Microbiome Division, TGen North, Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America.
| | - Ariel Porty
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Heidie M Hornstra
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America.
| | - Crystal Hepp
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America; School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America.
| | - Claire Jardine
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Tara N Furstenau
- School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America.
| | | | - Viacheslav Y Fofanov
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America; School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America.
| | - Talima Pearson
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America.
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18
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Metters G, Norville IH, Titball RW, Hemsley CM. From cell culture to cynomolgus macaque: infection models show lineage-specific virulence potential of Coxiella burnetii. J Med Microbiol 2019; 68:1419-1430. [PMID: 31424378 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular pathogen that causes the zoonotic disease Q fever in humans, which can occur in either an acute or a chronic form with serious complications. The bacterium has a wide host range, including unicellular organisms, invertebrates, birds and mammals, with livestock representing the most significant reservoir for human infections. Cell culture models have been used to decipher the intracellular lifestyle of C. burnetii, and several infection models, including invertebrates, rodents and non-human primates, are being used to investigate host-pathogen interactions and to identify bacterial virulence factors and vaccine candidates. However, none of the models replicate all aspects of human disease. Furthermore, it is becoming evident that C. burnetii isolates belonging to different lineages exhibit differences in their virulence in these models. Here, we compare the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used infection models and summarize currently available data for lineage-specific virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Metters
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences - Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Isobel H Norville
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - Richard W Titball
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences - Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Claudia M Hemsley
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences - Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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19
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Hemsley CM, O’Neill PA, Essex-Lopresti A, Norville IH, Atkins TP, Titball RW. Extensive genome analysis of Coxiella burnetii reveals limited evolution within genomic groups. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:441. [PMID: 31164106 PMCID: PMC6549354 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5833-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic pathogen that resides in wild and domesticated animals across the globe and causes a febrile illness, Q fever, in humans. An improved understanding of the genetic diversity of C. burnetii is essential for the development of diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics, but genotyping data is lacking from many parts of the world. Sporadic outbreaks of Q fever have occurred in the United Kingdom, but the local genetic make-up of C. burnetii has not been studied in detail. RESULTS Here, we report whole genome data for nine C. burnetii sequences obtained in the UK. All four genomes of C. burnetii from cattle, as well as one sheep sample, belonged to Multi-spacer sequence type (MST) 20, whereas the goat samples were MST33 (three genomes) and MST32 (one genome), two genotypes that have not been described to be present in the UK to date. We established the phylogenetic relationship between the UK genomes and 67 publically available genomes based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the core genome, which confirmed tight clustering of strains within genomic groups, but also indicated that sub-groups exist within those groups. Variation is mainly achieved through SNPs, many of which are non-synonymous, thereby confirming that evolution of C. burnetii is based on modification of existing genes. Finally, we discovered genomic-group specific genome content, which supports a model of clonal expansion of previously established genotypes, with large scale dissemination of some of these genotypes across continents being observed. CONCLUSIONS The genetic make-up of C. burnetii in the UK is similar to the one in neighboring European countries. As a species, C. burnetii has been considered a clonal pathogen with low genetic diversity at the nucleotide level. Here, we present evidence for significant variation at the protein level between isolates of different genomic groups, which mainly affects secreted and membrane-associated proteins. Our results thereby increase our understanding of the global genetic diversity of C. burnetii and provide new insights into the evolution of this emerging zoonotic pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M. Hemsley
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences – Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Paul A. O’Neill
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences – Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | | | - Tim P. Atkins
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences – Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - Richard W. Titball
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences – Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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20
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Salifu SP, Bukari ARA, Frangoulidis D, Wheelhouse N. Current perspectives on the transmission of Q fever: Highlighting the need for a systematic molecular approach for a neglected disease in Africa. Acta Trop 2019; 193:99-105. [PMID: 30831112 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Q fever is a bacterial worldwide zoonosis (except New Zealand) caused by the Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii). The bacterium has a large host range including arthropods, wildlife and companion animals and is frequently identified in human and livestock populations. In humans, the disease can occur as either a clinically acute or chronic aetiology, affecting mainly the lungs and liver in the acute disease, and heart valves when chronic. In livestock, Q fever is mainly asymptomatic; however, the infection can cause abortion, and the organism is shed in large quantities, where it can infect other livestock and humans. The presence of Q fever in Africa has been known for over 60 years, however while our knowledge of the transmission routes and risk of disease have been well established in many parts of the world, there is a significant paucity of knowledge across the African continent, where it remains a neglected zoonosis. Our limited knowledge of the disease across the African sub-continent have relied largely upon observational (sero) prevalence studies with limited focus on the molecular epidemiology of the disease. This review highlights the need for systematic studies to understand the routes of C. burnetii infection, and understand the disease burden and risk factors for clinical Q fever in both humans and livestock. With such knowledge gaps filled, the African continent could stand a better chance of eradicating Q fever through formulation and implementation of effective public health interventions.
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Esmaeili S, Mohabati Mobarez A, Khalili M, Mostafavi E. High prevalence and risk factors of Coxiella burnetii in milk of dairy animals with a history of abortion in Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 63:127-130. [PMID: 30961807 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is causative agent of Q fever, which is a public health problem in most countries. The aim of this study was to study the prevalence rate of C. burnetii in raw milk of dairy animals in Iran with previous history of abortion. In this survey, milk samples were collected from different dairy animals with history of abortion from Qom province (center of Iran). Samples were tested by Nested PCR and Real-time PCR for detection of IS1111 gene of C. burnetii. In total, 34.92% (44 of 126) milk samples were positive for C. burnetii. Prevalence of C. burnetii in cattle, sheep and goat milk was 33.33%, 35.71% and 35.71%, respectively. Age was a significant risk factor for shedding of C. burnetii in cattle (P = 0.02) and goat (P = 0.05). Shedding of C. burnetii was high prevalence in milk of dairy animals with history of abortion in Iran. The high prevalence of this bacterium in milk (especially in animals with history of abortion) indicates that Excreted by milk as a potential source to spread of infection in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Esmaeili
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf Mohabati Mobarez
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Khalili
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; National Reference Laboratory of Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar-Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
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22
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Szymańska-Czerwińska M, Jodełko A, Zaręba-Marchewka K, Niemczuk K. Shedding and genetic diversity of Coxiella burnetii in Polish dairy cattle. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210244. [PMID: 30629637 PMCID: PMC6328121 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Q fever is a worldwide zoonotic disease reported in humans and many animal species including cattle. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of Coxiella (C.) burnetii shedding in Polish dairy cattle herds and to identify the pathogen's genotypes and sequence types (STs) using multiple-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) and multispacer sequence typing (MST) methods. The presence of C. burnetii DNA was detected using a commercial real-time PCR kit, targeting the IS1111 element. Overall, 1,439 samples from 279 herds were tested including: 897 individual milk specimens, 101 bulk tank milk samples, 409 genital tract swabs and 32 placentas. Furthermore, 30 consumer milk samples, including 10 from vending machines and 77 dairy products were also analyzed. C. burnetii shedding was confirmed in 31.54% of tested cattle herds as well as in 69.16% of consumer milk and dairy products. Among real-time PCR-positive samples, 49 specimens obtained from 49 cattle herds and 8 samples of purchased dairy products were selected for genotyping. Overall, five previously known MLVA genotypes (I, J, BG, BE, and NM) and three new ones (proposed as PL1, PL2, and PL3) were identified. Two MST sequence types were recorded: ST16 and a novel sequence (ST61). The new genotypes and sequence types need further research particularly into their pathogenicity to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Szymańska-Czerwińska
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Puławy, Poland
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, Puławy, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Jodełko
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Puławy, Poland
| | - Kinga Zaręba-Marchewka
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Puławy, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Niemczuk
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Puławy, Poland
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23
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Rahal M, Tahir D, Eldin C, Bitam I, Raoult D, Parola P. Genotyping of Coxiella burnetii detected in placental tissues from aborted dairy cattle in the north of Algeria. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 57:50-54. [PMID: 30017078 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii, is an obligate intracellular bacterium which is present throughout the world. In humans, C. burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever. In cattle, the infection is suspected to cause stillbirths, retained fetal membranes, metritis and infertility. The birth products of ruminants shed huge amounts of bacteria, and are considered a major source for human infection. The present study was designed to search for the presence of C. burnetii in placental tissues collected from aborted and normal calving dairy cows in Algeria, using molecular tools. A total of 77 placental tissue fragments were collected from dairy cows. 73 samples were collected from aborted cows and four samples were collected from natural calving cows over a period of two years from January 2013 to March 2015. The presence of C. burnetii in these samples was screened by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting two different genes, IS1111 and IS30 A. The positive PCR amplicons were subsequently sequenced for Multispacer Sequence Typing determination (MST) using seven pairs of sequences (Cox2, Cox5, Cox18, Cox37, Cox56, Cox57, and Cox61). Fourteen placental tissues (19.1%) were found to be positive for C. burnetii by qPCR; 9 (12.3%) from the city of Blida and 5 (6.84%) from the city of Medea. Genotyping of the corresponding amplicons displayed 100% identity with C. burnetii MST20 genotype, confirming the circulation of this clone in dairy farms from Algeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rahal
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; School of Veterinary Sciences, El Harrach, Algeria
| | - D Tahir
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - C Eldin
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - I Bitam
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; School of Veterinary Sciences, El Harrach, Algeria
| | - D Raoult
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - P Parola
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
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24
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Di Domenico M, Curini V, Di Lollo V, Massimini M, Di Gialleonardo L, Franco A, Caprioli A, Battisti A, Cammà C. Genetic diversity of Coxiella burnetii in domestic ruminants in central Italy. BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:171. [PMID: 29843709 PMCID: PMC5975477 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1499-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As the epidemiology of human Q Fever generally reflects the spread of Coxiella burnetii in ruminant livestock, molecular characterization of strains is essential to prevent human outbreaks. In this study we report the genetic diversity of C. burnetii in central Italy accomplished by MST and MLVA-6 on biological samples from 20 goat, sheep and cow farms. Results Five MST and ten MLVA profiles emerged from the analysis establishing a part of C. burnetii strain world atlas. In particular, ST32 occurred on 12 farms (60%), prevalently in goat specimens, while ST12 (25%) was detected on 4 sheep and 1 goat samples. ST8 and a variant of this genotype were described on 2 different sheep farms, whereas ST55 was observed on a goat farm. Five complete MLVA profiles different from any other published genotypes were described in this study in addition to 15 MLVA incomplete panels. Despite this, polymorphic markers Ms23, Ms24 and Ms33 enabled the identification of samples sharing the same MST profile. Conclusions Integration of such data in international databases can be of further help in the attempt of building a global phylogeny and epidemiology of Q fever in animals, with a “One Health” perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Di Domenico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
| | - V Curini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - V Di Lollo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - M Massimini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - L Di Gialleonardo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - A Franco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Roma, Italy
| | - A Caprioli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Roma, Italy
| | - A Battisti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Roma, Italy
| | - C Cammà
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
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Alvarez J, Whitten T, Branscum AJ, Garcia-Seco T, Bender JB, Scheftel J, Perez A. Understanding Q Fever Risk to Humans in Minnesota Through the Analysis of Spatiotemporal Trends. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018; 18:89-95. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julio Alvarez
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota
| | - Tory Whitten
- Minnesota Department of Health, St Paul, Minnesota
| | - Adam J. Branscum
- Biostatistics Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | | | - Jeff B. Bender
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota
| | | | - Andres Perez
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota
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Draft Genome Sequences of Historical Strains of Coxiella burnetii Isolated from Cow's Milk and a Goat Placenta. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2017; 5:5/39/e00985-17. [PMID: 28963210 PMCID: PMC5624756 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.00985-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Here, we report draft genome sequences of historical strains of Coxiella burnetii derived from cow’s milk and the placenta of a goat that had aborted. The California and Ohio milk strains display a different sequence type than do contemporary milk strains.
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27
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Bauer AE, Johnson AJ, Weng HY, Pogranichniy RM, Moore GE. An evaluation of risk factors for infection with Coxiella burnetii in domestic goats. Res Vet Sci 2017; 114:181-185. [PMID: 28463720 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Bauer
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, 725 Harrison St., West Lafayette, 47907-2027, IN, USA.
| | - April J Johnson
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, 725 Harrison St., West Lafayette, 47907-2027, IN, USA.
| | - Hsin-Yi Weng
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, 725 Harrison St., West Lafayette, 47907-2027, IN, USA.
| | - Roman M Pogranichniy
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, 725 Harrison St., West Lafayette, 47907-2027, IN, USA.
| | - George E Moore
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, 725 Harrison St., West Lafayette, 47907-2027, IN, USA.
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28
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Environmental sampling coupled with real-time PCR and genotyping to investigate the source of a Q fever outbreak in a work setting. Epidemiol Infect 2017; 145:1834-1842. [DOI: 10.1017/s0950268817000796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYA Q fever outbreak was declared in February 2016 in a company that manufactures hoists and chains and therefore with no apparent occupational-associated risk. Coxiella burnetii infection was diagnosed by serology in eight of the 29 workers of the company; seven of them had fever or flu-like signs and five had pneumonia, one requiring hospitalisation. A further case of C. burnetii pneumonia was diagnosed in a local resident. Real-time PCR (RTi–PCR) showed a widespread distribution of C. burnetii DNA in dust samples collected from the plant facilities, thus confirming the exposure of workers to the infection inside the factory. Epidemiological investigations identified a goat flock with high C. burnetii seroprevalence and active shedding which was owned and managed by one of the workers of the company as possible source of infection. Genotyping by multispacer sequence typing (MST) and a 10-loci single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discrimination using RTi–PCR identified the same genotype (MST18 and SNP type 8, respectively) in the farm and the factory. These results confirmed the link between the goat farm and the outbreak and allowed the identification of the source of infection. The circumstances and possible vehicles for the bacteria entering the factory are discussed.
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29
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Sobotta K, Bonkowski K, Liebler-Tenorio E, Germon P, Rainard P, Hambruch N, Pfarrer C, Jacobsen ID, Menge C. Permissiveness of bovine epithelial cells from lung, intestine, placenta and udder for infection with Coxiella burnetii. Vet Res 2017; 48:23. [PMID: 28403908 PMCID: PMC5389005 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-017-0430-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ruminants are the main source of human infections with the obligate intracellular bacterium Coxiella (C.) burnetii. Infected animals shed high numbers of C. burnetii by milk, feces, and birth products. In goats, shedding by the latter route coincides with C. burnetii replication in epithelial (trophoblast) cells of the placenta, which led us to hypothesize that epithelial cells are generally implicated in replication and shedding of C. burnetii. We therefore aimed at analyzing the interactions of C. burnetii with epithelial cells of the bovine host (1) at the entry site (lung epithelium) which govern host immune responses and (2) in epithelial cells of gut, udder and placenta decisive for the quantity of pathogen excretion. Epithelial cell lines [PS (udder), FKD-R 971 (small intestine), BCEC (maternal placenta), F3 (fetal placenta), BEL-26 (lung)] were inoculated with C. burnetii strains Nine Mile I (NMI) and NMII at different cultivation conditions. The cell lines exhibited different permissiveness for C. burnetii. While maintaining cell viability, udder cells allowed the highest replication rates with formation of large cell-filling Coxiella containing vacuoles. Intestinal cells showed an enhanced susceptibility to invasion but supported C. burnetii replication only at intermediate levels. Lung and placental cells also internalized the bacteria but in strikingly smaller numbers. In any of the epithelial cells, both Coxiella strains failed to trigger a substantial IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α response. Epithelial cells, with mammary epithelial cells in particular, may therefore serve as a niche for C. burnetii replication in vivo without alerting the host’s immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Sobotta
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Naumburger Strasse 96a, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Katharina Bonkowski
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Naumburger Strasse 96a, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Liebler-Tenorio
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Naumburger Strasse 96a, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Pierre Germon
- ISP, INRA, Université Tours, UMR 1282, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Pascal Rainard
- ISP, INRA, Université Tours, UMR 1282, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Nina Hambruch
- Department of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christiane Pfarrer
- Department of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ilse D Jacobsen
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology/Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Menge
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Naumburger Strasse 96a, 07743, Jena, Germany.
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30
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Obaidat MM, Kersh GJ. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Coxiella burnetii Antibodies in Bulk Milk from Cattle, Sheep, and Goats in Jordan. J Food Prot 2017; 80:561-566. [PMID: 28272921 PMCID: PMC6489127 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-16-377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This large-scale cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence, geographical distribution, and risk factors for the presence of antibodies against Coxiella burnetii in bulk tank milk derived from dairy cattle, sheep, and goats in Jordan. Bulk milk samples were collected from 78 dairy cattle, 48 sheep, and 23 goat farms from various places in Jordan according to the density of these animal species in each region of the country. The samples were tested for C. burnetii antibodies using the CHEKIT Q-Fever Antibody ELISA kit. A standardized questionnaire was also used to collect data from each farm to identify and rank the risk factors for the presence of C. burnetii antibodies. The results revealed that 62.9% (95% confidence interval: 55.1 to 70.0%) of the tested ruminant farms were positive for C. burnetii antibodies. Positive results were obtained from 70.9% (60.6 to 79.5%) of dairy cattle farms, 52.1% (38.3 to 65.5%) of sheep farms, and 56.0% (37.1 to 73.3%) of goat farms. Six factors were associated with the presence of these antibodies on cattle farms, and five factors were associated with these antibodies on sheep and goat farms (chi-square test). The multivariate logistic regression model revealed that large dairy cattle farms, farms that add new animals to the herd, farms that infrequently clean the feeders, and farms in particular areas are 28.6, 19.9, 8.0, and 6.4 times more likely, respectively, to have animals with C. burnetii antibodies. Sheep and goat farms that mix their animals with those from other farms, graze more than 5 km, and infrequently sanitize the feeders were 8.0, 0.06, and 13.6 times more likely, respectively, to have animals with C. burnetii antibodies. These data reveal the widespread exposure of Jordanian ruminants to C. burnetii and suggest a high risk for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M Obaidat
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Al Ramtha, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Gilbert J Kersh
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA
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Pathogens of Food Animals: Sources, Characteristics, Human Risk, and Methods of Detection. ADVANCES IN FOOD AND NUTRITION RESEARCH 2017; 82:277-365. [PMID: 28427535 DOI: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pathogens associated with food production (livestock) animals come in many forms causing a multitude of disease for humans. For the purpose of this review, these infectious agents can be divided into three broad categories: those that are associated with bacterial disease, those that are associated with viruses, and those that are parasitic in nature. The goal of this chapter is to provide the reader with an overview of the most common pathogens that cause disease in humans through exposure via the food chain and the consequence of this exposure as well as risk and detection methods. We have also included a collection of unusual pathogens that although rare have still caused disease, and their recognition is warranted in light of emerging and reemerging diseases. These provide the reader an understanding of where the next big outbreak could occur. The influence of the global economy, the movement of people, and food makes understanding production animal-associated disease paramount to being able to address new diseases as they arise.
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32
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Diseases Primarily Affecting the Reproductive System. Vet Med (Auckl) 2017. [PMCID: PMC7150237 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-5246-0.00018-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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33
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Ladbury G, Allan KJ, Cleaveland S, Davis A, de Glanville WA, Forde TL, Halliday JEB, Haydon DT, Kibiki G, Kiwelu I, Lembo T, Maro V, Mmbaga BT, Ndyetabura T, Sharp J, Thomas K, Zadoks RN. One Health Research in Northern Tanzania - Challenges and Progress. East Afr Health Res J 2017; 1:8-18. [PMID: 34308154 PMCID: PMC8279194 DOI: 10.24248/eahrj-d-16-00379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
East Africa has one of the world's fastest growing human populations-many of whom are dependent on livestock-as well as some of the world's largest wildlife populations. Humans, livestock, and wildlife often interact closely, intimately linking human, animal, and environmental health. The concept of One Health captures this interconnectedness, including the social structures and beliefs driving interactions between species and their environments. East African policymakers and researchers are recognising and encouraging One Health research, with both groups increasingly playing a leading role in this subject area. One Health research requires interaction between scientists from different disciplines, such as the biological and social sciences and human and veterinary medicine. Different disciplines draw on norms, methodologies, and terminologies that have evolved within their respective institutions and that may be distinct from or in conflict with one another. These differences impact interdisciplinary research, both around theoretical and methodological approaches and during project operationalisation. We present experiential knowledge gained from numerous ongoing projects in northern Tanzania, including those dealing with bacterial zoonoses associated with febrile illness, foodborne disease, and anthrax. We use the examples to illustrate differences between and within social and biological sciences and between industrialised and traditional societies, for example, with regard to consenting procedures or the ethical treatment of animals. We describe challenges encountered in ethical approval processes, consenting procedures, and field and laboratory logistics and offer suggestions for improvement. While considerable investment of time in sensitisation, communication, and collaboration is needed to overcome interdisciplinary challenges inherent in One Health research, this can yield great rewards in paving the way for successful implementation of One Health projects. Furthermore, continued investment in African institutions and scientists will strengthen the role of East Africa as a world leader in One Health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Ladbury
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kathryn J Allan
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sarah Cleaveland
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alicia Davis
- School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - William A de Glanville
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Taya L Forde
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jo E B Halliday
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Daniel T Haydon
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gibson Kibiki
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, Tanzania.,East African Health Research Commission, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Ireen Kiwelu
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Tiziana Lembo
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Venance Maro
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Blandina T Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, Tanzania.,Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Theonest Ndyetabura
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Jo Sharp
- School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kate Thomas
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, Tanzania.,Centre for International Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ruth N Zadoks
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, Tanzania
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Eldin C, Mélenotte C, Mediannikov O, Ghigo E, Million M, Edouard S, Mege JL, Maurin M, Raoult D. From Q Fever to Coxiella burnetii Infection: a Paradigm Change. Clin Microbiol Rev 2017; 30:115-190. [PMID: 27856520 PMCID: PMC5217791 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00045-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 554] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is the agent of Q fever, or "query fever," a zoonosis first described in Australia in 1937. Since this first description, knowledge about this pathogen and its associated infections has increased dramatically. We review here all the progress made over the last 20 years on this topic. C. burnetii is classically a strict intracellular, Gram-negative bacterium. However, a major step in the characterization of this pathogen was achieved by the establishment of its axenic culture. C. burnetii infects a wide range of animals, from arthropods to humans. The genetic determinants of virulence are now better known, thanks to the achievement of determining the genome sequences of several strains of this species and comparative genomic analyses. Q fever can be found worldwide, but the epidemiological features of this disease vary according to the geographic area considered, including situations where it is endemic or hyperendemic, and the occurrence of large epidemic outbreaks. In recent years, a major breakthrough in the understanding of the natural history of human infection with C. burnetii was the breaking of the old dichotomy between "acute" and "chronic" Q fever. The clinical presentation of C. burnetii infection depends on both the virulence of the infecting C. burnetii strain and specific risks factors in the infected patient. Moreover, no persistent infection can exist without a focus of infection. This paradigm change should allow better diagnosis and management of primary infection and long-term complications in patients with C. burnetii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Eldin
- URMITE, UMR CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM U1095, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - Cléa Mélenotte
- URMITE, UMR CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM U1095, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- URMITE, UMR CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM U1095, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Ghigo
- URMITE, UMR CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM U1095, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - Matthieu Million
- URMITE, UMR CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM U1095, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - Sophie Edouard
- URMITE, UMR CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM U1095, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mege
- URMITE, UMR CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM U1095, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - Max Maurin
- Institut de Biologie et de Pathologie, CHU de Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- URMITE, UMR CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM U1095, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
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Joulié A, Sidi-Boumedine K, Bailly X, Gasqui P, Barry S, Jaffrelo L, Poncet C, Abrial D, Yang E, Leblond A, Rousset E, Jourdain E. Molecular epidemiology of Coxiella burnetii in French livestock reveals the existence of three main genotype clusters and suggests species-specific associations as well as regional stability. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 48:142-149. [PMID: 28007602 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. In domestic ruminants, Q fever main clinical manifestations are abortions. Although the clinical signs may differ between ruminant species, C. burnetii's genetic diversity remains understudied in enzootic areas. Here, we focused on France, where Q fever is enzootic, with the aims to (a) identify potential associations between C. burnetii genotypes and ruminant host species; (b) assess the distribution of C. burnetii genotypes both within French farms and across France's major livestock-farming regions; and (c) suggest a subset of markers for future genotypic studies. We used DNA samples collected between 2006 and 2015 from 301 females (160 cows, 76 ewes, 65 goats) aborted of Q fever within 7 different farming regions. C. burnetii diversity was determined using a multiple-locus variable-number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) considering 17 markers. Using a phylogenetic approach, we identified 3 main genotypic clusters divided into 12 sub-clusters. These clusters were significantly associated with ruminant species: almost all the cattle genotypes were found in a "cattle-specific" cluster whereas small ruminants genotypes essentially grouped into the two other clusters. The clusters also proved stable over space and time, some genotypes being more specifically observed in certain farming regions. We also observed some within-farm diversity but this diversity was restricted to a same genotypic cluster. Finally, we identified 6 MLVA markers that maximized the representativeness of the diversity described. Overall, we highlighted that molecular epidemiology is a relevant approach to assess C. burnetii's genetic diversity and to reveal the existence of species-specific associations and regional stability. These results will be valuable in the field to trace genotype circulation among ruminants and from ruminants to humans. Ultimately, the potential links between genotypes and virulence traits need to be investigated to adapt control measures in livestock farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelien Joulié
- EPIA, INRA, 63122 Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, 69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France; Anses (French Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health and Safety), Laboratory of Sophia Antipolis, Animal Q Fever Unit, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Karim Sidi-Boumedine
- Anses (French Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health and Safety), Laboratory of Sophia Antipolis, Animal Q Fever Unit, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | - David Abrial
- EPIA, INRA, 63122 Saint-Genès Champanelle, France
| | - Elise Yang
- Anses (French Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health and Safety), Laboratory of Sophia Antipolis, Animal Q Fever Unit, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | | | - Agnès Leblond
- EPIA, INRA, 63122 Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, 69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Elodie Rousset
- Anses (French Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health and Safety), Laboratory of Sophia Antipolis, Animal Q Fever Unit, Sophia Antipolis, France
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Galiero A, Fratini F, Cammà C, Di Domenico M, Curini V, Baronti I, Turchi B, Cerri D. Occurrence of Coxiella burnetii in goat and ewe unpasteurized cheeses: Screening and genotyping. Int J Food Microbiol 2016; 237:47-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Barragan V, Chiriboga J, Miller E, Olivas S, Birdsell D, Hepp C, Hornstra H, Schupp JM, Morales M, Gonzalez M, Reyes S, de la Cruz C, Keim P, Hartskeerl R, Trueba G, Pearson T. High Leptospira Diversity in Animals and Humans Complicates the Search for Common Reservoirs of Human Disease in Rural Ecuador. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004990. [PMID: 27622673 PMCID: PMC5021363 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease responsible for high morbidity around the world, especially in tropical and low income countries. Rats are thought to be the main vector of human leptospirosis in urban settings. However, differences between urban and low-income rural communities provide additional insights into the epidemiology of the disease. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Our study was conducted in two low-income rural communities near the coast of Ecuador. We detected and characterized infectious leptospira DNA in a wide variety of samples using new real time quantitative PCR assays and amplicon sequencing. We detected infectious leptospira in a high percentage of febrile patients (14.7%). In contrast to previous studies on leptospirosis risk factors, higher positivity was not found in rats (3.0%) but rather in cows (35.8%) and pigs (21.1%). Six leptospira species were identified (L. borgpetersenii, L kirschnerii, L santarosai, L. interrogans, L noguchii, and an intermediate species within the L. licerasiae and L. wolffii clade) and no significant differences in the species of leptospira present in each animal species was detected (χ2 = 9.89, adj.p-value = 0.27). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE A large portion of the world's human population lives in low-income, rural communities, however, there is limited information about leptospirosis transmission dynamics in these settings. In these areas, exposure to peridomestic livestock is particularly common and high prevalence of infectious leptospira in cows and pigs suggest that they may be the most important reservoir for human transmission. Genotyping clinical samples show that multiple species of leptospira are involved in human disease. As these genotypes were also detected in samples from a variety of animals, genotype data must be used in conjunction with epidemiological data to provide evidence of transmission and the importance of different potential leptospirosis reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Barragan
- The Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
- Instituto de Microbiologia, Colegio de Ciencias Biologicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Jorge Chiriboga
- Instituto de Microbiologia, Colegio de Ciencias Biologicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Erin Miller
- The Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Sonora Olivas
- The Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Dawn Birdsell
- The Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Crystal Hepp
- The Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
- Informatics and Computing Program, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Heidie Hornstra
- The Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | | | | | - Manuel Gonzalez
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública e Investigación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | | | - Carmen de la Cruz
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública e Investigación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Paul Keim
- The Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Rudy Hartskeerl
- Biomedical Research, Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriel Trueba
- Instituto de Microbiologia, Colegio de Ciencias Biologicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Talima Pearson
- The Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Vincent G, Stenos J, Latham J, Fenwick S, Graves S. Novel genotypes of Coxiella burnetii identified in isolates from Australian Q fever patients. Int J Med Microbiol 2016; 306:463-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2016.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Di Domenico M, Curini V, De Massis F, Di Provvido A, Scacchia M, Cammà C. Coxiella burnetii in central Italy: novel genotypes are circulating in cattle and goats. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 14:710-5. [PMID: 25325314 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2014.1587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genotyping of bacteria is critical for diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiological surveillance. Coxiella burnetii, the etiological agent of Q fever, has been recognized to have a potential for bioterrorism purposes. Because few serosurveys have been conducted in Italy, there is still limited information about the distribution of this pathogen in natural conditions. In this paper, we describe the genotyping of C. burnetii strains by multispacer sequence typing (MST) detected in cattle and goat farms in the Abruzzi region of Italy. Biological samples (milk, aborted fetus) positive for C. burnetii DNA were sequenced in the spacer regions and compared with those already publicly available ( http://ifr48.timone.univ-mrs.fr/MST_Coxiella/mst/group_detail ). The MST profile of C. burnetii detected in milk samples demonstrated the presence of a new allele, whereas the C. burnetii spacer sequences from fetus and milk goat samples displayed a new allelic combination. The results suggest the circulation of novel genotypes of C. burnetii in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Di Domenico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale" , Campo Boario, Teramo, Italy
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Olivas S, Hornstra H, Priestley RA, Kaufman E, Hepp C, Sonderegger DL, Handady K, Massung RF, Keim P, Kersh GJ, Pearson T. Massive dispersal of Coxiella burnetii among cattle across the United States. Microb Genom 2016; 2:e000068. [PMID: 28348863 PMCID: PMC5320587 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Q-fever is an underreported disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, which is highly infectious and has the ability to disperse great distances. It is a completely clonal pathogen with low genetic diversity and requires whole-genome analysis to identify discriminating features among closely related isolates. C. burnetii, and in particular one genotype (ST20), is commonly found in cow's milk across the entire dairy industry of the USA. This single genotype dominance is suggestive of host-specific adaptation, rapid dispersal and persistence within cattle. We used a comparative genomic approach to identify SNPs for high-resolution and high-throughput genotyping assays to better describe the dispersal of ST20 across the USA. We genotyped 507 ST20 cow milk samples and discovered three subgenotypes, all of which were present across the entire country and over the complete time period studied. Only one of these sub-genotypes was observed in a single dairy herd. The temporal and geographic distribution of these sub-genotypes is consistent with a model of large-scale, rapid, frequent and continuous dissemination on a continental scale. The distribution of subgenotypes is not consistent with wind-based dispersal alone, and it is likely that animal husbandry and transportation practices, including pooling of milk from multiple herds, have also shaped the patterns. On the scale of an entire country, there appear to be few barriers to rapid, frequent and large-scale dissemination of the ST20 subgenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonora Olivas
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, PO Box 4073, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Heidie Hornstra
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, PO Box 4073, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Rachael A. Priestley
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Emily Kaufman
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, PO Box 4073, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Crystal Hepp
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, PO Box 4073, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
- Informatics and Computing Program, Northern Arizona University, PO Box 5717, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Derek L. Sonderegger
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Northern Arizona University, PO Box 5717, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Karthik Handady
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, PO Box 4073, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Robert F. Massung
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Paul Keim
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, PO Box 4073, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
- Pathogen Genomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Gilbert J. Kersh
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Talima Pearson
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, PO Box 4073, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
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Larson CL, Martinez E, Beare PA, Jeffrey B, Heinzen RA, Bonazzi M. Right on Q: genetics begin to unravel Coxiella burnetii host cell interactions. Future Microbiol 2016; 11:919-39. [PMID: 27418426 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2016-0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasion of macrophages and replication within an acidic and degradative phagolysosome-like vacuole are essential for disease pathogenesis by Coxiella burnetii, the bacterial agent of human Q fever. Previous experimental constraints imposed by the obligate intracellular nature of Coxiella limited knowledge of pathogen strategies that promote infection. Fortunately, new genetic tools facilitated by axenic culture now allow allelic exchange and transposon mutagenesis approaches for virulence gene discovery. Phenotypic screens have illuminated the critical importance of Coxiella's type 4B secretion system in host cell subversion and discovered genes encoding translocated effector proteins that manipulate critical infection events. Here, we highlight the cellular microbiology and genetics of Coxiella and how recent technical advances now make Coxiella a model organism to study macrophage parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles L Larson
- Coxiella Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Eric Martinez
- CNRS, FRE3698, CPBS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France.,Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Paul A Beare
- Coxiella Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Brendan Jeffrey
- Bioinformatics & Computational Biosciences Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Robert A Heinzen
- Coxiella Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Matteo Bonazzi
- CNRS, FRE3698, CPBS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France.,Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Kersh GJ, Priestley RA, Hornstra HM, Self JS, Fitzpatrick KA, Biggerstaff BJ, Keim P, Pearson T, Massung RF. Genotyping and Axenic Growth of Coxiella burnetii Isolates Found in the United States Environment. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:588-94. [PMID: 27304166 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.1972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a gram-negative bacterium that is the etiologic agent of the zoonotic disease Q fever. Common reservoirs of C. burnetii include sheep, goats, and cattle. These animals shed C. burnetii into the environment, and humans are infected by inhalation of aerosols. A survey of 1622 environmental samples taken across the United States in 2006-2008 found that 23.8% of the samples contained C. burnetii DNA. To identify the strains circulating in the U.S. environment, DNA from these environmental samples was genotyped using an SNP-based approach to derive sequence types (ST) that are also compatible with multispacer sequence typing methods. Three different sequence types were observed in 31 samples taken from 19 locations. ST8 was associated with goats and ST20 with dairy cattle. ST16/26 was detected in locations with exposure to various animals and also in locations with no direct animal contact. Viable isolates were obtained for all three sequence types, but only the ST20 and ST16/26 isolates grew in acidified citrate cysteine medium (ACCM)-2 axenic media. Examination of a variety of isolates with different sequence types showed that ST8 and closely related isolates did not grow in ACCM-2. These results suggest that a limited number of C. burnetii sequence types are circulating in the U.S. environment and these strains have close associations with specific reservoir species. Growth in ACCM-2 may not be suitable for isolation of many C. burnetii strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilbert J Kersh
- 1 Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Rachael A Priestley
- 1 Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Heidie M Hornstra
- 2 Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University , Flagstaff, Arizona
| | - Joshua S Self
- 1 Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kelly A Fitzpatrick
- 1 Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Brad J Biggerstaff
- 3 Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Ft. Collins, Colorado
| | - Paul Keim
- 2 Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University , Flagstaff, Arizona
| | - Talima Pearson
- 2 Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University , Flagstaff, Arizona
| | - Robert F Massung
- 1 Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, Georgia
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Coxiella burnetii Infects Primary Bovine Macrophages and Limits Their Host Cell Response. Infect Immun 2016; 84:1722-1734. [PMID: 27021246 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01208-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although domestic ruminants have long been recognized as the main source of human Q fever, little is known about the lifestyle that the obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium Coxiella burnetii adopts in its animal host. Because macrophages are considered natural target cells of the pathogen, we established primary bovine monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) as an in vitro infection model to study reservoir host-pathogen interactions at the cellular level. In addition, bovine alveolar macrophages were included to take cell type peculiarities at a host entry site into account. Cell cultures were inoculated with the virulent strain Nine Mile I (NMI; phase I) or the avirulent strain Nine Mile II (NMII; phase II). Macrophages from both sources internalized NMI and NMII. MDM were particularly permissive for NMI internalization, but NMI and NMII replicated with similar kinetics in these cells. MDM responded to inoculation with a general upregulation of Th1-related cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) early on (3 h postinfection). However, inflammatory responses rapidly declined when C. burnetii replication started. C. burnetii infection inhibited translation and release of IL-1β and vastly failed to stimulate increased expression of activation markers, such as CD40, CD80, CD86, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Such capability of limiting proinflammatory responses may help Coxiella to protect itself from clearance by the host immune system. The findings provide the first detailed insight into C. burnetii-macrophage interactions in ruminants and may serve as a basis for assessing the virulence and the host adaptation of C. burnetii strains.
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Pearson T, Cocking JH, Hornstra HM, Keim P. False detection of Coxiella burnetii-what is the risk? FEMS Microbiol Lett 2016; 363:fnw088. [PMID: 27190242 PMCID: PMC4853758 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnw088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Talima Pearson
- Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, 1395 S. Knoles Dr. Bldg. 56, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Jill H Cocking
- Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, 1395 S. Knoles Dr. Bldg. 56, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Heidie M Hornstra
- Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, 1395 S. Knoles Dr. Bldg. 56, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Paul Keim
- Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, 1395 S. Knoles Dr. Bldg. 56, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
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A cross sectional study evaluating the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii, potential risk factors for infection, and agreement between diagnostic methods in goats in Indiana. Prev Vet Med 2016; 126:131-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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D’Amato F, Eldin C, Raoult D. The contribution of genomics to the study of Q fever. Future Microbiol 2016; 11:253-72. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb.15.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is the etiological agent of Q fever, a worldwide zoonosis that can result in large outbreaks. The birth of genomics and sequencing of C. burnetii strains has revolutionized many fields of study of this infection. Accurate genotyping methods and comparative genomic analysis have enabled description of the diversity of strains around the world and their link with pathogenicity. Genomics has also permitted the development of qPCR tools and axenic culture medium, facilitating the diagnosis of Q fever. Moreover, several pathophysiological mechanisms can now be predicted and therapeutic strategies can be determined thanks to in silico genome analysis. An extensive pan-genomic analysis will allow for a comprehensive view of the clonal diversity of C. burnetii and its link with virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicetta D’Amato
- Aix-Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM 1095, Marseille, France
| | - Carole Eldin
- Aix-Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM 1095, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix-Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM 1095, Marseille, France
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Abstract
Q fever is a zoonosis of worldwide distribution with the exception of New Zealand. It is caused by an intracellular bacterium, Coxiella burnetii. The disease often goes underdiagnosed because the main manifestation of its acute form is a general self-limiting flu-like syndrome. The Dutch epidemics renewed attention to this disease, which was less considered before. This review summarizes the description of C. burnetii (taxonomy, intracellular cycle, and genome) and Q fever disease (description, diagnosis, epidemiology, and pathogenesis). Finally, vaccination in humans and animals is also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Boarbi
- Centre d'étude et de recherches vétérinaires et agrochimiques (CERVA), Direction opérationnelle des maladies bactériennes, Zoonoses bactériennes des animaux de rente, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Bruxelles, Belgique.,Centre d'étude et de recherches vétérinaires et agrochimiques (CERVA), Direction opérationnelle des maladies bactériennes, Zoonoses bactériennes des animaux de rente, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Bruxelles, Belgique
| | - David Fretin
- Centre d'étude et de recherches vétérinaires et agrochimiques (CERVA), Direction opérationnelle des maladies bactériennes, Zoonoses bactériennes des animaux de rente, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Bruxelles, Belgique.,Centre d'étude et de recherches vétérinaires et agrochimiques (CERVA), Direction opérationnelle des maladies bactériennes, Zoonoses bactériennes des animaux de rente, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Bruxelles, Belgique
| | - Marcella Mori
- Centre d'étude et de recherches vétérinaires et agrochimiques (CERVA), Direction opérationnelle des maladies bactériennes, Zoonoses bactériennes des animaux de rente, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Bruxelles, Belgique.,Centre d'étude et de recherches vétérinaires et agrochimiques (CERVA), Direction opérationnelle des maladies bactériennes, Zoonoses bactériennes des animaux de rente, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Bruxelles, Belgique
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Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Genotyping and Distribution of Coxiella burnetii Strains from Field Samples in Belgium. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 82:81-6. [PMID: 26475104 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02799-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The genotypic characterization of Coxiella burnetii provides useful information about the strains circulating at the farm, region, or country level and may be used to identify the source of infection for animals and humans. The aim of the present study was to investigate the strains of C. burnetii circulating in caprine and bovine Belgian farms using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) technique. Direct genotyping was applied to different samples (bulk tank milk, individual milk, vaginal swab, fetal product, and air sample). Besides the well-known SNP genotypes, unreported ones were found in bovine and caprine samples, increasing the variability of the strains found in the two species in Belgium. Moreover, multiple genotypes were detected contemporarily in caprine farms at different years of sampling and by using different samples. Interestingly, certain SNP genotypes were detected in both bovine and caprine samples, raising the question of interspecies transmission of the pathogen.
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Bauer AE, Olivas S, Cooper M, Hornstra H, Keim P, Pearson T, Johnson AJ. Estimated herd prevalence and sequence types of Coxiella burnetii in bulk tank milk samples from commercial dairies in Indiana. BMC Vet Res 2015; 11:186. [PMID: 26248712 PMCID: PMC4528813 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0517-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coxiella burnetii is the etiologic agent of Q fever, a zoonotic disease causing influenza-like illness, pregnancy loss, cardiovascular disease and chronic fatigue syndrome in people. C. burnetii is considered to be enzootic in ruminants, but clinical signs of infection do not always manifest. National studies have documented the presence of C. burnetii in dairy herds in Indiana. This represents an opportunity to better characterize the distribution and prevalence of C. burnetii infection at the state scale, allowing evaluation of the need for surveillance and response planning to occur at this level. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the herd prevalence of C. burnetii in commercial cattle dairies in Indiana and characterize the strains of C. burnetii within these dairies. Results Bulk tank milk samples were collected between June and August of 2011 by the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (ISBOAH). A total of 316 of these samples were tested for the IS1111 transposon of C. burnetii using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping was used to identify the multispacer sequence genotypes (ST) present in samples where the IS1111 transposon was identified. The geographic distribution of dairies testing positive for C. burnetii DNA and the identified STs were also evaluated. The estimated overall herd prevalence for C. burnetii DNA was 61.1 % (95 % CI 55.6–66.3 %). The highest estimated regional prevalence was 70.2 % in the Central region of Indiana. An ST was identifiable in 74 of the positive 178 samples (41.6 %) and none of the 10 negative samples tested. Of these samples, 71 (95.9 %) were identified as ST20, 2 (2.7 %) as ST8 and a combination of ST20 and ST8 was identified in a single sample. Conclusions C. burnetii is present in dairy herds throughout Indiana. Indiana follows national trends with ST20 most commonly identified. The presence of multiple STs in a single bulk tank sample indicates that multiple strains of C. burnetii can circulate within a herd. This supports potential transmission of C. burnetii between goats and cattle, presenting the potential for a switch in the dominant genotype found in a given species. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-015-0517-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Bauer
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Sonora Olivas
- The Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA.
| | - Maria Cooper
- Indiana State Board of Animal Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Heidie Hornstra
- The Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA.
| | - Paul Keim
- The Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA.
| | - Talima Pearson
- The Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA.
| | - April J Johnson
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA. .,Present address: Signature Science, LLC, Baku, Azerbaijan.
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50
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Gale P, Kelly L, Mearns R, Duggan J, Snary E. Q fever through consumption of unpasteurised milk and milk products - a risk profile and exposure assessment. J Appl Microbiol 2015; 118:1083-95. [DOI: 10.1111/jam.12778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- P. Gale
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences; Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA); Weybridge UK
| | - L. Kelly
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences; Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA); Weybridge UK
| | - R. Mearns
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA); Penrith UK
| | - J. Duggan
- Public Health England (PHE); Porton Down UK
| | - E.L. Snary
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences; Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA); Weybridge UK
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