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Rodriguez-Diaz C, Seyboldt C, Rupnik M. Non-human Clostridioides difficile Reservoirs and Sources: Animals, Food, Environment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1435:329-350. [PMID: 38175482 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-42108-2_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is ubiquitous and is found in humans, animals and in variety of environments. The substantial overlap of ribotypes between all three main reservoirs suggests the extensive transmissions. Here we give the overview of European studies investigating farm, companion and wild animals, food and environments including water, soil, sediment, wastewater treatment plants, biogas plants, air, and households. Studies in Europe are more numerous especially in last couple of years, but are still fragmented in terms of countries, animal species, or type of environment covered. Soil seem to be the habitat of divergent unusual lineages of C. difficile. But the most important aspect of animals and environment is their role in C. difficile transmissions and their potential as a source for human infection is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Rodriguez-Diaz
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma de Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, UGC de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Málaga, Spain
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals and Health (FARAH), Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Christian Seyboldt
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Jena, Germany
| | - Maja Rupnik
- National Laboratory for Health, Environment and Food, NLZOH, Maribor, Slovenia
- University of Maribor, Faculty of Medicine, Maribor, Slovenia
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Zlender T, Golob Z, Rupnik M. Low Clostridioides difficile positivity rate in wild animal shelter in Slovenia. Anaerobe 2022; 77:102643. [PMID: 36113734 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2022.102643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Here we review literature on Clostridioides difficile in captive wild animals and describe results from a single wild animal shelter in Slovenia. C. difficile was found in four out of 22 samples from animals of 15 different species (mammals n = 3; birds n = 12). Isolates were cultured only from bird samples and typed as RT 078, 002, 014 and additional unknown type. All three known ribotypes are commonly shared between humans and/or animals and environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Zlender
- National Laboratory for Health, Environment and Food, NLZOH, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Zlatko Golob
- The Wildlife Sanctuary Golob, d. o. o., Muta, Slovenia
| | - Maja Rupnik
- National Laboratory for Health, Environment and Food, NLZOH, Maribor, Slovenia; University of Maribor, Faculty of Medicine, Maribor, Slovenia.
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Choi ON, Corl A, Wolfenden A, Lublin A, Ishaq SL, Turjeman S, Getz WM, Nathan R, Bowie RCK, Kamath PL. High-Throughput Sequencing for Examining Salmonella Prevalence and Pathogen—Microbiota Relationships in Barn Swallows. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.683183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies in both humans and model organisms suggest that the microbiome may play a significant role in host health, including digestion and immune function. Microbiota can offer protection from exogenous pathogens through colonization resistance, but microbial dysbiosis in the gastrointestinal tract can decrease resistance and is associated with pathogenesis. Little is known about the effects of potential pathogens, such as Salmonella, on the microbiome in wildlife, which are known to play an important role in disease transmission to humans. Culturing techniques have traditionally been used to detect pathogens, but recent studies have utilized high throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize host-associated microbial communities (i.e., the microbiome) and to detect specific bacteria. Building upon this work, we evaluated the utility of high throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing for potential bacterial pathogen detection in barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) and used these data to explore relationships between potential pathogens and microbiota. To accomplish this, we first compared the detection of Salmonella spp. in swallows using 16S rRNA data with standard culture techniques. Second, we examined the prevalence of Salmonella using 16S rRNA data and examined the relationship between Salmonella-presence or -absence and individual host factors. Lastly, we evaluated host-associated bacterial diversity and community composition in Salmonella-present vs. -absent birds. Out of 108 samples, we detected Salmonella in six (5.6%) samples based on culture, 25 (23.1%) samples with unrarefied 16S rRNA gene sequencing data, and three (2.8%) samples with both techniques. We found that sex, migratory status, and weight were correlated with Salmonella presence in swallows. In addition, bacterial community composition and diversity differed between birds based on Salmonella status. This study highlights the value of 16S rRNA gene sequencing data for monitoring pathogens in wild birds and investigating the ecology of host microbe-pathogen relationships, data which are important for prediction and mitigation of disease spillover into domestic animals and humans.
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Owens LA, Colitti B, Hirji I, Pizarro A, Jaffe JE, Moittié S, Bishop-Lilly KA, Estrella LA, Voegtly LJ, Kuhn JH, Suen G, Deblois CL, Dunn CD, Juan-Sallés C, Goldberg TL. A Sarcina bacterium linked to lethal disease in sanctuary chimpanzees in Sierra Leone. Nat Commun 2021; 12:763. [PMID: 33536429 PMCID: PMC7859188 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21012-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human and animal infections with bacteria of the genus Sarcina (family Clostridiaceae) are associated with gastric dilation and emphysematous gastritis. However, the potential roles of sarcinae as commensals or pathogens remain unclear. Here, we investigate a lethal disease of unknown etiology that affects sanctuary chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in Sierra Leone. The disease, which we have named "epizootic neurologic and gastroenteric syndrome" (ENGS), is characterized by neurologic and gastrointestinal signs and results in death of the animals, even after medical treatment. Using a case-control study design, we show that ENGS is strongly associated with Sarcina infection. The microorganism is distinct from Sarcina ventriculi and other known members of its genus, based on bacterial morphology and growth characteristics. Whole-genome sequencing confirms this distinction and reveals the presence of genetic features that may account for the unusual virulence of the bacterium. Therefore, we propose that this organism be considered the representative of a new species, named "Candidatus Sarcina troglodytae". Our results suggest that a heretofore unrecognized complex of related sarcinae likely exists, some of which may be highly virulent. However, the potential role of "Ca. S. troglodytae" in the etiology of ENGS, alone or in combination with other factors, remains a topic for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah A Owens
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Barbara Colitti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Ismail Hirji
- Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Jenny E Jaffe
- Tai Chimpanzee Project, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
- Epidemiology of Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sophie Moittié
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, UK
- Twycross Zoo, Atherstone, UK
| | - Kimberly A Bishop-Lilly
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Department, Biological Defense Research Directorate, Naval Medical Research Center, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Luis A Estrella
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Department, Biological Defense Research Directorate, Naval Medical Research Center, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Logan J Voegtly
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Department, Biological Defense Research Directorate, Naval Medical Research Center, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
- Leidos, Reston, VI, USA
| | - Jens H Kuhn
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Garret Suen
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Courtney L Deblois
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christopher D Dunn
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Tony L Goldberg
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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Molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Clostridioides difficile detected in chicken, soil and human samples from Zimbabwe. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 96:82-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
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Sevilla E, Marín C, Delgado-Blas JF, González-Zorn B, Vega S, Kuijper E, Bolea R, Mainar-Jaime RC. Wild griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) fed at supplementary feeding stations: Potential carriers of pig pathogens and pig-derived antimicrobial resistance? Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:1295-1305. [PMID: 31901154 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The carriage of two important pathogens of pigs, that is enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and Clostridioides difficile, was investigated in 104 cloacal samples from wild griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) fed on pig carcasses at supplementary feeding stations (SFS), along with their level of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). E. coli was isolated from 90 (86.5%) samples, but no ETEC was detected, likely because ETEC fimbriae confer the species specificity of the pathogen. Resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent was detected in 89.9% of E. coli isolates, with AMR levels being extremely high (>70%) for tetracycline and streptomycin and very high (>50%) for ampicillin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Resistance to other critically important antimicrobials such as colistin and extended-spectrum cephalosporins was 2.2% and 1.1%, respectively, and was encoded by the mcr-1 and blaSHV-12 genes. Multidrug resistance was displayed by 80% of the resistant E. coli, and blaSHV-12 gene shared plasmid with other AMR genes. In general, resistance patterns in E. coli from vultures mirrored those found in pigs. Clostridioides difficile was detected in three samples (2.9%); two of them belonged to PCR ribotype 078 and one to PCR ribotype 126, both commonly found in pigs. All C. difficile isolates were characterized by a moderate-to-high level of resistance to fluoroquinolones and macrolides but susceptible to metronidazole or vancomycin, similar to what is usually found in C. difficile isolates from pigs. Thus, vultures may contribute somewhat to the environmental dissemination of some pig pathogens through their acquisition from pig carcasses and, more importantly, of AMR for antibiotics of critical importance for humans. However, the role of vultures would likely be much lesser than that of disposing pig carcasses at the SFS. The monitoring of AMR, and particularly of colistin-resistant and ESBL-producing E. coli, should be considered in pig farms used as sources of carcasses for SFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloísa Sevilla
- Dpto. de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón - IA2 - (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Clara Marín
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - José F Delgado-Blas
- Dpto. de Sanidad Animal y Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria (VISAVET), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bruno González-Zorn
- Dpto. de Sanidad Animal y Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria (VISAVET), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Vega
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ed Kuijper
- Dpt. of Medical Microbiology, Centre of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rosa Bolea
- Dpto. de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón - IA2 - (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Raúl C Mainar-Jaime
- Dpto. de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón - IA2 - (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
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Abstract
Clostridium (Clostridioides) difficile is a gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that is an important cause of disease in people, a variably important cause of disease in some animal species, and an apparently harmless commensal in others. Regardless of whether it is a known pathogen in a particular species, it can also be found in healthy individuals, sometimes at high prevalences and typically with higher rates of carriage in young individuals. As it is investigated in more animal species, it is apparent that this bacterium is widely disseminated in a diverse range of domestic and wild animal species. Although it can be found in most species in which investigations have been performed, there are pronounced intra- and inter-species differences in prevalence and clinical relevance. A wide range of strains can be identified, some that appear to be animal associated and others that are found in humans and animals. A large percentage of strains that cause disease in people can at least sporadically be found in animals. It is a potentially important zoonotic pathogen, but there is limited direct evidence of animal-human transmission. Although C. difficile has been studied extensively over the past few decades, it remains an enigmatic organism in many ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Scott Weese
- Department of Pathobiology and Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Weese)
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Clostridioides (Clostridium) Difficile in Food-Producing Animals, Horses and Household Pets: A Comprehensive Review. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7120667. [PMID: 31835413 PMCID: PMC6955671 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7120667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile is ubiquitous in the environment and is also considered as a bacterium of great importance in diarrhea-associated disease for humans and different animal species. Food animals and household pets are frequently found positive for toxigenic C. difficile without exposing clinical signs of infection. Humans and animals share common C. difficile ribotypes (RTs) suggesting potential zoonotic transmission. However, the role of animals for the development of human infection due to C. difficile remains unclear. One major public health issue is the existence of asymptomatic animals that carry and shed the bacterium to the environment, and infect individuals or populations, directly or through the food chain. C. difficile ribotype 078 is frequently isolated from food animals and household pets as well as from their environment. Nevertheless, direct evidence for the transmission of this particular ribotype from animals to humans has never been established. This review will summarize the current available data on epidemiology, clinical presentations, risk factors and laboratory diagnosis of C. difficile infection in food animals and household pets, outline potential prevention and control strategies, and also describe the current evidence towards a zoonotic potential of C. difficile infection.
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Lal A, Swaminathan A, Holani T. Spatial clusters of Clostridium difficile infection and an association with neighbourhood socio-economic disadvantage in the Australian Capital Territory, 2004-2014. Infect Dis Health 2019; 25:3-10. [PMID: 31680021 DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Australia, rates of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in all States and Territories have increased significantly since mid-2011, with rates of infection increasing faster in the community setting than within hospitals. Knowledge about the risk factors for CDI is essential to determine the risk of community outbreaks of CDI and to design interventions that reduce those risks. METHODS We examine the role of neighbourhood socio-economic disadvantage, demography and testing practices on spatial patterns in CDI incidence in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Data on all tests conducted for CDI, including postcode of residence, were obtained from January 2004-December 2014. Distribution of age groups and the neighbourhood Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage Disadvantage (IRSAD) were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 National Census data. A Bayesian spatial conditional autoregressive model was fitted at the postcode level to quantify the relationship between CDI and socio-demographic factors. To identify CDI hotspots, exceedance probabilities were set at a threshold of twice the estimated relative risk. RESULTS After controlling for spatial patterns in testing practices, area-level socio-economic advantage (IRSAD) (RR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.57, 0.94) was inversely associated with CDI. Three postcodes had a high probability (0.8-1.0) of excess risk of diagnosed CDI. CONCLUSION We demonstrate geographic variations in CDI in the ACT with a positive association of CDI with neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantage and identify areas with a high probability of elevated risk compared with surrounding communities. These findings provide further evidence to inform a targeted response to reduce CDI risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Lal
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Acton, Australia.
| | - Ashwin Swaminathan
- General Medicine & Infectious Diseases Physician, Canberra Hospital, Garran, Australia
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Bandelj P, Knapič T, Rousseau J, Podgorelec M, Presetnik P, Vengust M, Scott Weese J. Clostridioides difficile in bat guano. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 65:144-147. [PMID: 31300105 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Bats are associated with the emergence of several mammalian diseases. Their sessional migration, and tendency to form large colonies in close proximity to human habitats enables effective intra- and inter-species transmission of pathogens. Clostridioides difficile is an important enteric pathogen in humans and animals; however, the source of its dissemination in the population is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of C. difficile in bats, and to characterize C. difficile isolates. Feces (n = 93) was sampled from bats during their migration across Europe. Eighteen samples (19.4%) were positive for C. difficile; ribotypes 078, 056, and a new ribotype CDB3 were identified. Clostridioides difficile ribotypes 078 and 056 are associated with human and animal diseases. The C. difficile prevalence and ribotypes in this study do not necessarily identify bats as a significant source, but more likely as an indicator of C. difficile perpetuation in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Bandelj
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, SI-1115, Slovenia.
| | - Tea Knapič
- Slovenian Museum of Natural History, Ljubljana, SI-1000, Slovenia.
| | - Joyce Rousseau
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Monika Podgorelec
- Slovenian Association for Bat Research and Conservation, Ljubljana, SI-1000, Slovenia.
| | - Primož Presetnik
- Centre for Cartography of Fauna and Flora, Miklavž na Dravskem polju, SI-2204, Slovenia.
| | - Modest Vengust
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, SI-1115, Slovenia.
| | - J Scott Weese
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Numberger D, Riedel T, McEwen G, Nübel U, Frentrup M, Schober I, Bunk B, Spröer C, Overmann J, Grossart HP, Greenwood AD. Genomic analysis of three Clostridioides difficile isolates from urban water sources. Anaerobe 2019; 56:22-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Dingle KE, Didelot X, Quan TP, Eyre DW, Stoesser N, Marwick CA, Coia J, Brown D, Buchanan S, Ijaz UZ, Goswami C, Douce G, Fawley WN, Wilcox MH, Peto TEA, Walker AS, Crook DW. A Role for Tetracycline Selection in Recent Evolution of Agriculture-Associated Clostridium difficile PCR Ribotype 078. mBio 2019; 10:e02790-18. [PMID: 30862754 PMCID: PMC6414706 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02790-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing clinical importance of human infections (frequently severe) caused by Clostridium difficile PCR ribotype 078 (RT078) was first reported in 2008. The severity of symptoms (mortality of ≤30%) and the higher proportion of infections among community and younger patients raised concerns. Farm animals, especially pigs, have been identified as RT078 reservoirs. We aimed to understand the recent changes in RT078 epidemiology by investigating a possible role for antimicrobial selection in its recent evolutionary history. Phylogenetic analysis of international RT078 genomes (isolates from 2006 to 2014, n = 400), using time-scaled, recombination-corrected, maximum likelihood phylogenies, revealed several recent clonal expansions. A common ancestor of each expansion had independently acquired a different allele of the tetracycline resistance gene tetM Consequently, an unusually high proportion (76.5%) of RT078 genomes were tetM positive. Multiple additional tetracycline resistance determinants were also identified (including efflux pump tet40), frequently sharing a high level of nucleotide sequence identity (up to 100%) with sequences found in the pig pathogen Streptococcus suis and in other zoonotic pathogens such as Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli Each RT078 tetM clonal expansion lacked geographic structure, indicating rapid, recent international spread. Resistance determinants for C. difficile infection-triggering antimicrobials, including fluoroquinolones and clindamycin, were comparatively rare in RT078. Tetracyclines are used intensively in agriculture; this selective pressure, plus rapid, international spread via the food chain, may explain the increased RT078 prevalence in humans. Our work indicates that the use of antimicrobials outside the health care environment has selected for resistant organisms, and in the case of RT078, has contributed to the emergence of a human pathogen.IMPORTANCEClostridium difficile PCR ribotype 078 (RT078) has multiple reservoirs; many are agricultural. Since 2005, this genotype has been increasingly associated with human infections in both clinical settings and the community. Investigations of RT078 whole-genome sequences revealed that tetracycline resistance had been acquired on multiple independent occasions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a rapid, recent increase in numbers of closely related tetracycline-resistant RT078 (clonal expansions), suggesting that tetracycline selection has strongly influenced its recent evolutionary history. We demonstrate recent international spread of emergent, tetracycline-resistant RT078. A similar tetracycline-positive clonal expansion was also identified in unrelated nontoxigenic C. difficile, suggesting that this process may be widespread and may be independent of disease-causing ability. Resistance to typical C. difficile infection-associated antimicrobials (e.g., fluoroquinolones, clindamycin) occurred only sporadically within RT078. Selective pressure from tetracycline appears to be a key factor in the emergence of this human pathogen and the rapid international dissemination that followed, plausibly via the food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate E Dingle
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Oxford Health Protection Research Unit on Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Xavier Didelot
- School of Life Sciences and Department of Statistics, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - T Phuong Quan
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Oxford Health Protection Research Unit on Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David W Eyre
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole Stoesser
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Charis A Marwick
- Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - John Coia
- Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratories, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Derek Brown
- Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratories, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Umer Z Ijaz
- University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | - Gill Douce
- University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Warren N Fawley
- Department of Microbiology, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Mark H Wilcox
- Department of Microbiology, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy E A Peto
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Oxford Health Protection Research Unit on Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - A Sarah Walker
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Oxford Health Protection Research Unit on Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Derrick W Crook
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Oxford Health Protection Research Unit on Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Non-human C. difficile Reservoirs and Sources: Animals, Food, Environment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1050:227-243. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-72799-8_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Andrés-Lasheras S, Bolea R, Mainar-Jaime RC, Kuijper E, Sevilla E, Martín-Burriel I, Chirino-Trejo M. Presence of Clostridium difficile in pig faecal samples and wild animal species associated with pig farms. J Appl Microbiol 2016; 122:462-472. [PMID: 27990723 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To determine the presence of Clostridium difficile on fattening pig farms in north-eastern Spain. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty-seven farms were sampled. Pools of pig faecal samples (n = 210), samples of intestinal content from common farm pest species (n = 95) and environment-related samples (n = 93) were collected. Isolates were tested for toxin genes of C. difficile, and typed by PCR-ribotyping and toxinotyping. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of six antimicrobial agents were determined using Etest. Thirty-four isolates were obtained from 12 farms, and 30 (88·2%) had toxin genes. Seven ribotypes were identified. Ribotype 078 and its variant 126 were predominant (52·9%). The same ribotypes were isolated from different animal species on the same farm. None of the isolates were resistant to metronidazole or vancomycin. CONCLUSIONS Clostridium difficile was common within the pig farm environment. Most of the positive samples came from pest species or were pest-related environmental samples. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Pest species were colonized with toxigenic and antimicrobial-resistant C. difficile strains of the same ribotypes that are found in humans and pigs. Rodents and pigeons may transmit toxigenic and antimicrobial-resistant C. difficile strains that are of the same ribotypes as those occuring in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Andrés-Lasheras
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2-(Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - R Bolea
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2-(Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - R C Mainar-Jaime
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2-(Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - E Kuijper
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - E Sevilla
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2-(Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - I Martín-Burriel
- Laboratorio de Genética Bioquímica (LAGENBIO), Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2-(Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - M Chirino-Trejo
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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15
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Bloomfield LE, Riley TV. Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Community-Associated Clostridium difficile Infection: A Narrative Review. Infect Dis Ther 2016; 5:231-51. [PMID: 27370914 PMCID: PMC5019973 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-016-0117-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) was once considered a primarily nosocomial concern. Emerging evidence from the last 20 years has highlighted a drastic shift in the known epidemiology of CDI, with disease outside of hospitals apparently occurring more frequently and causing severe disease in populations that were thought to be at low risk. This narrative review summarises potential pathways for infection outside of the hospital environment and highlights likely routes of transmission. Further, evidence is presented on potential risk factors for development of disease. Understanding the epidemiology of CDI outside of hospitals is essential to the ability to prevent and control disease in vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Bloomfield
- School of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
- Western Australian Department of Health, Communicable Diseases Control Directorate, Shenton Park, WA, Australia
| | - Thomas V Riley
- Department of Microbiology, PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia.
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, 6027, WA, Australia.
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, 6150, WA, Australia.
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16
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Rodriguez C, Van Broeck J, Taminiau B, Delmée M, Daube G. Clostridium difficile infection: Early history, diagnosis and molecular strain typing methods. Microb Pathog 2016; 97:59-78. [PMID: 27238460 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2016.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Recognised as the leading cause of nosocomial antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, the incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) remains high despite efforts to improve prevention and reduce the spread of the bacterium in healthcare settings. In the last decade, many studies have focused on the epidemiology and rapid diagnosis of CDI. In addition, different typing methods have been developed for epidemiological studies. This review explores the history of C. difficile and the current scope of the infection. The variety of available laboratory tests for CDI diagnosis and strain typing methods are also examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Rodriguez
- Food Science Department, FARAH, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
| | - J Van Broeck
- Belgian Reference Centre for Clostridium Difficile (NRC), Pôle de microbiologie médicale, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - B Taminiau
- Food Science Department, FARAH, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - M Delmée
- Belgian Reference Centre for Clostridium Difficile (NRC), Pôle de microbiologie médicale, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - G Daube
- Food Science Department, FARAH, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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17
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Rodriguez C, Taminiau B, Van Broeck J, Delmée M, Daube G. Clostridium difficile in Food and Animals: A Comprehensive Review. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 932:65-92. [PMID: 27350639 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2016_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Zoonoses are infections or diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans through direct contact, close proximity or the environment. Clostridium difficile is ubiquitous in the environment, and the bacterium is able to colonise the intestinal tract of both animals and humans. Since domestic and food animals frequently test positive for toxigenic C. difficile, even without showing any signs of disease, it seems plausible that C. difficile could be zoonotic. Therefore, animals could play an essential role as carriers of the bacterium. In addition, the presence of the spores in different meats, fish, fruits and vegetables suggests a risk of foodborne transmission. This review summarises the current available data on C. difficile in animals and foods, from when the bacterium was first described up to the present.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Rodriguez
- Department of Food Science, University of Liège-Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Avenue de Cureghem 10, bât 43bis Sart-Tilman, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - B Taminiau
- Department of Food Science, University of Liège-Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Avenue de Cureghem 10, bât 43bis Sart-Tilman, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - J Van Broeck
- Belgian Reference Centre for Clostridium difficile (NRC), Pôle de microbiologie médicale, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - M Delmée
- Belgian Reference Centre for Clostridium difficile (NRC), Pôle de microbiologie médicale, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - G Daube
- Department of Food Science, University of Liège-Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Avenue de Cureghem 10, bât 43bis Sart-Tilman, 4000, Liège, Belgium
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18
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Knetsch CW, Connor TR, Mutreja A, van Dorp SM, Sanders IM, Browne HP, Harris D, Lipman L, Keessen EC, Corver J, Kuijper EJ, Lawley TD. Whole genome sequencing reveals potential spread of Clostridium difficile between humans and farm animals in the Netherlands, 2002 to 2011. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 19:20954. [PMID: 25411691 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es2014.19.45.20954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Farm animals are a potential reservoir for human Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), particularly PCR ribotype 078 which is frequently found in animals and humans. Here, whole genome single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis was used to study the evolutionary relatedness of C. difficile 078 isolated from humans and animals on Dutch pig farms. All sequenced genomes were surveyed for potential antimicrobial resistance determinants and linked to an antimicrobial resistance phenotype. We sequenced the whole genome of 65 C. difficile 078 isolates collected between 2002 and 2011 from pigs (n = 19), asymptomatic farmers (n = 15) and hospitalised patients (n = 31) in the Netherlands. The collection included 12 pairs of human and pig isolates from 2011 collected at 12 different pig farms. A mutation rate of 1.1 SNPs per genome per year was determined for C. difficile 078. Importantly, we demonstrate that farmers and pigs were colonised with identical (no SNP differences) and nearly identical (less than two SNP differences) C. difficile clones. Identical tetracycline and streptomycin resistance determinants were present in human and animal C. difficile 078 isolates. Our observation that farmers and pigs share identical C. difficile strains suggests transmission between these populations, although we cannot exclude the possibility of transmission from a common environmental source.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Knetsch
- Section Experimental Bacteriology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Carriage of Clostridium difficile in free-living South American coati (Nasua nasua) in Brazil. Anaerobe 2014; 30:99-101. [PMID: 25263534 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2014.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize Clostridium difficile strains in stool samples from a wild urban mammal, a South American coati (Nasua nasua) in Brazil. Forty-six free-living N. nasua were trapped, and stool samples were collected. C. difficile was isolated from three (6.5%) sampled animals, two strains were toxigenic (A+B+CDT-, PCR ribotype 014/020 and 106) and one was non toxigenic (A-B-CDT-, PCR ribotype 053). The present work confirms that ring-tailed coati (N. nasua) could harbor C. difficile strains, including those PCR ribotypes commonly reported in C. difficile infection in humans.
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20
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Silva ROS, D'Elia ML, Tostes Teixeira EP, Pereira PLL, de Magalhães Soares DF, Cavalcanti ÁR, Kocuvan A, Rupnik M, Santos ALQ, Junior CAO, Lobato FCF. Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens from wild carnivore species in Brazil. Anaerobe 2014; 28:207-11. [PMID: 24979683 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2014.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Despite some case reports, the importance of Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile for wild carnivores remains unclear. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify C. perfringens and C. difficile strains in stool samples from wild carnivore species in Brazil. A total of 34 stool samples were collected and subjected to C. perfringens and C. difficile isolation. Suggestive colonies of C. perfringens were then analyzed for genes encoding the major C. perfringens toxins (alpha, beta, epsilon and iota) and the beta-2 toxin (cpb2), enterotoxin (cpe) and NetB (netb) genes. C. difficile strains were analyzed by multiplex-PCR for toxins A (tcdA) and B (tcdB) and a binary toxin gene (cdtB) and also submitted to a PCR ribotyping. Unthawed aliquots of samples positive for C. difficile isolation were subjected to the detection of A/B toxins by a cytotoxicity assay (CTA). C. perfringens was isolated from 26 samples (76.5%), all of which were genotyped as type A. The netb gene was not detected, whereas the cpb2 and cpe genes were found in nine and three C. perfringens strains, respectively. C. difficile was isolated from two (5.9%) samples. A non-toxigenic strain was recovered from a non-diarrheic maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus). Conversely, a toxigenic strain was found in the sample of a diarrheic ocelot (Leopardus pardallis); an unthawed stool sample was also positive for A/B toxins by CTA, indicating a diagnosis of C. difficile-associated diarrhea in this animal. The present work suggests that wild carnivore species could carry C. difficile strains and that they could be susceptible to C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Otávio Silveira Silva
- Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Antônio Carlos Avenue, 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31.270-901, Brazil.
| | - Mirella Lauria D'Elia
- Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Antônio Carlos Avenue, 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Erika Procópio Tostes Teixeira
- Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Antônio Carlos Avenue, 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Pedro Lúcio Lithg Pereira
- Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Antônio Carlos Avenue, 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31.270-901, Brazil
| | | | - Álvaro Roberto Cavalcanti
- Centro de Reabilitação de Animais Silvestres (CRAS), Desembargador Leão Neto do Carmo Avenue S/N, Quadra 3, Lote 3, Campo Grande, MS 79.031-90, Brazil
| | | | - Maja Rupnik
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Slovenia; National Laboratory for Health, Environment and Food, Maribor, Slovenia; Center of Excellence for Integrated Approaches in Chemistry and Biology of Proteins, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - André Luiz Quagliatto Santos
- Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Pará Avenue 1720, Jardim Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG 38.400-902, Brazil
| | - Carlos Augusto Oliveira Junior
- Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Antônio Carlos Avenue, 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Francisco Carlos Faria Lobato
- Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Antônio Carlos Avenue, 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31.270-901, Brazil.
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