Homogeneity of the 16S rDNA sequence among geographically disparate isolates of Taylorella equigenitalis

Retention of prions in the polychaete Hediste diversicolor and black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, larvae after short-term experimental immersion and feeding with brain homogenate from scrapie infected sheep

Finding alternative protein and lipid sources for aquafeeds is crucial for the sustainable growth of fed aquaculture. Upcycling industrial side streams and byproducts using extractive species can reduce waste and help reduce the sector's dependence on fish meal and fish oils. Polychaete worms (Hediste diversicolor) and black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) are promising candidates for converting waste materials into valuable protein and lipid sources. However, further research and evaluations are needed to ensure the safety and regulatory compliance of these alternative feed sources, especially regarding prions spreading potential in the unlikely case that prions would be introduced in the value chain via feedstocks. In the present investigation, BSFL and juvenile polychaetes that had received a massive dose of scrapie prions through immersion and oral inoculation were found to harbour detectable prions using an ultrasensitive amplification method known as PMCA. This observation suggests that both H. diversicolor and BSFL have the potential to serve as mechanical vectors for prions diseases. However, it is important to note that insects, lacking the prion protein gene, are incapable of propagating prions. Therefore, the quantity of prions present in the larvae will inevitably be lower than the amount of prions they encountered. This is the first study to report on the fate of prions through ingestion by these marine and terrestrial invertebrate species.

Ganciclovir attenuates the respiratory disease induced by Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 in rabbits

ABSTRACT: Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) is an important pathogen of horses, associated with respiratory, neurological disease and abortions. As vaccination is not always effective, anti-herpetic therapy may represent an alternative to prevent the losses caused by the infection. We herein investigated the activity of ganciclovir (GCV), an anti-herpetic human drug, in rabbits experimentally infected with EHV-1. Thirty-days-old New Zealand rabbits were allocated in three groups (6 animals each) and submitted to different treatments: G1 (non-infected controls), G2 (inoculated with EHV-1) - 107 TCID50 intranasally - IN) and G3 (inoculated IN with EHV-1 and treated with GCV - 5mg/kg/day for 7 days) and monitored thereafter. All animals of G2 developed systemic signs (moderate to severe apathy, anorexia), ocular discharge and respiratory signs (serous to mucopurulent nasal discharge), including mild to severe respiratory distress. Viremia was detected in all rabbits of G2 for up to 11 days (mean duration = 6.5 days). One animal died after severe respiratory distress and neurological signs (bruxism, opistotonus). In addition, these animals gained less weight than the control (G1) and GCV-treated rabbits (G3) from days 4 to 14pi (p<0.05). The clinical score of rabbits of G2 was statistically higher than the other groups from days 3 to 6pi (p<0.05), demonstrating a more severe disease. In contrast, G3 rabbits did not present systemic signs, presented only a mild and transient nasal secretion and gained more weight than G2 animals (p<0.05). In addition, viremia was detected in only 3 rabbits and was transient (average of 2.3 days). Thus, administration of GCV to rabbits inoculated IN with EHV-1 resulted in an important attenuation of the clinical disease as demonstrated by full prevention of systemic signs, maintenance of weight gain and by drastic reduction in viremia and in the magnitude of respiratory signs. These results are promising towards further testing of GCV as a potential drug for anti-herpetic therapy in horses.

Molecular evidence of tick-borne pathogens in Hyalomma anatolicum ticks infesting cattle in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Northwestern China

Although tick-borne pathogens have been widely reported in ticks in China, there is little information available on the prevalence of information in Hyalomma ticks from cattle. This study aims to determine the occurrence of pathogens in Hyalomma anatolicum collected from cattle in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, by PCR, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Borrelia burgdorferi s.s., Rickettsia massiliae and Anaplasma bovis were identified, whereas DNA of Ehrlichia species and an Anaplasma platys-like pathogen were also detected. Our findings highlight the risk of infection of animals and humans with these pathogens in north-western China.

Demonstration of the absence of intervening sequences (IVSs) within 16S rRNA genes of Taylorella equigenitalis and Taylorella asinigenitalis isolates

A total of 57 Taylorella equigenitalis (n=22) and Taylorella asinigenitalis (n=35) isolates was shown not to carry any intervening sequences (IVSs) within 16S rRNA gene sequences. By contrast, we have already shown the genus Taylorella group to carry several kinds of IVSs within the 23S rRNA gene sequences.

STITCH: algorithm to splice, trim, identify, track, and capture the uniqueness of 16S rRNAs sequence pairs using public or in-house database

A comparison of variable regions within the 16S rRNA gene is widely used to characterize relationships between bacteria and to identify phylogenetic affiliation of unknown bacteria. In environmental studies, polymerase chain reaction amplification of 16S rRNA followed by cloning and sequencing of numerous individual clones is an extensively used molecular method for elucidating microbial diversity. The sequencing process typically utilizes a forward and reverse primer pair to produce two partial reads (~700 to 800 base pairs each) that overlap and in total cover a large region of the full 16S rRNA sequence (~1.5 k base). In a typical application, this approach rapidly generates very large numbers of 16S rRNA datasets that can overwhelm manual processing efforts leading to both delays and errors. In particular, the approach presents two computational challenges: (1) the assembly of a composite sequence from the two partial reads and (2) the subsequent appropriate identification of the organism represented by the newly sequenced clones. Herein, we describe a software package, search, trim, identify, track, and capture the uniqueness of 16S rRNAs using public and in-house database (STITCH), which offers automated sequence pair splicing and genetic identification, thus simplifying the computationally intensive analysis of large sequencing libraries. The STITCH software is freely accessible over the Internet at: http://prion.bchs.uh.edu/stitch/.

Molecular identification and characterization of the intervening sequences (IVSs) within 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes of Taylorella asinigenitalis isolated in France

In the helix 25 region, 32 French Taylorella asinigenitalis isolates carried at least one 23S rRNA gene not containing intervening sequences (IVSs). No IVSs in the region were identified in three isolates and the other remaining 29 isolates carried one or more IVSs (UCD-1(T)IVS1A, UCD-1(T)IVS1B and UK-1IVS1B) described already and two new kinds of IVS (TaIVS1C and TaIVS1D). In the helix 45 region, no T. asinigenitalis isolates not carrying any IVSs were identified. UK-1IVS2B was identified in the region from 26 isolates. Five new kinds of IVSs (TaIVS2D, E, F, G and H) occurred in the region in the 13 isolates. Distinctly different tandem repeat units (RS48 and RS32 and RS-A, -B and -C) were evident in both regions, respectively, from the French (n=32) and American (n=3) T. asinigenitalis isolates. Thus, several different kinds of tandem repeat units and their combinations in IVSs in both regions within the gene were shown in 32 French isolates.

Molecular approaches: advantages and artifacts in assessing bacterial diversity

Bacteria account for a major proportion of Earth's biological diversity. They play essential roles in quite diverse environments and there has been an increasing interest in bacterial biodiversity. Research using novel and efficient tools to identify and characterize bacterial communities has been the key for elucidating biological activities with potential for industrial application. The current approach used for defining bacterial species is based on phenotypic and genomic properties. Traditional and novel DNA-based molecular methods are improving our knowledge of bacterial diversity in nature. Advances in molecular biology have been important for studies of diversity, considerably improving our knowledge of morphological, physiological, and ecological features of bacterial taxa. DNA-DNA hybridization, which has been used for many years, is still considered the golden standard for bacteria species identification. PCR-based methods investigating 16S rRNA gene sequences, and other approaches, such as the metagenome, have been used to study the physiology and diversity of bacteria and to identify novel genes with potential pharmaceutical and other biotechnological applications. We examined the advantages and limitations of molecular methods currently used to analyze bacterial diversity; these are mainly based on the 16S rRNA gene. These methods have allowed us to examine microorganisms that cannot be cultivated by routine methods and have also been useful for phylogenetic studies. We also considered the importance of improvements in microbe culture techniques and how we can combine different methods to allow a more appropriate assessment of bacterial diversity and to determine their real potential for industrial applications.

Identification of Taylorella equigenitalis responsible for contagious equine metritis in equine genital swabs by direct polymerase chain reaction

A direct-PCR assay was developed for the rapid detection of Taylorella equigenitalis, a Gram-negative bacterium responsible for contagious equine metritis (CEM) in Equidae. The bacteria may be detected in equine genital swabs without need for a preliminary step of DNA extraction or bacterial isolation. Specificity was determined with 125 isolates of T. equigenitalis, 24 isolates of Taylorella asinigenitalis, five commensal bacteria of the genital tract and a facultative intracellular pathogen of foals found in large concentration in soil. Our PCR is specific and amplified a 413-bp 16S ribosomal DNA product only in all T. equigenitalis.