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Arjarquah AK, Obodai E, Anie HA, Osei MA, Odoom JK, Bonney JHK, Behene E, Kotey EN, Aboagye J, Nyarko SO, Bentum J, Yeboah C, Kumordjie S, Agbodzi B, Attiku K, Mawuli G, Letizia A, Ampofo WK, Quaye O. Occurrence of influenza and bacterial infections in cancer patients receiving radiotherapy in Ghana. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271877. [PMID: 35881575 PMCID: PMC9321433 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Influenza co-infection with bacteria is a leading cause of influenza-related deaths and severe respiratory infections, especially among high-risk groups like cancer patients undergoing treatment. However, acute respiratory infection (ARI)-like symptoms developed by upper-torso cancer (UTC) patients receiving radiotherapy are considered as side-effects of the radiation. Hence influenza and bacterial pathogens implicated in ARI are not investigated. Methods This prospective cohort study examined 85 in-patients with upper-torso cancers undergoing radiotherapy at the National Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre (NRONMC) of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra, Ghana. Eligible patients who consented were recruited into the study from September 2018 to April 2019. Influenza viruses A and B in addition to the following bacteria species Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis and Staphylococcus aureus were detected from oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swab specimens collected at three different time points. Presence of respiratory pathogens were investigated by influenza virus isolation in cell culture, bacterial culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next generation sequencing (NGS) assays. Results Of the 85 eligible participants enrolled into the study, 87% were females. Participants were 17 to 77 years old, with a median age of 49 years. Most of the participants (88%) enrolled had at least one pathogen present. The most prevalent pathogen was N. meningitidis (63.4%), followed by H. influenzae (48.8%), Influenza viruses A and B (32.9%), S. pneumoniae (32.9%) and S. aureus (12.2%). Approximately, 65% of these participants developed ARI-like symptoms. Participants with previous episodes of ARI, did not live alone, HNC and total radiation less than 50 Gy were significantly associated with ARI. All treatment forms were also significantly associated with ARI. Conclusion Data generated from the study suggests that ARI-like symptoms observed among UTC patients receiving radiotherapy in Ghana, could be due to influenza and bacterial single and co-infections in addition to risk factors and not solely the side-effects of radiation as perceived. These findings will be prime importance for diagnosis, prevention, treatment and control for cancer patients who present with such episodes during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustina K. Arjarquah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (DBCMB), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
- Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), New Tafo—Akim, Ghana
- * E-mail: (EO); (AKA)
| | - Evangeline Obodai
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
- * E-mail: (EO); (AKA)
| | - Hannah Ayettey Anie
- National Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre (NRONMC), Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Michael Aning Osei
- National Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre (NRONMC), Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - John Kofi Odoom
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
| | - Joseph H. K. Bonney
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
| | - Eric Behene
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
- United States Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3 (US-NAMRU 3), Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Erasmus N. Kotey
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
| | - James Aboagye
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
| | - Stephen O. Nyarko
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
| | - Jeannette Bentum
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
- United States Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3 (US-NAMRU 3), Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Clara Yeboah
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
- United States Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3 (US-NAMRU 3), Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Selassie Kumordjie
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
- United States Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3 (US-NAMRU 3), Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Bright Agbodzi
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
- United States Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3 (US-NAMRU 3), Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Keren Attiku
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
| | - Gifty Mawuli
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
| | - Andrew Letizia
- United States Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3 (US-NAMRU 3), Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - William K. Ampofo
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
| | - Osbourne Quaye
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (DBCMB), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
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Wolters M, Frickmann H, Christner M, Both A, Rohde H, Oppong K, Akenten CW, May J, Dekker D. Molecular Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Chronic Infected Wounds in Rural Ghana. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8122052. [PMID: 33371449 PMCID: PMC7767444 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8122052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, Staphylococcus aureus is an important bacterial pathogen causing a wide range of community and hospital acquired infections. In Ghana, resistance of S. aureus to locally available antibiotics is increasing but the molecular basis of resistance and the population structure of S. aureus in particular in chronic wounds are poorly described. However, this information is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms of resistance and spread of resistant clones. We therefore subjected 28 S. aureus isolates from chronic infected wounds in a rural area of Ghana to whole genome sequencing. RESULTS Overall, resistance of S. aureus to locally available antibiotics was high and 29% were Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The most abundant sequence type was ST88 (29%, 8/28) followed by ST152 (18%, 5/28). All ST88 carried the mecA gene, which was associated with this sequence type only. Chloramphenicol resistance gene fexB was exclusively associated with the methicillin-resistant ST88 strains. Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) carriage was associated with ST121 and ST152. Other detected mechanisms of resistance included dfrG, conferring resistance to trimethoprim. CONCLUSIONS This study provides valuable information for understanding the population structure and resistance mechanisms of S. aureus isolated from chronic wound infections in rural Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Wolters
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, Universitiy Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (M.W.); (M.C.); (A.B.); (H.R.)
| | - Hagen Frickmann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Martin Christner
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, Universitiy Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (M.W.); (M.C.); (A.B.); (H.R.)
| | - Anna Both
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, Universitiy Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (M.W.); (M.C.); (A.B.); (H.R.)
| | - Holger Rohde
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, Universitiy Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (M.W.); (M.C.); (A.B.); (H.R.)
| | - Kwabena Oppong
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana; (K.O.); (C.W.A.)
| | - Charity Wiafe Akenten
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana; (K.O.); (C.W.A.)
| | - Jürgen May
- Tropical Medicine II, Universitiy Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM), 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Denise Dekker
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM), 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Correspondence:
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D'Andrea MM, Antonelli A, Brenciani A, Di Pilato V, Morroni G, Pollini S, Fioriti S, Giovanetti E, Rossolini GM. Characterization of Tn6349, a novel mosaic transposon carrying poxtA, cfr and other resistance determinants, inserted in the chromosome of an ST5-MRSA-II strain of clinical origin. J Antimicrob Chemother 2020; 74:2870-2875. [PMID: 31355850 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkz278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize the genetic element carrying the poxtA oxazolidinone resistance gene found in the poxtA index strain Staphylococcus aureus AOUC-0915 isolated from a cystic fibrosis patient. METHODS The genetic context of poxtA was investigated by bioinformatics analysis of WGS data of strain AOUC-0915, followed by PCR and confirmatory Sanger sequencing for repetitive regions. Conjugation and electrotransformation experiments were carried out to assess horizontal transferability using S. aureus and Enterococcus faecalis recipients. Production of phage particles was evaluated by PCR using DNA preparations obtained after phage induction. Excision of the transposon carrying poxtA was evaluated by inverse PCR experiments for detection of circular intermediates. RESULTS poxtA was found to be associated with a 48 kb composite transposon of original structure, named Tn6349, inserted into a φN315-like prophage. The transposon was bounded by two IS1216 insertion sequences, carried several resistance genes [erm(B), cfr, poxtA and fexB] and exhibited a mosaic structure made by a derivative of plasmid pE35048-oc (previously described in an Enterococcus faecium clinical isolate) and Tn6657, a novel composite transposon carrying the poxtA and fexB genes. Excision ability of Tn6349 as a circular intermediate was demonstrated. Transferability of Tn6349 or modules thereof to S. aureus or E. faecalis by either conjugation or electrotransformation was not detected. Induction of the φN315-like prophage carrying Tn6349 was not observed. CONCLUSIONS This study describes the structure of Tn6349, a novel composite transposon carrying several resistance determinants to anti-ribosomal drugs, including cfr and poxtA, from an oxazolidinone-resistant MRSA strain. Analysis of Tn6349 revealed a modular structure that could favour the mobilization of its resistance determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Maria D'Andrea
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Antonelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Brenciani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche Medical School, Ancona, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Pilato
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianluca Morroni
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche Medical School, Ancona, Italy
| | - Simona Pollini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Florence Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Simona Fioriti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche Medical School, Ancona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Giovanetti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Microbiology Unit, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Rossolini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Florence Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
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Van Der Werf TS, Barogui YT, Converse PJ, Phillips RO, Stienstra Y. Pharmacologic management of Mycobacterium ulcerans infection. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2020; 13:391-401. [PMID: 32310683 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2020.1752663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pharmacological treatment of Buruli ulcer (Mycobacterium ulcerans infection; BU) is highly effective, as shown in two randomized trials in Africa. AREAS COVERED We review BU drug treatment - in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials (PubMed: '(Buruli OR (Mycobacterium AND ulcerans)) AND (treatment OR therapy).' We also highlight the pathogenesis of M. ulcerans infection that is dominated by mycolactone, a secreted exotoxin, that causes skin and soft tissue necrosis, and impaired immune response and tissue repair. Healing is slow, due to the delayed wash-out of mycolactone. An array of repurposed tuberculosis and leprosy drugs appears effective in vitro and in animal models. In clinical trials and observational studies, only rifamycins (notably, rifampicin), macrolides (notably, clarithromycin), aminoglycosides (notably, streptomycin) and fluoroquinolones (notably, moxifloxacin, and ciprofloxacin) have been tested. EXPERT OPINION A combination of rifampicin and clarithromycin is highly effective but lesions still take a long time to heal. Novel drugs like telacebec have the potential to reduce treatment duration but this drug may remain unaffordable in low-resourced settings. Research should address ulcer treatment in general; essays to measure mycolactone over time hold promise to use as a readout for studies to compare drug treatment schedules for larger lesions of Buruli ulcer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjip S Van Der Werf
- Departments of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen , Groningen, Netherlands.,Pulmonary Diseases & Tuberculosis, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen , Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Yves T Barogui
- Ministère De La Sante ́, Programme National Lutte Contre La Lèpre Et l'Ulcère De Buruli , Cotonou, Benin
| | - Paul J Converse
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University Center for Tuberculosis Research , Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard O Phillips
- Kumasi, Ghana And Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital , Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ymkje Stienstra
- Departments of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen , Groningen, Netherlands
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Transmission pathways of multidrug-resistant organisms in the hospital setting: a scoping review. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2019; 40:447-456. [PMID: 30837029 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2018.359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevalence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDROs) continues to increase, while infection control gaps in healthcare settings facilitate their transmission between patients. In this setting, 5 distinct yet interlinked pathways are responsible for transmission. The complete transmission process is still not well understood. Designing and conducting a single research study capable of investigating all 5 complex and multifaceted pathways of hospital transmission would be costly and logistically burdensome. Therefore, this scoping review aims to synthesize the highest-quality published literature describing each of the 5 individual potential transmission pathways of MDROs in the healthcare setting and their overall contribution to patient-to-patient transmission. METHODS In 3 databases, we performed 2 separate systematic searches for original research published during the last decade. The first search focused on MDRO transmission via the HCW or the environment to identify publications studying 5 specific transmission pathways: (1) patient to HCW, (2) patient to environment, (3) HCW to patient, (4) environment to patient, and (5) environment to HCW. The second search focused on overall patient-to-patient transmission regardless of the transmission pathway. Both searches were limited to transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, multidrug-resistant A. baumannii, and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. After abstract screening of 5,026 manuscripts, researchers independently reviewed and rated the remaining papers using objective predefined criteria to identify the highest quality and most influential manuscripts. RESULTS High-quality manuscripts were identified for all 5 routes of transmission. Findings from these studies were consistent for all pathways; however, results describing the routes from the environment/HCW to a noncolonized patient were more limited and variable. Additionally, most research focused on MRSA, instead of other MDROs. The second search yielded 10 manuscripts (8 cohort studies) that demonstrated the overall contribution of patient-to-patient transmission in hospitals regardless of the transmission route. For MRSA, the reported cross-transmission was as high as 40%. CONCLUSIONS This scoping review brings together evidence supporting all 5 possible transmission pathways and illustrates the complex nature of patient-to-patient transmission of MDROs in hospitals. Our findings also confirm that transmission of MDROs in hospitals occurs frequently, suggesting that ongoing efforts are necessary to strengthen infection prevention and control to prevent the spread of MDROs.
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Amissah NA, Buultjens AH, Ablordey A, van Dam L, Opoku-Ware A, Baines SL, Bulach D, Tetteh CS, Prah I, van der Werf TS, Friedrich AW, Seemann T, van Dijl JM, Stienstra Y, Stinear TP, Rossen JW. Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Transmission in a Ghanaian Burn Unit: The Importance of Active Surveillance in Resource-Limited Settings. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1906. [PMID: 29056927 PMCID: PMC5635451 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives:Staphylococcus aureus infections in burn patients can lead to serious complications and death. The frequency of S. aureus infection is high in low- and middle-income countries presumably due to limited resources, misuse of antibiotics and poor infection control. The objective of the present study was to apply population genomics to precisely define, for the first time, the transmission of antibiotic resistant S. aureus in a resource-limited setting in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods:Staphylococcus aureus surveillance was performed amongst burn patients and healthcare workers during a 7-months survey within the burn unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana. Results: Sixty-six S. aureus isolates (59 colonizing and 7 clinical) were obtained from 31 patients and 10 healthcare workers. Twenty-one of these isolates were ST250-IV methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Notably, 25 (81%) of the 31 patients carried or were infected with S. aureus within 24 h of admission. Genome comparisons revealed six distinct S. aureus clones circulating in the burn unit, and demonstrated multiple transmission events between patients and healthcare workers. Further, the collected S. aureus isolates exhibited a wide range of genotypic resistances to antibiotics, including trimethoprim (21%), aminoglycosides (33%), oxacillin (33%), chloramphenicol (50%), tetracycline (59%) and fluoroquinolones (100%). Conclusion: Population genomics uncovered multiple transmission events of S. aureus, especially MRSA, within the investigated burn unit. Our findings highlight lapses in infection control and prevention, and underscore the great importance of active surveillance to protect burn victims against multi-drug resistant pathogens in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Ama Amissah
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Andrew H Buultjens
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anthony Ablordey
- Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Lieke van Dam
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Ampomah Opoku-Ware
- Burns Unit, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Unit, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sarah L Baines
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Dieter Bulach
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Caitlin S Tetteh
- Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac Prah
- Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Tjip S van der Werf
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Alexander W Friedrich
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Torsten Seemann
- Victorian Bioinformatics Consortium, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jan Maarten van Dijl
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Ymkje Stienstra
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Timothy P Stinear
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - John W Rossen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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7
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Amissah NA, Chlebowicz MA, Ablordey A, Tetteh CS, Prah I, van der Werf TS, Friedrich AW, van Dijl JM, Stienstra Y, Rossen JW. Virulence potential of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from Buruli ulcer patients. Int J Med Microbiol 2017; 307:223-232. [PMID: 28442219 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 04/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Buruli ulcer (BU) is a necrotizing infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. BU wounds may also be colonized with other microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus. This study aimed to characterize the virulence factors of S. aureus isolated from BU patients. Previously sequenced genomes of 21 S. aureus isolates from BU patients were screened for the presence of virulence genes. The results show that all S. aureus isolates harbored on their core genomes genes for known virulence factors like α-hemolysin, and the α- and β-phenol soluble modulins. Besides the core genome virulence genes, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), i.e. prophages, genomic islands, pathogenicity islands and a Staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) were found to carry different combinations of virulence factors, among them genes that are known to encode factors that promote immune evasion, superantigens and Panton-Valentine Leucocidin. The present observations imply that the S. aureus isolates from BU patients harbor a diverse repertoire of virulence genes that may enhance bacterial survival and persistence in the wound environment and potentially contribute to delayed wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Ama Amissah
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.
| | - Monika A Chlebowicz
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anthony Ablordey
- Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Caitlin S Tetteh
- Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Isaac Prah
- Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Tjip S van der Werf
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alex W Friedrich
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Maarten van Dijl
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ymkje Stienstra
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - John W Rossen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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8
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Kpeli G, Buultjens AH, Giulieri S, Owusu-Mireku E, Aboagye SY, Baines SL, Seemann T, Bulach D, Gonçalves da Silva A, Monk IR, Howden BP, Pluschke G, Yeboah-Manu D, Stinear T. Genomic analysis of ST88 community-acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Ghana. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3047. [PMID: 28265515 PMCID: PMC5333547 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The emergence and evolution of community-acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) strains in Africa is poorly understood. However, one particular MRSA lineage called ST88, appears to be rapidly establishing itself as an “African” CA-MRSA clone. In this study, we employed whole genome sequencing to provide more information on the genetic background of ST88 CA-MRSA isolates from Ghana and to describe in detail ST88 CA-MRSA isolates in comparison with other MRSA lineages worldwide. Methods We first established a complete ST88 reference genome (AUS0325) using PacBio SMRT sequencing. We then used comparative genomics to assess relatedness among 17 ST88 CA-MRSA isolates recovered from patients attending Buruli ulcer treatment centres in Ghana, three non-African ST88s and 15 other MRSA lineages. Results We show that Ghanaian ST88 forms a discrete MRSA lineage (harbouring SCCmec-IV [2B]). Gene content analysis identified five distinct genomic regions enriched among ST88 isolates compared with the other S. aureus lineages. The Ghanaian ST88 isolates had only 658 core genome SNPs and there was no correlation between phylogeny and geography, suggesting the recent spread of this clone. The lineage was also resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics including β-lactams, tetracycline and chloramphenicol. Discussion This study reveals that S. aureus ST88-IV is a recently emerging and rapidly spreading CA-MRSA clone in Ghana. The study highlights the capacity of small snapshot genomic studies to provide actionable public health information in resource limited settings. To our knowledge this is the first genomic assessment of the ST88 CA-MRSA clone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Kpeli
- Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Department of Molecular Parasitology and Immunology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrew H Buultjens
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne , Melbourne, VIC , Australia
| | - Stefano Giulieri
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne , Melbourne, VIC , Australia
| | - Evelyn Owusu-Mireku
- Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana , Accra , Ghana
| | - Samuel Y Aboagye
- Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana , Accra , Ghana
| | - Sarah L Baines
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne , Melbourne, VIC , Australia
| | - Torsten Seemann
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Melbourne, Victorian Life Sciences Computation Initiative, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Dieter Bulach
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Melbourne, Victorian Life Sciences Computation Initiative, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anders Gonçalves da Silva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne , Melbourne, VIC , Australia
| | - Ian R Monk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne , Melbourne, VIC , Australia
| | - Benjamin P Howden
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Doherty Institute for Infection & Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Gerd Pluschke
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Immunology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dorothy Yeboah-Manu
- Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana , Accra , Ghana
| | - Timothy Stinear
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne , Melbourne, VIC , Australia
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Sakyi SA, Aboagye SY, Otchere ID, Liao AM, Caltagirone TG, Yeboah-Manu D. RNA Aptamer That Specifically Binds to Mycolactone and Serves as a Diagnostic Tool for Diagnosis of Buruli Ulcer. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004950. [PMID: 27776120 PMCID: PMC5077154 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Buruli ulcer (BU) is a subcutaneous skin disease listed among the neglected tropical diseases by the World Health Organization (WHO). Early case detection and management is very important to reduce morbidity and the accompanied characteristic disfiguring nature of BU. Since diagnosis based on clinical evidence can lead to misdiagnosis, microbiological confirmation is essential to reduce abuse of drugs; since the anti-mycobacterial drugs are also used for TB treatment. The current WHO gold standard PCR method is expensive, requires infrastructure and expertise are usually not available at the peripheral centers where BU cases are managed. Thus one of the main research agendas is to develop methods that can be applied at the point of care. In this study we selected aptamers, which are emerging novel class of detection molecules, for detecting mycolactone, the first to be conducted in a BUD endemic country. METHODS Aptamers that bind to mycolactone were isolated by the SELEX process. To measure their affinity and specificity to mycolactone, the selected aptamers were screened by means of isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and an enzyme-linked oligonucleotide assay (ELONA). Selected aptamers were assessed by ELONA using swab samples from forty-one suspected BU patients with IS2404 PCR and culture as standard methods. ROC analysis was used to evaluate their accuracy and cutoff-points. RESULTS Five out of the nine selected aptamers bound significantly (p< 0.05) to mycolactone, of these, three were able to distinguish between mycolactone producing mycobacteria, M. marinum (CC240299, Israel) and other bacteria whilst two others also bounded significantly to Mycobacterium smegmatis. Their dissociation constants were in the micro-molar range. At 95% confidence interval, the ROC curve analysis among the aptamers at OD450 ranged from 0.5-0.7. Using this cut-off for the ELONA assay, the aptamers had 100% specificity and sensitivity between 0.0% and 50.0%. The most promising aptamer, Apt-3683 showed a discernible cleavage difference relative to the non-specific autocatalysis over a 3-minute time course. CONCLUSION This preliminary proof-of-concept indicates that diagnosis of BUD with RNA aptamers is feasible and can be used as point of care upon incorporation into a diagnostic platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel A. Sakyi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- * E-mail:
| | - Samuel Yaw Aboagye
- Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac Darko Otchere
- Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Albert M. Liao
- Aptagen LLC, Jacobus, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | | | - Dorothy Yeboah-Manu
- Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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10
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Molecular epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus from Lambaréné, Gabon. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 35:1963-1973. [PMID: 27553495 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-016-2748-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
While there is an abundance of data on the epidemiology and molecular typing of Staphylococcus aureus, especially those carrying Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL) genes or mecA from Western Europe, Northern America and Australia, comparably few studies target African strains. In this study, we characterised genes associated with virulence and resistance, as well the phylogenetic background of S. aureus from healthy carriers and outpatients in Gabon. In total, 103 isolates from 96 study participants were characterised. Seventy-nine isolates originated from throat swabs and 24 isolates from skin lesions. Three isolates carried mecA, although only one, belonging to CC8-MRSA-IV [PVL+] 'USA300', was found to be phenotypically oxacillin-resistant; two CC88-MRSA-IV isolates appeared to be oxacillin-susceptible. PVL genes were common, with a total of 44 isolates (43 %) found to be PVL-positive. CC15-MSSA [PVL+] (n = 29) and CC152-MSSA [PVL+] (n = 9) were the predominant clones among the PVL-positive isolates. Among PVL-negative isolates, CC5-MSSA (n = 12), CC101-MSSA (n = 10) and CC15 (n = 9) were the most frequent. A hitherto undescribed multilocus sequence type of S. schweitzeri was detected twice in unrelated patients. The data emphasise a need for further studies on the role of PVL in African populations and the clinical significance of S. schweitzeri.
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