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Leite S, Cotias C, Rainha KC, Santos MG, Penna B, F Moraes RF, Harmanus C, Smits WK, Ferreira EDO. Prevalence of Clostridioides difficile in dogs (Canis familiaris) with gastrointestinal disorders in Rio de Janeiro. Anaerobe 2023; 83:102765. [PMID: 37573963 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2023.102765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) have a high morbidity and mortality rate and have always been considered a nosocomial disease. Nonetheless, the number of cases of community-acquired CDI is increasing, and new evidence suggests additional C. difficile reservoirs exist. Pathogenic C. difficile strains have been found in livestock, domestic animals, and meat, so a zoonotic transmission has been proposed. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to isolate C. difficile strains in dogs at a veterinary clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and characterize clinical and pathological findings associated with lower gastrointestinal tract disorders. METHODS Fifty stool samples and biopsy fragments from dogs were obtained and cultured in the CDBA selective medium. All suggestive C. difficile colonies were confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS and PCR (tpi gene). Vancomycin, metronidazole, moxifloxacin, erythromycin, and rifampicin were tested for antibiotic susceptibility. Biofilm, motility assays, and a PCR for the toxins (tcdA, tcdB, and cdtB), as well as ribotyping, were also performed. RESULTS Blood samples and colonic biopsy fragments were examined in C. difficile positive dogs. Ten animals (20%) tested positive for C. difficile by using stool samples, but not from biopsy fragments. Most C. difficile strains were toxigenic: six were A+B+ belonging to RT106; two were A+B+ belonging to RT014/020; and two were A-B- belonging to RT010. All strains were biofilm producers. In the motility test, 40% of strains were as motile as the positive control, CD630 (RT012). In the disc diffusion test, two strains (RT010) were resistant to erythromycin and metronidazole; and another to metronidazole (RT014/020). In terms of C. difficile clinicopathological correlations, no statistically significant morphological changes, such as pseudomembranous and "volcano" lesions, were observed. Regarding hematological data, dogs positive for C. difficile had leucopenia (p = 0.02) and lymphopenia (p = 0.03). There was a significant correlation between senility and the presence of C. difficile in the dogs studied (p = 0,02). CONCLUSIONS Although C. difficile has not been linked to canine diarrheal disorders, it appears to be more common in dogs with intestinal dysfunctions. The isolation of ribotypes frequently involved in human CDI outbreaks around the world supports the theory of C. difficile zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzana Leite
- Departmento de Microbiologia Médica, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes -IMPG, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Universidade Santa Úrsula, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos Cotias
- H&Diagnóstico, Veterinary Diagnosis Center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Bruno Penna
- Departmento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biomedicina, Universidade Federal Fluminense- UFF, Niterói, Brazil
| | | | - Céline Harmanus
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Wiep Klaas Smits
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Eliane de Oliveira Ferreira
- Departmento de Microbiologia Médica, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes -IMPG, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Garrigues Q, Apper E, Rodiles A, Rovere N, Chastant S, Mila H. Composition and evolution of the gut microbiota of growing puppies is impacted by their birth weight. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14717. [PMID: 37679393 PMCID: PMC10484951 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41422-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Low birth weight puppies present an increased risk of neonatal mortality, morbidity, and some long-term health issues. Yet it has not been investigated if those alterations could be linked to the gut microbiota composition and evolution. 57 puppies were weighed at birth and rectal swabs were performed at 5 time points from birth to 28 days of age. Puppies were grouped into three groups based on their birth weight: low birth weight (LBW), normal birth weight (NBW) and high birth weight (HBW). 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to highlight differences in the fecal microbiota. During the first three weeks, the relative abundance of facultative anaerobic bacteria such as E. coli, C. perfringens and Tyzzerella was higher in LBW feces, but they catch back with the other groups afterwards. HBW puppies showed higher abundances of Faecalibacterium and Bacteroides during the neonatal period, suggesting an earlier maturation of their microbiota. The results of this study suggest that birth weight impact the initial establishment of the gut microbiota in puppies. Innovative strategies would be desired to deal with altered gut microbiota in low birth weight puppies aiming to improve their survival and long term health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Garrigues
- NeoCare, Reproduction, ENVT, Université de Toulouse, 23 Chemin des Capelles, BP 87614, 31 076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France.
| | | | | | - Nicoletta Rovere
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, VESPA, University of Veterinary, 20134, Milan, Italy
| | - Sylvie Chastant
- NeoCare, Reproduction, ENVT, Université de Toulouse, 23 Chemin des Capelles, BP 87614, 31 076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Hanna Mila
- NeoCare, Reproduction, ENVT, Université de Toulouse, 23 Chemin des Capelles, BP 87614, 31 076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
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Garrigues Q, Apper E, Chastant S, Mila H. Gut microbiota development in the growing dog: A dynamic process influenced by maternal, environmental and host factors. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:964649. [PMID: 36118341 PMCID: PMC9478664 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.964649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms of the gastrointestinal tract play a crucial role in the health, metabolism and development of their host by modulating vital functions such as digestion, production of key metabolites or stimulation of the immune system. This review aims to provide an overview on the current knowledge of factors shaping the gut microbiota of young dogs. The composition of the gut microbiota is modulated by many intrinsic (i.e., age, physiology, pathology) and extrinsic factors (i.e., nutrition, environment, medication) which can cause both beneficial and harmful effects depending on the nature of the changes. The composition of the gut microbiota is quickly evolving during the early development of the dog, and some crucial bacteria, mostly anaerobic, progressively colonize the gut before the puppy reaches adulthood. Those bacterial communities are of paramount importance for the host health, with disturbance in their composition potentially leading to altered metabolic states such as acute diarrhea or inflammatory bowel disease. While many studies focused on the microbiota of young children, there is still a lack of knowledge concerning the development of gut microbiota in puppies. Understanding this early evolution is becoming a key aspect to improve dogs' short and long-term health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Garrigues
- NeoCare, ENVT, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- *Correspondence: Quentin Garrigues
| | | | | | - Hanna Mila
- NeoCare, ENVT, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
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Domestic Environment and Gut Microbiota: Lessons from Pet Dogs. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10050949. [PMID: 35630391 PMCID: PMC9143008 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating data show the involvement of intestinal microbiota in the development and maintenance of numerous diseases. Many environmental factors influence the composition and function of the gut microbiota. An animal model subjected to the same environmental constraints that will allow better characterization of the microbiota–host dialogue is awaited. The domestic dog has physiological, dietary and pathological characteristics similar to those of humans and shares the domestic environment and lifestyle of its owner. This review exposes how the domestication of dogs has brought them closer to humans based on their intrinsic and extrinsic similarities which were discerned through examining and comparing the current knowledge and data on the intestinal microbiota of humans and canines in the context of several spontaneous pathologies, including inflammatory bowel disease, obesity and diabetes mellitus.
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Redding LE, Tu V, Abbas A, Alvarez M, Zackular JP, Gu C, Bushman FD, Kelly DJ, Barnhart D, Lee JJ, Bittinger KL. Genetic and phenotypic characteristics of Clostridium (Clostridioides) difficile from canine, bovine, and pediatric populations. Anaerobe 2022; 74:102539. [PMID: 35217150 PMCID: PMC9359814 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2022.102539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Carriage of Clostridioides difficile by different species of animals has led to speculation that animals could represent a reservoir of this pathogen for human infections. The objective of this study was to compare C. difficile isolates from humans, dogs, and cattle from a restricted geographic area. Methods: C. difficile isolates from 36 dogs and 15 dairy calves underwent whole genome sequencing, and phenotypic assays assessing growth and virulence were performed. Genomes of animal-derived isolates were compared to 29 genomes of isolates from a pediatric population as well as 44 reference genomes. Results: Growth rates and relative cytotoxicity of isolates were significantly higher and lower, respectively, in bovine-derived isolates compared to pediatric- and canine-derived isolates. Analysis of core genes showed clustering by host species, though in a few cases, human strains co-clustered with canine or bovine strains, suggesting possible interspecies transmission. Geographic differences (e.g., farm, litter) were small compared to differences between species. In an analysis of accessory genes, the total number of genes in each genome varied between host species, with 6.7% of functional orthologs differentially present/absent between host species and bovine-derived strains having the lowest number of genes. Canine-derived isolates were most likely to be non-toxigenic and more likely to carry phages. A targeted study of episomes identified in local pediatric strains showed sharing of a methicillin-resistance plasmid with dogs, and historic sharing of a wide range of episomes across hosts. Bovine-derived isolates harbored the widest variety of antibiotic-resistance genes, followed by canine Conclusions: While C. difficile isolates mostly clustered by host species, occasional co-clustering of canine and pediatric-derived isolates suggests the possibility of interspecies transmission. The presence of a pool of resistance genes in animal-derived isolates with the potential to appear in humans given sufficient pressure from antibiotic use warrants concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Redding
- Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, 19348, USA.
| | - V Tu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - A Abbas
- Division of Protective Immunity, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - M Alvarez
- Division of Protective Immunity, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - J P Zackular
- Division of Protective Immunity, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - C Gu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - F D Bushman
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - D J Kelly
- Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, 19348, USA
| | - D Barnhart
- Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, 19348, USA
| | - J J Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - K L Bittinger
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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Vasilescu IM, Chifiriuc MC, Pircalabioru GG, Filip R, Bolocan A, Lazăr V, Diţu LM, Bleotu C. Gut Dysbiosis and Clostridioides difficile Infection in Neonates and Adults. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:651081. [PMID: 35126320 PMCID: PMC8810811 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.651081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we focus on gut microbiota profiles in infants and adults colonized (CDC) or infected (CDI) with Clostridioides difficile. After a short update on CDI epidemiology and pathology, we present the gut dysbiosis profiles associated with CDI in adults and infants, as well as the role of dysbiosis in C. difficile spores germination and multiplication. Both molecular and culturomic studies agree on a significant decrease of gut microbiota diversity and resilience in CDI, depletion of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria phyla and a high abundance of Proteobacteria, associated with low butyrogenic and high lactic acid-bacteria levels. In symptomatic cases, microbiota deviations are associated with high levels of inflammatory markers, such as calprotectin. In infants, colonization with Bifidobacteria that trigger a local anti-inflammatory response and abundance of Ruminococcus, together with lack of receptors for clostridial toxins and immunological factors (e.g., C. difficile toxins neutralizing antibodies) might explain the lack of clinical symptoms. Gut dysbiosis amelioration through administration of “biotics” or non-toxigenic C. difficile preparations and fecal microbiota transplantation proved to be very useful for the management of CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia-Magdalena Vasilescu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- INBI “Prof. Dr. Matei Balş” – National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana-Carmen Chifiriuc
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
- The Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
- *Correspondence: Mariana-Carmen Chifiriuc,
| | | | - Roxana Filip
- Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences, Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Regional County Emergency Hospital, Suceava, Romania
| | - Alexandra Bolocan
- Department of General Surgery, University Emergency Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Veronica Lazăr
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lia-Mara Diţu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Ştefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
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7
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Gut microbiota features associated with Clostridioides difficile colonization in dairy calves. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251999. [PMID: 34910727 PMCID: PMC8673638 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Diarrheal disease, a major cause of morbidity and mortality in dairy calves, is strongly associated with the health and composition of the gut microbiota. Clostridioides difficile is an opportunistic pathogen that proliferates and can produce enterotoxins when the host experiences gut dysbiosis. However, even asymptomatic colonization with C. difficile can be associated with differing degrees of microbiota disruption in a range of species, including people, swine, and dogs. Little is known about the interaction between C. difficile and the gut microbiota in dairy calves. In this study, we sought to define microbial features associated with C. difficile colonization in pre-weaned dairy calves less than 2 weeks of age. We characterized the fecal microbiota of 80 calves from 23 different farms using 16S rRNA sequencing and compared the microbiota of C. difficile-positive (n = 24) and C. difficile-negative calves (n = 56). Farm appeared to be the greatest source of variability in the gut microbiota. When controlling for calf age, diet, and farm location, there was no significant difference in Shannon alpha diversity (P = 0.50) or in weighted UniFrac beta diversity (P = 0.19) between C. difficile-positive and–negative calves. However, there was a significant difference in beta diversity as assessed using Bray-Curtiss diversity (P = 0.0077), and C. difficile-positive calves had significantly increased levels of Ruminococcus (gnavus group) (Adj. P = 0.052), Lachnoclostridium (Adj. P = 0.060), Butyricicoccus (Adj. P = 0.060), and Clostridium sensu stricto 2 compared to C. difficile-negative calves. Additionally, C. difficile-positive calves had fewer microbial co-occurrences than C. difficile–negative calves, indicating reduced bacterial synergies. Thus, while C. difficile colonization alone is not associated with dysbiosis and is therefore unlikely to result in an increased likelihood of diarrhea in dairy calves, it may be associated with a more disrupted microbiota.
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Suchodolski JS. Analysis of the gut microbiome in dogs and cats. Vet Clin Pathol 2021; 50 Suppl 1:6-17. [PMID: 34514619 PMCID: PMC9292158 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.13031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The gut microbiome is an important immune and metabolic organ. Intestinal bacteria produce various metabolites that influence the health of the intestine and other organ systems, including kidney, brain, and heart. Changes in the microbiome in diseased states are termed dysbiosis. The concept of dysbiosis is constantly evolving and includes changes in microbiome diversity and/or structure and functional changes (eg, altered production of bacterial metabolites). Molecular tools are now the standard for microbiome analysis. Sequencing of microbial genes provides information about the bacteria present and their functional potential but lacks standardization and analytical validation of methods and consistency in the reporting of results. This makes it difficult to compare results across studies or for individual clinical patients. The Dysbiosis Index (DI) is a validated quantitative PCR assay for canine fecal samples that measures the abundance of seven important bacterial taxa and summarizes the results as one single number. Reference intervals are established for dogs, and the DI can be used to assess the microbiome in clinical patients over time and in response to therapy (eg, fecal microbiota transplantation). In situ hybridization or immunohistochemistry allows the identification of mucosa‐adherent and intracellular bacteria in animals with intestinal disease, especially granulomatous colitis. Future directions include the measurement of bacterial metabolites in feces or serum as markers for the appropriate function of the microbiome. This article summarizes different approaches to the analysis of gut microbiota and how they might be applicable to research studies and clinical practice in dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan S Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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Pereira AM, Clemente A. Dogs' Microbiome From Tip to Toe. Top Companion Anim Med 2021; 45:100584. [PMID: 34509665 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcam.2021.100584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Microbiota and microbiome, which refers, respectively, to the microorganisms and conjoint of microorganisms and genes are known to live in symbiosis with hosts, being implicated in health and disease. The advancements and cost reduction associated with high-throughput sequencing techniques have allowed expanding the knowledge of microbial communities in several species, including dogs. Throughout their body, dogs harbor distinct microbial communities according to the location (e.g., skin, ear canal, conjunctiva, respiratory tract, genitourinary tract, gut), which have been a target of study mostly in the last couple of years. Although there might be a core microbiota for different body sites, shared by dogs, it is likely influenced by intrinsic factors such as age, breed, and sex, but also by extrinsic factors such as the environment (e.g., lifestyle, urban vs rural), and diet. It starts to become clear that some medical conditions are mediated by alterations in microbiota namely dysbiosis. Moreover, understanding microbial colonization and function can be used to prevent medical conditions, for instance, modulation of gut microbiota of puppies is more effective to ensure a healthy gut than interventions in adults. This paper gathers current knowledge of dogs' microbial communities, exploring their function, implications in the development of diseases, and potential interactions among communities while providing hints for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Pereira
- University of the Azores, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research and Technology (IITAA). Rua Capitão João d'Ávila, Azores, Portugal.
| | - Alfonso Clemente
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry in Animal Nutrition, Estacion Experimental del Zaidin, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Granada, Spain
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Tsai CS, Hung YP, Lee JC, Syue LS, Hsueh PR, Ko WC. Clostridioides difficile infection: an emerging zoonosis? Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2021; 19:1543-1552. [PMID: 34383624 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1967746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection (CDI) is the most common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and one of the common infections in healthcare facilities. In recent decades, there has been an emerging threat of community-acquired CDI (CA-CDI). Environmental transmission of C. difficile in the community setting has become a major concern, and animals are an important reservoir for C. difficile causing human diseases. AREAS COVERED In this article, the molecular epidemiology of C. difficile in animals and recent evidences of zoonotic transfer to humans are reviewed based on an electronic search in the databases of PubMed and Google Scholar. EXPERT OPINION C. difficile can be found in stool from diarrheal dogs and cats; therefore, household pets could be a potential source. C. difficile will threaten human health because hypervirulent C. difficile ribotype 078 strains have been found in retail chickens, pig farms, and slaughterhouses. Risk factors for fecal C. difficile carriage in animals include young age, dietary changes, and antibiotic abuse in domestic animals. With the advent of whole genome sequencing techniques, there will be more solid evidence indicating zoonotic transfer of C. difficile from animals to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Shiang Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Dou-Liou Branch, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Yunlin, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Pin Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Chieh Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Shan Syue
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ren Hsueh
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Thanissery R, McLaren MR, Rivera A, Reed AD, Betrapally NS, Burdette T, Winston JA, Jacob M, Callahan BJ, Theriot CM. Clostridioides difficile carriage in animals and the associated changes in the host fecal microbiota. Anaerobe 2020; 66:102279. [PMID: 33022384 PMCID: PMC10760528 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2020.102279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between the gut microbiota and Clostridioides difficile, and its role in the severity of C. difficile infection in humans is an area of active research. Intestinal carriage of toxigenic and non-toxigenic C. difficile strains, with and without clinical signs, is reported in animals, however few studies have looked at the risk factors associated with C. difficile carriage and the role of the host gut microbiota. Here, we isolated and characterized C. difficile strains from different animal species (predominantly canines (dogs), felines (cats), and equines (horses)) that were brought in for tertiary care at North Carolina State University Veterinary Hospital. C. difficile strains were characterized by toxin gene profiling, fluorescent PCR ribotyping, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was done on animal feces to investigate the relationship between the presence of C. difficile and the gut microbiota in different hosts. Here, we show that C. difficile was recovered from 20.9% of samples (42/201), which included 33 canines, 2 felines, and 7 equines. Over 69% (29/42) of the isolates were toxigenic and belonged to 14 different ribotypes including ones known to cause CDI in humans. The presence of C. difficile results in a shift in the fecal microbial community structure in both canines and equines. Commensal Clostridium hiranonis was negatively associated with C. difficile in canines. Further experimentation showed a clear antagonistic relationship between the two strains in vitro, suggesting that commensal Clostridia might play a role in colonization resistance against C. difficile in different hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Thanissery
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - M R McLaren
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - A Rivera
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - A D Reed
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - N S Betrapally
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - T Burdette
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - J A Winston
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - M Jacob
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - B J Callahan
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - C M Theriot
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA.
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Garcia-Mazcorro JF, Minamoto Y, Kawas JR, Suchodolski JS, de Vos WM. Akkermansia and Microbial Degradation of Mucus in Cats and Dogs: Implications to the Growing Worldwide Epidemic of Pet Obesity. Vet Sci 2020; 7:vetsci7020044. [PMID: 32326394 PMCID: PMC7355976 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7020044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Akkermansia muciniphila is a mucin-degrading bacterium that has shown the potential to provide anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity effects in mouse and man. We here focus on companion animals, specifically cats and dogs, and evaluate the microbial degradation of mucus and its health impact in the context of the worldwide epidemic of pet obesity. A literature survey revealed that the two presently known Akkermansia spp., A. muciniphila and A. glycaniphila, as well as other members of the phylum of Verrucomicrobia seem to be neither very prevalent nor abundant in the digestive tract of cats and dog. While this may be due to methodological aspects, it suggests that bacteria related to Akkermansia are not the major mucus degraders in these pets and hence other mucus-utilizing taxa may deserve attention. Hence, we will discuss the potential of these endogenous mucus utilizers and dietary interventions to boost these as well as the use of Akkermansia spp. related bacteria or their components as strategies to target feline and canine obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose F. Garcia-Mazcorro
- Research and Development, MNA de Mexico, San Nicolas de los Garza, Nuevo Leon 66477, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-81-8850-5204
| | | | - Jorge R. Kawas
- Faculty of Agronomy, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, General Escobedo, Nuevo Leon 66050, Mexico;
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4474, USA;
| | - Willem M. de Vos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands;
- Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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