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Miyashita SI, Karatsu S, Fujiishi M, Huang IH, Nagashima Y, Morobishi T, Hosoya K, Hata T, Dong M, Sagane Y. Characterization of Serotype CD Mosaic Botulinum Neurotoxin in Comparison with Serotype C and A. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:123. [PMID: 36828437 PMCID: PMC9962336 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15020123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), produced by Clostridium botulinum, cleaves proteins involved in neurotransmitter release, thereby triggering flaccid paralyses, which are responsible for botulism. BoNT is classified into seven serotypes (BoNT/A-G); BoNT/A and BoNT/B are used as medical therapeutics and anti-wrinkle reagents. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of BoNT/CD, a mosaic toxin of BoNT/C and BoNT/D, to assess its potential as a therapeutic alternative for BoNT/A. In a cultured neuron assay, BoNT/CD cleaved syntaxin and SNAP-25 with higher efficacy than BoNT/C and BoNT/A. Intramuscularly administrated BoNT/CD induced dose-dependent muscle paralysis, and the paralysis lasted ~21 days in a mouse digit abduction score assay (BoNT/A-induced paralysis lasted ~30 days). BoNT/C failed to induce local paralysis without systemic toxicity. Multiple alignment analyses of the amino acid sequences of the receptor binding domain (HC) of eight BoNT/CDs and two BoNT/Ds showed sequence clustering in five groups. Comparing BoNT/CD strain 003-9 (BoNT/CD003-9) and strain 6813 (BoNT/CD6813) showed that both BoNT/CDs displayed similar efficacies in cultured neurons, but BoNT/CD003-9 displayed higher efficacy in a mouse model than BoNT/CD6813. These findings suggest that BoNT/CD may be a potential alternative for patients who do not respond to existing BoNT-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Ichiro Miyashita
- Department of Food, Aroma and Cosmetic Chemistry, Faculty of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri 099-2493, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Shura Karatsu
- Department of Food, Aroma and Cosmetic Chemistry, Faculty of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri 099-2493, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Mako Fujiishi
- Department of Food, Aroma and Cosmetic Chemistry, Faculty of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri 099-2493, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - I Hsun Huang
- Department of Food, Aroma and Cosmetic Chemistry, Faculty of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri 099-2493, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yuki Nagashima
- Department of Food, Aroma and Cosmetic Chemistry, Faculty of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri 099-2493, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Tamaki Morobishi
- Department of Food, Aroma and Cosmetic Chemistry, Faculty of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri 099-2493, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Keita Hosoya
- Department of Food, Aroma and Cosmetic Chemistry, Faculty of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri 099-2493, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Hata
- Department of Food, Aroma and Cosmetic Chemistry, Faculty of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri 099-2493, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Min Dong
- Department of Urology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yoshimasa Sagane
- Department of Food, Aroma and Cosmetic Chemistry, Faculty of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri 099-2493, Hokkaido, Japan
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Meloni E, Le Maréchal C, Millot F, Payne A, Calenge C, Mazuet C, Chemaly M, Rouxel S, Poezevara T, Avouac A, Plaquin B, Guillemain M, Richomme C, Decors A. Exposure of waterfowl to Clostridium botulinum in France. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2023.1011555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulism in wild birds is a widespread and potentially lethal disease raising major conservation issues. Botulism is also of public health concern. Due to the action of botulinum neurotoxins, mostly produced by Clostridium botulinum, botulism can affect wild birds, livestock, and humans. This study is part of a project aimed at improving our understanding of the pathogenesis of botulism in wild avifauna, which is still poorly understood. Indeed, the prevalence and dynamics of C. botulinum in the digestive tract or in bird tissue, whether as intermittent carriage related to environmental contamination or as part of the normal avian microbiota, is still unknown. In this study, we specifically addressed the presence of a healthy carrier status of wild birds, and its role in outbreaks. To answer this question, we monitored the estimated prevalence of C. botulinum in wild birds through samples from banded and swabbed birds as well as from hunted bird organs. Our results do not support the hypothesis of a healthy carriage outside of outbreaks, which raises the question of the bioavailability of the bacterium and toxin in the environment. Finally, the gene encoding botulinum neurotoxin type E was detected in keel muscle from a hunted bird, showing that recommendations on the consumption of wild bird meat are needed following a botulism outbreak.
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Extensive Genome Exploration of Clostridium botulinum Group III Field Strains. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112347. [PMID: 34835472 PMCID: PMC8624178 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In animals, botulism is commonly sustained by botulinum neurotoxin C, D or their mosaic variants, which are produced by anaerobic bacteria included in Clostridium botulinum group III. In this study, a WGS has been applied to a large collection of C. botulinum group III field strains in order to expand the knowledge on these BoNT-producing Clostridia and to evaluate the potentiality of this method for epidemiological investigations. Sixty field strains were submitted to WGS, and the results were analyzed with respect to epidemiological information and compared to published sequences. The strains were isolated from biological or environmental samples collected in animal botulism outbreaks which occurred in Italy from 2007 to 2016. The new sequenced strains belonged to subspecific groups, some of which were already defined, while others were newly characterized, peculiar to Italian strains and contained genomic features not yet observed. This included, in particular, two new flicC types (VI and VII) and new plasmids which widen the known plasmidome of the species. The extensive genome exploration shown in this study improves the C. botulinum and related species classification scheme, enriching it with new strains of rare genotypes and permitting the highest grade of discrimination among strains for forensic and epidemiological applications.
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A Four-Monoclonal Antibody Combination Potently Neutralizes Multiple Botulinum Neurotoxin Serotypes C and D. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13090641. [PMID: 34564645 PMCID: PMC8472335 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13090641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Human botulism can be caused by botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) serotypes A to G. Here, we present an antibody-based antitoxin composed of four human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against BoNT/C, BoNT/D, and their mosaic toxins. This work built on our success in generating protective mAbs to BoNT /A, B and E serotypes. We generated mAbs from human immune single-chain Fv (scFv) yeast-display libraries and isolated scFvs with high affinity for BoNT/C, BoNT/CD, BoNT/DC and BoNT/D serotypes. We identified four mAbs that bound non-overlapping epitopes on multiple serotypes and mosaic BoNTs. Three of the mAbs underwent molecular evolution to increase affinity. A four-mAb combination provided high-affinity binding and BoNT neutralization of both serotypes and their mosaic toxins. The mAbs have potential utility as therapeutics and as diagnostics capable of recognizing and neutralizing BoNT/C and BoNT/D serotypes and their mosaic toxins. A derivative of the four-antibody combination (NTM-1634) completed a Phase 1 clinical trial (Snow et al., Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2019) with no drug-related serious adverse events.
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Masters AM, Palmer DG. Confirmation of botulism diagnosis in Australian bird samples by ELISA and RT rtPCR. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 33:684-694. [PMID: 33955287 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211014486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We developed a sandwich ELISA that detects Clostridium botulinum C and D toxins and reverse-transcription real-time PCRs (RT-rtPCRs) that detect botulinum C and D toxin genes, respectively, to replace the mouse bioassay. The toxin genes were closely associated with the toxin molecules and used as surrogates for the presence of toxin. Samples (638) from 103 clinical cases of birds (302) with suspected botulinum toxicity came from wild birds and poultry (9 cases). Samples tested included blood serum, other body fluids, various tissues, gut contents, maggots, water, and sediment. Botulism was diagnosed in 34 cases (all of which had positive samples in the ELISA, the C toxin gene RT-rtPCR, or both assays). Botulism was suspected in 16 cases (each of which had 1 positive sample either in the ELISA or the C toxin gene RT-rtPCR). In the remaining 53 cases, no samples were positive, but botulism could not be excluded in 32 of these cases, whereas there was no indication of botulism or another diagnosis in 21 cases. The D toxin gene was not detected in any of the clinical samples. No C or D toxin genes were detected in 71 pooled cloacal swabs from 213 healthy migratory birds. The use of an ELISA that detects botulinum C and D toxins in combination with a RT-rtPCR for the botulinum C toxin gene can help confirm the diagnosis of botulism in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Masters
- DPIRD Diagnostics & Laboratory Services, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Western Australia, South Perth, Australia
| | - Dieter G Palmer
- DPIRD Diagnostics & Laboratory Services, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Western Australia, South Perth, Australia
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Tevell Åberg A, Karlsson I, Hedeland M. Modification and validation of the Endopep-mass spectrometry method for botulinum neurotoxin detection in liver samples with application to samples collected during animal botulism outbreaks. Anal Bioanal Chem 2020; 413:345-354. [PMID: 33119784 PMCID: PMC7806574 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-03001-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most potent toxins known and they cause the paralytic disease botulism in humans and animals. In order to diagnose botulism, active BoNT must be detected in biological material. Endopep-MS is a sensitive and selective method for serum samples, based on antibody capture, enzymatic cleavage of target peptides, and detection of cleavage products using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). In many cases of animal botulism, serum samples are not available or they do not contain detectable amounts of BoNT and liver sampling is an alternative for postmortem examinations. However, the Endopep-MS method is impaired by the inherent protease activity of liver samples. In the presented study, the Endopep-MS method has been successfully modified and validated for analysis of cattle, horse, and avian liver samples, introducing a combination of a salt washing step and a protease inhibitor cocktail. These modifications resulted in a substantial decrease in interfering signals and increase in BoNT-specific signals. This led to a substantial improvement in sensitivity for especially BoNT-C and C/D which are among the most prominent serotypes for animal botulism. Botulism was diagnosed with the new method in liver samples from dead cattle and birds from outbreaks in Sweden. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annica Tevell Åberg
- Department of Chemistry, Environment, and Feed Hygiene, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), 751 89, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Analytical Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 574, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ida Karlsson
- Department of Chemistry, Environment, and Feed Hygiene, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), 751 89, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Analytical Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 574, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mikael Hedeland
- Department of Chemistry, Environment, and Feed Hygiene, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), 751 89, Uppsala, Sweden. .,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Analytical Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 574, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Abstract
Tetanus is a neurologic disease of humans and animals characterized by spastic paralysis. Tetanus is caused by tetanus toxin (TeNT) produced by Clostridium tetani, an environmental soilborne, gram-positive, sporulating bacterium. The disease most often results from wound contamination by soil containing C. tetani spores. Horses, sheep, and humans are highly sensitive to TeNT, whereas cattle, dogs, and cats are more resistant. The diagnosis of tetanus is mainly based on the characteristic clinical signs. Identification of C. tetani at the wound site is often difficult.
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Shao JW, Ruan XD, Qin XC, Yan J, Zhang YZ. Metatranscriptomics reveals that the death of a Mongolian wild ass was caused by Clostridium botulinum in Inner Mongolia, China. J Vet Diagn Invest 2020; 32:287-290. [PMID: 32065061 DOI: 10.1177/1040638720905314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum is an important pathogen that causes botulism in humans and animals worldwide. C. botulinum group III strains, which produce a single toxin of type C or D or a chimeric toxin of type C/D or D/C, are responsible for botulism in a wide range of animal species including cattle and birds. We used unbiased high-throughput RNA sequencing (i.e., metatranscriptomics) to identify a strain of group III C. botulinum from a deceased Mongolian wild ass (Equus hemionus). The strain was closely related to some European strains. Genetic analysis of the recovered bacterial sequences showed that the C. botulinum strain identified might represent a type C/D strain of group III. Infection by C. botulinum producing the mosaic toxin of type C/D is the most likely cause of the death of the wild ass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Wei Shao
- Department of Zoonosis, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China (Shao, Qin, Zhang).,Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (Shao, Yan).,Academy of Forest Inventory and Planning, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Chaoyang, Beijing, China (Ruan)
| | - Xiang-Dong Ruan
- Department of Zoonosis, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China (Shao, Qin, Zhang).,Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (Shao, Yan).,Academy of Forest Inventory and Planning, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Chaoyang, Beijing, China (Ruan)
| | - Xin-Cheng Qin
- Department of Zoonosis, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China (Shao, Qin, Zhang).,Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (Shao, Yan).,Academy of Forest Inventory and Planning, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Chaoyang, Beijing, China (Ruan)
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Zoonosis, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China (Shao, Qin, Zhang).,Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (Shao, Yan).,Academy of Forest Inventory and Planning, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Chaoyang, Beijing, China (Ruan)
| | - Yong-Zhen Zhang
- Department of Zoonosis, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China (Shao, Qin, Zhang).,Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (Shao, Yan).,Academy of Forest Inventory and Planning, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Chaoyang, Beijing, China (Ruan)
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Le Gratiet T, Poezevara T, Rouxel S, Houard E, Mazuet C, Chemaly M, Le Maréchal C. Development of An Innovative and Quick Method for the Isolation of Clostridium botulinum Strains Involved in Avian Botulism Outbreaks. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E42. [PMID: 31936866 PMCID: PMC7020472 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Avian botulism is a serious neuroparalytic disease mainly caused by a type C/D botulinum neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum group III, one of the entwined bacterial species from the Clostridiumnovyisensulato genospecies. Its isolation is very challenging due to the absence of selective media and the instability of the phage carrying the gene encoding for the neurotoxin. The present study describes the development of an original method for isolating C. botulinum group III strains. Briefly, this method consists of streaking the InstaGene matrix extraction pellet on Egg Yolk Agar plates and then collecting the colonies with lipase and lecithinase activities. Using this approach, it was possible to isolate 21 C. novyi sensu lato strains from 22 enrichment broths of avian livers, including 14 toxic strains. This method was successfully used to re-isolate type C, D, C/D, and D/C strains from liver samples spiked with five spores per gram. This method is cheap, user-friendly, and reliable. It can be used to quickly isolate toxic strains involved in avian botulism with a 64% success rate and C. novyi sensu lato with a 95% rate. This opens up new perspectives for C. botulinum genomic research, which will shed light on the epidemiology of avian botulism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Le Gratiet
- Unit of Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pork Products, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), BP 53, 22440 Ploufragan, France; (T.L.G.)
- UFR of Life Sciences and Environment, University of Rennes 1, 35 000 Rennes, France
| | - Typhaine Poezevara
- Unit of Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pork Products, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), BP 53, 22440 Ploufragan, France; (T.L.G.)
| | - Sandra Rouxel
- Unit of Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pork Products, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), BP 53, 22440 Ploufragan, France; (T.L.G.)
| | - Emmanuelle Houard
- Unit of Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pork Products, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), BP 53, 22440 Ploufragan, France; (T.L.G.)
| | - Christelle Mazuet
- National Reference Center for Anaerobic Bacteria and Botulism, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris, France
| | - Marianne Chemaly
- Unit of Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pork Products, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), BP 53, 22440 Ploufragan, France; (T.L.G.)
| | - Caroline Le Maréchal
- Unit of Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pork Products, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), BP 53, 22440 Ploufragan, France; (T.L.G.)
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Steward L, Brin MF, Brideau-Andersen A. Novel Native and Engineered Botulinum Neurotoxins. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2020; 263:63-89. [PMID: 32274579 DOI: 10.1007/164_2020_351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), produced by Clostridia and other bacteria, are the most potent toxins known. Their cleavage of the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor activating protein receptor (SNARE) proteins in neurons prevents the release of neurotransmitters, thus resulting in the muscle paralysis that is characteristic of botulism. This mechanism of action has been exploited for a variety of therapeutic and cosmetic applications of BoNTs. This chapter provides an overview of the native BoNTs, including the classical serotypes and their clinical use, mosaic BoNTs, and novel BoNTs that have been recently identified in clostridial and non-clostridial strains. In addition, the modular structure of native BoNTs, which are composed of a light chain and a heavy chain, is amenable to a multitude of novel fusions and mutations using molecular biology techniques. These novel recombinant BoNTs have been used or are being developed to further characterize the biology of toxins, to assist in vaccine production, to serve as delivery vehicles to neurons, and to be utilized as novel therapeutics for both neuronal and non-neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mitchell F Brin
- Allergan plc, Irvine, CA, USA.,University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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11
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Rasetti-Escargueil C, Lemichez E, Popoff MR. Public Health Risk Associated with Botulism as Foodborne Zoonoses. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 12:E17. [PMID: 31905908 PMCID: PMC7020394 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulism is a rare but severe neurological disease in man and animals that is caused by botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) produced by Clostridium botulinum and atypical strains from other Clostridium and non-Clostridium species. BoNTs are divided into more than seven toxinotypes based on neutralization with specific corresponding antisera, and each toxinotype is subdivided into subtypes according to amino acid sequence variations. Animal species show variable sensitivity to the different BoNT toxinotypes. Thereby, naturally acquired animal botulism is mainly due to BoNT/C, D and the mosaic variants CD and DC, BoNT/CD being more prevalent in birds and BoNT/DC in cattle, whereas human botulism is more frequently in the types A, B and E, and to a lower extent, F. Botulism is not a contagious disease, since there is no direct transmission from diseased animals or man to a healthy subject. Botulism occurs via the environment, notably from food contaminated with C. botulinum spores and preserved in conditions favorable for C. botulinum growth and toxin production. The high prevalence of botulism types C, D and variants DC and CD in farmed and wild birds, and to a lower extent in cattle, raises the risk of transmission to human beings. However, human botulism is much rarer than animal botulism, and botulism types C and D are exceptional in humans. Only 15 cases or suspected cases of botulism type C and one outbreak of botulism type D have been reported in humans to date. In contrast, animal healthy carriers of C. botulinum group II, such as C. botulinum type E in fish of the northern hemisphere, and C. botulinum B4 in pigs, represent a more prevalent risk of botulism transmission to human subjects. Less common botulism types in animals but at risk of transmission to humans, can sporadically be observed, such as botulism type E in farmed chickens in France (1998-2002), botulism type B in cattle in The Netherlands (1977-1979), botulism types A and B in horses, or botulism type A in dairy cows (Egypt, 1976). In most cases, human and animal botulisms have distinct origins, and cross transmissions between animals and human beings are rather rare, accidental events. But, due to the severity of this disease, human and animal botulism requires a careful surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michel R. Popoff
- Institut Pasteur, Département de Microbiologie, Unité des Toxines Bactériennes, CNRS ERL6002, 75724 Paris, France; (C.R.-E.); (E.L.)
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Safety and Pharmacokinetics of a Four Monoclonal Antibody Combination Against Botulinum C and D Neurotoxins. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019:AAC.01270-19. [PMID: 31591130 PMCID: PMC6879217 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01270-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulism is caused by botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), the most poisonous substance known. BoNTs are also classified as Tier 1 biothreat agents due to their high potency and lethality. The existence of seven BoNT serotypes (A-G), which differ between 35% to 68% in amino acid sequence, necessitates the development of serotype specific countermeasures. We present results of a Phase 1 clinical study of an anti-toxin to BoNT serotypes C and D, NTM-1634, which consists of an equimolar mixture of four fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), each binding to non-overlapping epitopes on BoNT serotypes C and D resulting in potent toxin neutralization in rodents. This first-in-human study evaluated the safety and pharmacokinetics of escalating doses of NTM-1634 administered intravenously to healthy adults (NCT03046550). Three cohorts of eight healthy subjects received a single intravenous dose of NTM-1634 or placebo at 0.33 mg/kg, 0.66 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg. Follow-up examinations and pharmacokinetic evaluations were continued up to 121 days post-infusion. Subjects were monitored using physical examinations, hematology and chemistry blood tests, and electrocardiograms. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using noncompartmental methods. The results demonstrated that the materials were safe and well-tolerated with the expected half-lives for human mAbs and with minimal anti-drug antibodies detected over the dose ranges and duration of the study.
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13
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Davies JR, Liu SM, Acharya KR. Variations in the Botulinum Neurotoxin Binding Domain and the Potential for Novel Therapeutics. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10100421. [PMID: 30347838 PMCID: PMC6215321 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10100421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are categorised into immunologically distinct serotypes BoNT/A to /G). Each serotype can also be further divided into subtypes based on differences in amino acid sequence. BoNTs are ~150 kDa proteins comprised of three major functional domains: an N-terminal zinc metalloprotease light chain (LC), a translocation domain (HN), and a binding domain (HC). The HC is responsible for targeting the BoNT to the neuronal cell membrane, and each serotype has evolved to bind via different mechanisms to different target receptors. Most structural characterisations to date have focussed on the first identified subtype within each serotype (e.g., BoNT/A1). Subtype differences within BoNT serotypes can affect intoxication, displaying different botulism symptoms in vivo, and less emphasis has been placed on investigating these variants. This review outlines the receptors for each BoNT serotype and describes the basis for the highly specific targeting of neuronal cell membranes. Understanding receptor binding is of vital importance, not only for the generation of novel therapeutics but also for understanding how best to protect from intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Davies
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Sai Man Liu
- Ipsen Bioinnovation Limited, Abingdon OX14 4RY, UK.
| | - K Ravi Acharya
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
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Chellapandi P, Prisilla A. PCR-based molecular diagnosis of botulism (types C and D) outbreaks in aquatic birds. ANN MICROBIOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s13213-018-1390-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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15
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Tehran DA, Pirazzini M. Novel Botulinum Neurotoxins: Exploring Underneath the Iceberg Tip. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10050190. [PMID: 29748471 PMCID: PMC5983246 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10050190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), the etiological agents of botulism, are the deadliest toxins known to humans. Yet, thanks to their biological and toxicological features, BoNTs have become sophisticated tools to study neuronal physiology and valuable therapeutics for an increasing number of human disorders. BoNTs are produced by multiple bacteria of the genus Clostridium and, on the basis of their different immunological properties, were classified as seven distinct types of toxin. BoNT classification remained stagnant for the last 50 years until, via bioinformatics and high-throughput sequencing techniques, dozens of BoNT variants, novel serotypes as well as BoNT-like toxins within non-clostridial species have been discovered. Here, we discuss how the now “booming field” of botulinum neurotoxin may shed light on their evolutionary origin and open exciting avenues for future therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Azarnia Tehran
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Marco Pirazzini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy.
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16
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Mansfield MJ, Doxey AC. Genomic insights into the evolution and ecology of botulinum neurotoxins. Pathog Dis 2018; 76:4978416. [PMID: 29684130 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/fty040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Mansfield
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Andrew C Doxey
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
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17
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Pellett S, Tepp WH, Lin G, Johnson EA. Substrate cleavage and duration of action of botulinum neurotoxin type FA ("H, HA"). Toxicon 2017; 147:38-46. [PMID: 29273248 PMCID: PMC5911199 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.12.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) type FA is the only known naturally occurring chimeric BoNT of domains of BoNT/A and BoNT/F. BoNT/FA consists of an F5-like light chain (LC), a unique heavy chain (HC) translocation domain, and a HC receptor binding domain similar to BoNT/A1. Previous analyses of purified BoNT/FA have indicated a 5-10-fold greater potency in cultured human or rat neurons as compared to BoNT/A1 and a 400-500-fold greater potency compared to BoNT/B1. However, in vivo potency in mice was about 5-fold lower than BoNT/A1 or/B1. In this report, species specificity was examined by cell-based assays using primary neurons from mice and examining VAMP1 and 2 cleavage. The data indicated similar potency of BoNT/FA in primary mouse spinal cord neurons as previously observed in primary rat and human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) derived neuronal cell models, and equal enzymatic cleavage of mouse VAMP1 and 2 isoforms. Since the duration of action of BoNTs is due to continuous enzymatic activity of the LC in the neuronal cytosol, BoNT/FA was expected to have a short duration of action due to its F-type LC. In this report the duration of action of BoNT/FA was compared to that of BoNT/F1,/F5, and/B1 in both hiPSC derived neurons and in the in vivo mouse model. The data indicate a duration of action of BoNT/FA similar to BoNT/B1, while BoNT/F5 had a short duration of action similar to BoNT/F1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Pellett
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, 1550 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - William H Tepp
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, 1550 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Guangyun Lin
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, 1550 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Eric A Johnson
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, 1550 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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18
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A large outbreak of bovine botulism possibly linked to a massive contamination of grass silage by type D/C Clostridium botulinum spores on a farm with dairy and poultry operations. Epidemiol Infect 2017; 145:3477-3485. [PMID: 29094676 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268817002382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Type D bovine botulism outbreaks associated with poultry litter are increasingly reported in European countries, but the circumstances of exposure to Clostridium botulinum toxins remain unclear. In spring 2015, a large type D/C bovine botulism outbreak affected a farm with dairy and poultry operations. Epidemiological and laboratory investigations strongly suggest that the outbreak was caused by feeding cattle with insufficiently acidified grass silage that was contaminated by type D/C C. botulinum spores. The source of the spores remains unclear, but could have been a stack of poultry litter stored in the grass silage pasture before harvesting. The presence of putrefied poultry carcasses mixed in with the litter is relatively unlikely considering the careful daily removal of poultry carcasses. These findings reinforce the importance of proper ensiling of feed materials and highlight the need for safe disposal of poultry litter, even in the case of good management of poultry deadstock, in order to prevent bovine botulism.
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19
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Bano L, Drigo I, Tonon E, Pascoletti S, Puiatti C, Anniballi F, Auricchio B, Lista F, Montecucco C, Agnoletti F. Identification and characterization of Clostridium botulinum group III field strains by matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Anaerobe 2017; 48:126-134. [PMID: 28802703 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Animal botulism is primarily due to botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) types C, D or their chimeric variants C/D or D/C, produced by Clostridium botulinum group III, which appears to include the genetically indistinguishable Clostridium haemolyticum and Clostridium novyi. In the present study, we used matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS) to identify and characterize 81 BoNT-producing Clostridia isolated in 47 episodes of animal botulism. The instrument's default database, containing no entries for Clostridium botulinum, permitted reliable identification of 26 strains at the genus level. Although supplementation of the database with reference strains enhanced the instrument's ability to identify the neurotoxic strains at the genus level, resolution was not sufficient to recognize field strains at species level. Characterization by MALDI TOF confirmed the well-documented phenotypic and genetic differences between Clostridium botulinum strains of serotypes normally implicated in human botulism (A, B, E, F) and other Clostridium species able to produce BoNTs type C and D. The chimeric and non-chimeric field strains grouped separately. In particular, very low similarity was found between two non-chimeric type C field strains isolated in the same outbreak and the other field strains. This difference was comparable with the differences among the various Clostridia species included in the study. Characterization by MALDI TOF confirmed that BoNT-producing Clostridia isolated from animals are closely related and indistinguishable at the species level from Clostridium haemolyticum and Clostridium novyi reference strains. On the contrary, there seem to be substantial differences among chimeric and some non-chimeric type C strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Bano
- Diagnostic and Microbiology Veterinary Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Villorba di Treviso, Italy.
| | - Ilenia Drigo
- Diagnostic and Microbiology Veterinary Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Villorba di Treviso, Italy
| | - Elena Tonon
- Diagnostic and Microbiology Veterinary Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Villorba di Treviso, Italy
| | - Simone Pascoletti
- Diagnostic and Microbiology Veterinary Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Villorba di Treviso, Italy
| | - Cinzia Puiatti
- Diagnostic and Microbiology Veterinary Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Villorba di Treviso, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Anniballi
- National Reference Center for Botulism, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
| | - Bruna Auricchio
- National Reference Center for Botulism, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
| | - Florigio Lista
- Army Medical and Veterinary Research Center, Roma, Italy
| | - Cesare Montecucco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Agnoletti
- Diagnostic and Microbiology Veterinary Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Villorba di Treviso, Italy
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20
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Draft Genome Sequences of Five Brazilian Clostridium botulinum Group III Type D/C Strains. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2017; 5:5/20/e00349-17. [PMID: 28522711 PMCID: PMC5442381 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.00349-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Animal botulism is mainly associated with Clostridium botulinum group III-producing neurotoxin types C, C/D, D, and D/C. In this report, we present the draft genome sequences of the first five strains of Clostridium botulinum type D/C isolated in Brazil and used for vaccination purposes.
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21
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Peck MW, Smith TJ, Anniballi F, Austin JW, Bano L, Bradshaw M, Cuervo P, Cheng LW, Derman Y, Dorner BG, Fisher A, Hill KK, Kalb SR, Korkeala H, Lindström M, Lista F, Lúquez C, Mazuet C, Pirazzini M, Popoff MR, Rossetto O, Rummel A, Sesardic D, Singh BR, Stringer SC. Historical Perspectives and Guidelines for Botulinum Neurotoxin Subtype Nomenclature. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9010038. [PMID: 28106761 PMCID: PMC5308270 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins are diverse proteins. They are currently represented by at least seven serotypes and more than 40 subtypes. New clostridial strains that produce novel neurotoxin variants are being identified with increasing frequency, which presents challenges when organizing the nomenclature surrounding these neurotoxins. Worldwide, researchers are faced with the possibility that toxins having identical sequences may be given different designations or novel toxins having unique sequences may be given the same designations on publication. In order to minimize these problems, an ad hoc committee consisting of over 20 researchers in the field of botulinum neurotoxin research was convened to discuss the clarification of the issues involved in botulinum neurotoxin nomenclature. This publication presents a historical overview of the issues and provides guidelines for botulinum neurotoxin subtype nomenclature in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Theresa J Smith
- Molecular and Translational Sciences Division, United States Army Medical Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA.
| | - Fabrizio Anniballi
- National Reference Centre for Botulism, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome 299-00161, Italy.
| | - John W Austin
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Luca Bano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Treviso 31020, Italy.
| | - Marite Bradshaw
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Paula Cuervo
- Área de Microbiología, Departamento de Patología, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza 450001, Argentina.
| | - Luisa W Cheng
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
| | - Yagmur Derman
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
| | | | - Audrey Fisher
- Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
| | - Karen K Hill
- Los Alamos National Laboratories, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
| | - Suzanne R Kalb
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
| | - Hannu Korkeala
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
| | - Miia Lindström
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
| | - Florigio Lista
- Army Medical and Veterinary Research Center, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Carolina Lúquez
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| | - Christelle Mazuet
- Institut Pasteur, Bactéries anaérobies et Toxines, Paris 75015, France.
| | - Marco Pirazzini
- Biomedical Sciences Department, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy.
| | - Michel R Popoff
- Institut Pasteur, Bactéries anaérobies et Toxines, Paris 75015, France.
| | - Ornella Rossetto
- Biomedical Sciences Department, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy.
| | - Andreas Rummel
- Institut für Toxikologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover 30623, Germany.
| | - Dorothea Sesardic
- National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, a Centre of Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, Hertfordshire EN6 3QG, UK.
| | - Bal Ram Singh
- Botulinum Research Center, Institute of Advanced Sciences, Dartmouth, MA 02747, USA.
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22
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Woudstra C, Le Maréchal C, Souillard R, Bayon-Auboyer MH, Mermoud I, Desoutter D, Fach P. New Insights into the Genetic Diversity of Clostridium botulinum Group III through Extensive Genome Exploration. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:757. [PMID: 27242769 PMCID: PMC4871853 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal botulism is caused by group III Clostridium botulinum strains producing type C and D toxins, or their chimeric forms C/D and D/C. Animal botulism is considered an emerging disease in Europe, notably in poultry production. Before our study, 14 genomes from different countries were available in the public database, but none were from France. In order to investigate the genetic relationship of French strains with different geographical areas and find new potential typing targets, 17 strains of C. botulinum group III were sequenced (16 from France and one from New Caledonia). Fourteen were type C/D strains isolated from chickens, ducks, guinea fowl and turkeys and three were type D/C strains isolated from cattle. The New Caledonian strain was a type D/C strain. Whole genome sequence analysis showed the French strains to be closely related to European strains from C. botulinum group III lineages Ia and Ib. The investigation of CRISPR sequences as genetic targets for differentiating strains in group III proved to be irrelevant for type C/D due to a deficient CRISPR/Cas mechanism, but not for type D/C. Conversely, the extrachromosomal elements of type C/D strains could be used to generate a genetic ID card. The highest level of discrimination was achieved with SNP core phylogeny, which allowed differentiation up to strain level and provide the most relevant information for genetic epidemiology studies and discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Woudstra
- Laboratory for Food Safety, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety - Université Paris-Est Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Caroline Le Maréchal
- Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pig Products Unit, Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, UEB, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & SafetyPloufragan, France; l'UBL Université Bretagne LoireRennes, France
| | - Rozenn Souillard
- l'UBL Université Bretagne LoireRennes, France; Avian and Rabbit Epidemiology and Welfare Unit, Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, UEB, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & SafetyPloufragan, France
| | | | - Isabelle Mermoud
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Laboratoires Officiels Vétérinaires, Agroalimentaires et Phytosanitaires, La Direction des Affaires Vétérinaires Païta, New Caledonia
| | - Denise Desoutter
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Laboratoires Officiels Vétérinaires, Agroalimentaires et Phytosanitaires, La Direction des Affaires Vétérinaires Païta, New Caledonia
| | - Patrick Fach
- Laboratory for Food Safety, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety - Université Paris-Est Maisons-Alfort, France
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23
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Skarin H, Lindgren Y, Jansson DS. Investigations into an Outbreak of Botulism Caused by Clostridium botulinum Type C/D in Laying Hens. Avian Dis 2015; 59:335-40. [PMID: 26473687 DOI: 10.1637/10861-051214-case] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This case report describes a recent botulism outbreak in commercial laying hens with a history of increased mortality and flaccid paralysis. Routine diagnostic gross examination and microscopy from seven hens were inconclusive, but botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) in peripheral blood was neutralized with both type C and type D antitoxins in the mouse bioassay. During a farm visit, 10 additional hens from a 34-wk-old flock on the farm were selected for clinical examination and further sampling. Nine hens were observed in sternal recumbency, with flaccid paralysis of the neck, drooping wings and tail, inability to escape, and bilateral ptosis, and one hen showed nonspecific clinical signs. Samples from cecum and liver were collected, and the gene coding for BoNT was detected by PCR in all 10 cecal samples and in four of the liver samples. Clostridium botulinum mosaic type C/D was isolated from 5 out of 10 hens from either cecum or liver, and the isolates were subjected to pulsed-field gel electrophoresis subtyping. All five isolates produced the same banding pattern, which was identical or showed >90% similarity to isolates from three different outbreaks on broiler farms in Sweden and Denmark during the 2007-10 period. However, they were clearly distinguishable from the predominantly reported pulsotype associated with avian botulism outbreaks in Europe. The authors are unaware of any previous report of C. botulinum mosaic type C/D isolates from laying hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Skarin
- A Department of Bacteriology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden.,B Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ylva Lindgren
- C Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), SE-75189 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Désirée S Jansson
- C Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), SE-75189 Uppsala, Sweden
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24
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Le Maréchal C, Ballan V, Rouxel S, Bayon-Auboyer MH, Baudouard MA, Morvan H, Houard E, Poëzevara T, Souillard R, Woudstra C, Le Bouquin S, Fach P, Chemaly M. Livers provide a reliable matrix for real-time PCR confirmation of avian botulism. Anaerobe 2015; 38:7-13. [PMID: 26545739 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2015.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of avian botulism is based on clinical symptoms, which are indicative but not specific. Laboratory investigations are therefore required to confirm clinical suspicions and establish a definitive diagnosis. Real-time PCR methods have recently been developed for the detection of Clostridium botulinum group III producing type C, D, C/D or D/C toxins. However, no study has been conducted to determine which types of matrices should be analyzed for laboratory confirmation using this approach. This study reports on the comparison of different matrices (pooled intestinal contents, livers, spleens and cloacal swabs) for PCR detection of C. botulinum. Between 2013 and 2015, 63 avian botulism suspicions were tested and 37 were confirmed as botulism. Analysis of livers using real-time PCR after enrichment led to the confirmation of 97% of the botulism outbreaks. Using the same method, spleens led to the confirmation of 90% of botulism outbreaks, cloacal swabs of 93% and pooled intestinal contents of 46%. Liver appears to be the most reliable type of matrix for laboratory confirmation using real-time PCR analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Le Maréchal
- ANSES Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pig Products Unit, Ploufragan, France; Université Européenne de Bretagne, France.
| | - Valentine Ballan
- ANSES Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pig Products Unit, Ploufragan, France; Université Européenne de Bretagne, France
| | - Sandra Rouxel
- ANSES Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pig Products Unit, Ploufragan, France; Université Européenne de Bretagne, France
| | | | | | | | - Emmanuelle Houard
- ANSES Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pig Products Unit, Ploufragan, France; Université Européenne de Bretagne, France
| | - Typhaine Poëzevara
- ANSES Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pig Products Unit, Ploufragan, France; Université Européenne de Bretagne, France
| | - Rozenn Souillard
- Université Européenne de Bretagne, France; ANSES Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, Avian and Rabbit Epidemiology and Welfare Unit, Ploufragan, France
| | | | - Sophie Le Bouquin
- Université Européenne de Bretagne, France; ANSES Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, Avian and Rabbit Epidemiology and Welfare Unit, Ploufragan, France
| | - Patrick Fach
- ANSES, Food Safety Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Marianne Chemaly
- ANSES Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pig Products Unit, Ploufragan, France; Université Européenne de Bretagne, France
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25
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Bano L, Drigo I, Tonon E, Berto G, Tavella A, Woudstra C, Capello K, Agnoletti F. Evidence for a natural humoral response in dairy cattle affected by persistent botulism sustained by non-chimeric type C strains. Anaerobe 2015; 36:25-9. [PMID: 26432776 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Bovine botulism is a sporadic acute disease that usually causes catastrophic losses in the herds. The unusual clinical evolution of a persistent mild outbreak in a dairy herd, prompted us to characterize the neurotoxin gene profile of the strain involved and to evaluate whether seroconversion had occurred. Diagnosis was based on mild classical symptoms and was supported by PCR and bacteriological findings, which revealed the involvement of a non-mosaic type C strain. An in-house ELISA was developed to detect antibodies to botulinum neurotoxin type C and its performance was evaluated in a vaccination study. Fifty days after the index case, fecal and serum samples were collected from the 14 animals of the herd and screened for Clostridium botulinum and anti-botulinum neurotoxin antibodies type C, respectively. The in-house developed ELISA was also used to test 100 sera samples randomly collected from 20 herds. Strong ELISA reactions were observed in 3 convalescent and 5 asymptomatic animals involved in the studied outbreak. The ELISA-positive cows all tested positive for non-mosaic C. botulinum type C in the feces and the same strain was also detected in the alfalfa hay, suspected to be the carrier source. Ten out of the 100 randomly collected sera tested positive for anti-botulinum neurotoxin type C antibodies: 7 had borderline values and 3 from the same herd showed titers three times higher than the cut-off. We concluded that type C botulism in cattle may occur with variable severity and that prolonged exposure to sublethal doses of botulinum neurotoxin C may occur, resulting in detectable antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Bano
- Diagnostic and Microbiology Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Vicolo Mazzini 4 int. 5/6, 31020, Villorba di Treviso, Italy.
| | - Ilenia Drigo
- Diagnostic and Microbiology Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Vicolo Mazzini 4 int. 5/6, 31020, Villorba di Treviso, Italy
| | - Elena Tonon
- Diagnostic and Microbiology Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Vicolo Mazzini 4 int. 5/6, 31020, Villorba di Treviso, Italy
| | - Giacomo Berto
- Diagnostic and Microbiology Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Vicolo Mazzini 4 int. 5/6, 31020, Villorba di Treviso, Italy
| | - Alexander Tavella
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Via Conti 4, 39100, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Cedric Woudstra
- Food Safety Laboratory, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety, 23 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94706, Maisons Alfort Cedex, France
| | - Katia Capello
- Epidemiological Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Agnoletti
- Diagnostic and Microbiology Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Vicolo Mazzini 4 int. 5/6, 31020, Villorba di Treviso, Italy
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26
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Draft Genome Sequences of 17 French Clostridium botulinum Group III Strains. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2015; 3:3/5/e01105-15. [PMID: 26430029 PMCID: PMC4591301 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.01105-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Animal botulism is mainly associated with Clostridium botulinum group III strains producing neurotoxin types C, C/D, D, and D/C. In this report, we present the draft genome sequences of fourteen strains of Clostridium botulinum producing type C/D and two strains producing type D/C isolated in France, and one strain producing type D/C that originated from New Caledonia.
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Single-tube nested PCR assay for the detection of avian botulism in cecal contents of chickens. Anaerobe 2015; 35:48-53. [PMID: 26159405 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes a novel diagnostic method for the detection of avian botulism caused by Clostridium botulinum type C and C/D, using single-tube nested PCR assay. This assay was developed to overcome the disadvantages of bioassays used in experiments with mice. Three primer pairs including an antisense primer were designed to target the N-terminal of the toxin gene from C. botulinum types C and C/D. The specificity of the PCR assay was confirmed by using 33 bacterial strains and chicken cecal contents from farms that experienced botulism outbreaks. The detection limit for purified DNA was 1.1 fg/μl, and for bacterial spores was 4.3 spores/200 mg of cecal contents. While checking for specificity of the PCR assay, the reactions with the templates form C. botulinum type C and C/D which were tested became positive, but the rest of the reactions turned negative. However, the results for all clinical samples (n = 8) were positive. The PCR assay results for cecal samples obtained from 300 healthy chickens (150 Korean native chickens and 150 broilers) were all negative. This assay is rapid and straightforward and evades ethical issues associated with mouse bioassay. Moreover, it is more economical than real-time PCR.
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Molecular gene profiling of Clostridium botulinum group III and its detection in naturally contaminated samples originating from various European countries. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:2495-505. [PMID: 25636839 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03915-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the development of real-time PCR assays for genotyping Clostridium botulinum group III targeting the newly defined C. novyi sensu lato group; the nontoxic nonhemagglutinin (NTNH)-encoding gene ntnh; the botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT)-encoding genes bont/C, bont/C/D, bont/D, and bont/D/C; and the flagellin (fliC) gene. The genetic diversity of fliC among C. botulinum group III strains resulted in the definition of five major subgroups named fliC-I to fliC-V. Investigation of fliC subtypes in 560 samples, with various European origins, showed that fliC-I was predominant and found exclusively in samples contaminated by C. botulinum type C/D, fliC-II was rarely detected, no sample was recorded as fliC-III or fliC-V, and only C. botulinum type D/C samples tested positive for fliC-IV. The lack of genetic diversity of the flagellin gene of C. botulinum type C/D would support a clonal spread of type C/D strains in different geographical areas. fliC-I to fliC-III are genetically related (87% to 92% sequence identity), whereas fliC-IV from C. botulinum type D/C is more genetically distant from the other fliC types (with only 50% sequence identity). These findings suggest fliC-I to fliC-III have evolved in a common environment and support a different genetic evolution for fliC-IV. A combination of the C. novyi sensu lato, ntnh, bont, and fliC PCR assays developed in this study allowed better characterization of C. botulinum group III and showed the group to be less genetically diverse than C. botulinum groups I and II, supporting a slow genetic evolution of the strains belonging to C. botulinum group III.
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Gismervik K, Randby ÅT, Rørvik LM, Bruheim T, Andersen A, Hernandez M, Skaar I. Effect of invasive slug populations (Arion vulgaris) on grass silage. II: Microbiological quality and feed safety. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2014.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Jang I, Kang MS, Kim HR, Oh JY, Lee JI, Lee HS, Kwon YK. Occurrence of Avian Botulism in Korea During the Period from June to September 2012. Avian Dis 2014; 58:666-9. [DOI: 10.1637/10793-020414-case] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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An atypical outbreak of food-borne botulism due to Clostridium botulinum types B and E from ham. J Clin Microbiol 2014; 53:722-6. [PMID: 25428161 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02942-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An outbreak of human botulism was due to consumption of ham containing botulinum neurotoxins B and E. A Clostridium botulinum type E strain isolated from ham was assigned to a new subtype (E12) based on bont/E gene sequencing and belongs to a new multilocus sequence subtype, as analyzed by whole-genome sequencing.
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Gismervik K, Bruheim T, Rørvik LM, Haukeland S, Skaar I. Invasive slug populations (Arion vulgaris) as potential vectors for Clostridium botulinum. Acta Vet Scand 2014; 56:65. [PMID: 25277214 PMCID: PMC4189676 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-014-0065-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Norwegian meadows, including those for silage production, are recently found heavily invaded by the slug Arion vulgaris in exposed areas. As a consequence, large numbers of slugs might contaminate grass silage and cause a possible threat to animal feed quality and safety. It is well known that silage contaminated by mammalian or avian carcasses can lead to severe outbreaks of botulism among livestock. Invertebrates, especially fly-larvae (Diptera), are considered important in the transfer of Clostridium botulinum type C and its toxins among birds in wetlands. C. botulinum form highly resistant spores that could easily be consumed by the slugs during feeding. This study aimed to determine whether Arion vulgaris could hold viable C. botulinum and enrich them, which is essential knowledge for assessing the risk of botulism from slug-contaminated silage. Slug carcasses, slug feces and live slugs were tested by a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) method after being fed ≅ 5.8 × 104 CFU C. botulinum type C spores/slug. Results Low amounts of C. botulinum were detected by qPCR in six of 21 slug carcasses with an even spread throughout the 17 day long experiment. Declining amounts of C. botulinum were excreted in slug feces up to day four after the inoculated feed was given. C. botulinum was only quantified the first two days in the sampling of live slugs. The viability of C. botulinum was confirmed for all three sample types (slug carcasses, slug feces and live slugs) by visible growth in enrichment media combined with obtaining a higher quantification cycle (Cq) value than from the non-enriched samples. Conclusions Neither dead nor live invasive Arion vulgaris slugs were shown to enrich Clostridium botulinum containing the neurotoxin type C gene in this study. Slugs excreted viable C. botulinum in their feces up to day four, but in rapidly decreasing numbers. Arion vulgaris appear not to support enrichment of C. botulinum type C.
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Skarin H, Segerman B. Plasmidome interchange between Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium novyi and Clostridium haemolyticum converts strains of independent lineages into distinctly different pathogens. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107777. [PMID: 25254374 PMCID: PMC4177856 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum (group III), Clostridium novyi and Clostridium haemolyticum are well-known pathogens causing animal botulism, gas gangrene/black disease, and bacillary hemoglobinuria, respectively. A close genetic relationship exists between the species, which has resulted in the collective term C. novyi sensu lato. The pathogenic traits in these species, e.g., the botulinum neurotoxin and the novyi alpha toxin, are mainly linked to a large plasmidome consisting of plasmids and circular prophages. The plasmidome of C. novyi sensu lato has so far been poorly characterized. In this study we explored the genomic relationship of a wide range of strains of C. novyi sensu lato with a special focus on the dynamics of the plasmidome. Twenty-four genomes were sequenced from strains selected to represent as much as possible the genetic diversity in C. novyi sensu lato. Sixty-one plasmids were identified in these genomes and 28 of them were completed. The genomic comparisons revealed four separate lineages, which did not strictly correlate with the species designations. The plasmids were categorized into 13 different plasmid groups on the basis of their similarity and conservation of plasmid replication or partitioning genes. The plasmid groups, lineages and species were to a large extent entwined because plasmids and toxin genes had moved across the lineage boundaries. This dynamic process appears to be primarily driven by phages. We here present a comprehensive characterization of the complex species group C. novyi sensu lato, explaining the intermixed genetic properties. This study also provides examples how the reorganization of the botulinum toxin and the novyi alpha toxin genes within the plasmidome has affected the pathogenesis of the strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Skarin
- Department of Bacteriology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bo Segerman
- Department of Bacteriology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Björnstad K, Tevell Åberg A, Kalb SR, Wang D, Barr JR, Bondesson U, Hedeland M. Validation of the Endopep-MS method for qualitative detection of active botulinum neurotoxins in human and chicken serum. Anal Bioanal Chem 2014; 406:7149-61. [PMID: 25228079 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-014-8170-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are highly toxic proteases produced by anaerobic bacteria. Traditionally, a mouse bioassay (MBA) has been used for detection of BoNTs, but for a long time, laboratories have worked with alternative methods for their detection. One of the most promising in vitro methods is a combination of an enzymatic and mass spectrometric assay called Endopep-MS. However, no comprehensive validation of the method has been presented. The main purpose of this work was to perform a validation for the qualitative analysis of BoNT-A, B, C, C/D, D, D/C, and F in serum. The limit of detection (LOD), selectivity, precision, stability in matrix and solution, and correlation with the MBA were evaluated. The LOD was equal to or even better than that of the MBA for BoNT-A, B, D/C, E, and F. Furthermore, Endopep-MS was for the first time successfully used to differentiate between BoNT-C and D and their mosaics C/D and D/C by different combinations of antibodies and target peptides. In addition, sequential antibody capture was presented as a new way to multiplex the method when only a small sample volume is available. In the comparison with the MBA, all the samples analyzed were positive for BoNT-C/D with both methods. These results indicate that the Endopep-MS method is a valid alternative to the MBA as the gold standard for BoNT detection based on its sensitivity, selectivity, and speed and that it does not require experimental animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Björnstad
- Department of Chemistry, Environment and Feed Hygiene, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), 751 89, Uppsala, Sweden
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Anniballi F, Auricchio B, Woudstra C, Fach P, Fiore A, Skarin H, Bano L, Segerman B, Knutsson R, De Medici D. Multiplex real-time PCR for detecting and typing Clostridium botulinum group III organisms and their mosaic variants. Biosecur Bioterror 2014; 11 Suppl 1:S207-14. [PMID: 23971808 DOI: 10.1089/bsp.2012.0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Botulism is a neuroparalytic disease that can occur in all warm-blooded animals, birds, and fishes. The disease in animals is mainly caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum strains belonging to group III, although outbreaks due to toxins produced by group I and II organisms have been recognized. Group III strains are capable of producing botulinum toxins of type C, D, and C/D and D/C mosaic variants. Definitive diagnosis of animal botulism is made by combining clinical findings with laboratory investigations. Detection of toxins in clinical specimens and feed is the gold standard for laboratory diagnosis. Since toxins may be degraded by organisms contained in the gastrointestinal tract or may be present at levels below the detection limit, the recovery of C. botulinum from sick animal specimens is consistent for laboratory confirmation. In this article we report the development and in-house validation of a new multiplex real-time PCR for detecting and typing the neurotoxin genes found in C. botulinum group III organisms. Validation procedures have been carried out according to ISO 16140, using strains and samples recovered from cases of animal botulism in Italy and France.
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Woudstra C, Tevell Åberg A, Skarin H, Anniballi F, De Medici D, Bano L, Koene M, Löfström C, Hansen T, Hedeland M, Fach P. Animal botulism outcomes in the AniBioThreat project. Biosecur Bioterror 2014; 11 Suppl 1:S177-82. [PMID: 23971804 DOI: 10.1089/bsp.2012.0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Botulism disease in both humans and animals is a worldwide concern. Botulinum neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum and other Clostridium species are the most potent biological substances known and are responsible for flaccid paralysis leading to a high mortality rate. Clostridium botulinum and botulinum neurotoxins are considered potential weapons for bioterrorism and have been included in the Australia Group List of Biological Agents. In 2010 the European Commission (DG Justice, Freedom and Security) funded a 3-year project named AniBioThreat to improve the EU's capacity to counter animal bioterrorism threats. A detection portfolio with screening methods for botulism agents and incidents was needed to improve tracking and tracing of accidental and deliberate contamination of the feed and food chain with botulinum neurotoxins and other Clostridia. The complexity of this threat required acquiring new genetic information to better understand the diversity of these Clostridia and develop detection methods targeting both highly specific genetic markers of these Clostridia and the neurotoxins they are able to produce. Several European institutes participating in the AniBioThreat project collaborated on this program to achieve these objectives. Their scientific developments are discussed here.
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Anniballi F, Fiore A, Löfström C, Skarin H, Auricchio B, Woudstra C, Bano L, Segerman B, Koene M, Båverud V, Hansen T, Fach P, Tevell Aberg A, Hedeland M, Olsson Engvall E, De Medici D. Management of animal botulism outbreaks: from clinical suspicion to practical countermeasures to prevent or minimize outbreaks. Biosecur Bioterror 2014; 11 Suppl 1:S191-9. [PMID: 23971806 DOI: 10.1089/bsp.2012.0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Botulism is a severe neuroparalytic disease that affects humans, all warm-blooded animals, and some fishes. The disease is caused by exposure to toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum and other botulinum toxin-producing clostridia. Botulism in animals represents a severe environmental and economic concern because of its high mortality rate. Moreover, meat or other products from affected animals entering the food chain may result in a public health problem. To this end, early diagnosis is crucial to define and apply appropriate veterinary public health measures. Clinical diagnosis is based on clinical findings eliminating other causes of neuromuscular disorders and on the absence of internal lesions observed during postmortem examination. Since clinical signs alone are often insufficient to make a definitive diagnosis, laboratory confirmation is required. Botulinum antitoxin administration and supportive therapies are used to treat sick animals. Once the diagnosis has been made, euthanasia is frequently advisable. Vaccine administration is subject to health authorities' permission, and it is restricted to a small number of animal species. Several measures can be adopted to prevent or minimize outbreaks. In this article we outline all phases of management of animal botulism outbreaks occurring in wet wild birds, poultry, cattle, horses, and fur farm animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Anniballi
- Fabrizio Anniballi, CLT, is a Laboratory Technician; Alfonsina Fiore, PhD, is a Researcher; Bruna Auricchio, CLT, is a Laboratory Technician; and Dario De Medici, PhD, is Senior Researcher, all at Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Rome, Italy. Charlotta Löfström, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, and Trine Hansen, MSc, is a PhD student, both at the National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Søborg, Denmark. Hanna Skarin, MSc, is a Research Assistant; Bo Segerman, PhD, is is a Researcher; Viveca Båverud, PhD, is Associate Professor; Eva Olsson Engvall, PhD, is Associate Professor; all in the Department of Bacteriology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden, and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden. Cédric Woudstra, MSc, is an Engineer, and Patrick Fach, PhD, is Head of the High Throughput qPCR Platform IdentyPath, both at the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES), Food Safety Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France. Luca Bano, PhD, is Veterinary Officer, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory of Treviso, Treviso, Italy. Miriam Koene, DVM, is a Scientist, Central Veterinary Institute of Wageningen University and Research Centre (CVI) , Lelystad, the Netherlands. Annica Tevell Åberg, PhD, is a Senior Researcher, and Mikael Hedeland, PhD, is Associate Professor and Deputy Head of the Department, Department of Chemistry, Environment and Feed Hygiene, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
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Espelund M, Klaveness D. Botulism outbreaks in natural environments - an update. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:287. [PMID: 24966853 PMCID: PMC4052663 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum comprises a diverse group of botulinum toxin-producing anaerobic rod-shaped spore-forming bacteria that are ubiquitously distributed in soils and aquatic sediments. Decomposition of plants, algae, and animals creates anaerobic environments that facilitate growth of C. botulinum, which may then enter into food webs leading to intoxication of animals. Via saprophytic utilization of nutrients, the bacteria rapidly sporulate, creating a reservoir of highly robust spores. In the present review, we focus on the occurrence of C. botulinum in non-clinical environments, and examine factors influencing growth and environmental factors associated with botulism outbreaks. We also outline cases involving specific environments and their biota. In wetlands, it has been found that some C. botulinum strains can associate with toxin-unaffected organisms–-including algae, plants, and invertebrates–-in which the bacteria appear to germinate and stay in the vegetative form for longer periods of time. We suggest the need for future investigations to resolve issues related to the environments in which C. botulinum spores may accumulate and germinate, and where the vegetative forms may multiply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Espelund
- Protection and Societal Security Division, Norwegian Defence Research Establishment Kjeller, Norway
| | - Dag Klaveness
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Oslo Oslo, Norway
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Anza I, Skarin H, Vidal D, Lindberg A, Båverud V, Mateo R. The same clade of Clostridium botulinum strains is causing avian botulism in southern and northern Europe. Anaerobe 2014; 26:20-3. [PMID: 24418766 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Revised: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/01/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Avian botulism is a paralytic disease caused by Clostridium botulinum-produced botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), most commonly of type C/D. It is a serious disease of waterbirds and poultry flocks in many countries in Europe. The objective of this study was to compare the genetic relatedness of avian C. botulinum strains isolated in Spain with strains isolated in Sweden using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Fifteen strains were isolated from Spanish waterbirds using an immunomagnetic separation technique. Isolates were characterized by PCR, and all were identified as the genospecies Clostridium novyi sensu lato and eight harboured the gene coding for the BoNT type C/D. PFGE analysis of the strains revealed four highly similar pulsotypes, out of which two contained strains from both countries. It also showed that outbreaks in wild and domestic birds can be caused by the same strains. These results support a clonal spreading of the mosaic C. botulinum type C/D through Europe and give relevant information for future epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibone Anza
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Hanna Skarin
- Department of Bacteriology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dolors Vidal
- Área de Microbiología, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina de Ciudad Real, Edificio Polivalente, Camino de Moledores s/n, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Anna Lindberg
- Department of Bacteriology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Viveca Båverud
- Department of Bacteriology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
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Popoff MR, Bouvet P. Genetic characteristics of toxigenic Clostridia and toxin gene evolution. Toxicon 2013; 75:63-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Type C and C/D toxigenic Clostridium botulinum is not normally present in the intestine of healthy broilers. Vet Microbiol 2013; 165:466-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Revised: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Vanhomwegen J, Berthet N, Mazuet C, Guigon G, Vallaeys T, Stamboliyska R, Dubois P, Kennedy GC, Cole ST, Caro V, Manuguerra JC, Popoff MR. Application of high-density DNA resequencing microarray for detection and characterization of botulinum neurotoxin-producing clostridia. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67510. [PMID: 23818983 PMCID: PMC3688605 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2012] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridium botulinum and related clostridia express extremely potent toxins known as botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) that cause severe, potentially lethal intoxications in humans. These BoNT-producing bacteria are categorized in seven major toxinotypes (A through G) and several subtypes. The high diversity in nucleotide sequence and genetic organization of the gene cluster encoding the BoNT components poses a great challenge for the screening and characterization of BoNT-producing strains. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In the present study, we designed and evaluated the performances of a resequencing microarray (RMA), the PathogenId v2.0, combined with an automated data approach for the simultaneous detection and characterization of BoNT-producing clostridia. The unique design of the PathogenID v2.0 array allows the simultaneous detection and characterization of 48 sequences targeting the BoNT gene cluster components. This approach allowed successful identification and typing of representative strains of the different toxinotypes and subtypes, as well as the neurotoxin-producing C. botulinum strain in a naturally contaminated food sample. Moreover, the method allowed fine characterization of the different neurotoxin gene cluster components of all studied strains, including genomic regions exhibiting up to 24.65% divergence with the sequences tiled on the arrays. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The severity of the disease demands rapid and accurate means for performing risk assessments of BoNT-producing clostridia and for tracing potentials sources of contamination in outbreak situations. The RMA approach constitutes an essential higher echelon component in a diagnostics and surveillance pipeline. In addition, it is an important asset to characterise potential outbreak related strains, but also environment isolates, in order to obtain a better picture of the molecular epidemiology of BoNT-producing clostridia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Vanhomwegen
- Institut Pasteur, Laboratory for Urgent Responses to Biological Threats, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Berthet
- Institut Pasteur, Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of Oncogenic Viruses, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR3569, Paris, France
| | | | - Ghislaine Guigon
- Institut Pasteur, Genotyping of Pathogens and Public Health, Paris, France
| | - Tatiana Vallaeys
- CNRS – CC093 Université Montpellier II, UMR5119 Ecosystèmes lagunaires, Montpellier, France
| | - Rayna Stamboliyska
- Department of Biology II, University of Munich (LMU), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Philippe Dubois
- Institut Pasteur, Laboratory for Urgent Responses to Biological Threats, Paris, France
| | - Giulia C. Kennedy
- Department of Research and Development, Veracyte, Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Stewart T. Cole
- Global Health Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Valérie Caro
- Institut Pasteur, Genotyping of Pathogens and Public Health, Paris, France
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Environmental factors influencing the prevalence of a Clostridium botulinum type C/D mosaic strain in nonpermanent Mediterranean wetlands. Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 79:4264-71. [PMID: 23645197 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01191-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Between 1978 and 2008, 13 avian botulism outbreaks were recorded in the wetlands of Mancha Húmeda (central Spain). These outbreaks caused the deaths of around 20,000 birds from over 50 species, including globally endangered white-headed ducks (Oxyura leucoceophala). Here, a significant association was found between the number of dead birds recorded in each botulism outbreak and the mean temperature in July (always >26°C). The presence of Clostridium botulinum type C/D in wetland sediments was detected by real-time PCR (quantitative PCR [qPCR]) in 5.8% of 207 samples collected between 2005 and 2008. Low concentrations of Cl(-) and high organic matter content in sediments were significantly associated with the presence of C. botulinum. Seventy-five digestive tracts of birds found dead during botulism outbreaks were analyzed; C. botulinum was present in 38.7% of them. The prevalence of C. botulinum was 18.2% (n = 22 pools) in aquatic invertebrates (Chironomidae and Corixidae families) and 33.3% (n = 18 pools) in necrophagous invertebrates (Sarcophagidae and Calliphoridae families), including two pools of adult necrophagous flies collected around bird carcasses. The presence of the bacteria in the adult fly form opens up new perspectives in the epidemiology of avian botulism, since these flies may be transporting C. botulinum from one carcass to another.
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Zhang Y, Gardberg AS, Edwards TE, Sankaran B, Robinson H, Varnum SM, Buchko GW. Structural insights into the functional role of the Hcn sub-domain of the receptor-binding domain of the botulinum neurotoxin mosaic serotype C/D. Biochimie 2013; 95:1379-85. [PMID: 23523511 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2013.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), the causative agent of the deadly neuroparalytic disease botulism, is the most poisonous protein known for humans. Produced by different strains of the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum, BoNT effects cellular intoxication via a multistep mechanism executed by the three modules of the activated protein. Endocytosis, the first step of cellular intoxication, is triggered by the ~50 kDa, heavy-chain receptor-binding domain (HCR) that is specific for a ganglioside and a protein receptor on neuronal cell surfaces. This dual receptor recognition mechanism between BoNT and the host cell's membrane is well documented and occurs via specific intermolecular interactions with the C-terminal sub-domain, Hcc, of BoNT-HCR. The N-terminal sub-domain of BoNT-HCR, Hcn, comprises ~50% of BoNT-HCR and adopts a β-sheet jelly roll fold. While suspected in assisting cell surface recognition, no unambiguous function for the Hcn sub-domain in BoNT has been identified. To obtain insights into the potential function of the Hcn sub-domain in BoNT, the first crystal structure of a BoNT with an organic ligand bound to the Hcn sub-domain has been obtained. Here, we describe the crystal structure of BoNT/CD-HCR determined at 1.70 Å resolution with a tetraethylene glycol (PG4) moiety bound in a hydrophobic cleft between β-strands in the β-sheet jelly roll fold of the Hcn sub-domain. The PG4 moiety is completely engulfed in the cleft, making numerous hydrophilic (Y932, S959, W966, and D1042) and hydrophobic (S935, W977, L979, N1013, and I1066) contacts with the protein's side chain and backbone that may mimic in vivo interactions with the phospholipid membranes on neuronal cell surfaces. A sulfate ion was also observed bound to residues T1176, D1177, K1196, and R1243 in the Hcc sub-domain of BoNT/CD-HCR. In the crystal structure of a similar protein, BoNT/D-HCR, a sialic acid molecule was observed bound to the equivalent residues suggesting that residues T1176, D1177, K1196, and R1243 in BoNT/CD may play a role in ganglioside binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Zhang
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
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Nakamura K, Kohda T, Seto Y, Mukamoto M, Kozaki S. Improved detection methods by genetic and immunological techniques for botulinum C/D and D/C mosaic neurotoxins. Vet Microbiol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2012.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Unique biological activity of botulinum D/C mosaic neurotoxin in murine species. Infect Immun 2012; 80:2886-93. [PMID: 22665374 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00302-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum types C and D cause animal botulism by the production of serotype-specific or mosaic botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). The D/C mosaic BoNT (BoNT/DC), which is produced by the isolate from bovine botulism in Japan, exhibits the highest toxicity to mice among all BoNTs. In contrast, rats appeared to be very resistant to BoNT/DC in type C and D BoNTs and their mosaic BoNTs. We attempted to characterize the enzymatic and receptor-binding activities of BoNT/DC by comparison with those of type C and D BoNTs (BoNT/C and BoNT/D). BoNT/DC and D showed similar toxic effects on cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) derived from the mouse, but the former showed less toxicity to rat CGCs. In recombinant murine-derived vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP), the enzymatic activities of both BoNTs to rat isoform 1 VAMP (VAMP1) were lower than those to the other VAMP homologues. We then examined the physiological significance of gangliosides as the binding components for types C and D, and mosaic BoNTs. BoNT/DC and C were found to cleave an intracellular substrate of PC12 cells upon the exogenous addition of GM1a and GT1b gangliosides, respectively, suggesting that each BoNT recognizes a different ganglioside moiety. The effect of BoNT/DC on glutamate release from CGCs was prevented by cholera toxin B-subunit (CTB) but not by a site-directed mutant of CTB that did not bind to GM1a. Bovine adrenal chromaffin cells appeared to be more sensitive to BoNT/DC than to BoNT/C and D. These results suggest that a unique mechanism of receptor binding of BoNT/DC may differentially regulate its biological activities in animals.
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Neurotoxin gene profiling of clostridium botulinum types C and D native to different countries within Europe. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 78:3120-7. [PMID: 22344654 DOI: 10.1128/aem.07568-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum types C and D, as well as their mosaic variants C-D and D-C, are associated with avian and mammalian botulism. This study reports on the development of low-density macroarrays based on the GeneDisc cycler platform (Pall-GeneDisc Technologies) applied to the simultaneous detection of the C. botulinum subtypes C, C-D, D, and D-C. The limit of detection of the PCR assays was 38 fg of total DNA, corresponding to 15 genome copies. Artificially contaminated samples of cecum showed a limit of detection below 50 spores/g. The tests were performed with a large variety of bacterial strains, including C. botulinum types C (n = 12), C-D (n = 29), D (n = 5), and D-C (n = 10), other botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT)-producing Clostridium strains (n = 20), non-BoNT-producing clostridia (n = 20), and other bacterial species (n = 23), and showed a high specificity. These PCR assays were compared to previously published real-time PCRs for the detection of C. botulinum in 292 samples collected from cases of botulism events in four European regions. The majority of the samples originated from wild birds (n = 108), poultry (n = 60), and bovines (n = 56). Among the 292 samples, 144 were positive for either the bont/C-D or the bont/D-C gene by using the GeneDisc arrays. The reliability of the results tallied to 97.94%. Interestingly, only BoNT mosaics, types C-D and D-C, were found in naturally contaminated samples whatever their animal origin and their geographical location. Further investigations should now be performed in order to check that mosaic types dominate in Europe and that acquisition of mosaic types helps in survival or adaptation to particular niche.
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Dorner MB, Schulz KM, Kull S, Dorner BG. Complexity of Botulinum Neurotoxins: Challenges for Detection Technology. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-662-45790-0_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Montgomery VA, Smith LA. Diagnostic and possible therapeutic application of a monoclonal antibody (14G8) directed against botulinum type C neurotoxin. Hybridoma (Larchmt) 2011; 30:209-16. [PMID: 21707354 DOI: 10.1089/hyb.2010.0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
A monoclonal antibody, designated 14G8, detected Clostridium botulinum type C neurotoxin in immunoassays requiring native confirmation of the analyte. 14G8 bound to the light chain of the type C neurotoxin, which is conserved between strains of C. botulinum type C and C/d mosaic neurotoxins. 14G8 did not react to any other serotypes of C. botulinum neurotoxins. In mouse phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm assays, 14G8, when combined with a second antibody (5D9-H9-A9, which reacts to epitopes on the carboxy terminus of the heavy chain), was able to protect the mouse myoneural junction from intoxication with C. botulinum type C neurotoxin. When used individually, both 14G8 and 5D9-H9-G9 antibodies slowed the loss of twitch tension in the mouse phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm assays, but did not completely protect the phrenic nerve from paralysis. In in vivo mouse botulinum neurotoxin type C challenge studies, the combination of 14G8 and 5D9-H9-A9 significantly increased mean time-to-death and survival when compared to toxin controls and mice receiving only one of the monoclonal antibodies. These results suggest that the 14G8 monoclonal antibody could have useful therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki A Montgomery
- Division of Integrated Toxicology, U.S. Army Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA.
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Skarin H, Segerman B. Horizontal gene transfer of toxin genes in Clostridium botulinum: Involvement of mobile elements and plasmids. Mob Genet Elements 2011; 1:213-215. [PMID: 22479689 DOI: 10.4161/mge.1.3.17617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2011] [Revised: 07/28/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Intoxication with the potent botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) gives rise to the serious paralytic illness botulism. BoNT is part of a complex that consists of the neurotoxin and several associated components, all encoded by the bont gene cluster. This gene cluster has likely been subjected to horizontal gene transfer between different groups of clostridia, which has given rise to the genetically diverse species Clostridium botulinum. C. botulinum is divided into four physiological groups (I-IV), where group I and II cause disease in humans and group III in animals. Analysis of the genomes of group I, II and III has revealed that toxin genes, including the bont cluster, often are plasmid-borne. The genomes analyzed from group III contain an unusually high number of plasmids carrying different toxin genes. Some of these genes are also found in other Clostridium species and some have moved between different plasmids within the same physiological group. This indicates that horizontal transfer of toxin genes is taking place within and between species of Clostridium. The abundance of mobile elements, especially in genomes of group III, is likely connected to accelerated genome plasticity and gene transfer events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Skarin
- Department of Bacteriology; National Veterinary Institute (SVA); Uppsala, Sweden
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