1
|
Mendonça R, Furtado R, Coelho A, Correia CB, Suyarko E, Borges V, Gomes JP, Pista A, Batista R. Raw milk cheeses from Beira Baixa, Portugal-A contributive study for the microbiological hygiene and safety assessment. Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:1759-1772. [PMID: 38622468 PMCID: PMC11153484 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01332-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to specific bacterial microbiota, raw milk cheeses have appreciated sensory properties. However, they may pose a threat to consumer safety due to potential pathogens presence. This study evaluated the microbiological contamination of 98 raw milk cheeses from Beira Baixa, Portugal. Presence and enumeration of Coagulase Positive Staphylococci (CPS), Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., pathogenic Escherichia coli, and indicator microorganisms (non-pathogenic E. coli and Listeria spp.) was attained. E. coli antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was also evaluated. PCR and/or Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to characterize E. coli, Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes isolates. Sixteen cheeses (16.3%) were classified as Satisfactory, 59 (60.2%) as Borderline and 23 (23.5%) as Unsatisfactory/Potential Injurious to Health. L. monocytogenes, CPS > 104 cfu g-1, Extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) and Salmonella spp. were detected in 4.1%, 6.1%, 3.1% and 1.0% of the samples, respectively. Listeria innocua (4.1%) and E. coli > 104 cfu g-1 (16.3%) were also detected. AMR E. coli was detected in 23/98 (23.5%) of the cheese samples, of which two were multidrug resistant. WGS identified genotypes already associated to human disease and Listeria spp. cluster analysis indicated that cheese contamination might be related with noncompliance with Good Hygiene Practices during cheese production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Mendonça
- Department of Food and Nutrition, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Rosália Furtado
- Department of Food and Nutrition, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anabela Coelho
- Department of Food and Nutrition, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristina Belo Correia
- Department of Food and Nutrition, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elena Suyarko
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA School of Science and Technology, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Vítor Borges
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Gomes
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Center (CECAV), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University-Lisbon University Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Angela Pista
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Batista
- Department of Food and Nutrition, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Silva A, Silva V, Gomes JP, Coelho A, Batista R, Saraiva C, Esteves A, Martins Â, Contente D, Diaz-Formoso L, Cintas LM, Igrejas G, Borges V, Poeta P. Listeria monocytogenes from Food Products and Food Associated Environments: Antimicrobial Resistance, Genetic Clustering and Biofilm Insights. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:447. [PMID: 38786175 PMCID: PMC11118052 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13050447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogen, exhibits high adaptability to adverse environmental conditions and is common in the food industry, especially in ready-to-eat foods. L. monocytogenes strains pose food safety challenges due to their ability to form biofilms, increased resistance to disinfectants, and long-term persistence in the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and genetic diversity of L. monocytogenes in food and related environmental products collected from 2014 to 2022 and assess antibiotic susceptibility and biofilm formation abilities. L. monocytogenes was identified in 13 out of the 227 (6%) of samples, 7 from food products (meat preparation, cheeses, and raw milk) and 6 from food-processing environments (slaughterhouse-floor and catering establishments). All isolates exhibited high biofilm-forming capacity and antibiotic susceptibility testing showed resistance to several classes of antibiotics, especially trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and erythromycin. Genotyping and core-genome clustering identified eight sequence types and a cluster of three very closely related ST3 isolates (all from food), suggesting a common contamination source. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis revealed resistance genes conferring resistance to fosfomycin (fosX), lincosamides (lin), fluoroquinolones (norB), and tetracycline (tetM). In addition, the qacJ gene was also detected, conferring resistance to disinfecting agents and antiseptics. Virulence gene profiling revealed the presence of 92 associated genes associated with pathogenicity, adherence, and persistence. These findings underscore the presence of L. monocytogenes strains in food products and food-associated environments, demonstrating a high virulence of these strains associated with resistance genes to antibiotics, but also to disinfectants and antiseptics. Moreover, they emphasize the need for continuous surveillance, effective risk assessment, and rigorous control measures to minimize the public health risks associated to severe infections, particularly listeriosis outbreaks. A better understanding of the complex dynamics of pathogens in food products and their associated environments can help improve overall food safety and develop more effective strategies to prevent severe health consequences and economic losses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Silva
- Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Team (MicroART), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (A.S.)
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV-REQUIMTE), University NOVA School of Science and Technology, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Unit, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Silva
- Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Team (MicroART), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (A.S.)
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV-REQUIMTE), University NOVA School of Science and Technology, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Unit, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Gomes
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anabela Coelho
- Food Microbiology Laboratory, Food and Nutrition Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Batista
- Food Microbiology Laboratory, Food and Nutrition Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristina Saraiva
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV—Veterinary and Animal Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Esteves
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV—Veterinary and Animal Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ângela Martins
- CECAV—Veterinary and Animal Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Diogo Contente
- Grupo de Seguridad y Calidad de los Alimentos por Bacterias Lácticas, Bacteriocinas y Probióticos (SEGABALBP), Sección Departamental de Nutrición y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain (L.M.C.)
| | - Lara Diaz-Formoso
- Grupo de Seguridad y Calidad de los Alimentos por Bacterias Lácticas, Bacteriocinas y Probióticos (SEGABALBP), Sección Departamental de Nutrición y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain (L.M.C.)
| | - Luis M. Cintas
- Grupo de Seguridad y Calidad de los Alimentos por Bacterias Lácticas, Bacteriocinas y Probióticos (SEGABALBP), Sección Departamental de Nutrición y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain (L.M.C.)
| | - Gilberto Igrejas
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV-REQUIMTE), University NOVA School of Science and Technology, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Unit, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Vítor Borges
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Poeta
- Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Team (MicroART), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (A.S.)
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV-REQUIMTE), University NOVA School of Science and Technology, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- CECAV—Veterinary and Animal Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bettencourt C, Nunes A, Nogueira P, Duarte S, Silva C, Gomes JP, Simões MJ. Epidemiology and genetic diversity of invasive Neisseria meningitidis strains circulating in Portugal from 2003 to 2020. Int Microbiol 2023:10.1007/s10123-023-00463-w. [PMID: 38057459 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00463-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) continues to be a public health problem due to its epidemic potential, affecting mostly children. We aimed to present a detailed description of the epidemiology of IMD in Portugal, including insights into the genetic diversity of Neisseria meningitidis strains. Epidemiological analysis included data from the Portuguese National Reference Laboratory of Neisseria meningitidis during 2003 to 2020. Since 2012, N. meningitidis isolates have also been assessed for their susceptibility to antibiotics and were characterized by whole genome sequencing. During 2003-2020, 1392 confirmed cases of IMD were analyzed. A decrease in the annual incidence rate was observed, ranging from 1.99 (2003) to 0.39 (2020), with an average case fatality rate of 7.1%. Serogroup B was the most frequent (69.7%), followed by serogroups C (9.7%), Y (5.7%), and W (2.6%). Genomic characterization of 329 isolates identified 20 clonal complexes (cc), with the most prevalent belonging to serogroup B cc41/44 (26.3%) and cc213 (16.3%). Isolates belonging to cc11 were predominantly from serogroups W (77.3%) and C (76.5%), whereas cc23 was dominant from serogroup Y (65.7%). Over the past 4 years (2017-2020), we observed an increasing trend of cases assigned to cc213, cc32, and cc11. Regarding antimicrobial susceptibility, all isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone and 61.8% were penicillin-nonsusceptible, whereas 1.4% and 1.0% were resistant to ciprofloxacin and rifampicin. This is the first detailed study on the epidemiology and genomics of invasive N. meningitidis infections in Portugal, providing relevant data to public health policy makers for a more effective control of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Célia Bettencourt
- National Reference Laboratory for Neisseria Meningitidis, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Alexandra Nunes
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
- Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paulo Nogueira
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Duarte
- Innovation and Technology Unit, Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Catarina Silva
- Innovation and Technology Unit, Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Gomes
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
- Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria João Simões
- National Reference Laboratory for Neisseria Meningitidis, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Timme RE, Karsch-Mizrachi I, Waheed Z, Arita M, MacCannell D, Maguire F, Petit III R, Page AJ, Mendes CI, Nasar MI, Oluniyi P, Tyler AD, Raphenya AR, Guthrie JL, Olawoye I, Rinck G, O’Cathail C, Lees J, Cochrane G, Cummins C, Brister JR, Klimke W, Feldgarden M, Griffiths E. Putting everything in its place: using the INSDC compliant Pathogen Data Object Model to better structure genomic data submitted for public health applications. Microb Genom 2023; 9:001145. [PMID: 38085797 PMCID: PMC10763499 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fast, efficient public health actions require well-organized and coordinated systems that can supply timely and accurate knowledge. Public databases of pathogen genomic data, such as the International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration (INSDC), have become essential tools for efficient public health decisions. However, these international resources began primarily for academic purposes, rather than for surveillance or interventions. Now, queries need to access not only the whole genomes of multiple pathogens but also make connections using robust contextual metadata to identify issues of public health relevance. Databases that over time developed a patchwork of submission formats and requirements need to be consistently organized and coordinated internationally to allow effective searches.To help resolve these issues, we propose a common pathogen data structure called the Pathogen Data Object Model (DOM) that will formalize the minimum pieces of sequence data and contextual data necessary for general public health uses, while recognizing that submitters will likely withhold a wide range of non-public contextual data. Further, we propose contributors use the Pathogen DOM for all pathogen submissions (bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasites), which will simplify data submissions and provide a consistent and transparent data structure for downstream data analyses. We also highlight how improved submission tools can support the Pathogen DOM, offering users additional easy-to-use methods to ensure this structure is followed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth E. Timme
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Ilene Karsch-Mizrachi
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zahra Waheed
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Masanori Arita
- DNA Data Bank of Japan, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Duncan MacCannell
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Finlay Maguire
- Department of Community Health & Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
- Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | | | - Andrew J. Page
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
- Theiagen Genomics LLC, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
| | | | - Muhammad Ibtisam Nasar
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University- Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Paul Oluniyi
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andrea D. Tyler
- Science Technology Cores and Services, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Amogelang R. Raphenya
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences and the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer L. Guthrie
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Idowu Olawoye
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gabriele Rinck
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Colman O’Cathail
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - John Lees
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Guy Cochrane
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Carla Cummins
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - J. Rodney Brister
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - William Klimke
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michael Feldgarden
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Emma Griffiths
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ballard SA, Sherry NL, Howden BP. Public health implementation of pathogen genomics: the role for accreditation and application of ISO standards. Microb Genom 2023; 9:mgen001097. [PMID: 37590046 PMCID: PMC10483410 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogen genomics has transitioned rapidly from the research setting into a powerful tool now routinely used in public health microbiology, for surveillance, outbreak investigations and disease control. As these investigations can have significant public health, treatment and legal impacts, we must ensure the accuracy of these results through validation of testing processes. For laboratories working in this space, it is important to approach this work with a quality and accreditation framework in mind, working towards implementation of quality systems and test validation that meet international regulatory standards. Here we outline the key international standards and processes that lead toward accreditation for pathogen genomics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan A. Ballard
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth St Melbourne, 3000, Australia
| | - Norelle L. Sherry
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth St Melbourne, 3000, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Austin Hospital, 145 Studley Rd., Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Benjamin P. Howden
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth St Melbourne, 3000, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Austin Hospital, 145 Studley Rd., Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Centre for Pathogen Genomics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Michelacci V, Asséré A, Cacciò S, Cavaiuolo M, Mooijman K, Morabito S, Pedersen SK, Sayeb M, Segerman B, Simonsson M, Skarin H, Tozzoli R, van Hoek A, Hendriksen RS. European Union Reference Laboratories support the National food, feed and veterinary Reference Laboratories with rolling out whole genome sequencing in Europe. Microb Genom 2023; 9. [PMID: 37489877 PMCID: PMC10438819 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The Inter European Union Reference Laboratories (EURLs) Working Group on Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) involves eight EURLs for microbiological food and feed hazards and has been working since 2017 to promote the adoption of NGS by the National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) in the European Union. This work illustrates the results of the first 5 years of activity. By working together, the EURLs involved have released guidance documents for assisting NRLs in all the steps of NGS, helping the transition from classical molecular methods towards whole genome sequencing while ensuring harmonization, with the final aim of improving preparedness in the use of NGS to characterize microbial hazards and trace the sources of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Michelacci
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli including Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Adrien Asséré
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Listeria monocytogenes, Laboratory for Food Safety, Anses, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Simone Cacciò
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Cavaiuolo
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Coagulase Positive Staphylococci, Laboratory for Food Safety, Anses, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Kirsten Mooijman
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Salmonella, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Stefano Morabito
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli including Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanne Karlsmose Pedersen
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance, Technical University of Denmark, National Food Institute, WHO Collaborating Center for Antimicrobial Resistance in Food borne Pathogens and Genomics, FAO Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Maroua Sayeb
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Listeria monocytogenes, Laboratory for Food Safety, Anses, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Bo Segerman
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Campylobacter, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Magnus Simonsson
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Foodborne Viruses, Swedish Food Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hanna Skarin
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Campylobacter, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rosangela Tozzoli
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli including Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela van Hoek
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Salmonella, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Rene Sjøgren Hendriksen
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance, Technical University of Denmark, National Food Institute, WHO Collaborating Center for Antimicrobial Resistance in Food borne Pathogens and Genomics, FAO Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Knijn A, Michelacci V, Gigliucci F, Tozzoli R, Chiani P, Minelli F, Scavia G, Ventola E, Morabito S. IRIDA-ARIES Genomics, a key player in the One Health surveillance of diseases caused by infectious agents in Italy. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1151568. [PMID: 37361153 PMCID: PMC10289303 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1151568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogen genomics is transforming surveillance of infectious diseases, deepening our understanding of evolution and diffusion of etiological agents, host-pathogen interactions and antimicrobial resistance. This discipline is playing an important role in the development of One Health Surveillance with public health experts of various disciplines integrating methods applied to pathogen research, monitoring, management and prevention of outbreaks. Especially with the notion that foodborne diseases may not be transmitted by food only, the ARIES Genomics project aimed to deliver an Information System for the collection of genomic and epidemiological data to enable genomics-based surveillance of infectious epidemics, foodborne outbreaks and diseases at the animal-human interface. Keeping in mind that the users of the system comprised persons with expertise in a wide variety of domains, the system was expected to be used with a low learning curve directly by the persons target of the analyses' results, keeping the information exchange chains as short as possible. As a result, the IRIDA-ARIES platform (https://irida.iss.it/) provides an intuitive web-based interface for multisectoral data collection and bioinformatic analyses. In practice, the user creates a sample and uploads the Next-generation sequencing reads, then an analysis pipeline is launched automatically performing a series of typing and clustering operations fueling the information flow. Instances of IRIDA-ARIES host the Italian national surveillance system for infections by Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) and the surveillance system for infections by Shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). As of today, the platform does not provide tools to manage epidemiological investigations but serves as an instrument of aggregation for risk monitoring, capable of triggering alarms on possible critical situations that might go unnoticed otherwise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Knijn
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Alves F, Castro R, Pinto M, Nunes A, Pomba C, Oliveira M, Silveira L, Gomes JP, Oleastro M. Molecular epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile in companion animals: Genetic overlap with human strains and public health concerns. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1070258. [PMID: 36684930 PMCID: PMC9853383 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1070258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The changing epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile reflects a well-established and intricate community transmission network. With rising numbers of reported community-acquired infections, recent studies tried to identify the role played by non-human reservoirs in the pathogen's transmission chain. This study aimed at describing the C. difficile strains circulating in canine and feline populations, and to evaluate their genetic overlap with human strains to assess the possibility of interspecies transmission. Methods Fecal samples from dogs (n = 335) and cats (n = 140) were collected from two populations (group A and group B) in Portugal. C. difficile isolates were characterized for toxigenic profile and PCR-ribotyping. The presence of genetic determinants of antimicrobial resistance was assessed in all phenotypically resistant isolates. To evaluate the genetic overlap between companion animals and human isolates from Portugal, RT106 (n = 42) and RT014/020 (n = 41) strains from both sources were subjected to whole genome sequencing and integrated with previously sequenced RT106 (n = 43) and RT014/020 (n = 142) genomes from different countries. The genetic overlap was assessed based on core-single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) using a threshold of 2 SNP. Results The overall positivity rate for C. difficile was 26% (76/292) in group A and 18.6% (34/183) in group B. Toxigenic strains accounted for 50% (38/76) and 52.9% (18/34) of animal carriage rates, respectively. The most prevalent ribotypes (RT) were the toxigenic RT106 and RT014/020, and the non-toxigenic RT010 and RT009. Antimicrobial resistance was found for clindamycin (27.9%), metronidazole (17.1%) and moxifloxacin (12.4%), associated with the presence of the ermB gene, the pCD-METRO plasmid and point mutations in the gyrA gene, respectively. Both RT106 and RT014/020 genetic analysis revealed several clusters integrating isolates from animal and human sources, supporting the possibility of clonal interspecies transmission or a shared environmental contamination source. Discussion This study shows that companion animals may constitute a source of infection of toxigenic and antimicrobial resistant human associated C. difficile isolates. Additionally, it contributes with important data on the genetic proximity between C. difficile isolates from both sources, adding new information to guide future work on the role of animal reservoirs in the establishment of community associated transmission networks and alerting for potential public health risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederico Alves
- National Reference Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Castro
- National Reference Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel Pinto
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Nunes
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Constança Pomba
- Genevet–Veterinary Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Carnaxide, Portugal
- CIISA–Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Manuela Oliveira
- CIISA–Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Leonor Silveira
- National Reference Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Gomes
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mónica Oleastro
- National Reference Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Štefánek M, Wenner S, Borges V, Pinto M, Gomes JP, Rodrigues J, Faria I, Pessanha MA, Martins F, Sabino R, Veríssimo C, Nogueira ID, Carvalho PA, Bujdáková H, Jordao L. Antimicrobial Resistance and Biofilms Underlying Catheter-Related Bloodstream Coinfection by Enterobacter cloacae Complex and Candida parapsilosis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11091245. [PMID: 36140024 PMCID: PMC9495738 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11091245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilm-associated infections are a public health concern especially in the context of healthcare-associated infections such as catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). We evaluated the biofilm formation and antimicrobials resistance (AMR) of Enterobacter cloacae complex and Candida parapsilosis co-isolated from a CRBSI patient. Antimicrobial susceptibility of central venous catheters (CVCs) and hemoculture (HC) isolates was evaluated, including whole genome sequencing (WGS) resistome analysis and evaluation of gene expression to obtain insight into their AMR determinants. Crystal violet assay was used to assess dual biofilm biomass and microscopy was used to elucidate a microorganism’s distribution within biofilms assembled on different materials. Bacteria were multidrug-resistant including resistance to colistin and beta-lactams, likely linked to the mcr-9-like phosphoethanolamine transferase and to an ACT family cephalosporin-hydrolyzing class C beta-lactamase, respectively. The R398I and Y132F mutations in the ERG11 gene and its differential expression might account for C. parapsilosis resistance to fluconazole. The phenotype of dual biofilms assembled on glass, polystyrene and polyurethane depends on the material and how biofilms were initiated by one or both pathogens. Biofilms assembled on polyurethane were denser and richer in the extracellular polymeric matrix, and microorganisms were differently distributed on the inner/outer surface of the CVC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matúš Štefánek
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Vítor Borges
- Genomics and Bioinformatic Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases (DDI), National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel Pinto
- Genomics and Bioinformatic Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases (DDI), National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Gomes
- Genomics and Bioinformatic Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases (DDI), National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Rodrigues
- Unidade Laboratorial Integrada de Microbiologia, Department of Infectious Diseases (DDI), National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel Faria
- Laboratório de Microbiologia e Biologia Molecular do Serviço de Patologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar de lisboa Ocidental (CHLO), 1349-019 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Ana Pessanha
- Laboratório de Microbiologia e Biologia Molecular do Serviço de Patologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar de lisboa Ocidental (CHLO), 1349-019 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filomena Martins
- Direção do Programa de Prevenção e Controlo de Infeção e Resistência aos Antimicrobianos, Centro Hospitalar de lisboa Ocidental (CHLO), 1349-019 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Raquel Sabino
- Reference Unit for Parasitic and Fungal Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Institute of Environmental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristina Veríssimo
- Reference Unit for Parasitic and Fungal Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | | | - Helena Bujdáková
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Luisa Jordao
- Unidade de Investigação & Desenvolvimento, Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Nacional de Saude Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA),1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Alves F, Nunes A, Castro R, Sequeira A, Moreira O, Matias R, Rodrigues JC, Silveira L, Gomes JP, Oleastro M. Assessment of the Transmission Dynamics of Clostridioides difficile in a Farm Environment Reveals the Presence of a New Toxigenic Strain Connected to Swine Production. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:858310. [PMID: 35495679 PMCID: PMC9050547 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.858310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent increase in community-acquired Clostridioides difficile infections discloses the shift in this bacterium epidemiology. This study aimed at establishing a transmission network involving One Health components, as well as assessing the zoonotic potential and genomic features of dominant clones. Samples were collected from different compartments of animal, human and environmental origin, from an animal production unit. C. difficile isolates were characterized for toxigenic profile by multiplex-PCR, while genetic diversity was evaluated by PCR-ribotyping and whole genome-based analysis. The overall C. difficile prevalence was 37.2% (70/188), and included samples from environmental (58.3%, 35/60) and animal (31.5%, 35/111) compartments; human samples (n = 17) taken from healthy workers were negative. A predominant clone from RT033 was found in almost 90% of the positive samples, including samples from all compartments connected to the pig production unit, with core-genome single nucleotide variant (SNV)-based Analysis supporting a clonal transmission between them (mean distance of 0.1 ± 0.1 core-SNVs). The isolates from this clone (herein designated PT RT033) were positive for all C. difficile toxin genes (tcdA, tcdB, cdtA/cdtB). The phyloGenetic positioning of this clone was clearly distinct from the classical RT033 cluster, suggesting a different evolutionary route. This new clone shares genomic features with several RTs from the clade 5 Sequence Type (ST) 11, including a complete pathogenicity locus (PaLoc) that is more similar to the one found in toxigenic strains and contrasting to the less virulent classical RT033 (tcdA-, tcdB-, cdtA + /cdtB +). The presence of a tcdA gene truncated into two ORFs, not previously described, requires further evaluation concerning toxin functionality. We hypothesize that the unique combination of genetic elements found in the PT RT033 clone may contribute to host tropism and environmental dissemination and maintenance. This study constitutes the first report of a toxigenic RT033 clone and adds to the overall knowledge on Clade 5 sequence type 11, considered the C. difficile evolutionary lineage with the highest zoonotic potential. The presence of this clone in all compartments associated with the pig production unit suggests a transmission chain involving these animals and contributes to unveil the role played by animal and environmental reservoirs in this pathogen epidemiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederico Alves
- Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Nunes
- Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
- CBIOS - Lusófona University Research Centre for Biosciences & Health Technologies, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Castro
- Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António Sequeira
- National Zootechnical Station, National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Santarém, Portugal
| | - Olga Moreira
- National Zootechnical Station, National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Santarém, Portugal
| | - Rui Matias
- Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Carlos Rodrigues
- Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Leonor Silveira
- Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Gomes
- Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mónica Oleastro
- Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Palma F, Mangone I, Janowicz A, Moura A, Chiaverini A, Torresi M, Garofolo G, Criscuolo A, Brisse S, Di Pasquale A, Cammà C, Radomski N. In vitro and in silico parameters for precise cgMLST typing of Listeria monocytogenes. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:235. [PMID: 35346021 PMCID: PMC8961897 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08437-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Whole genome sequencing analyzed by core genome multi-locus sequence typing (cgMLST) is widely used in surveillance of the pathogenic bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. Given the heterogeneity of available bioinformatics tools to define cgMLST alleles, our aim was to identify parameters influencing the precision of cgMLST profiles. Methods We used three L. monocytogenes reference genomes from different phylogenetic lineages and assessed the impact of in vitro (i.e. tested genomes, successive platings, replicates of DNA extraction and sequencing) and in silico parameters (i.e. targeted depth of coverage, depth of coverage, breadth of coverage, assembly metrics, cgMLST workflows, cgMLST completeness) on cgMLST precision made of 1748 core loci. Six cgMLST workflows were tested, comprising assembly-based (BIGSdb, INNUENDO, GENPAT, SeqSphere and BioNumerics) and assembly-free (i.e. kmer-based MentaLiST) allele callers. Principal component analyses and generalized linear models were used to identify the most impactful parameters on cgMLST precision. Results The isolate’s genetic background, cgMLST workflows, cgMLST completeness, as well as depth and breadth of coverage were the parameters that impacted most on cgMLST precision (i.e. identical alleles against reference circular genomes). All workflows performed well at ≥40X of depth of coverage, with high loci detection (> 99.54% for all, except for BioNumerics with 97.78%) and showed consistent cluster definitions using the reference cut-off of ≤7 allele differences. Conclusions This highlights that bioinformatics workflows dedicated to cgMLST allele calling are largely robust when paired-end reads are of high quality and when the sequencing depth is ≥40X. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08437-4.
Collapse
|
12
|
Pinto M, Borges V, Nascimento M, Martins F, Pessanha MA, Faria I, Rodrigues J, Matias R, Gomes JP, Jordao L. Insights on catheter-related bloodstream infections: a prospective observational study on the catheter colonization and multi-drug resistance. J Hosp Infect 2022; 123:43-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
13
|
Sacher-Pirklbauer A, Klein-Jöbstl D, Sofka D, Blanc-Potard AB, Hilbert F. Phylogenetic Groups and Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Escherichia coli from Different Meat Species. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10121543. [PMID: 34943755 PMCID: PMC8698590 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10121543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli isolated from meat of different animal species may harbour antimicrobial resistance genes and may thus be a threat to human health. The objectives of this study were to define antimicrobial resistance genes in E. coli isolates from pork, beef, chicken- and turkey meat and analyse whether their resistance genotypes associated with phylogenetic groups or meat species. A total number of 313 E. coli samples were isolated using standard cultural techniques. In 98% of resistant isolates, a dedicated resistance gene could be identified by PCR. Resistance genes detected were tet(A) and tet(B) for tetracycline resistance, strA and aadA1 for streptomycin resistance, sulI and sulII for resistance against sulphonamides, dfr and aphA for kanamycin resistance and blaTEM for ampicillin resistance. One stx1 harbouring E. coli isolated from pork harboured the tet(A) gene and belonged to phylogenetic group B2, whilst another stx1 positive isolate from beef was multi-resistant and tested positive for blaTEM,aphA, strA–B, sulII, and tet(A) and belonged to phylogenetic group A. In conclusion, the distribution of resistance elements was almost identical and statistically indifferent in isolates of different meat species. Phylogenetic groups did not associate with the distribution of resistance genes and a rather low number of diverse resistance genes were detected. Most E. coli populations with different resistance genes against one drug often revealed statistically significant different MIC values.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Sacher-Pirklbauer
- Institute of Food Safety, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (A.S.-P.); (D.S.)
| | - Daniela Klein-Jöbstl
- Section of Herd Management, Clinic for Ruminats, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Dmitrij Sofka
- Institute of Food Safety, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (A.S.-P.); (D.S.)
| | - Anne-Béatrice Blanc-Potard
- Laboratory of Pathogen-Host Interactions (LPHI), Université Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France;
- CNRS, UMR 5235, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Friederike Hilbert
- Institute of Food Safety, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (A.S.-P.); (D.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-125-0773-316
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sarno E, Pezzutto D, Rossi M, Liebana E, Rizzi V. A Review of Significant European Foodborne Outbreaks in the Last Decade. J Food Prot 2021; 84:2059-2070. [PMID: 34197583 DOI: 10.4315/jfp-21-096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Foodborne diseases remain a global public health challenge worldwide. The European surveillance system of multistate foodborne outbreaks integrates elements from public and animal health and the food chain for early detection, assessment, and control. This review includes descriptions of the significant outbreaks that occurred in Europe in the last decade. Their significance and relevance to public health is derived from the changes, improvements, and novelties that pushed toward building a safer food system in the European Union, certainly driven by the One Health approach. In 2011, a point source monoclonal outbreak of infections caused by Escherichia coli serotype O104:H4 in sprouted seeds resulted in hundreds of cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome and several fatalities. In 2015, a prolonged outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections caused by contamination of frozen corn in Europe resulted in 47 cases and nine deaths. In 2016, a persistent polyclonal outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis was linked to the consumption of eggs and was associated with hundreds of cases. The outbreak evaluations highlight the importance of rapid sharing of data (e.g., sequencing and tracing data) and the need for harmonizing bioinformatics outputs and computational approaches to facilitate detection and investigation of foodborne illnesses. These outbreaks led to development of a legal framework for a European collaboration platform for sharing whole genome sequence data and enabled the enforcement of existing hygiene and food safety provisions and the development of new hygiene guidelines and best practices. This review also briefly touches on the new trends in information technologies that are being explored for food traceability and safety. These technologies could enhance the traceability of food throughout the supply chain and redirect the conventional tracing system toward a digitized supply chain. HIGHLIGHTS
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Sarno
- European Food Safety Authority, Via Carlo Magno 1A, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Denise Pezzutto
- European Food Safety Authority, Via Carlo Magno 1A, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Mirko Rossi
- European Food Safety Authority, Via Carlo Magno 1A, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Ernesto Liebana
- European Food Safety Authority, Via Carlo Magno 1A, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Valentina Rizzi
- European Food Safety Authority, Via Carlo Magno 1A, 43126 Parma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bettencourt C, Nunes A, Gomes JP, Simões MJ. Genomic surveillance of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W in Portugal from 2003 to 2019. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 41:289-298. [PMID: 34787749 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-021-04371-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, a change in the epidemiology of meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W (MenW) has been observed worldwide, with the emergence of new sublineages associated with a higher rate of fatal cases. The present study intends to describe the epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) due to MenW in Portugal between 2003 and 2019, and to genetically characterize population structure. Despite MenW has a low incidence in Portugal, having almost disappeared from 2008 to 2015, since 2016, the number of MenW cases has been steadily increasing at a rate of ~ twofold per year, with more than 80% of the characterized isolates belonging to clonal complex 11 (cc11). Core-genome phylogeny of 25 Portuguese (PT) MenW isolates showed a strain clustering mainly either with the Original UK or the UK 2013 sublineages. Our study also reported for the first time the presence of distinct prophages with a notable overrepresentation of an ~ 32-35-kb PS_1-like prophage found in MenW cc11 genomes. The presence of the PS_1-like prophage in almost all 4723 cc11 genomes selected from Neisseria PubMLST database regardless of the capsular group they belong to suggests an ancestral acquisition of this mobile element prior to capsular switching events. Overall, by mimicking the scenario observed worldwide, this study reinforces the importance of a close monitoring of MenW disease, especially from cc11, in order to promptly adapt the vaccination plan for IMD control in Portugal. Moreover, future studies are needed to understand the putative contribution of prophages to fitness and virulence of PT MenW strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Célia Bettencourt
- National Reference Laboratory for Neisseria meningitidis, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Alexandra Nunes
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal. .,CBIOS - Universidade Lusófona Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - João Paulo Gomes
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria João Simões
- National Reference Laboratory for Neisseria meningitidis, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Campylobacter jejuni in Different Canine Populations: Characteristics and Zoonotic Potential. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112231. [PMID: 34835357 PMCID: PMC8618475 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
With most epidemiological studies focused on poultry, dogs are often overlooked as a reservoir of Campylobacter, even though these animals maintain close daily contact with humans. The present study aimed to obtain a first insight into the presence and characteristics of Campylobacter spp. in different canine populations in Portugal, and to evaluate its zoonotic potential through genomic analysis. From a total of 125 rectal swabs collected from companion (n = 71) and hunting dogs (n = 54) living in two different settings, rural (n = 75) and urban (n = 50), 32 Campylobacter spp. isolates were obtained. Four different Campylobacter species were identified by Multiplex PCR and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, of which Campylobacter jejuni (n = 14, 44%) was overall the most frequently found species. Relevant resistance phenotypes were detected in C. jejuni, with 93% of the isolates being resistant to ciprofloxacin, 64% to tetracycline, and 57% to ampicillin, and three isolates being multi-drug-resistant. Comparison of the phenotypic and genotypic traits with human isolates from Portuguese patients revealed great similarity between both groups. Particularly relevant, the wgMLST analysis allowed the identification of isolates from human and dogs without any apparent epidemiological relationship, sharing high genetic proximity. Notwithstanding the limited sample size, considering the high genomic diversity of C. jejuni, the genetic overlap between human and dog strains observed in this study confirmed that the occurrence of this species in dogs is of public health concern, reinforcing the call for a One Health approach.
Collapse
|
17
|
Investigation of MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry for Assessing the Molecular Diversity of Campylobacter jejuni and Comparison with MLST and cgMLST: A Luxembourg One-Health Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11111949. [PMID: 34829296 PMCID: PMC8621691 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11111949] [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: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a need for active molecular surveillance of human and veterinary Campylobacter infections. However, sequencing of all isolates is associated with high costs and a considerable workload. Thus, there is a need for a straightforward complementary tool to prioritize isolates to sequence. In this study, we proposed to investigate the ability of MALDI-TOF MS to pre-screen C. jejuni genetic diversity in comparison to MLST and cgMLST. A panel of 126 isolates, with 10 clonal complexes (CC), 21 sequence types (ST) and 42 different complex types (CT) determined by the SeqSphere+ cgMLST, were analysed by a MALDI Biotyper, resulting into one average spectra per isolate. Concordance and discriminating ability were evaluated based on protein profiles and different cut-offs. A random forest algorithm was trained to predict STs. With a 94% similarity cut-off, an AWC of 1.000, 0.933 and 0.851 was obtained for MLSTCC, MLSTST and cgMLST profile, respectively. The random forest classifier showed a sensitivity and specificity up to 97.5% to predict four different STs. Protein profiles allowed to predict C. jejuni CCs, STs and CTs at 100%, 93% and 85%, respectively. Machine learning and MALDI-TOF MS could be a fast and inexpensive complementary tool to give an early signal of recurrent C. jejuni on a routine basis.
Collapse
|
18
|
Gigliucci F, van Hoek AHAM, Chiani P, Knijn A, Minelli F, Scavia G, Franz E, Morabito S, Michelacci V. Genomic Characterization of hlyF-positive Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli, Italy and the Netherlands, 2000-2019. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:853-861. [PMID: 33622476 PMCID: PMC7920663 DOI: 10.3201/eid2703.203110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O80:H2 has emerged in Europe as a cause of hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with bacteremia. STEC O80:H2 harbors the mosaic plasmid pR444_A, which combines several virulence genes, including hlyF and antimicrobial resistance genes. pR444_A is found in some extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) strains. We identified and characterized 53 STEC strains with ExPEC-associated virulence genes isolated in Italy and the Netherlands during 2000–2019. The isolates belong to 2 major populations: 1 belongs to sequence type 301 and harbors diverse stx2 subtypes, the intimin variant eae-ξ, and pO157-like and pR444_A plasmids; 1 consists of strains belonging to various sequence types, some of which lack the pO157 plasmid, the locus of enterocyte effacement, and the antimicrobial resistance–encoding region. Our results showed that STEC strains harboring ExPEC-associated virulence genes can include multiple serotypes and that the pR444_A plasmid can be acquired and mobilized by STEC strains.
Collapse
|
19
|
EFSA statement on the requirements for whole genome sequence analysis of microorganisms intentionally used in the food chain. EFSA J 2021; 19:e06506. [PMID: 34335919 PMCID: PMC8317053 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms, genetically modified or not, may be used in the food chain as such or as production organisms of substances of interest. The placement of such microorganisms or derived substances/products in the European market may be subject to a pre-market authorisation process. The authorisation process defines the need to perform a risk assessment to establish the safety and/or the efficacy of the microorganisms when used in the food chain as such or as production strains of substances of interest. In order to perform a risk assessment, the microorganism/s subject to the application for authorisation need/s to be characterised. In this regard, data obtained from whole genome sequence analysis can provide information on the unequivocal taxonomic identification of the strains and on the characterisation of their potential functional traits of concern which may include virulence factors, resistance to antimicrobials of clinical relevance for humans and animals, production of known toxic metabolites. In fact, in some areas of the regulated products, the use of whole genome sequence-based data has been established as a requirement for the risk assessment. This document provides recommendations to applicants on how to describe the process and results which should be provided to the risk assessor in the context of an application for market authorisation of a regulated product. Indications are given on how to perform WGS and the quality criteria/thresholds that should be reached as well as the data and relevant information that need to be sent along whenever such kind of data is required.
Collapse
|
20
|
Lauzi S, Luzzago C, Chiani P, Michelacci V, Knijn A, Pedrotti L, Corlatti L, Buccheri Pederzoli C, Scavia G, Morabito S, Tozzoli R. Free-ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus) as carriers of potentially zoonotic Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1902-1911. [PMID: 34080316 PMCID: PMC9540879 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Shiga toxin‐producing E. coli (STEC) are zoonotic foodborne pathogens of outmost importance and interest has been raised in recent years to define the potential zoonotic role of wildlife in STEC infection. This study aimed to estimate prevalence of STEC in free‐ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus) living in areas with different anthropisation levels and describe the characteristics of strains in order to evaluate the potential risk posed to humans. Two‐hundred one deer faecal samples collected in 2016–2018 from animals of Central Italian Alps were examined by bacteriological analysis and PCR screening of E. coli colonies for stx1, stx2 and eae genes. STEC strains were detected in 40 (19.9%) deer, with significantly higher prevalence in offspring than in yearlings. Whole genome analysis was performed to characterise a subset of 31 STEC strains. The most frequently detected serotype was O146:H28 (n = 10, 32.3%). Virulotyping showed different stx subtypes combinations, with stx2b‐only (n = 15, 48.4%) being the most prevalent. All STEC lacked the eae gene but harbored additional virulence genes, particularly adhesins, toxins and/or other colonisation factors also described in STEC isolated from disease in humans. The most frequently detected genes were astA (n = 22, 71%), subAB (n = 21, 68%), iha (n = 26, 83.9%) and lpfA (n = 24, 77%). Four hybrid STEC/Enterotoxigenic E. coli strains were also identified. According to the most recent paradigm for pathogenicity assessment of STEC issued by the European Food Safety Authority, our results suggest that red deer are carriers of STEC strains that may have zoonotic potential, regardless of the anthropisation levels. Particular attention should be drawn to these findings while handling and preparing game meat. Furthermore, deer may release STEC in the environment, possibly leading to the contamination of soil and water sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Lauzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Camilla Luzzago
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Paola Chiani
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Michelacci
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Arnold Knijn
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Gaia Scavia
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Morabito
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosangela Tozzoli
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Deneke C, Uelze L, Brendebach H, Tausch SH, Malorny B. Decentralized Investigation of Bacterial Outbreaks Based on Hashed cgMLST. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:649517. [PMID: 34220740 PMCID: PMC8244591 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.649517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Whole-genome sequencing (WGS)-based outbreak investigation has proven to be a valuable method for the surveillance of bacterial pathogens. Its utility has been successfully demonstrated using both gene-by-gene (cgMLST or wgMLST) and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based approaches. Among the obstacles of implementing a WGS-based routine surveillance is the need for an exchange of large volumes of sequencing data, as well as a widespread reluctance to share sequence and metadata in public repositories, together with a lacking standardization of suitable bioinformatic tools and workflows. To address these issues, we present chewieSnake, an intuitive and simple-to-use cgMLST workflow. ChewieSnake builds on the allele calling software chewBBACA and extends it by the concept of allele hashing. The resulting hashed allele profiles can be readily compared between laboratories without the need of a central allele nomenclature. The workflow fully automates the computation of the allele distance matrix, cluster membership, and phylogeny and summarizes all important findings in an interactive HTML report. Furthermore, chewieSnake can join allele profiles generated at different laboratories and identify shared clusters, including a stable and intercommunicable cluster nomenclature, thus facilitating a joint outbreak investigation. We demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach with a thorough method comparison using publically available sequencing data for Salmonella enterica. However, chewieSnake is readily applicable to all bacterial taxa, provided that a suitable cgMLST scheme is available. The workflow is freely available as an open-source tool and can be easily installed via conda or docker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlus Deneke
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Uelze
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Holger Brendebach
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon H Tausch
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Burkhard Malorny
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Deneke C, Brendebach H, Uelze L, Borowiak M, Malorny B, Tausch SH. Species-Specific Quality Control, Assembly and Contamination Detection in Microbial Isolate Sequences with AQUAMIS. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:644. [PMID: 33926025 PMCID: PMC8145556 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sequencing of whole microbial genomes has become a standard procedure for cluster detection, source tracking, outbreak investigation and surveillance of many microorganisms. An increasing number of laboratories are currently in a transition phase from classical methods towards next generation sequencing, generating unprecedented amounts of data. Since the precision of downstream analyses depends significantly on the quality of raw data generated on the sequencing instrument, a comprehensive, meaningful primary quality control is indispensable. Here, we present AQUAMIS, a Snakemake workflow for an extensive quality control and assembly of raw Illumina sequencing data, allowing laboratories to automatize the initial analysis of their microbial whole-genome sequencing data. AQUAMIS performs all steps of primary sequence analysis, consisting of read trimming, read quality control (QC), taxonomic classification, de-novo assembly, reference identification, assembly QC and contamination detection, both on the read and assembly level. The results are visualized in an interactive HTML report including species-specific QC thresholds, allowing non-bioinformaticians to assess the quality of sequencing experiments at a glance. All results are also available as a standard-compliant JSON file, facilitating easy downstream analyses and data exchange. We have applied AQUAMIS to analyze ~13,000 microbial isolates as well as ~1000 in-silico contaminated datasets, proving the workflow's ability to perform in high throughput routine sequencing environments and reliably predict contaminations. We found that intergenus and intragenus contaminations can be detected most accurately using a combination of different QC metrics available within AQUAMIS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Simon H. Tausch
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, 10589 Berlin, Germany; (C.D.); (H.B.); (L.U.); (M.B.); (B.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Retrospective Use of Whole-Genome Sequencing Expands the Multicountry Outbreak Cluster of Listeria monocytogenes ST1247. Int J Genomics 2021; 2021:6636138. [PMID: 33869622 PMCID: PMC8035026 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6636138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes sequence type 1247 clonal complex 8 caused a prolonged multicountry outbreak in five EU countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, and Sweden. A total of 22 disease cases were identified with onset of symptoms between July 2014 and February 2019. Five patients died due to, or with, the disease. The retrospective analysis of L. monocytogenes isolate VLTRLM2013 revealed the presence of an outbreak-related strain (cgMLST type L2-SL8-ST1247-CT4158) in ready-to-eat fish product more than a year prior to the first outbreak-related cases. Reference outbreak strain and VLTRLM2013 strain were compared using core genome and whole-genome multilocus sequence typing analyses. Genomic level differences of the persistent L. monocytogenes strains associated with a prolonged multicountry foodborne listeriosis outbreak are described. It was concluded that the persistent nature of the multicountry outbreak-related L. monocytogenes strain VLTRLM2013 together with stress island, virulence, and antibiotic resistance genes could potentially be the determining factors for the extensive and prolonged outbreak affecting five European Union countries. Our results support the systematic application of whole-genome sequencing in food and public health surveillance and further encourages its wide adoption.
Collapse
|
24
|
Uelze L, Becker N, Borowiak M, Busch U, Dangel A, Deneke C, Fischer J, Flieger A, Hepner S, Huber I, Methner U, Linde J, Pietsch M, Simon S, Sing A, Tausch SH, Szabo I, Malorny B. Toward an Integrated Genome-Based Surveillance of Salmonella enterica in Germany. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:626941. [PMID: 33643254 PMCID: PMC7902525 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.626941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive monitoring programs and preventative measures, Salmonella spp. continue to cause tens of thousands human infections per year, as well as many regional and international food-borne outbreaks, that are of great importance for public health and cause significant socio-economic costs. In Germany, salmonellosis is the second most common cause of bacterial diarrhea in humans and is associated with high hospitalization rates. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) combined with data analysis is a high throughput technology with an unprecedented discriminatory power, which is particularly well suited for targeted pathogen monitoring, rapid cluster detection and assignment of possible infection sources. However, an effective implementation of WGS methods for large-scale microbial pathogen detection and surveillance has been hampered by the lack of standardized methods, uniform quality criteria and strategies for data sharing, all of which are essential for a successful interpretation of sequencing data from different sources. To overcome these challenges, the national GenoSalmSurv project aims to establish a working model for an integrated genome-based surveillance system of Salmonella spp. in Germany, based on a decentralized data analysis. Backbone of the model is the harmonization of laboratory procedures and sequencing protocols, the implementation of open-source bioinformatics tools for data analysis at each institution and the establishment of routine practices for cross-sectoral data sharing for a uniform result interpretation. With this model, we present a working solution for cross-sector interpretation of sequencing data from different sources (such as human, veterinarian, food, feed and environmental) and outline how a decentralized data analysis can contribute to a uniform cluster detection and facilitate outbreak investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Uelze
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Natalie Becker
- Department of Food, Feed and Commodities, Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Borowiak
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Busch
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Alexandra Dangel
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Carlus Deneke
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jennie Fischer
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antje Flieger
- Unit of Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Legionella (FG11) – National Reference Centre for Salmonella and Other Bacterial Enteric Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Sabrina Hepner
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Ingrid Huber
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Ulrich Methner
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Jena, Germany
| | - Jörg Linde
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Pietsch
- Unit of Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Legionella (FG11) – National Reference Centre for Salmonella and Other Bacterial Enteric Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Sandra Simon
- Unit of Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Legionella (FG11) – National Reference Centre for Salmonella and Other Bacterial Enteric Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Andreas Sing
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Simon H. Tausch
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Istvan Szabo
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Burkhard Malorny
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Pinto M, Borges V, Isidro J, Rodrigues JC, Vieira L, Borrego MJ, Gomes JP. Neisseria gonorrhoeae clustering to reveal major European whole-genome-sequencing-based genogroups in association with antimicrobial resistance. Microb Genom 2021; 7:000481. [PMID: 33245688 PMCID: PMC8208699 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium responsible for the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhoea, has shown an extraordinary ability to develop antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to multiple classes of antimicrobials. With no available vaccine, managing N. gonorrhoeae infections demands effective preventive measures, antibiotic treatment and epidemiological surveillance. The latter two are progressively being supported by the generation of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data on behalf of national and international surveillance programmes. In this context, this study aims to perform N. gonorrhoeae clustering into genogroups based on WGS data, for enhanced prospective laboratory surveillance. Particularly, it aims to identify the major circulating WGS-genogroups in Europe and to establish a relationship between these and AMR. Ultimately, it enriches public databases by contributing with WGS data from Portuguese isolates spanning 15 years of surveillance. A total of 3791 carefully inspected N. gonorrhoeae genomes from isolates collected across Europe were analysed using a gene-by-gene approach (i.e. using cgMLST). Analysis of cluster composition and stability allowed the classification of isolates into a two-step hierarchical genogroup level determined by two allelic distance thresholds revealing cluster stability. Genogroup clustering in general agreed with available N. gonorrhoeae typing methods [i.e. MLST (multilocus sequence typing), NG-MAST (N. gonorrhoeae multi-antigen sequence typing) and PubMLST core-genome groups], highlighting the predominant genogroups circulating in Europe, and revealed that the vast majority of the genogroups present a dominant AMR profile. Additionally, a non-static gene-by-gene approach combined with a more discriminatory threshold for potential epidemiological linkage enabled us to match data with previous reports on outbreaks or transmission chains. In conclusion, this genogroup assignment allows a comprehensive analysis of N. gonorrhoeae genetic diversity and the identification of the WGS-based genogroups circulating in Europe, while facilitating the assessment (and continuous monitoring) of their frequency, geographical dispersion and potential association with specific AMR signatures. This strategy may benefit public-health actions through the prioritization of genogroups to be controlled, the identification of emerging resistance carriage, and the potential facilitation of data sharing and communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Pinto
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vítor Borges
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Isidro
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Carlos Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luís Vieira
- Technology and Innovation Unit, Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), Genetics, Oncology and Human Toxicology, Nova Medical School/Faculty of Medical Sciences, New University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria José Borrego
- Reference Laboratory of Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Gomes
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Nennig M, Llarena AK, Herold M, Mossong J, Penny C, Losch S, Tresse O, Ragimbeau C. Investigating Major Recurring Campylobacter jejuni Lineages in Luxembourg Using Four Core or Whole Genome Sequencing Typing Schemes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:608020. [PMID: 33489938 PMCID: PMC7819963 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.608020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis, which has motivated the monitoring of genetic profiles circulating in Luxembourg since 13 years. From our integrated surveillance using a genotyping strategy based on an extended MLST scheme including gyrA and porA markers, an unexpected endemic pattern was discovered in the temporal distribution of genotypes. We aimed to test the hypothesis of stable lineages occurrence by implementing whole genome sequencing (WGS) associated with comprehensive and internationally validated schemes. This pilot study assessed four WGS-based typing schemes to classify a panel of 108 strains previously identified as recurrent or sporadic profiles using this in-house typing system. The strain collection included four common lineages in human infection (N = 67) initially identified from recurrent combination of ST-gyrA-porA alleles also detected in non-human samples: veterinary (N = 19), food (N = 20), and environmental (N = 2) sources. An additional set of 19 strains belonging to sporadic profiles completed the tested panel. All the strains were processed by WGS by using Illumina technologies and by applying stringent criteria for filtering sequencing data; we ensure robustness in our genomic comparison. Four typing schemes were applied to classify the strains: (i) the cgMLST SeqSphere+ scheme of 637 loci, (ii) the cgMLST Oxford scheme of 1,343 loci, (iii) the cgMLST INNUENDO scheme of 678 loci, and (iv) the wgMLST INNUENDO scheme of 2,795 loci. A high concordance between the typing schemes was determined by comparing the calculated adjusted Wallace coefficients. After quality control and analyses with these four typing schemes, 60 strains were confirmed as members of the four recurrent lineages regardless of the method used (N = 32, 12, 7, and 9, respectively). Our results indicate that, regardless of the typing scheme used, epidemic or endemic signals were detected as reflected by lineage B (ST2254-gyrA9-porA1) in 2014 or lineage A (ST19-gyrA8-porA7), respectively. These findings support the clonal expansion of stable genomes in Campylobacter population exhibiting a multi-host profile and accounting for the majority of clinical strains isolated over a decade. Such recurring genotypes suggest persistence in reservoirs, sources or environment, emphasizing the need to investigate their survival strategy in greater depth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Nennig
- Epidemiology and Microbial Genomics, Laboratoire National de Santé, Dudelange, Luxembourg.,INRAE, Oniris, SECALIM, Nantes, France
| | - Ann-Katrin Llarena
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Malte Herold
- Epidemiology and Microbial Genomics, Laboratoire National de Santé, Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - Joël Mossong
- Epidemiology and Microbial Genomics, Laboratoire National de Santé, Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - Christian Penny
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, Environmental Research and Innovation Department, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Serge Losch
- Laboratoire de Médecine Vétérinaire de l'Etat, Veterinary Services Administration, Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | | | - Catherine Ragimbeau
- Epidemiology and Microbial Genomics, Laboratoire National de Santé, Dudelange, Luxembourg
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Genotyping Study of Salmonella 4,[5],12:i:- Monophasic Variant of Serovar Typhimurium and Characterization of the Second-Phase Flagellar Deletion by Whole Genome Sequencing. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8122049. [PMID: 33371352 PMCID: PMC7767384 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8122049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
After Salmonella Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium, S. 4,[5],12:i:- is the most reported serovar in human clinical cases. During the past 20 years, many tools have been used for its typing and second-phase flagellar deletion characterization. Currently, whole genome sequencing (WGS) and different bioinformatic programs have shown the potential to be more accurate than earlier tools. To assess this potential, we analyzed by WGS and in silico typing a selection of 42 isolates of S. 4,[5],12:i:- and S. Typhimurium with different in vitro characteristics. Comparative analysis showed that SeqSero2 does not differentiate fljB-positive S. 4,[5],12:i:- strains from those of serovar Typhimurium. Our results proved that the strains selected for this work were non-clonal S. 4,[5],12:i:- strains circulating in Spain. Using WGS data, we identified 13 different deletion types of the second-phase flagellar genomic region. Most of the deletions were generated by IS26 insertions, showing orientation-dependent conserved deletion ends. In addition, we detected S. 4,[5],12:i:- strains of the American clonal line that would give rise to the Southern European clone in Spain. Our results suggest that new S. 4,[5],12:i:- strains are continuously emerging from different S. Typhimurium strains via different genetic events, at least in swine products.
Collapse
|
28
|
Llarena AK, Kivistö R. Human Campylobacteriosis Cases Traceable to Chicken Meat-Evidence for Disseminated Outbreaks in Finland. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9110868. [PMID: 33105906 PMCID: PMC7690634 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) is the most common cause of human bacterial gastroenteritis in the world. Food-borne campylobacteriosis is thought to be commonly caused by the handling and consumption of undercooked chicken meat, but the epidemiology of this disease is complex and remains poorly characterized, especially in the Nordic countries. Here, we used state-of-the-art methods in genetic epidemiology combined with patient background and temporal association data to trace domestically acquired human C. jejuni infections (n = 50) to chicken meat, in a midsize Nordic town in Finland during a seasonal peak. Although 59.2% of the human isolates shared a sequence type (ST) with a chicken batch slaughtered prior to the onset of disease, further analysis at the whole-genome level (core genome and whole-genome multilocus sequence typing, cgMLST and wgMLST, respectively) traced a mere nine cases (18.4%) to fresh chicken meat. Human isolates also shared genotypes with isolates collected from chicken batches slaughtered after the onset of the human disease, highlighting the role of alternative transmission pathways from chickens to humans besides the food chain, or a shared third source. The high resolution offered by wgMLST, combined with simple metadata, offers a more accurate way to trace sporadic cases to possible sources and reveal disseminated outbreak clustering in time, confirming the importance of complementing epidemiological investigations with molecular epidemiological data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Katrin Llarena
- Food Safety Unit, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1430 Ås, Norway;
| | - Rauni Kivistö
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Draft Genome Sequence of a Multicountry Outbreak-Related Listeria monocytogenes Sequence Type 1247 Strain, VLTRLM2013. Microbiol Resour Announc 2020; 9:9/32/e00698-20. [PMID: 32763938 PMCID: PMC7409855 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00698-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We sequenced the genome of a multicountry outbreak-related Listeria monocytogenes sequence type 1247 strain (VLTRLM2013) that was isolated from a vacuum-packaged sliced salted salmon product of an Estonian fish-processing company that was obtained from an Estonian retail outlet in 2013. We sequenced the genome of a multicountry outbreak-related Listeria monocytogenes sequence type 1247 strain (VLTRLM2013) that was isolated from a vacuum-packaged sliced salted salmon product of an Estonian fish-processing company that was obtained from an Estonian retail outlet in 2013.
Collapse
|
30
|
Lung abscess due to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup X-unexpected virulence of a commensal resulting from putative serogroup B capsular switching. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 39:2327-2334. [PMID: 32666483 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-020-03977-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
To report the first case of a lung abscess caused by Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) and to genetically characterize the rare underlying capsule switching event. The strain (PT NmX) was subjected to whole genome sequencing, and a comparative gene-by-gene analysis was performed based on 1605 N. meningitidis core loci that constitute the MLST core-genome scheme (cgMLST) V1.0. All ~ 9,600 genomes available on Neisseria PubMLST (until 30th November 2019) from all serogroups were used to better identify the genome make-up of the PT NmX strain. This strain was found to be highly divergent from other NmX reported worldwide and to belong to a new sequence type (ST-14273), with the finetype X: P1.19,15-1:F5-2. Moreover, it revealed a closer genetic proximity to strains from serogroup B than to other serogroups, suggesting a genome backbone associated with serogroup B, while it presents a capsule synthesis region derived from a NmX strain. We describe a new hybrid NmB/X isolate from a noninvasive meningococcal infection, causing lung abscess. Despite capsular switching events involving serogroup X are rare, it may lead to the emergence of pathogenic potential. Studies should continue to better understand the molecular basis underlying Neisseria strains' ability to spread to body compartments other than the tissues for which their tropism is already known.
Collapse
|
31
|
Michelacci V, Tozzoli R, Arancia S, D'Angelo A, Boni A, Knijn A, Prosseda G, Greig DR, Jenkins C, Camou T, Sirok A, Navarro A, Schelotto F, Varela G, Morabito S. Tracing Back the Evolutionary Route of Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) and Shigella Through the Example of the Highly Pathogenic O96:H19 EIEC Clone. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:260. [PMID: 32582565 PMCID: PMC7283534 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) cause intestinal illness through the same pathogenic mechanism used by Shigella spp. The latter species can be typed through genomic and phenotypic methods used for E. coli and have been proposed for reclassification within E. coli species. Recently the first appearance of a highly pathogenic EIEC O96:H19 was described in Europe as the causative agent of two large outbreaks that occurred in Italy and in the United Kingdom. In contrast to Shigella spp and to the majority of EIEC strains, EIEC O96:H19 fermented lactose, lacked pathoadaptive mutations, and showed good fitness in extracellular environment, similarly to non-pathogenic E. coli, suggesting they have emerged following acquisition of the invasion plasmid by a non-pathogenic E. coli. Here we describe the whole genome comparison of two EIEC O96:H19 strains isolated from severe cases of diarrhea in Uruguay in 2014 with the sequences of EIEC O96:H19 available in the public domain. The phylogenetic comparison grouped all the O96:H19 strains in a single cluster, while reference EIEC strains branched into different clades with Shigella strains occupying apical positions. The comparison of the virulence plasmids showed the presence of a complete conjugation region in at least one O96:H19 EIEC. Reverse Transcriptase Real Time PCR experiments confirmed in this strain the expression of the pilin-encoding gene and conjugation experiments suggested its ability to mobilize an accessory plasmid in a recipient strain. Noteworthy, the tra region was comprised between two reversely oriented IS600 elements, which were also found as remnants in another EIEC O96:H19 plasmid lacking the tra locus. We hypothesize that an IS-mediated recombination mechanism may have caused the loss of the conjugation region commonly observed in EIEC and Shigella virulence plasmids. The results of this study support the hypothesis of EIEC originating from non-pathogenic E. coli through the acquisition of the virulence plasmid via conjugation. Remarkably, this study showed the ability of a circulating EIEC strain to mobilize plasmids through conjugation, suggesting a mechanism for the emergence of novel EIEC clones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Michelacci
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosangela Tozzoli
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Arancia
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alfio D'Angelo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Boni
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Arnold Knijn
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianni Prosseda
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Università Sapienza di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - David R Greig
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU), Public Health England, E. coli, Shigella, Yersinia and Vibrio Reference Service, National Infection Service, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Jenkins
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU), Public Health England, E. coli, Shigella, Yersinia and Vibrio Reference Service, National Infection Service, London, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Camou
- Departamento de Laboratorios, Ministerio de Salud Pública, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Alfredo Sirok
- Departamento de Laboratorios, Ministerio de Salud Pública, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Armando Navarro
- Public Health Department, Medicine Faculty, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Felipe Schelotto
- Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Higiene, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gustavo Varela
- Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Higiene, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Stefano Morabito
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Borges V, Cordeiro D, Salas AI, Lodhia Z, Correia C, Isidro J, Fernandes C, Rodrigues AM, Azevedo J, Alves J, Roxo J, Rocha M, Côrte-Real R, Vieira L, Borrego MJ, Gomes JP. Chlamydia trachomatis: when the virulence-associated genome backbone imports a prevalence-associated major antigen signature. Microb Genom 2020; 5. [PMID: 31697227 PMCID: PMC6927300 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacterium worldwide and the causative agent of trachoma. Its strains are classified according to their ompA genotypes, which are strongly linked to differential tissue tropism and disease outcomes [ocular disease, urogenital disease and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)]. While the genome-based species phylogenetic tree presents four main clades correlating with tropism/prevalence, namely ocular, LGV, urogenital T1 (more prevalent genotypes) and urogenital T2 (less prevalent genotypes), inter-clade exchange of ompA is considered a rare phenomenon probably mediating marked tropism alterations. An LGV epidemic, associated with the clonal expansion of the L2b genotype, has emerged in the last few decades, raising concerns particularly due to its atypical clinical presentation (ulcerative proctitis) and circulation among men who have sex with men (MSM). Here, we report an LGV outbreak, mostly affecting human immunodeficiency virus-positive MSM engaging in high-risk sexual practices, caused by an L2b strain with a rather unique non-LGV ompA signature that precluded the laboratory notification of this outbreak as LGV. C. trachomatis whole-genome capture and sequencing directly from clinical samples was applied to deeply characterize the genomic backbone of this novel LGV outbreak-causing clone. It revealed a chimeric genome structure due to the genetic transfer of ompA and four neighbouring genes from a serovar D/Da strain, likely possessing the genomic backbone associated with the more prevalent urogenital genotypes (T1 clade), to an LGV (L2b) strain. The hybrid L2b/D-Da strain presents the adhesin and immunodominant antigen MOMP (major outer membrane protein) (encoded by ompA) with an epitope repertoire typical of non-invasive genital strains, while keeping the genome-dispersed virulence fingerprint of a classical LGV strain. As previously reported for inter-clade ompA exchange among non-LGV clades, this novel C. trachomatis genomic mosaic involving a contemporary epidemiologically and clinically relevant LGV strain may have implications on its transmission, tissue tropism and pathogenic capabilities. The emergence of variants with epidemic and pathogenic potential highlights the need for more focused surveillance strategies to capture C. trachomatis evolution in action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vítor Borges
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Dora Cordeiro
- National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Curable Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), National Institute of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Isabel Salas
- National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Curable Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), National Institute of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Zohra Lodhia
- National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Curable Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), National Institute of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristina Correia
- National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Curable Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), National Institute of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Isidro
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cândida Fernandes
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic, Dermatovenereology Department, Central Lisbon University Hospital Centre (CHULC), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Maria Rodrigues
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic, Dermatovenereology Department, Central Lisbon University Hospital Centre (CHULC), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jacinta Azevedo
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic, Lapa Health Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Alves
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic, Lapa Health Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Roxo
- CheckpointLX, Grupo de Ativistas em Tratamentos, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel Rocha
- CheckpointLX, Grupo de Ativistas em Tratamentos, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rita Côrte-Real
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic, Dermatovenereology Department, Central Lisbon University Hospital Centre (CHULC), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luís Vieira
- Innovation and Technology Unit, Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria José Borrego
- National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Curable Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), National Institute of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Gomes
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Silveira L, Pinto M, Isidro J, Pista Â, Themudo P, Vieira L, Machado J, Gomes JP. Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Rissen Clusters Detected in Azores Archipelago, Portugal. Int J Genomics 2019; 2019:1860275. [PMID: 31950026 PMCID: PMC6948285 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1860275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal infections caused by nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) remain one of the main causes of foodborne illness worldwide. Within the multiple existing Salmonella enterica serovars, the serovar Rissen is rarely reported, particularly as a cause of human salmonellosis. Between 2015 and 2017, the Portuguese National Reference Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Infections observed an increase in the number of clinical cases caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. enterica serovar Rissen, particularly from the Azores archipelago. In the present study, we analyzed by whole genome sequencing (WGS) all clinical, animal, food, and environmental isolates received up to 2017 in the Portuguese Reference Laboratories. As such, through a wgMLST-based gene-by-gene analysis, we aimed to identify potential epidemiological clusters linking clinical and samples from multiple sources, while gaining insight into the genetic diversity of S. enterica serovar Rissen. We also investigated the genetic basis driving the observed multidrug resistance. By integrating 60 novel genomes with all publicly available serovar Rissen genomes, we observed a low degree of genetic diversity within this serovar. Nevertheless, the majority of Portuguese isolates showed high degree of genetic relatedness and a potential link to pork production. An in-depth analysis of these isolates revealed the existence of two major clusters from the Azores archipelago composed of MDR isolates, most of which were resistant to at least five antimicrobials. Considering the well-known spread of MDR between gastrointestinal bacteria, the identification of MDR circulating clones should constitute an alert to public health authorities. Finally, this study constitutes the starting point for the implementation of the "One Health" approach for Salmonella surveillance in Portugal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonor Silveira
- National Reference Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel Pinto
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Isidro
- National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Bacteriology and Micology Laboratory, Avenida da República, Quinta do Marquês, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ângela Pista
- National Reference Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Themudo
- National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Bacteriology and Micology Laboratory, Avenida da República, Quinta do Marquês, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Luís Vieira
- Technology and Innovation Unit, Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), Genetics, Oncology and Human Toxicology, Nova Medical School/Faculty of Medical Sciences, New University of Lisbon, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jorge Machado
- National Reference Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Gomes
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Vilne B, Meistere I, Grantiņa-Ieviņa L, Ķibilds J. Machine Learning Approaches for Epidemiological Investigations of Food-Borne Disease Outbreaks. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1722. [PMID: 31447800 PMCID: PMC6691741 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Foodborne diseases (FBDs) are infections of the gastrointestinal tract caused by foodborne pathogens (FBPs) such as bacteria [Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC)] and several viruses, but also parasites and some fungi. Artificial intelligence (AI) and its sub-discipline machine learning (ML) are re-emerging and gaining an ever increasing popularity in the scientific community and industry, and could lead to actionable knowledge in diverse ranges of sectors including epidemiological investigations of FBD outbreaks and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As genotyping using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is becoming more accessible and affordable, it is increasingly used as a routine tool for the detection of pathogens, and has the potential to differentiate between outbreak strains that are closely related, identify virulence/resistance genes and provide improved understanding of transmission events within hours to days. In most cases, the computational pipeline of WGS data analysis can be divided into four (though, not necessarily consecutive) major steps: de novo genome assembly, genome characterization, comparative genomics, and inference of phylogeny or phylogenomics. In each step, ML could be used to increase the speed and potentially the accuracy (provided increasing amounts of high-quality input data) of identification of the source of ongoing outbreaks, leading to more efficient treatment and prevention of additional cases. In this review, we explore whether ML or any other form of AI algorithms have already been proposed for the respective tasks and compare those with mechanistic model-based approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baiba Vilne
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment—“BIOR”, Riga, Latvia
- SIA net-OMICS, Riga, Latvia
| | - Irēna Meistere
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment—“BIOR”, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Juris Ķibilds
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment—“BIOR”, Riga, Latvia
| |
Collapse
|