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Xie O, Davies MR, Tong SYC. Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis infection and its intersection with Streptococcus pyogenes. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024:e0017523. [PMID: 38856686 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00175-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYStreptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE) is an increasingly recognized cause of disease in humans. Disease manifestations range from non-invasive superficial skin and soft tissue infections to life-threatening streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis. Invasive disease is usually associated with co-morbidities, immunosuppression, and advancing age. The crude incidence of invasive disease approaches that of the closely related pathogen, Streptococcus pyogenes. Genomic epidemiology using whole-genome sequencing has revealed important insights into global SDSE population dynamics including emerging lineages and spread of anti-microbial resistance. It has also complemented observations of overlapping pathobiology between SDSE and S. pyogenes, including shared virulence factors and mobile gene content, potentially underlying shared pathogen phenotypes. This review provides an overview of the clinical and genomic epidemiology, disease manifestations, treatment, and virulence determinants of human infections with SDSE with a particular focus on its overlap with S. pyogenes. In doing so, we highlight the importance of understanding the overlap of SDSE and S. pyogenes to inform surveillance and disease control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ouli Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash Infectious Diseases, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark R Davies
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Steven Y C Tong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Disease Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
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2
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Xie H, Zhang R, Li Z, Guo R, Li J, Fu Q, Wang X, Zhou Y. Endogenous Type I-C CRISPR-Cas system of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus promotes biofilm formation and pathogenicity. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1417993. [PMID: 38841053 PMCID: PMC11150851 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1417993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is a significant zoonotic pathogen that causes septicemia, meningitis, and mastitis in domestic animals. Recent reports have highlighted high-mortality outbreaks among swine in the United States. Traditionally recognized for its adaptive immune functions, the CRISPR-Cas system has also been implicated in gene regulation, bacterial pathophysiology, virulence, and evolution. The Type I-C CRISPR-Cas system, which is prevalent in SEZ isolates, appears to play a pivotal role in regulating the pathogenicity of SEZ. By constructing a Cas3 mutant strain (ΔCas3) and a CRISPR-deficient strain (ΔCRISPR), we demonstrated that this system significantly promotes biofilm formation and cell adhesion. However, the deficiency in the CRISPR-Cas system did not affect bacterial morphology or capsule production. In vitro studies showed that the CRISPR-Cas system enhances pro-inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 cells. The ΔCas3 and ΔCRISPR mutant strains exhibited reduced mortality rates in mice, accompanied by a decreased bacterial load in specific organs. RNA-seq analysis revealed distinct expression patterns in both mutant strains, with ΔCas3 displaying a broader range of differentially expressed genes, which accounted for over 70% of the differential genes observed in ΔCRISPR. These genes were predominantly linked to lipid metabolism, the ABC transport system, signal transduction, and quorum sensing. These findings enhance our understanding of the complex role of the CRISPR-Cas system in SEZ pathogenesis and provide valuable insights for developing innovative therapeutic strategies to combat infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglin Xie
- Department of Life Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Riteng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Ziyuan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Ruhai Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Junda Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Xinglong Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yefei Zhou
- Department of Life Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing, China
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3
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Shah N, Al Janabi T, Lien E, Thimmapuram J. A Rare Case of Streptococcus equi Subspecies Zooepidemicus Bacteremia. Cureus 2024; 16:e59911. [PMID: 38854287 PMCID: PMC11161169 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) is a zoonotic pathogen that primarily infects horses, pigs, and dogs. Although rare, it has also been shown to infect humans who consume unpasteurized dairy food or have direct contact with horses. Here, we present a case of S. zooepidemicus bacteremia in a patient without a clear mode of transmission. An 86-year-old male with a past medical history of coronary artery disease, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, complete heart block status post pacemaker, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus presented to the Emergency Department with fever and chills. He had fevers and rigors for three days but denied weight loss, cough, sore throat, or rashes. In the Emergency Department, vital signs revealed a fever of 101.2 degrees Fahrenheit and a heart rate of 110 with other stable vital signs. The physical exam was unremarkable except for tachycardia, and laboratory work revealed no leukocytosis but elevated inflammatory markers and elevated lactate. Computed tomography of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis did not reveal any source of infection. Blood cultures grew S. zooepidemicus and the Infectious Diseases team was consulted, who started the patient on Penicillin G. Due to concern for pacer-lead infective endocarditis, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms were performed, which did not show valvular vegetations. Repeat blood cultures showed clearance of the infection, and the patient was ultimately discharged on amoxicillin. While our patient denied consuming unpasteurized dairy products or having direct contact with horses, upon further questioning, he did endorse family members who occasionally interacted with horses. This case is valuable as it adds to the sparse literature on S. zooepidemicus infections specifically in humans. Extensive history taking is of utmost importance when a clear source of infection is not easily identifiable. Further research is also needed to better understand the various modes of transmission of this bacterium to better target and caution those at an increased risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikeith Shah
- Internal Medicine, WellSpan York Hospital, York, USA
| | | | - Eric Lien
- Internal Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
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4
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Xie H, Zhang R, Guo R, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Li H, Fu Q, Wang X. Characterization of AI-2/LuxS quorum sensing system in biofilm formation, pathogenesis of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1339131. [PMID: 38379770 PMCID: PMC10876813 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1339131] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is an opportunistic pathogen of both humans and animals. Quorum sensing (QS) plays an important role in the regulation of bacterial group behaviors. The aim of this study was to characterize the LuxS in SEZ and evaluate its impact on biofilm formation, pathogenesis and gene expression. The wild-type SEZ and its LuxS mutant (ΔluxS) were examined for growth, biofilm formation, virulence factors, and transcriptomic profiles. Our results showed that LuxS deficiency did not affect SEZ hemolytic activity, adhesion or capsule production. For biofilm assay demonstrated that mutation in the luxS gene significantly enhances biofilm formation, produced a denser biofilm and attached to a glass surface. RAW264.7 cell infection indicated that ΔluxS promoted macrophage apoptosis and pro-inflammatory responses. In mice infection, there was no significant difference in mortality between SEZ and ΔluxS. However, the bacterial load in the spleen of mice infected with ΔluxS was significantly higher than in those infected with SEZ. And the pathological analysis further indicated that spleen damage was more severe in the ΔluxS group. Moreover, transcriptomics analysis revealed significant alterations in carbon metabolism, RNA binding and stress response genes in ΔluxS. In summary, this study provides the first evidence of AI-2/LuxS QS system in SEZ and reveals its regulatory effects on biofilm formation, pathogenicity and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglin Xie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Riteng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ruhai Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yining Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jingya Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hui Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Xinglong Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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5
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Bergmann R, Schroedl W, Müller U, Baums CG. A distinct variant of the SzM protein of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus recruits C1q independent of IgG binding and inhibits activation of the classical complement pathway. Virulence 2023; 14:2235461. [PMID: 37450582 PMCID: PMC10351459 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2235461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is a major equine pathogen that causes pneumonia, abortion, and polyarthritis. It can also cause invasive infections in humans. SEZ expresses the M-like protein SzM, which recruits host proteins such as fibrinogen to the bacterial surface. Equine SEZ strain C2, which binds only comparably low amounts of human fibrinogen in comparison to human SEZ strain C33, was previously shown to proliferate in equine and human blood. As the expression of SzM_C2 was necessary for survival in blood, this study investigated the working hypothesis that SzM_C2 inhibits complement activation through a mechanism other than fibrinogen and non-immune immunoglobulin binding. Loss-of-function experiments showed that SEZ C2, but not C33, binds C1q via SzM in IgG-free human plasma. Furthermore, SzM C2 expression is necessary for recruiting purified human or equine C1q to the bacterial surface. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that SzM expression in SEZ C2 is crucial for the significant reduction of C3b labelling in human plasma. Addition of human plasma to immobilized rSzM_C2 and immobilized aggregated IgG led to binding of C1q, but only the latter activated the complement system, as shown by the detection of C4 deposition. Complement activation induced by aggregated IgG was significantly reduced if human plasma was pre-incubated with rSzM_C2. Furthermore, rSzM_C2, but not rSzM_C33, inhibited the activation of the classical complement pathway in human plasma, as determined in an erythrocyte lysis experiment. In conclusion, the immunoglobulin-independent binding of C1q to SzM_C2 is associated with complement inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Bergmann
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wieland Schroedl
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Uwe Müller
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christoph Georg Baums
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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6
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Koirala S, Pantuzza C, Costa MDO. Survival of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus on environmental samples is affected by material type and incubation temperature. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:2235-2240. [PMID: 37062791 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10095-0] [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: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus is an opportunistic pathogen associated with disease in a range of domestic and wild animals. Despite its importance, very limited data is available on its survival and persistence on the environment. The goal of this study was to evaluate survival of S. zooepidemicus under ideal culture conditions and farm-like setting, in various surface types. Rubber, plastic, wood, and concrete samples were sterilized and inoculated with 109 CFU/mL of S. zooepidemicus with or without feces, and cultured under ideal conditions (37 °C, 5% CO2) or farm-like settings (20oC on air) for a maximum period of 25 days (n = 3/material/environment/feces-group/time-point). Under ideal conditions without feces, the bacterium survived for up to 17 days on plastic and rubber surfaces, 4 days on wood and less than 1 day on concrete (P < 0.05 between materials). Samples under ideal conditions with feces and farm-like settings without feces were negative by day 1 post-inoculation, regardless of the surface material used. Wood and concrete allowed S. zooepidemicus persistence for up to 3 days under farm-like settings when feces were present. This data suggests that environmental persistence of S. zooepidemicus is affected by surface type and incubation temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulove Koirala
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, 52 campus drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Carolina Pantuzza
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, 52 campus drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Matheus de O Costa
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, 52 campus drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
- Population Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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7
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Argirova P, Kalchev Y, Baltadzhiev I, Stoycheva M, Murdjeva M. Streptococcus zooepidemicus Meningitis in an HIV-Positive Horse Breeder Patient: A Case Study and Literature Review. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 15:527-534. [PMID: 37736999 PMCID: PMC10514876 DOI: 10.3390/idr15050052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus is a rare etiologic agent of bacterial meningitis in humans. The disease is a zoonotic infection and is transmitted through close contact with domestic animals, mainly horses. Only 37 cases of Streptococcus zooepidemicus meningitis have been reported in the literature until July 2023. The aim of this study is to present a rare clinical case of S. zooepidemicus-related meningitis in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patient and analyze the literature. We present a 23-year-old horse breeder patient with advanced immunosuppression due to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and S. zooepidemicus meningitis, admitted at the Clinic of Infectious Diseases, St. George University Hospital, Plovdiv. The course of meningitis was severe since the beginning, with significant cerebral edema, disturbances in consciousness, persistent fever, and the development of complications against the background of AIDS-related conditions. S. zooepidemicus was microbiologically detected from cerebrospinal fluid culture. After prolonged treatment and a long hospital stay, the patient's condition improved, and eventually he was discharged and recovered from the acute neuroinfection. Although extremely rare, S. zooepidemicus should be considered in patients with clinical and laboratory evidence of bacterial meningitis who have contact with animals, especially horses, other domestic animals, and their dairy products, as well as in immunocompromised patients. To the best of our knowledge, the current clinical case is the first report of S. zooepidemicus-related meningitis in a patient with HIV/AIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petya Argirova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Yordan Kalchev
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology “Prof. Dr. ElissayYanev”, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (Y.K.); (M.M.)
- Laboratory of Microbiology, St. George University Hospital, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Ivan Baltadzhiev
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases, St. George University Hospital, 4001 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | | | - Marianna Murdjeva
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology “Prof. Dr. ElissayYanev”, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (Y.K.); (M.M.)
- Laboratory of Microbiology, St. George University Hospital, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
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8
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Boksha IS, Lunin VG, Danilova TA, Poponova MS, Polyakov NB, Lyashchuk AM, Konstantinova SV, Galushkina ZM, Ustenko EV. Recombinant Endopeptidases IdeS and IdeZ and Their Potential Application. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:731-740. [PMID: 37748870 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923060020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Endopeptidases IdeS and IdeZ (streptococcal virulence factors that specifically cleave IgG heavy chains) are of particular interest because of their potential use in biotechnology, medicine, and veterinary. Genes encoding these enzymes were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli heterologous expression system (ideS was cloned from a Streptococcus pyogenes collection strain; ideZ from Streptococcus zooepidemicus was synthesized). The 6His-tag was introduced into the amino acid sequence of each endopeptidase, and IdeS and IdeZ were purified by metal affinity chromatography to an apparent homogeneity (according to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis). Purified enzymes were active against human and animal IgGs; their specificity toward human IgGs was confirmed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Recombinant IdeZ was used for immunological analysis of equine strangles infection (diagnostics and determination of the titer of specific antibodies in blood). Hence, IdeZ can be used in veterinary and sanitary microbiology to diagnose infections caused by Streptococcus equi and S. zooepidemicus in addition to its application in medicine and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina S Boksha
- Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia.
- Mental Health Research Centre, Moscow, 115522, Russia
| | - Vladimir G Lunin
- Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Tatyana A Danilova
- Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Maria S Poponova
- Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Nikita B Polyakov
- Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Alexander M Lyashchuk
- Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Svetlana V Konstantinova
- Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Zoya M Galushkina
- Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Ekaterina V Ustenko
- Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
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Cantelmi MC, Merola C, Averaimo D, Chiaverini A, Cito F, Cocco A, Di Teodoro G, De Angelis ME, Di Bernardo D, Auzino D, Petrini A. Identification of the Novel Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus Sequence Type 525 in Donkeys of Abruzzo Region, Italy. Pathogens 2023; 12:750. [PMID: 37375440 PMCID: PMC10305129 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060750] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus equi sub. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is described as a commensal bacterium of several animal species, including humans. Growing evidence supports the potential role of SEZ in the onset and progression of severe clinical manifestations of diseases in horses and other animals. In the present communication, we describe the diagnostic procedure applied to characterize the streptococcal infections caused by a novel SEZ sequence type (ST525) in donkeys raised on a farm in Abruzzo, Italy. The diagnostic process began with anamnesis and anatomopathological analysis, which revealed a severe bacterial suppurative bronchopneumonia associated with systemic vascular damage and haemorrhages. Then, SEZ infection was confirmed by applying an integrative diagnostic strategy that included standard bacterial isolation techniques, analytical tools for bacteria identification (MALDI-TOF MS), and molecular analysis (qPCR). Furthermore, the application of the whole-genome sequencing approach helped us to identify the bacterial strains and the virulence factors involved in animal diseases. The novel SEZ-ST525 was identified in two cases of the disease. This new sequence type was isolated from the lung, liver, and spleen in Case 1, and from retropharyngeal lymph nodes in Case 2. Moreover, the presence of the virulence gene mf2, a virulence factor carried by prophages in Streptococcus pyogenes, was also found for the first time in an SEZ strain. The results of the present study highlight the need to apply an integrated diagnostic approach for the identification and tracking of pathogenic strains of SEZ, shedding new light on the re-evaluation of these bacteria as a causative agent of disease in animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Cantelmi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale”, Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.C.); (D.A.); (A.C.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (G.D.T.); (M.E.D.A.); (A.P.)
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Carmine Merola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale”, Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.C.); (D.A.); (A.C.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (G.D.T.); (M.E.D.A.); (A.P.)
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Daniela Averaimo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale”, Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.C.); (D.A.); (A.C.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (G.D.T.); (M.E.D.A.); (A.P.)
| | - Alexandra Chiaverini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale”, Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.C.); (D.A.); (A.C.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (G.D.T.); (M.E.D.A.); (A.P.)
| | - Francesca Cito
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale”, Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.C.); (D.A.); (A.C.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (G.D.T.); (M.E.D.A.); (A.P.)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Antonio Cocco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale”, Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.C.); (D.A.); (A.C.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (G.D.T.); (M.E.D.A.); (A.P.)
| | - Giovanni Di Teodoro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale”, Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.C.); (D.A.); (A.C.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (G.D.T.); (M.E.D.A.); (A.P.)
| | - Maria Elisabetta De Angelis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale”, Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.C.); (D.A.); (A.C.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (G.D.T.); (M.E.D.A.); (A.P.)
| | | | - Davide Auzino
- Freelance Veterinary Practitioner, 65019 Pescara, Italy; (D.D.B.); (D.A.)
| | - Antonio Petrini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale”, Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.C.); (D.A.); (A.C.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (G.D.T.); (M.E.D.A.); (A.P.)
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10
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Gosai F, Gosai N. A Human Case of an Infection by the Pathogenic Streptococci that Causes "Strangles" in Horses. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2023; 10:003719. [PMID: 36819646 PMCID: PMC9930875 DOI: 10.12890/2023_003719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Strangles is a contagious upper respiratory tract infection primarily affecting equines. It is rare disease with zoonotic transmission. It is caused by the bacterium, Streptococcus equi. We present the rare case of strangles in an elderly patient complicated by bacteraemia, osteomyelitis and native valve endocarditis. The patient was treated successfully with appropriate antibiotics and no surgical intervention was needed. In an age of accelerated emerging zoonosis, this is an important entity clinicians should be aware of to prevent delay in diagnosis and poor outcome. LEARNING POINTS Strangles is a disease of equines, rarely it can affect the humans and can delay the diagnosis and management.This case represents the importance of thorough history taking and assessment.Use of an appropriate antibiotics can avoid surgical interventions in the some cases of Strangles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falgun Gosai
- Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois, USA
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11
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Azpiroz MF, Burger N, Mazza M, Rodríguez G, Camou T, García Gabarrot G. Characterization of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus isolates containing lnuB gene responsible for the L phenotype. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284869. [PMID: 37115801 PMCID: PMC10146458 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the framework of the β-hemolytic streptococci surveillance carried out by the National Reference Laboratory from Uruguay, three putative Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) were received from different health centers. Being these the first reports associated with human infections in Uruguay, the objective of this work was to confirm their identification, to determine their genetic relationship and to study their antibiotic susceptibility. Using four different methods, they were identified as SEZ, a subspecies which has been described as the etiologic agent of rare and severe zoonosis in a few cases in other countries. The three isolates presented different pulsotypes by PFGE; however, two of them appeared to be related and were confirmed as ST431 by MLST, while the remaining isolate displayed ST72. Their resistance profile exhibited an unexpected feature: despite all of them were susceptible to macrolides, they showed different levels of resistance to clindamycin, i.e. they had the so-called "L phenotype". This rare trait is known to be due to a nucleotidyl-transferase, encoded by genes of the lnu family. Although this phenotype was previously described in a few SEZ isolates, its genetic basis has not been studied yet. This was now analyzed by PCR in the three isolates and they were found to contain a lnuB gene. The lnuB sequence was identical among the three isolates and with many lnuB sequences deposited in data banks. In conclusion, for the first time in Uruguay, three SEZ isolates recovered from non-epidemiologically related cases of human invasive infection were identified. Moreover, this is the first report about the presence of a lnu gene in the S. equi species, revealing the active lateral spread of the lnuB in a new streptococcal host.
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Affiliation(s)
- María F Azpiroz
- Facultad de Ciencias, Fisiología y Genética Bacterianas, UdelaR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | | | | | - Teresa Camou
- Departamento de Laboratorios de Salud Pública, Ministerio de Salud Pública, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Protection Efficacy of Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting Different Regions of Specific SzM Protein from Swine-Isolated Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus Strains. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0174222. [PMID: 36255327 PMCID: PMC9769693 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01742-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) has a wide host spectrum, including humans and domestic animals. The SEZ-caused swine streptococcicosis outbreak has occurred in several countries, and the swine-isolated strains usually have specific S. zooepidemicus M-like (szm) gene types. In this study, we found that the production of this specific szm gene (SzM protein) was an effective vaccine candidate. It could provide better protection with a 7-day interval immune procedure than the traditional vaccine strain ST171 and attenuate the strain ΔsezV against swine-isolated hypervirulent SEZ infections. According to this outcome, we developed monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) targeting the variable and conserved regions of this SzM protein, respectively. These McAbs all belong to the IgG1 isotype with a κ type light chain and have opsonophagocytic activity rather than agglutination or complement activation functions. We estimated the protection efficiency of the McAbs with 3 different passive immunotherapy programs. The anti-conserved region McAb can provide effective protection against swine-isolated SEZ infections with only the inconvenient immunotherapy program. It also partially works in preventing infection by other SEZ strains. In contrast, the anti-variable region McAb is only adapted to protect the host against a specific szm type SEZ strain isolated from pigs, but it is flexible for different immunotherapy programs. These data provide further information to guide the development of derived, genetically engineered McAbs that have potential applications in protecting hosts against swine-isolated, hypervirulent SEZ infections in the future. IMPORTANCE The swine-isolated SEZ, with its specific szm gene sequence, has impacted the pig feeding industry in China and North America and has led to serious economic loss. Though the SzM protein of SEZ has been proven to be an effective vaccine in preventing infection, most previous studies focused on horse-isolated strains, which have different szm gene types compared to swine-isolated strains. In this study, we developed the McAbs targeting the conserved and variable regions of this SzM protein from the swine-isolated hypervirulent strains and evaluated their protection efficiency. Our research provided information for the development of chimeric McAbs or other genetically engineered McAbs that have potential applications in protecting pigs against hypervirulent SEZ infections in the future.
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Shikina E, Kovalevsky R, Shirkovskaya A, Toukach P. Prospective bacterial and fungal sources of hyaluronic acid: A review. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:6214-6236. [PMID: 36420162 PMCID: PMC9676211 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique biological and rheological properties make hyaluronic acid a sought-after material for medicine and cosmetology. Due to very high purity requirements for hyaluronic acid in medical applications, the profitability of streptococcal fermentation is reduced. Production of hyaluronic acid by recombinant systems is considered a promising alternative. Variations in combinations of expressed genes and fermentation conditions alter the yield and molecular weight of produced hyaluronic acid. This review is devoted to the current state of hyaluronic acid production by recombinant bacterial and fungal organisms.
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Chittal AR, Rao SJ, Lakra P, Vietri R, Chawla H. Infective Endocarditis From Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Group C Streptococcus. Cureus 2022; 14:e30904. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Lord J, Carter C, Smith J, Locke S, Phillips E, Odoi A. Antimicrobial resistance among Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus and Rhodococcus equi isolated from equine specimens submitted to a diagnostic laboratory in Kentucky, USA. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13682. [PMID: 36164606 PMCID: PMC9508889 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among veterinary pathogens is necessary to identify clinically relevant patterns of AMR and to inform antimicrobial use practices. Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus and Rhodococcus equi are bacterial pathogens of major clinical importance in horses and are frequently implicated in respiratory tract infections. The objectives of this study were to describe antimicrobial resistance patterns and identify predictors of AMR and multidrug resistance (MDR) (resistance to three or more antimicrobial classes) among equine S. zooepidemicus and R. equi isolates. Methods Antimicrobial susceptibility data from equine specimens submitted to the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory between 2012 and 2017 were used in the study. Temporal trends in AMR and MDR were assessed using the Cochran-Armitage test. Logistic regression was used to identify associations between patient characteristics and the following outcomes: (a) MDR among S. zooepidemicus isolates, and (b) resistance to macrolides and ansamycins (rifampin) among R. equi isolates. Logistic regression was also used to investigate whether resistance of S. zooepidemicus and R. equi isolates to an antimicrobial class could be predicted by resistance to other drug classes. Results The vast majority of S. zooepidemicus (99.6%) and R. equi isolates (83%) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent, but no significant temporal trends in AMR were observed. Approximately half (53.3%) of the S. zooepidemicus isolates were multidrug-resistant, and there was a significant (p < 0.001) increasing temporal trend of MDR among S. zooepidemicus isolates. Resistance to penicillin, which is typically recommended for treatment of suspected S. zooepidemicus infections, also increased during the study period, from 3.3% to 9.5%. Among R. equi isolates, 19.2% were resistant to one or more macrolide antibiotics, 24% were resistant to rifampin, and 15.6% were resistant to both macrolide(s) and rifampin. For both organisms, resistance to an antimicrobial class could be predicted based on resistance profiles to other drug classes. For instance, significant (p < 0.01) predictors of β-lactam resistance among S. zooepidemicus isolates included resistance to macrolides (Odds Ratio (OR) = 14.7) and ansamycins (OR = 9.3). Resistance to phenicols (OR = 3.7) and ansamycins (OR = 19.9) were associated with higher odds of macrolide resistance among R. equi isolates. Conclusions The increase in MDR among S. zooepidemicus isolates is concerning. The observed levels of resistance to macrolides and rifampin among R. equi are also worrisome given the limited number of antimicrobials available for treatment of this organism. The findings of this study highlight the importance of ongoing surveillance of AMR to guide treatment decisions and directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Lord
- Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
| | - Craig Carter
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
| | - Jacqueline Smith
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
| | - Stephan Locke
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
| | - Erica Phillips
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
| | - Agricola Odoi
- Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
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Costa MDO, Harding JCS, Huang Y, Nosach R. Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus infection of pigs leads to shedding in faeces and a carrier state. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e1503-e1509. [PMID: 35182443 PMCID: PMC9790520 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In 2019, Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus was recognized as an emerging pathogen of swine, associated with sudden deaths, increased abortion rates and septicaemia. Limited data are available regarding this disease in pigs. The objectives of this study were to clarify clinical progression, pathogen shedding, transmission, gross and microscopic lesions following infection in pigs. Six weeks old pigs were inoculated with either S. zooepidemicus sequence type 194 (inoculated, n = 6) or sham inoculated with sterile culture broth (sentinels, n = 4). Animals were housed in the same room, in two pens 2 m apart. Pigs were monitored twice daily for clinical signs, and rectal, nasal and oral swabs were collected once daily. A full necropsy was performed if welfare was a concern or at 5 days post-inoculation (dpi). All sentinels remained disease free and their samples tested negative for the pathogen of interest. All inoculated pigs developed fever within 8 h of inoculation, and severe disease was observed after 2 dpi. A total of 4/6 inoculated pigs developed clinical signs that compromised animal welfare and were euthanized. Nasal swabs (15/23), followed by rectal swabs (9/23) yield the highest number of positive ante-mortem samples. Clinically healthy, inoculated pigs had detectable levels of S. zooepidemicus in rectal and nasal swabs. Reactive submandibular lymph nodes, kidney petechiae and splenomegaly were found in six of six inoculated pigs. These data suggest that subclinically infected pigs may spread the pathogen through nasal secretions and faeces. Direct contact seems to be required for transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus de Oliveira Costa
- Department of Large Animal Clinical SciencesWestern College of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonCanada,Department of Population HealthFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - John Clare Samuel Harding
- Department of Large Animal Clinical SciencesWestern College of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonCanada
| | | | - Roman Nosach
- Department of Large Animal Clinical SciencesWestern College of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonCanada
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Li G, Zong X, Cheng Y, Xu J, Deng J, Huang Y, Ma C, Fu Q. miR-223-3p contributes to suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation in Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus infection. Vet Microbiol 2022; 269:109430. [PMID: 35427992 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109430] [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: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is an essential pathogen in a range of species, causing a worldwide variety of diseases, such as meningitis, endocarditis, and septicaemia. Studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs), which regulate target genes at the post-transcriptional level, play an important regulatory role in the organism. In this study, the infection of J774A.1 murine macrophages with SEZ up-regulated NLRP3 inflammasome and downstream pathways accompanied by miR-223-3p down-regulation. Through computational prediction and experimental confirmation, we have shown that miR-223-3p directly targets the NLRP3 mRNA. Consequently, overexpression of miR-223-3p suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation and downstream pathways in response to SEZ infection. The miR-223-3p inhibitor exhibited the opposite effect, causing hyperactivation of NLRP3 inflammation activation and downstream pathways. Additionally, we further demonstrated that miRNA-223-3p inhibited the secretion of IL-1β and IL-18 by regulating the NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway. Furthermore, intravenous administration of miR-223-3p significantly decreased inflammation in mice in response to SEZ. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that miR-223-3p contributes to suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in SEZ infection, contributing novel evidence to identify a therapeutic target for treating SEZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guochao Li
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Guangdong 528225, China
| | - Xueqing Zong
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Guangdong 528225, China
| | - Yun Cheng
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Guangdong 528225, China
| | - Jianqi Xu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Guangdong 528225, China
| | - Jingfei Deng
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Guangdong 528225, China
| | - Yunfei Huang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Guangdong 528225, China; Foshan University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Foshan University, Guangdong 528225, China
| | - Chunquan Ma
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Guangdong 528225, China; Foshan University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Foshan University, Guangdong 528225, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Guangdong 528225, China; Foshan University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Foshan University, Guangdong 528225, China.
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Differences in the Accessory Genomes and Methylomes of Strains of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi and of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus Obtained from the Respiratory Tract of Horses from Texas. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0076421. [PMID: 35019696 PMCID: PMC8754150 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00764-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subsp. equi (SEE) is a host-restricted equine pathogen considered to have evolved from Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ). SEZ is promiscuous in host range and is commonly recovered from horses as a commensal. Comparison of a single strain each of SEE and SEZ using whole-genome sequencing, supplemented by PCR of selected genes in additional SEE and SEZ strains, was used to characterize the evolution of SEE. But the known genetic variability of SEZ warrants comparison of the whole genomes of multiple SEE and SEZ strains. To fill this knowledge gap, we utilized whole-genome sequencing to characterize the accessory genome elements (AGEs; i.e., elements present in some SEE strains but absent in SEZ or vice versa) and methylomes of 50 SEE and 50 SEZ isolates from Texas. Consistent with previous findings, AGEs consistently found in all SEE isolates were primarily from mobile genetic elements that might contribute to host restriction or pathogenesis of SEE. Fewer AGEs were identified in SEZ because of the greater genomic variability among these isolates. The global methylation patterns of SEE isolates were more consistent than those of the SEZ isolates. Among homologous genes of SEE and SEZ, differential methylation was identified only in genes of SEE encoding proteins with functions of quorum sensing, exopeptidase activity, and transitional metal ion binding. Our results indicate that effects of genetic mobile elements in SEE and differential methylation of genes shared by SEE and SEZ might contribute to the host specificity of SEE. IMPORTANCE Strangles, caused by the host-specific bacterium Streptococcus equi subsp. equi (SEE), is the most commonly diagnosed infectious disease of horses worldwide. Its ancestor, Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ), is frequently isolated from a wide array of hosts, including horses and humans. A comparison of the genomes of a single strain of SEE and SEZ has been reported, but sequencing of further isolates has revealed variability among SEZ strains. Thus, the importance of this study is that it characterizes genomic and methylomic differences of multiple SEE and SEZ isolates from a common geographic region (viz., Texas). Our results affirm many of the previously described differences between the genomes of SEE and SEZ, including the role of mobile genetic elements in contributing to host restriction. We also provide the first characterization of the global methylome of Streptococcus equi and evidence that differential methylation might contribute to the host restriction of SEE.
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Occurrence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus Strains Isolated from Mares with Fertility Problems. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 11:antibiotics11010025. [PMID: 35052902 PMCID: PMC8773361 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11010025] [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: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus), is a β-hemolytic Streptococcus belonging to the Lancefield group C; it is a rare human pathogen, but in horses, it is frequently associated with endometritis. This study aimed to isolate S. zooepidemicus strains, associated with bacterial endometritis in mares, and to define their antimicrobial resistance profile. Twenty-three isolates were recovered from one hundred ninety-six equine uterine swabs (11.7%). Bacterial identification was carried out by Api 20 Strep and confirmed by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), while antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion method on Muller Hinton agar plates. The antibiotic resistance profiles of the isolates revealed a high percentage of resistance to amikacin (95.6%), ampicillin (73.9%) and tetracycline (69.6%), while ceftiofur and ceftriaxone were highly effective with 82.6% and 78.3% of the isolates inhibited, respectively. An intriguing value of resistance to penicillin (34.8%), which represents the first-choice antibiotic in equine S. zooepidemicus infections, was observed. Furthermore, a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains (82.6%) was recorded. Continuous surveillance of this potential zoonotic pathogen and an appropriate antimicrobial stewardship program with the promotion of correct use of antimicrobials, after a proper diagnosis, are needed to allow an effective therapy.
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Keerty D, Yacoub AT, Nguyen TC, Haynes E, Greene J. First Case of Infective Endocarditis With Streptococcus equinus in an Immunocompetent Patient in North America: A Case Report and Review of Literature. Cureus 2021; 13:e19473. [PMID: 34912614 PMCID: PMC8664352 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19473] [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] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Infective endocarditis (IE) can be caused by bacterial or fungal infections invading the endocardial surface of the heart, such as its valves and chambers. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species are mainly responsible for IE. Streptococcus equinus (S. equinus) has been rarely noted to cause IE. We present a case of a 69-year-old white male with a past medical history of severe aortic regurgitation, who during an elective aortic heart valve replacement surgery was noted to have multiple plaque-like vegetations at the base of the mitral valve that were positive for S. equinus. To date, there are only four cases of S. equinus endocarditis reported worldwide, with a high possibility of our case being the first reported in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Keerty
- Internal Medicine, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, USA
| | | | | | | | - John Greene
- Infectious Diseases, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, USA
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21
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Ijoma GN, Nkuna R, Mutungwazi A, Rashama C, Matambo TS. Applying PICRUSt and 16S rRNA functional characterisation to predicting co-digestion strategies of various animal manures for biogas production. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19913. [PMID: 34620937 PMCID: PMC8497515 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99389-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
An estimated 25 million tons of animal manure is produced globally every year, causing considerable impact to the environment. These impacts can be managed through the use of anaerobic digestion (AD) This process achieves waste degradation through enzymatic activity, the efficiency of the AD process is directly related to microorganisms that produce these enzymes. Biomethane potential (BMP) assays remain the standard theoretical framework to pre-determine biogas yield and have been used to determine the feasibility of substrates or their combination for biogas production. However, an integrated approach that combines substrate choice and co-digestion would provide an improvement to the current predictive models. PICRUSt (Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States) addresses the limitations of assays in this regard. In this paper, the biochemical functions of horse, cow, and pig manures are predicted. A total of 135 predicted KEGG Orthologies (KOs) showed amino acids, carbohydrate, energy, lipid, and xenobiotic metabolisms in all the samples. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) combined with the effect size measurements (LEfSe), showed that fructose, mannose, amino acid and nucleotide sugar, phosphotransferase (PST) as well as starch and sucrose metabolisms were significantly higher in horse manure samples. 36 of the KOs were related to the acidogenesis and/or acetogenesis AD stages. Extended bar plots showed that 11 significant predictions were observed for horse-cow, while 5 were predicted for horse-pig and for cow-pig manures. Based on these predictions, the AD process can be enhanced through co-digestion strategies that takes into account the predicted metabolic contributions of the manure samples. The results supported the BMP calculations for the samples in this study. Biogas yields can be improved if this combined approach is employed in routine analysis before co-digesting different substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace N Ijoma
- Institute for the Development of Energy for African Sustainability, University of South Africa, Roodepoort, 1709, South Africa.
| | - Rosina Nkuna
- Institute for the Development of Energy for African Sustainability, University of South Africa, Roodepoort, 1709, South Africa
| | - Asheal Mutungwazi
- Institute for the Development of Energy for African Sustainability, University of South Africa, Roodepoort, 1709, South Africa
| | - Charles Rashama
- Institute for the Development of Energy for African Sustainability, University of South Africa, Roodepoort, 1709, South Africa
| | - Tonderayi S Matambo
- Institute for the Development of Energy for African Sustainability, University of South Africa, Roodepoort, 1709, South Africa
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Kim M, Heo ST, Oh H, Kim M, Jo J, Kim YR, Lee KH, Yoo JR. Human zoonotic infectious disease caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus. Zoonoses Public Health 2021; 69:136-142. [PMID: 34585529 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is a highly contagious infectious organism that causes disease in horses. SEZ is seldom isolated from humans; however, zoonotic infections are occasionally reported in individuals exposed to horses and other livestock. Herein, we report three human cases of SEZ in individuals, one with direct horse contact and two among individuals who had eaten raw horse meat. The phylogenetic tree showed that the genotypes of SEZ isolates from two of the cases on Jeju Island, South Korea, were similar to those of isolates from the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Sang Taek Heo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Hyunjoo Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Miyeon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Jaemin Jo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Young Ree Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Keun Hwa Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong Rae Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
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Kerdsin A, Chopjitt P, Hatrongjit R, Boueroy P, Gottschalk M. Zoonotic infection and clonal dissemination of Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus sequence type 194 isolated from humans in Thailand. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:e554-e565. [PMID: 34558797 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is a zoonotic pathogen associated with diseases in a wide range of animals as well as in humans. SEZ sequence type (ST) 194 strains have been associated with outbreaks in China, the USA, and Canada and have caused high mortality in pigs. Nevertheless, human infection by this ST has never been reported. This study conducted a retrospective analysis of 18 SEZ strains from human patients in Thailand during 2005-2020. The study revealed clonal dissemination of ST194 with the identical pulsotype in human patients throughout Thailand. Clinical manifestation was mainly septicemia (61.1%), while 72.2% had a history of eating raw pork products. There were six fatal cases (33.3%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that all strains were susceptible to penicillin, ampicillin, cefotaxime, erythromycin, levofloxacin, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline and vancomycin. Virulence-associated genes, including bifA, szM, szP, sdzD, spaZ, and fszF, were present in all tested strains. Some representative genes in four pathogenicity islands found in the swine outbreak SEZ-ATCC35246 (ST194) strain were detected in these SEZ strains. Whole-genome sequencing analysis of three representative SEZs in this study revealed no acquired antimicrobial-resistant genes and they contained the same virulence factors. The single-nucleotide polymorphism phylogenetic tree demonstrated that the current strains were clustered with swine ST194 strains. The results should be highlighted as a public health concern, especially to those who may directly or indirectly have contact with livestock or companion animals or have consumed raw meat products as risk factors for infections with SEZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anusak Kerdsin
- Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus, Sakon Nakhon, Thailand
| | - Peechanika Chopjitt
- Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus, Sakon Nakhon, Thailand
| | - Rujirat Hatrongjit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus, Sakon Nakhon, Thailand
| | - Parichart Boueroy
- Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus, Sakon Nakhon, Thailand
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Sevilla-Acosta F, Ballestero-Pernudi A, Jiménez-Cruz E, Álvarez-Cabalceta H, Naranjo-Zuñiga G. Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus Meningitis, Septicemia, and Brain Infarcts in a Costa Rican Infant. Cureus 2021; 13:e17286. [PMID: 34552827 PMCID: PMC8448576 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.17286] [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] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus equi, an equine commensal bacterium, is a rare etiology of septicemia and meningoencephalitis in humans and is extremely infrequent in children. Scarce literature has been published about its clinical presentation, treatment and outcomes in infants. Here, we describe a case of S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus septicemia and meningoencephalitis in a five-month-old Costa Rican infant that was confirmed by peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures in a regional hospital of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica who developed multiple ischemic cerebral infarcts secondary to infectious vasculitis, a subdural empyema and serious neurological sequelae. We also reviewed the literature on S. equi meningitis in infants under one year of age. This is the first reported case in our country, the fourth reported in infants under one year of age and the second describing multiple cerebral infarcts and subdural empyema in an infant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabricio Sevilla-Acosta
- Pediatrics, Hospital Nacional De Niños "Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera", San José, CRI
- Pediatrics, Hospital La Anexión, Nicoya, CRI
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STREPTOCOCCUS EQUI SSP. ZOOEPIDEMICUS MENINGOENCEPHALOMYELITIS IN A SOUTHERN TAMANDUA ( TAMANDUA TETRADACTYLA) ASSOCIATED WITH A RAW HORSEMEAT DIET. J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 52:858-862. [PMID: 34130437 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A 1-y-old female southern tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) presented with vomiting, hyporexia, and neurologic signs. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed contrast-enhancing material within the lateral and fourth ventricles and a T2 hyperintense cerebellar lesion, consistent with meningoencephalitis. The tamandua rapidly declined and was euthanatized. On gross postmortem exam, the tamandua had diffusely injected leptomeninges, opaque fluid in the fourth ventricle, and subdural brainstem and spinal cord hemorrhage. Histologically, there was regionally hemorrhagic and multifocal fibrinosuppurative meningoencephalomyelitis, ventriculitis, choroid plexitis, cerebellar folia necrosis, ependymitis, radiculoneuritis, and abundant intralesional gram-positive cocci. Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus was cultured from brain, cardiac blood clot, and multiple samples of horsemeat collected from the animal's diet. This is the first report of streptococcal meningoencephalomyelitis in a southern tamandua. The route of infection was likely gastrointestinal inoculation, which may have implications for the routine practice of feeding diets containing raw meat to insectivores.
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Abstract
Historically described as a commensal of the swine upper respiratory tract, Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus was previously reported as an important swine pathogen only in Asia. Here we report the isolation and whole genome characterization of S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus associated with a sudden death outbreak in pigs in Canada.
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Wasissa M, Lestari FB, Salasia SIO. Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus finding in confirmed feline infectious peritonitis cat patient. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07268. [PMID: 34189311 PMCID: PMC8219751 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal immune-mediated disease in cat, caused by mutated feline coronavirus (FCoV). Due to its difficulties in diagnosis, FIP is sometimes underdiagnosed. Therefore, several laboratory procedures were performed to gain high index suspicion of FIP. However, through several laboratory findings, not only FIP but also SEZ infection was confirmed in this case. CASE DESCRIPTION A-year-old male, domestic cat was admitted to Veterinary Medicine Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Universitas Gadjah Mada, for further effusion examination due to its high suspicion of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Further examination using molecular and post-mortem analysis resulted on confirmed SEZ infection and FIP. This study informed the manifestation and pathological changes in patient with SEZ and FIP in the same time. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that viral infection followed by bacterial infection could be fatal and untreatable. After these findings, clinicians may consider SEZ infection in cat with respiratory disorder followed by thoracic effusion besides FIP. Companion animal, especially outdoor-kept animal, possibly become infected from its contact to another human or animal in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madarina Wasissa
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Fajar Budi Lestari
- Department of Bioresources Technology and Veterinary, Vocational College, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Inter-Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Siti Isrina Oktavia Salasia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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28
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Stewart HL, Engiles JB, Richardson DW, Levine DG. The clinical and histopathologic effects of potentiated chlorhexidine in the upper respiratory tract of horses. Vet Surg 2021; 50:1209-1217. [PMID: 33974283 DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the bactericidal and fungicidal properties of a 0.0005% chlorhexidine (CHD) solution potentiated with EDTA-Tris buffers (CHD-EDTA-Tris) and evaluate the safety of 0.0005% CHD-EDTA-Tris in the upper respiratory tract (URT) of normal horses. STUDY DESIGN Clinical, prospective study. ANIMALS Eight healthy, skeletally mature horses. METHODS In vitro-serial dilutions of CHD-EDTA-Tris and EDTA-Tris alone were evaluated for bactericidal and fungicidal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus equi subspecies ssp. equi, Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In vivo-eight healthy horses were topically treated twice with 30 ml of 0.0005% CHD-EDTA-Tris. Mucosal samples from each location were evaluated for the presence of inflammation or pathologic lesions. RESULTS Solutions containing CHD were superior in fungal and bacterial killing to those without. In vitro-a 0.005% CHD-EDTA-Tris was 100% effective against all bacterial and fungal species evaluated, while a 0.0005% CHD-EDTA-Tris was less efficacious against A. fumigatus and S. equi ssp. equi. In vivo-a 0.0005% CHD-EDTA-Tris did not cause any clinical, gross, or histologic abnormalities when topically applied to the equine URT. CONCLUSIONS A 0.0005% CHD-EDTA-Tris was highly effective for killing of common bacterial and fungal isolates in the equine upper respiratory tract. Short-term topical treatment of the equine URT with dilute CHD did not cause gross or histological inflammation in the tissue. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE A 0.0005% CHD solution with EDTA-Tris should be considered for treatment of clinically relevant inflammatory or infectious conditions or in the URT of the horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly L Stewart
- Translational Medicine Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Julie B Engiles
- Department of Pathobiology, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dean W Richardson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
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Matsubayashi Y, Takashima N, Kondo Y, Wakisaka H, Suzuki T. Infected Aortic Aneurysm Caused by Streptococcus zooepidemicus: A Case Report and Literature Review. Ann Vasc Dis 2021; 14:71-74. [PMID: 33786105 PMCID: PMC7991697 DOI: 10.3400/avd.cr.20-00133] [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] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A 66-year-old Japanese male working at a stable developed abdominal pain and fever and was brought to the emergency department. The computed tomography scan revealed an aneurysm of approximately 70 mm in diameter, with an irregular border, at the infrarenal abdominal aorta. Emergency surgery was performed with a bifurcated Dacron graft. Streptococcus zooepidemicus was observed on the aneurysm wall. He was discharged in good condition and was prescribed oral amoxicillin/clavulanic acid for 4 months. He has remained well and did not develop inflammation. Evaluation of patient history and data, including the consumption of unpasteurized dairy food, occupation, and direct contact with animals, is important for an early diagnosis, a prompt surgery, and an appropriate antibiotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Matsubayashi
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Takashima
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Yasuo Kondo
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Hodaka Wakisaka
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Suzuki
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
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Miles B, Tuomela K, Sanchez J. Severe Group C Streptococcus infection in a veterinarian. IDCases 2021; 23:e01036. [PMID: 33552899 PMCID: PMC7847947 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2020.e01036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Group C Streptococcus (GCS) is part of the normal commensal flora of the upper airway, as well as frequently colonizes the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and female genital tract. It can also be implicated in mono- and polymicrobial infections of the skin and soft tissue, pharyngitis, bacteremia, endocarditis, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and meningitis. Our case study features a previously healthy 65-year-old male, who retired as a veterinarian one month prior, with Group C Streptococcus bacteremia complicated by septic polyarthritis, native mitral valve endocarditis, and lumbar discitis/osteomyelitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Miles
- Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Wauwatosa, WI 53226, United States
| | - Krista Tuomela
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Pediatrics/Internal Medicine Department, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Wauwatosa, WI, 53226, United States
| | - Joyce Sanchez
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Infectious Disease Department, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Wauwatosa, WI, 53226, United States
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31
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Zondervan NA, Martins Dos Santos VAP, Suarez-Diez M, Saccenti E. Phenotype and multi-omics comparison of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus uncovers pathogenic traits and predicts zoonotic potential. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:102. [PMID: 33541265 PMCID: PMC7860044 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07388-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species can cause many different diseases, ranging from mild skin infections to life-threatening necrotizing fasciitis. Both genera consist of commensal species that colonize the skin and nose of humans and animals, and of which some can display a pathogenic phenotype. RESULTS We compared 235 Staphylococcus and 315 Streptococcus genomes based on their protein domain content. We show the relationships between protein persistence and essentiality by integrating essentiality predictions from two metabolic models and essentiality measurements from six large-scale transposon mutagenesis experiments. We identified clusters of strains within species based on proteins associated to similar biological processes. We built Random Forest classifiers that predicted the zoonotic potential. Furthermore, we identified shared attributes between of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes that allow them to cause necrotizing fasciitis. CONCLUSIONS Differences observed in clustering of strains based on functional groups of proteins correlate with phenotypes such as host tropism, capability to infect multiple hosts and drug resistance. Our method provides a solid basis towards large-scale prediction of phenotypes based on genomic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels A Zondervan
- Laboratory of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708WE, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Vitor A P Martins Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708WE, Wageningen, Netherlands
- LifeGlimmer GmBH, Markelstraße 38, 12163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Suarez-Diez
- Laboratory of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708WE, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Edoardo Saccenti
- Laboratory of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708WE, Wageningen, Netherlands.
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32
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Stout AE, Hofmar-Glennon HG, André NM, Goodman LB, Anderson RR, Mitchell PK, Thompson BS, Lejeune M, Whittaker GR, Goodrich EL. Infectious disease surveillance of apparently healthy horses at a multi-day show using a novel nanoscale real-time PCR panel. J Vet Diagn Invest 2020; 33:80-86. [PMID: 33179576 DOI: 10.1177/1040638720972096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the United States, horses are used for a variety of purposes including recreation, exhibition, and racing. As farm, performance, and companion animals, horses are a unique species from a zoonotic disease risk perspective, and the risks of subclinical infections spreading among horses can pose challenges. Using a nanoscale real-time PCR platform, we investigated the prevalence of 14 enteric pathogens, 11 Escherichia coli genes, and 9 respiratory pathogens in fecal samples from 97 apparently healthy horses at a multi-day horse event. In addition, sugar flotation test was performed for fecal parasites. E. coli f17 was commonly detected, prevalent in 59% of horses, followed closely by Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (55%). Additional pathogens recognized included betacoronavirus, Campylobacter jejuni, Cryptosporidium sp., E. coli O157, equine adenovirus 1, equine rhinitis B virus, and others. The use of PCR data may overestimate the true prevalence of these pathogens but provides a sensitive overview of common pathogens present in healthy horses. Our results prompt the continued need for practical biosecurity measures at horse shows, both to protect individuals interacting with these horses and to minimize transmission among horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison E Stout
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Hayley G Hofmar-Glennon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, and Master of Public Health Program, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Nicole M André
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Laura B Goodman
- Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Renee R Anderson
- Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Patrick K Mitchell
- Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Belinda S Thompson
- Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Manigandan Lejeune
- Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Gary R Whittaker
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.,College of Veterinary Medicine, and Master of Public Health Program, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Erin L Goodrich
- Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
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Garcia E, Zuluaga M. Infección diseminada por Streptococcus equi subespecie zooepidermicus en un paciente inmunocompetente. Med Clin (Barc) 2020; 155:368-369. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2019.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Liu QS, Raney B, Harji F. Impending rupture of mycotic aortic aneurysm infected with Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus. BMJ Case Rep 2020; 13:13/8/e235002. [PMID: 32843405 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-235002] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus is a beta-haemolytic, group C streptococcal bacterium. Although it is an opportunistic pathogen commonly found in horses, transmission to human can lead to severe infections. Here, we present a patient with S. equi subspecies zooepidemicus bacteraemia and consequent development of mycotic aneurysms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuying Selina Liu
- Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Brannon Raney
- Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.,Internal Medicine, New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Farzana Harji
- Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.,Internal Medicine, New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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35
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Gunasekaran V, D G, V P. Role of membrane proteins in bacterial synthesis of hyaluronic acid and their potential in industrial production. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 164:1916-1926. [PMID: 32791275 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.08.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan polymer found in various parts of human body and is required for functions like lubrication, water homeostasis etc. Hyaluronic acid is mostly produced industrially by bacterial fermentation for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. This review discusses on the role of membrane proteins involved in synthesis and transport of bacterial HA, since HA is a transmembrane product. The different types of membrane proteins involved, their transcriptional control in wild type bacteria and the expression of those proteins in various recombinant hosts have been discussed. The role of phospholipids and metal ions on membrane proteins activity, HA yield and size of HA have also been discussed. Today with an estimated market of US$ 8.3 billion and which is expected to grow to US$ 15.25 billion in 2026, it is essential to increase the efficiency of the industrial HA production process. So this review also proposes on how those membrane proteins and cellular mechanisms like the transcriptional control can be utilised to develop efficient industrial strains that enhance the yield and size of HA produced.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gowdhaman D
- Biomass conversion and Bioproducts Laboratory, Center for Bioenergy, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thirumalaisamudram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ponnusami V
- Biomass conversion and Bioproducts Laboratory, Center for Bioenergy, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thirumalaisamudram, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Mitchell CM, Johnson LK, Crim MJ, Wiedmeyer CE, Pugazhenthi U, Tousey S, Tollin DJ, Habenicht LM, Fink MK, Fong DL, Leszczynski JK, Manuel CA. Diagnosis, Surveillance and Management of Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus Infections in Chinchillas ( Chinchilla lanigera). Comp Med 2020; 70:370-375. [PMID: 32731906 PMCID: PMC7446643 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-20-000012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
During a 6-mo period, two 5-6 mo old female chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) were examined at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus after the discovery of firm, nonmobile masses in the left ventral cervical and left axillary region. Other than these findings and mild weight loss, both chinchillas' physical exams were normal. Bloodwork revealed an inflammatory leukogram characterized by leukocytosis, toxic neutrophils, lymphopenia, and monocytosis with mild, nonregenerative anemia. At necropsy, both masses were identified as abscesses. Streptococcus equi, subspecies zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) was isolated in pure culture. Histology of the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys showed a marked increase in the numbers of both polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes. Both animals were deemed unsuitable for research and were euthanized under isoflurane anesthesia by an intracardiac injection of pentobarbital sodium solution. S. zooepidemicus is an opportunistic, commensal organism found in the upper respiratory tract of horses. This organism has been documented to cause disease in other species and is zoonotic. Infections in humans have been reported, resulting in glomerulonephritis, endocarditis, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, meningitis, and death. To aid in diagnosis and prospective surveillance of this bacteria, oral and nasal swabs were collected from the remaining cohort of chinchillas, and a qPCR screening assay was implemented. Within 12 mo, 4 of 41 additional females tested positive by culture or qPCR, resulting in a disease prevalence of 14% (6 of 43). However, only 2 of the additional 4 S. zooepidemicus positive animals developed clinical signs. The potential for the spread of infection, zoonosis, and adverse effects on research demonstrate that surveillance for S. zooepidemicus should be considered in a biomedical research environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara M Mitchell
- Animal Resources Center Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Linda K Johnson
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Marcus J Crim
- IDEXX BioAnalytics Diagnostic Services, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Charles E Wiedmeyer
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Umarani Pugazhenthi
- School of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Susan Tousey
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Office of Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Daniel J Tollin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Lauren M Habenicht
- Office of Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Michael K Fink
- Office of Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Derek L Fong
- Office of Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jori K Leszczynski
- Office of Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Christopher A Manuel
- Office of Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado;,
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Özçelik R, Graubner C, Remy-Wohlfender F, Dürr S, Faverjon C. Evaluating 5.5 Years of Equinella: A Veterinary-Based Voluntary Infectious Disease Surveillance System of Equines in Switzerland. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:327. [PMID: 32695799 PMCID: PMC7339941 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine health is important in regard to trade, economy, society, and the veterinary, as well as public health. To reduce the burden of equine infectious diseases internationally, it is important to collect, review, and distribute equine health surveillance data as accurate and timely as possible. Within this study, we aimed at providing a comprehensive descriptive analysis of data submitted to Equinella, a voluntary veterinary-based surveillance system of non-notifiable equine infectious diseases and clinical signs, in Switzerland. This was achieved by reviewing the reports submitted since its relaunch in November 2013 and until April 2019, as well as assessing the data validity, activeness of participating veterinarians, coverage of the equine population, geographical representativeness, and timeliness of the system. In total, 630 reports have been submitted. Data validity ranged between 88.2 and 100%. The coverage of Equinella was assessed to be 50.8% of the Swiss equine population. Over the 5.5 years, of all 102 registered veterinarians, 67 (65.7%) submitted at least one report. On average, these veterinarians submitted 1.7 reports per year (median = 4 reports). More recently, in 2018, approximately only one-third [29 (28.4%)] of all registered veterinarians submitted at least one report. However, 59 (57.8%) have responded to the monthly reminder emails to confirm that they have not observed any relevant clinical case to be reported at least once (median number of confirmation per veterinarian = 9 of 12 reminder emails). The incidence of reports varied between cantons (member states of the Swiss confederation). The median timeliness of report submission was found to be 7 days. Overall, Equinella has been receiving reports since its initiation and contributed continuously to the surveillance of infectious diseases in the Swiss equine population and provided an output for the international equine community. Challenges encountered in achieving a higher number of submitted reports and increasing the coverage of the equine population, as well as the overall activeness of veterinarians, require further work. With our study, we provide a comprehensive overview of a veterinary-based voluntary surveillance system for equine health, assessed challenges of such, and suggest concrete improvements with transdisciplinary approaches for similar veterinary-based surveillance systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranya Özçelik
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Graubner
- ISME-Equine Clinic Bern, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Salome Dürr
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Céline Faverjon
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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38
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Chen X, Resende-De-Macedo N, Sitthicharoenchai P, Sahin O, Burrough E, Clavijo M, Derscheid R, Schwartz K, Lantz K, Robbe-Austerman S, Main R, Li G. Genetic characterization of Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus associated with high swine mortality in the United States. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:2797-2808. [PMID: 32460392 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
High mortality events due to Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (Streptococcus zooepidemicus) in swine have not previously been reported in the United States. In September and October 2019, outbreaks with swine mortality up to 50% due to S. zooepidemicus septicaemia were reported in Ohio and Tennessee. Genomic epidemiological analysis revealed that the eight outbreak isolates were clustered together with ATCC 35246, a Chinese strain caused outbreaks with high mortality, also closely related to three isolates from human cases from Virginia, but significantly different from an outbreak-unrelated swine isolate from Arizona and most isolates from other animal species. Comparative genomic analysis on two outbreak isolates and another outbreak-unrelated isolate identified several genomic islands and virulence genes specifically in the outbreak isolates only, which are likely associated with the high mortality observed in the swine population. These findings have implications for understanding, tracking and possibly preventing diseases caused by S. zooepidemicus in swine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhua Chen
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Nubia Resende-De-Macedo
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Panchan Sitthicharoenchai
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Orhan Sahin
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Eric Burrough
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Maria Clavijo
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Rachel Derscheid
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Kent Schwartz
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Kristina Lantz
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Rodger Main
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Ganwu Li
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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Sitthicharoenchai P, Derscheid R, Schwartz K, Macedo N, Sahin O, Chen X, Li G, Main R, Burrough E. Cases of high mortality in cull sows and feeder pigs associated with Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus septicemia. J Vet Diagn Invest 2020; 32:565-571. [PMID: 32532177 DOI: 10.1177/1040638720927669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigations of 2 cases of high mortality in cull sows and feeder pigs from a buying station in Ohio and cull sows at an abattoir in Tennessee were conducted at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The animals were presented as weak, lethargic, and some with high fever. Rapidly escalating mortality was reported to be as high as 30-50% within groups at the buying station over 8-10 d, and 30-40% over 5-7 d at the abattoir. Splenomegaly and red lymph nodes were the most consistent macroscopic findings, with scant fibrinous polyserositis observed in one sow. The microscopic lesions of vasculitis, fibrin thrombi, fibrinosuppurative polyserositis, and intralesional bacteria were consistent with acute bacterial septicemia. Bacterial culture isolated Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) from multiple organs, including spleen, lung, and kidney. PCR tests were negative for African swine fever virus, classical swine fever virus, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, porcine circovirus 2, and Salmonella spp. Porcine circovirus 3 was inconsistently detected at low levels by PCR, with a lack of associated lesions. Next-generation sequencing identified S. zooepidemicus and porcine partetravirus in the serum sample of the feeder pig from the buying station. Phylogenetic analysis of the szP gene indicated that the S. zooepidemicus isolates from Ohio and Tennessee are in genotype VI. We conclude that the cause of these high mortality events in swine was S. zooepidemicus septicemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panchan Sitthicharoenchai
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | - Rachel Derscheid
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | - Kent Schwartz
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | - Nubia Macedo
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | - Orhan Sahin
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | - Xuhua Chen
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | - Ganwu Li
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | - Rodger Main
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | - Eric Burrough
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
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Meningitis due to Streptococcus equi in a 73 year old woman with an osteodural defect. IDCases 2020; 21:e00779. [PMID: 32509525 PMCID: PMC7264763 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2020.e00779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningitis caused by Streptococcus equi (SE) is a rare disease associated with high rates of complications. Commonly identified risk factors are regular horse contact and consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. When diagnosed promptly, this infection can be cured. We report the case of a 73 year old woman who presented to the hospital with a sudden holocranial headaches, fever, photophobia, sonophobia, vomiting and behavioural disorders. She lived in a rural area and regularly consumed unpasteurized milk products. She had a medical history of osteodural defect, chronic otitis, high blood pressure and pulmonary fibrosis. We suspected bacterial meningitis associated with an ear infection. A lumbar puncture was performed. Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus(SEZ) was discovered in the CSF’s culture. Initially, the patient was treated with ceftriaxone. She had a tonic-clonic seizure 2days later. On the cerebral enhanced MRI, we found a right temporal pored cavity adjacent to a tegmen tympani bone breach. The patient received 15 days of antibiotic therapy with a good outcome. However, she was readmitted 24 h after being discharged for the same initial symptomatology. She received a total of 25 days of antibiotics and 4 days of corticoids with good results. Only a few cases of Streptococcus equi meningitis have been documented. We reported this case to insist on the importance of considering this diagnosis in patients with risk factors. We also point out that severe complications may occur despite the early initiation of adequate treatment.
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Mobeen KM, Carter J, Ahmed Z, Minton J. Disseminated septic arthritis caused by Streptococcus equi infection. BMJ Case Rep 2020; 13:13/6/e234188. [PMID: 32513761 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-234188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a rare case of bloodstream infection and disseminated septic arthritis in a relatively fit and well 73-year-old retired farmer and gamekeeper, due to the zoonotic organism Streptococcus equi The presence of the organism in multiple joints led to slow clinical response to treatment and was complicated by relapse of infection and lengthy disability. Source control was achieved with multiple joint washouts and spinal cord decompression. Following this, a 6-week course of intravenous antibiotics was required for complete clearance of infection. After a long period of rehabilitation, the patient made a good recovery. This case demonstrates that S. equi can cause life threatening and difficult to treat sepsis in humans and requires a high index of suspicion in people who have regular contact with equine species, cattle and unpasteurised milk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janine Carter
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Zaheer Ahmed
- Department of Radiology, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Blackpool, Lancashire, UK
| | - Jane Minton
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK.,Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Leeds School of Medicine, Leeds, UK
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BOĞ EŞ, ERTÜRK Ö, YAMAN M. Pathogenicity of aerobic bacteria isolated from honeybees (Apis mellifera) in Ordu Province. TURKISH JOURNAL OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.3906/vet-1905-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Torpiano P, Nestorova N, Vella C. Streptococcus equi subsp. equi meningitis, septicemia and subdural empyema in a child. IDCases 2020; 21:e00808. [PMID: 32489871 PMCID: PMC7256365 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2020.e00808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subsp. equi is a rare cause of meningitis in human hosts. Infection may lead to important suppurative complications such as subdural empyema. Infection often follows reported contact with horses. Outcome is often poor following S. equi subsp. equi meningitis.
Streptococcus equi subsp. equi is a group C β-hemolytic streptococcus, and is an invasive pathogen with a very restricted host, causing the equine infection known as ‘strangles’. It is a poor colonizer in horses, preferentially causing invasion and infection, compared with its ancestor Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, which is considered an opportunistic commensal of the equine upper respiratory tract. In humans, S. equi subsp. equi causes invasive infections in immunocompromised hosts, often following close contact with horses. Such infections are associated with a high mortality, as well as a poor neurological outcome in survivors. Beta-lactam antimicrobials form the mainstay of treatment, while neurosurgical intervention is occasionally required. We present the case of a 13-year old boy with systemic lupus erythematosus being treated with hydroxychloroquine, who presented with S. equi subsp. equi meningitis and sepsis after contact with a sick pony. Although he recovered fully following eight weeks of intravenous ceftriaxone and oral rifampin, the clinical course was complicated by subdural empyema requiring neurosurgical evacuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Torpiano
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Health, Mater Dei Hospital, Triq id-Donaturitad-Demm, MSD2090 Tal-Qroqq, Malta
| | - Nina Nestorova
- Department of Pathology, Mater Dei Hospital, Triq id-Donaturitad-Demm, MSD2090 Tal-Qroqq, Malta
| | - Cecil Vella
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Health, Mater Dei Hospital, Triq id-Donaturitad-Demm, MSD2090 Tal-Qroqq, Malta
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Tartor YH, El-Naenaeey ESY, Gharieb NM, Ali WS, Ammar AM. Novel Streptococcus equi strains causing strangles outbreaks in Arabian horses in Egypt. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:2455-2466. [PMID: 32304282 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Strangles displays a major challenge to veterinary medicine worldwide. However, no data on Streptococcus equi subsp. equi (S. equi) M protein alleles have been reported so far from Arabian horses. We report here for the first time the S. equi SeM alleles causing strangles in Arabian horses, and the associated risk factors for the disease. Duplicate samples from one hundred Arabian horses with acute strangles in confirmed outbreaks and sporadic cases were analysed by phenotypic methods and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting streptokinase precursor, seeI and sodA genes. PCR and sequencing of S. equi SeM gene were employed for strains typing, and the four superantigens were determined among the allelic variants. Direct-sample PCR confirmed and highly positively correlated (r = .85) with the phenotypic results, and detected S. equi in five samples more than the conventional culture. A combination of multiplex PCR from samples and culture could successfully identify S. equi (92%), S. zooepidemicus (5%) and S. equisimilis (3%). SeM typing demonstrated five SeM alleles, including four previously unidentified alleles that were deposited in the PubMLST-SeM database. SeM-139 and SeM-141 are related to some strains that were recently recovered from donkeys in China. SeM-140 and SeM-199 are related to a group of alleles from horses in Europe. Variation in the presence of seeM, seeH and seeL superantigens was found across the four novel alleles without interference with the severity of strangles and clinical presentation seen in different outbreaks. Horse age was the most important factor in developing strangles, followed by seasonality and the diagnosis of strangles in the previous year. These new findings comprise a significant contribution to the horse industry through the identification of novel S. equi SeM types that may bolster measures for strangles control as the identified SeM alleles will certainly help in the development of SeM-containing vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine H Tartor
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - El-Sayed Y El-Naenaeey
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Nesreen M Gharieb
- Department of Animal Management and Treatment, Kafr Saqr Veterinary Administration, Sharkia Governorate, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Wessam S Ali
- Department of Animal Management and Treatment, Diarb Negm Veterinary Administration, Sharkia Governorate, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Ammar
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
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Guo G, Wei D, Zhang Y, Wang K, Liu R, Wu Z, Kong L, Cheng L, Zhang W. M-like protein SrM is not crucial to the virulence of a novel isolate of Streptococcus equi subsp. ruminatorum from Macaca mulatta. Res Vet Sci 2020; 132:221-228. [PMID: 32615343 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a Streptococcus strainnamed FJ1804, was isolated from a blood sample collected from a dead Macaca mulatta in China and, was subsequently classified as Streptococcus equi subsp. ruminatorum (S.e. ruminatorum) through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. After whole genome sequencing and analysis, an M-like protein encoding gene that encodes an SrM protein that is homologous to the crucial S.e. zooepidemicus crucial virulence factor SzP, was identified in the genome of FJ1804. To determinethe function of SrM in this bacterium, a strain deleted of srm as well as a complement strain were constructed. The results of in vitro cell adherence, invasion and phagocytosis assays and in vivo animal challenge and histopathology showed that the anti-phagocytosis was decreased and the adherence rate was increased in the srm deletion strain, whereas the invasion rate, pathological features and LD50 values inboth zebrafish and BALB/c mice model showed no difference compared to that observed for the WT strain. To the best of our knowledge, this is first of an infection caused by S.e. ruminatorum, which is a newly identified zoonotic pathogen, in Macaca mulatta, and our data suggest that, compared with other S.e. zooepidemicus strains, the SzP homologous protein is not crucial to the virulence of this bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genglin Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210095, China; OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Dan Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210095, China; OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Yuhang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210095, China; OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Kaicheng Wang
- China Animal Health and Epidemiology Center, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| | - Rongchang Liu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350013, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Wu
- City Park Management Office of Nanping City, Nanping, Fujian 353000, China.
| | - Lifang Kong
- City Park Management Office of Nanping City, Nanping, Fujian 353000, China.
| | - Longfei Cheng
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350013, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210095, China; OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing 210095, China.
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Horses as a Crucial Part of One Health. Vet Sci 2020; 7:vetsci7010028. [PMID: 32121327 PMCID: PMC7157506 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
One Health (OH) is a crucial concept, where the interference between humans, animals and the environment matters. This review article focusses on the role of horses in maintaining the health of humans and the environment. Horses' impact on environmental health includes their influence on soil and the biodiversity of animal and plant species. Nevertheless, the effect of horses is not usually linear and several factors like plant-animal coevolutionary history, climate and animal density play significant roles. The long history of the relationship between horses and humans is shaped by the service of horses in wars or even in mines. Moreover, horses were essential in developing the first antidote to cure diphtheria. Nowadays, horses do have an influential role in animal assisted therapy, in supporting livelihoods in low income countries and as a leisure partner. Horses are of relevance in the spillover of zoonotic and emerging diseases from wildlife to human (e.g., Hendra Virus), and in non-communicable diseases (e.g., post-traumatic osteoarthritis in horses and back pain in horse riders). Furthermore, many risk factors-such as climate change and antimicrobial resistance-threaten the health of both horses and humans. Finally, the horse is a valuable factor in sustaining the health of humans and the environment, and must be incorporated in any roadmap to achieve OH.
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Prominent Binding of Human and Equine Fibrinogen to Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus Is Mediated by Specific SzM Types and Is a Distinct Phenotype of Zoonotic Isolates. Infect Immun 2019; 88:IAI.00559-19. [PMID: 31636136 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00559-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus is an important pathogen in horses that causes severe diseases such as pneumonia and abortion. Furthermore, it is a zoonotic agent, and contact with horses is a known risk factor. In this study, we investigated the working hypothesis that the zoonotic potential varies among S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus strains in association with differences in M-like protein-mediated binding of host plasma proteins. We demonstrate via in-frame deletion mutagenesis of two different S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus strains that the M-like protein SzM is crucial for the binding of fibrinogen to the bacterial surface and for survival in equine and human blood. S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus isolates of equine and human origins were compared with regard to SzM sequences and binding of equine and human fibrinogens. The N-terminal 216 amino acids of the mature SzM were found to exhibit a high degree of diversity, but the majority of human isolates grouped in three distinct SzM clusters. Plasma protein absorption assays and flow cytometry analysis revealed that pronounced binding of human fibrinogen is a common phenotype of human S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus isolates but much less so in equine S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus isolates. Furthermore, binding of human fibrinogen is associated with specific SzM types. These results suggest that SzM-mediated binding of human fibrinogen is an important virulence mechanism of zoonotic S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus isolates.
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Berg CC, Doss GA, Mans C. Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus infection in a pet chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera). J Exot Pet Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Echeverri-Toro LM, Castañeda L, Agudelo CA. Artritis séptica por Streptococcus equi: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura. INFECTIO 2019. [DOI: 10.22354/in.v23i4.815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
En humanos las infecciones producidas por Streptococcus equi son de rara ocurrencia, tienen una amplia variedad de formas de presentación, incluyendo compromiso articular, el cual ha sido pocas veces descrito en humanos y aún menos en pacientes inmunocompetentes. En este artículo se presenta un caso de artritis séptica por S. equi que ocurrió por una exposición ocupacional en un paciente inmunocompetente y la revisión de la literatura relacionada.
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Possible canine source of Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus causing meningitis in an infant. IDCases 2019; 17:e00568. [PMID: 31194131 PMCID: PMC6555896 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2019.e00568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) is a pathogen that colonizes and causes disease in horses, and less commonly, in other mammals. This zoonotic disease in humans is rare. In the reported human cases, it has caused bacteremia, endocarditis, arthritis and meningitis, and it has been linked to contact with horses or ingestion of unpasteurized dairy products. We report a case of a six-month-old female patient who presented with a one-day history of fevers and neurological symptoms. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures revealed S. zooepidemicus, and brain imaging showed a subdural fluid collection and diffuse brain infarcts. Exposure history suggested a canine source as patient had close contact with two dogs that had respiratory infections but no contact with other pets including horses. She had clinical and radiographic improvement after a four-week course of penicillin G and drainage of a subdural fluid collection but she had residual severe to profound hearing loss and mild neurocognitive deficits. This case report provides the third reported case of possible S. zooepidemicus transmission from dogs to humans, and the second such case that has led to meningitis. Clinicians and public health practitioners should recognize that S. zooepidemicus may be transmitted from dogs and can lead to severe disease in humans.
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