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Debrine AM, Karplus PA, Rockey DD. A structural foundation for studying chlamydial polymorphic membrane proteins. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0324223. [PMID: 37882824 PMCID: PMC10715098 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03242-23] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Infections by bacteria in the genus Chlamydia cause a range of widespread and potentially debilitating conditions in humans and other animals. We analyzed predicted structures of a family of proteins that are potential vaccine targets found in all Chlamydia spp. Our findings deepen the understanding of protein structure, provide a descriptive framework for discussion of the protein structure, and outline regions of the proteins that may be key targets in host-microbe interactions and anti-chlamydial immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail M. Debrine
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - P. Andrew Karplus
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Daniel D. Rockey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
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Loehrer S, Hagenbuch F, Marti H, Pesch T, Hässig M, Borel N. Longitudinal study of Chlamydia pecorum in a healthy Swiss cattle population. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292509. [PMID: 38079424 PMCID: PMC10712897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pecorum is a globally endemic livestock pathogen but prevalence data from Switzerland has so far been limited. The present longitudinal study aimed to get an insight into the C. pecorum prevalence in Swiss cattle and investigated infection dynamics. The study population consisted of a bovine herd (n = 308) located on a farm in the north-eastern part of Switzerland. The herd comprised dairy cows, beef cattle and calves all sampled up to five times over a one-year period. At each sampling timepoint, rectal and conjunctival swabs were collected resulting in 782 samples per sampled area (total n = 1564). Chlamydiaceae screening was performed initially, followed by C. pecorum-specific real-time qPCR on all samples. For C. pecorum-positive samples, bacterial loads were determined. In this study, C. pecorum was the only chlamydial species found. Animal prevalences were determined to be 5.2-11.4%, 38.1-61.5% and 55-100% in dairy cows, beef cattle and calves, respectively. In all categories, the number of C. pecorum-positive samples was higher in conjunctival (n = 151) compared to rectal samples (n = 65), however, the average rectal load was higher. At a younger age, the chlamydial prevalence and the mean bacterial loads were significantly higher. Of all sampled bovines, only 9.4% (29/308) were high shedders (number of copies per μl >1,000). Calves, which tested positive multiple times, either failed to eliminate the pathogen between sampling timepoints or were reinfected, whereas dairy cows were mostly only positive at one timepoint. In conclusion, C. pecorum was found in healthy Swiss cattle. Our observations suggested that infection takes place at an early age and immunity might develop over time. Although the gastrointestinal tract is supposed to be the main infection site, C. pecorum was not present in rectal samples from dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Loehrer
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Hagenbuch
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hanna Marti
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Pesch
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Hässig
- Department for Farm Animals, Section for Herd Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Lu B, Qiao Q, Park ER, Wang Y, Gilleran JA, Pan M, Pilch DS, Wu X, Roberge JY, Fan H. Acylpyrazoline-Based Third-Generation Selective Antichlamydial Compounds with Enhanced Potency. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:6597-6607. [PMID: 36844602 PMCID: PMC9947980 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c06992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacteria and widespread pathogens in humans and animals. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are currently used to treat chlamydial infections. However, broad-spectrum drugs also kill beneficial bacteria. Recently, two generations of benzal acylhydrazones have been shown to selectively inhibit chlamydiae without toxicity to human cells and lactobacilli, which are dominating, beneficial bacteria in the vagina of reproductive-age women. Here, we report the identification of two acylpyrazoline-based third-generation selective antichlamydials (SACs). With minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of 10-25 μM against Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia muridarum, these new antichlamydials are 2- to 5-fold more potent over the benzal acylhydrazone-based second-generation selective antichlamydial lead SF3. Both acylpyrazoline-based SACs are well tolerated by Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, and Salmonella as well as host cells. These third-generation selective antichlamydials merit further evaluation for therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Lu
- Department
of Parasitology, Central South University
Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
- Department
of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Qi Qiao
- Molecular
Design and Synthesis Core, RUBRIC, Office for Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Elizabeth R. Park
- Molecular
Design and Synthesis Core, RUBRIC, Office for Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers,
The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Yuxuan Wang
- Department
of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - John A. Gilleran
- Molecular
Design and Synthesis Core, RUBRIC, Office for Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Matthew Pan
- Department
of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Daniel S. Pilch
- Department
of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Xiang Wu
- Department
of Parasitology, Central South University
Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Jacques Y. Roberge
- Molecular
Design and Synthesis Core, RUBRIC, Office for Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Huizhou Fan
- Department
of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
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Tîrziu A, Herman V, Imre K, Degi DM, Boldea M, Florin V, Bochiș TA, Adela M, Degi J. Occurrence of Chlamydia spp. in Conjunctival Samples of Stray Cats in Timișoara Municipality, Western Romania. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10112187. [PMID: 36363779 PMCID: PMC9693150 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112187] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the widespread public health concern about stray cats serving as reservoirs for zoonotic agents, little is known about the effect of urban and peri-urban landscapes on exposure risk. We conducted this study to monitor the presence of Chlamydia spp. in stray cats, with or without conjunctivitis, living in Timișoara Municipality, Western Romania, using staining and PCR methods. A total of 95 cats were enrolled, and conjunctival samples were harvested from 68 clinically healthy cats and another 27 cats presenting with clinical signs of conjunctivitis. Overall, we found that 65.3% (62/95) of the cats tested positive for Chlamydia spp. by PCR. Chlamydia spp. were detected in 45/95 conjunctival samples using a standard Giemsa stain, compared with 62/95 using PCR (Cohen’s kappa index = 0.308; p = 0.0640). Of the cats that tested positive by PCR, 72.6% (45/62) were asymptomatic, and another 27.4% (17/62) expressed clinical signs of conjunctivitis. We found no significant difference between (p > 0.05) the distribution of infection and the recorded epidemiological data (sex, breed, age, territorial distribution, or sampling season). However, the Chlamydia spp. detection frequency was significantly higher in asymptomatic than in symptomatic cats (p = 0.0383). The obtained results increase the level of concern and awareness about the possible zoonotic potential of this pathogen and highlight that urban stray cats can be essential sources of feline chlamydiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Tîrziu
- Ophthalmology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Piața Eftimiu Murgu No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Viorel Herman
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Science “King Michael I” from Timișoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Kálmán Imre
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Science “King Michael I” from Timișoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Diana Maria Degi
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Science “King Michael I” from Timișoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Marius Boldea
- Department of Exact Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Life Science “King Michael I” from Timișoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Vlad Florin
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Science “King Michael I” from Timișoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Timea Andrea Bochiș
- Department of Semiology—Preclinical I, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Science “King Michael I” from Timișoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Marcu Adela
- Department of Animal Production Engineering, Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Recourses, University of Life Science “King Michael I” from Timișoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - János Degi
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Science “King Michael I” from Timișoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence:
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Muroni G, Pinna L, Serra E, Chisu V, Mandas D, Coccollone A, Liciardi M, Masala G. A Chlamydia psittaci Outbreak in Psittacine Birds in Sardinia, Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14204. [PMID: 36361084 PMCID: PMC9658638 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is an intracellular bacterium belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family. It is the ethiologic agent of psittacosis, an occupational zoonotic disease that mainly concerns people who work in close contact with birds that represent the main infection route for human transmission. In Italy, information about this disease is lacking. This study is the first case of avian chlamydiosis reported from a pet shop in Sardinia, Italy. Chlamydia psittaci detected in psittacine birds by molecular analysis, direct immunofluorescence test together with anatomo-pathological observed lesions, highlighted the importance of focusing the attention over this underestimated zoonosis in a "One Health" prospective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Muroni
- Zoonotic Pathology and OIEReference Laboratory for Echinococcosis, National Reference Center for Echinococcosis (CeNRE), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi n. 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Luigia Pinna
- S.C. Complex Territorial Diagnostic Structure of Cagliari, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 09067 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisa Serra
- Zoonotic Pathology and OIEReference Laboratory for Echinococcosis, National Reference Center for Echinococcosis (CeNRE), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi n. 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Valentina Chisu
- Zoonotic Pathology and OIEReference Laboratory for Echinococcosis, National Reference Center for Echinococcosis (CeNRE), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi n. 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Daniela Mandas
- S.C. Complex Territorial Diagnostic Structure of Cagliari, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 09067 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Annamaria Coccollone
- S.C. Complex Territorial Diagnostic Structure of Cagliari, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 09067 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Manuel Liciardi
- S.C. Complex Territorial Diagnostic Structure of Cagliari, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 09067 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Masala
- Zoonotic Pathology and OIEReference Laboratory for Echinococcosis, National Reference Center for Echinococcosis (CeNRE), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi n. 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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Aaziz R, Laroucau K, Gobbo F, Salvatore D, Schnee C, Terregino C, Lupini C, Di Francesco A. Occurrence of Chlamydiae in Corvids in Northeast Italy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12101226. [PMID: 35625072 PMCID: PMC9137748 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The continuous improvement of next-generation sequencing techniques has led to an expansion of the number of Chlamydia species, as well as their host range. Recent studies performed on wild birds have detected Chlamydia strains with characteristics intermediate between Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia abortus. In this study, 12/108 corvids tested positive for Chlamydia by real-time PCR. Molecular characterisation at the species level was possible for eight samples, with one positive for C. psittaci and seven for C. abortus. Considering the well-known zoonotic role of C. psittaci and that a potential zoonotic role of avian C. abortus strains cannot be excluded, people who may have professional or other contact with wild birds should take appropriate preventive measures. Abstract Chlamydiaceae occurrence has been largely evaluated in wildlife, showing that wild birds are efficient reservoirs for avian chlamydiosis. In this study, DNA extracted from cloacal swabs of 108 corvids from Northeast Italy was screened for Chlamydiaceae by 23S real-time (rt)PCR. The positive samples were characterised by specific rtPCRs for Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia abortus, Chlamydia gallinacea, Chlamydia avium, Chlamydia pecorum and Chlamydia suis. Cloacal shedding of Chlamydiaceae was detected in 12 out of 108 (11.1%, 5.9%–18.6% 95% CI) corvids sampled. Molecular characterisation at the species level was possible in 8/12 samples, showing C. psittaci positivity in only one sample from a hooded crow and C. abortus positivity in seven samples, two from Eurasian magpies and five from hooded crows. Genotyping of the C. psittaci-positive sample was undertaken via PCR/high-resolution melting, clustering it in group III_pigeon, corresponding to the B genotype based on former ompA analysis. For C. abortus genotyping, multilocus sequence typing was successfully performed on the two samples with high DNA load from Eurasian magpies, highlighting 100% identity with the recently reported Polish avian C. abortus genotype 1V strain 15-58d44. To confirm the intermediate characteristics between C. psittaci and C. abortus, both samples, as well as two samples from hooded crows, showed the chlamydial plasmid inherent in most C. psittaci and avian C. abortus, but not in ruminant C. abortus strains. The plasmid sequences were highly similar (≥99%) to those of the Polish avian C. abortus genotype 1V strain 15-58d44. To our knowledge, this is the first report of avian C. abortus strains in Italy, specifically genotype 1V, confirming that they are actively circulating in corvids in the Italian region tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachid Aaziz
- Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses, University Paris-Est, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (R.A.); (K.L.)
| | - Karine Laroucau
- Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses, University Paris-Est, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (R.A.); (K.L.)
| | - Federica Gobbo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; (F.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Daniela Salvatore
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (D.S.); (C.L.)
| | - Christiane Schnee
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), D-07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Calogero Terregino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; (F.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Caterina Lupini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (D.S.); (C.L.)
| | - Antonietta Di Francesco
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (D.S.); (C.L.)
- Correspondence:
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Zhu C, Lv M, Huang J, Zhang C, Xie L, Gao T, Han B, Wang W, Feng G. Bloodstream infection and pneumonia caused by Chlamydia abortus infection in China: a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:181. [PMID: 35197012 PMCID: PMC8867867 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07158-z] [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: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia abortus is generally considered to cause abortion, stillbirth, and gestational sepsis in pregnant women, but it’s rare in bloodstream infection and pneumonia. Case presentation We present details of a patient with bloodstream infection and pneumonia caused by Chlamydia abortus. Both blood next-generation sequencing (NGS) and sputum NGS indicate Chlamydia abortus infection. The patient received intravenous infusion of piperacillin sodium and tazobactam sodium (4.5 g/8 h) and moxifloxacin (0.4 g/d) and oral oseltamivir (75 mg/day). Within one month of follow-up, the patient's clinical symptoms were significantly improved, and all laboratory parameters showed no marked abnormality. However, chest computer tomography (CT) showed the inflammation wasn’t completely absorbed. And we are still following up. Conclusions Chlamydia abortus can cause pneumonia in humans. NGS has the particular advantage of quickly and accurately identifying the infection of such rare pathogens. Pneumonia is generally not life-threatening, and has a good prognosis with appropriate treatment. However, Chlamydia infection can lead to serious visceral complications which clinicians should pay attention to.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjun Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Minjie Lv
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Jianling Huang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Changwen Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Lixu Xie
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Tianming Gao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Bo Han
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Ganzhu Feng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China.
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Fayez M, Elmoslemany A, Alorabi M, Alkafafy M, Qasim I, Al-Marri T, Elsohaby I. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Chlamydia abortus Infection in Sheep and Goats in Eastern Saudi Arabia. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040489. [PMID: 33920727 PMCID: PMC8072607 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040489] [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: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus) is intracellular, Gram-negative bacterium that cause enzootic abortion in sheep and goats. Information on C. abortus seroprevalence and flock management risk factors associated with C. abortus seropositivity in sheep and goats in Saudi Arabia are scarce. The objectives of this study were to (i) estimate the animal, flock, and within-flock seroprevalence of C. abortus among Eastern Province sheep and goat flocks and (ii) identify the flock management and animal risk factors associated with C. abortus seropositivity in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study with a two-stage sampling process was carried out in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, between 2015 and 2016. A total of 1717 sheep and 1101 goat serum samples were collected from 21 sheep and 14 goat flocks, then were tested for C. abortus antibodies using a commercial ELISA Kit. In addition, vaginal swabs and aborted tissue samples were collected from sheep (n = 48) and goats (n = 15) with recent history of abortion for detection of C. abortuspmp gene using PCR. A questionnaire was constructed to collect information about flock management and animal risk factors possibly associated with C. abortus infection in sheep and goats. The true sheep and goat-level seroprevalences were 11.1% (95% CI: 9.7–12.7) and 10.6% (95% CI: 8.8–12.5), respectively. The true flock-level seroprevalence was 100% for both sheep and goats. However, the average within sheep and goat flocks true seroprevalences were 9.6% (95% CI: 1.8–22.9) and 9.3% (95% CI: 1.8–19.5), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that introduction of new sheep to the flocks (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.5–4.4), type of breeding system (OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.0–3.4), flocks allowing females in (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1–3.3) or females out (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1–4.3), and sheep age 1.4–2.8 years (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.3–2.9) were potential risk factors for C. abortus seropositivity in sheep flocks. However, in goat flocks, the introduction of new goats to the flocks (OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2–3.0) was identified as a risk factor, whereas good farm hygiene (OR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.2–0.7) was identified as a protective factor. C. abortus pmp gene was identified in 45 (93.8%) and 15 (100%) of samples collected from sheep and goats, respectively. These results could be used to implement efficient management measures to prevent and control C. abortus infection in sheep and goats in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, but also could be used to reduce the risk of C. abortus infection in sheep and goat flocks with similar management practices in other regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Fayez
- Al-Ahsa Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; (M.F.); (T.A.-M.)
- Department of Bacteriology, Veterinary Serum and Vaccine Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Cairo 131, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Elmoslemany
- Hygiene and Preventive Medicine Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt;
| | - Mohammed Alorabi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.); (M.A.)
| | - Mohamed Alkafafy
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.); (M.A.)
| | - Ibrahim Qasim
- Department of Animal Resources, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Riyadh 12629, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Theeb Al-Marri
- Al-Ahsa Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; (M.F.); (T.A.-M.)
| | - Ibrahim Elsohaby
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig City 44511, Egypt
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-902-566-6063
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Sun LX, Liang QL, Hu XH, Li Z, Yang JF, Zou FC, Zhu XQ. First Report of Chlamydia Seroprevalence and Risk Factors in Domestic Black-Boned Sheep and Goats in China. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:363. [PMID: 32766288 PMCID: PMC7380085 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gram-negative bacteria of the genus Chlamydia cause a wide range of diseases in humans and animals. The seroprevalence of Chlamydia in domestic black-boned sheep and goats in China is unknown. In this survey, a total of 481 serum samples were collected randomly from domestic black-boned sheep and goats from three counties in Yunnan province, southwest China, from July to August 2017. The sera were examined by an indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA). Antibodies to Chlamydia were detected in 100/481 [20.79%, 95% confidence interval (CI), 17.16–24.42] serum samples (IHA titer ≥1:64). The Chlamydia seroprevalence ranged from 12.21% (95% CI, 7.81–16.61) to 30.89% (95% CI, 22.72–39.06) across different regions in Yunnan province, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The seroprevalence in male domestic black-boned sheep and goats (28.64%; 95% CI, 22.36–34.92) was significantly higher than that in the females (15.25%; 95% CI, 11.05–19.45) (P < 0.01). However, there was no statistically significant difference in Chlamydia seroprevalence in domestic black-boned sheep and goats between ages and species (P > 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Chlamydia seroprevalence in domestic black-boned sheep and goats in Yunnan Province, southwest China. These data provide baseline information for future implementation of measures to control Chlamydia infection in these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Xiu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qin-Li Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhao Li
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jian-Fa Yang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Feng-Cai Zou
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
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10
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Nie F, Gong Q, Yang J, Xi C, Wang Y, Wang G, Zhang L, Li X, Huo D, Hou C. Establishment of a Multiplex Real-Time TaqMan-MGB Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Method for the Simultaneous Detection of Three Animal Chlamydia Species. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:9369-9376. [PMID: 31814605 PMCID: PMC6921693 DOI: 10.12659/msm.918344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydiae are spread globally and cause infectious diseases in both humans and animals. The existing detection methods for this disease have numerous shortcomings, including low sensitivity, time consuming procedures, and high contamination vulnerability. MATERIAL AND METHODS To overcome shortcomings for detecting animal chlamydiosis, a multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was established for simultaneously detecting and differentiating 3 Chlamydia species (C. pecorum, C. abortus, and C. psittaci) by real time PCR based on TaqMan-MGB technology. RESULTS The limit of detection was 20.2 copies/µL for Chlamydophila (Cp.) abortus, 30.8 copies/µL for Cp. pecorum, and 16 copies/µL for Cp. psittaci. This method has good repeatability and stability as coefficients of variation range from 0.04% to 1.38%. Furthermore, compared with OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) recommended PCR assay and previously reported animal chlamydia shell PCR, this multiplex PCR assay demonstrated 99% concordance in detecting clinical samples of porcine nasal swabs and vaginal swabs. CONCLUSIONS The novel established method in this study was able to detect 3 types of Chlamydia species simultaneously, and had high sensitivity, strong specificity, and good stability. It provided a rapid, reliable, and convenient method for epidemiological and clinical diagnosis of chlamydiosis in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuping Nie
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China (mainland).,Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Qian Gong
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Jun Yang
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Cunxian Xi
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Yu Wang
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Guomin Wang
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Lei Zhang
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Xianliang Li
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Danqun Huo
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Changjun Hou
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China (mainland)
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11
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Nga VT, Ngoc TU, Minh LB, Ngoc VTN, Pham VH, Nghia LL, Son NLH, Van Pham TH, Bac ND, Tien TV, Tuan NNM, Tao Y, Show PL, Chu DT. Zoonotic diseases from birds to humans in Vietnam: possible diseases and their associated risk factors. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 38:1047-1058. [PMID: 30806904 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03505-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, exceeding 60% of infectious cases in human beings are originated from pathogenic agents related to feral or companion animals. This figure continues to swiftly increase due to excessive exposure between human and contaminated hosts by means of applying unhygienic farming practices throughout society. In Asia countries-renowned for lax regulation towards animal-trading markets-have experienced tremendous outbreaks of zoonotic diseases every year. Meanwhile, various epidemic surges were first reported in the residential area of China-one of the largest distributor of all animal products on the planet. Some noticeable illnesses comprising of A/H5N1 or H7N9-known as avian influenza which transmitted from poultry and also wild birds-have caused inevitable disquiet among inhabitants. Indeed, poultry farming industry in China has witnessed dynamic evolution for the past two decades, both in quantity and degree of output per individual. Together with this pervasive expansion, zoonotic diseases from poultry have incessantly emerged as a latent threat to the surrounding residents in entire Asia and also European countries. Without strict exporting legislation, Vietnam is now facing the serious problem in terms of poultry distribution between the two countries' border. Even though several disease investigations have been conducted by many researchers, the disease epidemiology or transmission methods among people remained blurred and need to be further elucidated. In this paper, our aim is to provide a laconic review of common zoonotic diseases spread in Vietnam, outstanding cases and several factors predisposing to this alarming situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vu Thi Nga
- Institute for Research and Development, Duy Tan University, 03 QuangTrung, Danang, Vietnam
| | - Tran Uyen Ngoc
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Le Bui Minh
- NTT Hi-tech Institute, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, 300A Nguyen Tat Thanh St., Ward 13, District 4, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | | | - Van-Huy Pham
- AI Lab, Faculty of Information Technology, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| | - Le Long Nghia
- School of Odonto Stomatology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Thi Hong Van Pham
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Forestry, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Tran Viet Tien
- 103 Military Hospital, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Yang Tao
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Pau Loke Show
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, JalanBroga, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Dinh-Toi Chu
- School of Odonto Stomatology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
- Faculty of Biology, Hanoi National University of Education, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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12
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Sánchez Romano J, Leijon M, Hagström Å, Jinnerot T, Rockström UK, Tryland M. Chlamydia pecorum Associated With an Outbreak of Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis in Semi-domesticated Reindeer in Sweden. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:14. [PMID: 30805351 PMCID: PMC6370630 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC), the most common ocular disease in ruminants worldwide, has affected semi-domesticated Eurasian reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) for over 100 years, both as individual cases and in outbreaks affecting tens to hundreds of animals. Recurrent IKC outbreaks have been affecting a semi-domesticated reindeer herd in Östra Kikkejaure (Norrbotten county, Sweden) from 2014. The latest episode of these recurrent outbreaks, in winter 2016/2017, was investigated in this study. Clinical findings were in line with previous reports of IKC in semi-domesticated reindeer and the clinical signs displayed by the affected animals (n = 30) included increased lacrimation, follicular conjunctivitis, purulent secretions around the affected eyes and corneal edema. Laboratory analyses of the samples revealed the presence of Chlamydiaceae in most samples obtained from the clinically affected animals (98.3%, n = 60), but also a high seroprevalence of cervid herpesvirus 2 (CvHV2) antibodies (56.6%, n = 53). Moraxella bovoculi was isolated from nine IKC-affected animals during the outbreak (45.0%, n = 20). All affected animals were treated with long-acting antibiotics and recovered from the disease, testing negative for the presence of Chlamydiaceae DNA by PCR 16 days and 3 months after the initial treatment. For the first time, Chlamydia pecorum was identified in semi-domesticated reindeer, and the involvement of Chlamydiaceae in a clinical outbreak of IKC is reported. The CvHV2 seroprevalence (56.6%) and the data obtained from a previous outbreak in 2014 also suggest the involvement of the reindeer alphaherpesvirus in the recurrent outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sánchez Romano
- Arctic Infection Biology, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Mikael Leijon
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Åsa Hagström
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tomas Jinnerot
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Morten Tryland
- Arctic Infection Biology, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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13
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Detection of Chlamydiaceae and Chlamydia-like organisms on the ocular surface of children and adults from a trachoma-endemic region. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7432. [PMID: 29743637 PMCID: PMC5943520 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23887-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness, is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), a bacterium of the phylum Chlamydiae. Recent investigations revealed the existence of additional families within the phylum Chlamydiae, also termed Chlamydia-like organisms (CLOs). In this study, the frequency of Ct and CLOs was examined in the eyes of healthy Sudanese (control) participants and those with trachoma (case). We tested 96 children (54 cases and 42 controls) and 93 adults (51 cases and 42 controls) using broad-range Chlamydiae and Ct-specific (omcB) real-time PCR. Samples positive by broad-range Chlamydiae testing were subjected to DNA sequencing. Overall Chlamydiae prevalence was 36%. Sequences corresponded to unclassified and classified Chlamydiae. Ct infection rate was significantly higher in children (31.5%) compared to adults (0%) with trachoma (p < 0.0001). In general, 21.5% of adults and 4.2% of children tested positive for CLOs (p = 0.0003). Our findings are consistent with previous investigations describing the central role of Ct in trachoma among children. This is the first study examining human eyes for the presence of CLOs. We found an age-dependent distribution of CLO DNA in human eyes with significantly higher positivity in adults. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of CLOs in trachoma pathogenicity and/or protection.
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14
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Mair-Jenkins J, Lamming T, Dziadosz A, Flecknoe D, Stubington T, Mentasti M, Muir P, Monk P. A Psittacosis Outbreak among English Office Workers with Little or No Contact with Birds, August 2015. PLOS CURRENTS 2018; 10. [PMID: 29854568 PMCID: PMC5951689 DOI: 10.1371/currents.outbreaks.b646c3bb2b4f0e3397183f31823bbca6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Introduction On 14th August 2015 an office manager informed Public Health England of five employees known to have been diagnosed with pneumonia over the previous three weeks. We investigated to establish whether an outbreak occurred and to identify and control the source of infection. Methods We undertook case finding for self-reported pneumonia cases at local businesses (July-August 2015). Clinical samples from a hospitalised case were tested for common respiratory pathogens, but returned negative results. Further testing confirmed Chlamydia psittaci infection in this case (serology and PCR). We subsequently undertook C. psittaci testing for all cases, redefining them as confirmed (C. psittaci PCR or high antibody titre via serology) or probable (inconclusive C. psittaci serology). Twenty-eight day exposure histories informed descriptive epidemiological analysis. We conducted an environmental investigation at the office to identify potential sources of exposure. Results We identified six office workers with pneumonia; four met case definitions (three confirmed, one probable) with symptom onset between 29th July and 4th August 2015. Workplace was the only epidemiological link and only one case reported limited, indirect bird contact. Environmental investigations identified pigeons roosting near the office which were being fed by workers (none cases). Discussion This was a probable outbreak of psittacosis with no direct bird-to-human contact reported. Cases recovered after receiving appropriate antibiotics. Feeding of pigeons was stopped. A deep clean of office ventilation systems was conducted and workers were advised to avoid bird contact. We hypothesised that indirect environmental exposure to infected pigeons was to the source of this outbreak. This work provides evidence that health professionals should consider psittacosis in the differential diagnosis of cases of severe or atypical respiratory illness even without overt bird contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Mair-Jenkins
- Field Epidemiology Training Programme, Public Health England, Nottingham, United Kingdom; European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden; Field Epidemiology Service, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Tracey Lamming
- Public Health England East Midlands, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andy Dziadosz
- Environmental Health, Ashfield District Council, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Flecknoe
- Public Health England East Midlands, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Massimo Mentasti
- Bacteriology Reference Department, Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Muir
- Public Health Laboratory Bristol, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Monk
- Public Health England East Midlands, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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15
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Li M, Jelocnik M, Yang F, Gong J, Kaltenboeck B, Polkinghorne A, Feng Z, Pannekoek Y, Borel N, Song C, Jiang P, Li J, Zhang J, Wang Y, Wang J, Zhou X, Wang C. Asymptomatic infections with highly polymorphic Chlamydia suis are ubiquitous in pigs. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:370. [PMID: 29191191 PMCID: PMC5710075 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1295-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia suis is an important, globally distributed, highly prevalent and diverse obligate intracellular pathogen infecting pigs. To investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of C. suis in China, 2,137 nasal, conjunctival, and rectal swabs as well as whole blood and lung samples of pigs were collected in 19 regions from ten provinces of China in this study. Results We report an overall positivity of 62.4% (1,334/2,137) of C. suis following screening by Chlamydia spp. 23S rRNA-based FRET-PCR and high-resolution melting curve analysis and confirmatory sequencing. For C. suis-positive samples, 33.3 % of whole blood and 62.5% of rectal swabs were found to be positive for the C. suis tetR(C) gene, while 13.3% of whole blood and 87.0% of rectal swabs were positive for the C. suis tet(C) gene. Phylogenetic comparison of partial C. suis ompA gene sequences revealed significant genetic diversity in the C. suis strains. This genetic diversity was confirmed by C. suis-specific multilocus sequence typing (MLST), which identified 26 novel sequence types among 27 examined strains. Tanglegrams based on MLST and ompA sequences provided evidence of C. suis recombination amongst the strains analyzed. Conclusions Genetically highly diverse C. suis strains are exceedingly prevalent in pigs. As it stands, the potential pathogenic effect of C. suis on pig health and production of C. suis remains unclear and will be the subject of further investigations. Further study is also required to address the transmission of C. suis between pigs and the risk of 'spill-over' and 'spill-back' of infections to wild animals and humans. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12917-017-1295-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD, Maroochydore, Australia
| | - Feng Yang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianseng Gong
- Poultry Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | | | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD, Maroochydore, Australia
| | - Zhixin Feng
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-Products, Nanjing, China
| | - Yvonne Pannekoek
- Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute for Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chunlian Song
- Yunnan Agricultural University College of Animal Science & Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases Diagnostic and Immunology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Li
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jilei Zhang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaoyao Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengming Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. .,College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA.
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16
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Zhang H, Kunadia A, Lin Y, Fondell JD, Seidel D, Fan H. Identification of a strong and specific antichlamydial N-acylhydrazone. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185783. [PMID: 28973037 PMCID: PMC5626472 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexually transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis is an extremely common infection and often leads to serious complications including infertility and pelvic inflammatory syndrome. Several broad-spectrum antibiotics are currently used to treat C. trachomatis. Although effective, they also kill beneficial vaginal lactobacilli. Two N-acylhydrazones, CF0001 and CF0002, have been shown previously to inhibit chlamydial growth without toxicity to human cells and Lactobacillus spp. Of particular significance, the rate of random mutation leading to resistance of these inhibitors appears to be extremely low. Here, we report three analogs of CF0001 and CF0002 with significantly stronger inhibitory effects on chlamydiae. Even though the new compounds (termed SF1, SF2 and SF3) displayed slightly decreased inhibition efficiencies for a rare Chlamydia variant selected for CF0001 resistance (Chlamydia muridarum MCR), they completely overcame the resistance when used at concentrations of 75–100 μM. Importantly, SF1, SF2 and SF3 did not shown any toxic effect on lactobacilli, whereas SF3 was also well tolerated by human host cells. An effort to isolate SF3-resistant variants was unsuccessful. By comparison, variants resistant to rifampin or spectinomycin were obtained from smaller numbers of chlamydiae. Our findings suggest that SF3 utilizes an antichlamydial mechanism similar to that of CF0001 and CF0002, and will be more difficult for chlamydiae to develop resistance to, potentially making it a more effective antichlamydial agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huirong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Anuj Kunadia
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Yingfu Lin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Joseph D. Fondell
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Daniel Seidel
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DS); (HF)
| | - Huizhou Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DS); (HF)
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Wannaratana S, Thontiravong A, Amonsin A, Pakpinyo S. Persistence of Chlamydia psittaci in Various Temperatures and Times. Avian Dis 2017; 61:40-45. [PMID: 28301242 DOI: 10.1637/11475-072216-reg] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci, an obligate intracellular gram-negative bacteria, causes an important zoonotic disease in humans, namely, psittacosis. The objective of this study was to determine the persistent viability of C. psittaci at various temperature conditions. The cloacal swab samples were collected from feral and racing pigeons to find a C. psittaci field strain. The bacterial isolation showed that 1.3% of feral pigeons were PCR positive, while all samples of racing pigeons were PCR negative. Also, bacterial characterization suggested that it belonged to genotype B, which had bacterial titers 3.2 and 3.89 log 50% lethal dose/ml, respectively. A bacterial persistence test was performed, and the results showed that C. psittaci could survive at 56 C for up to 72 hr. In conclusion, C. psittaci could be found in feral pigeons in central Thailand. The bacteria can survive in equatorial temperature areas. This study was the first to report that C. psittaci could survive and has infectivity at 56 C for 72 hr. Therefore, awareness of C. psittaci infection in humans is necessary and should be a public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suwarak Wannaratana
- A Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-OK, Chonburi 20110, Thailand
| | - Aunyaratana Thontiravong
- B Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Alongkorn Amonsin
- C Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.,D Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, Center of Excellence, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Somsak Pakpinyo
- E Avian Health Research Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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18
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Ortega N, Caro MR, Gallego MC, Murcia-Belmonte A, Álvarez D, Del Río L, Cuello F, Buendía AJ, Salinas J. Isolation of Chlamydia abortus from a laboratory worker diagnosed with atypical pneumonia. Ir Vet J 2016; 69:8. [PMID: 27446530 PMCID: PMC4955219 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-016-0067-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Identifying the aetiological agent of atypical pneumonia in human can sometimes be a tedious process, especially in cases where Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella species and Chlamydia pneumoniae are ruled out. In such cases, a correct anamnesis of the patient is basic to clarify which pathogens might have produced the infection. For this reason, health professionals including veterinarians and laboratory personnel working with zoonotic pathogens should keep their doctors informed. Case presentation A human case of atypical pneumonia linked to Chlamydia abortus is reported. A 47-year-old male, a veterinarian researcher into chlamydiae, developed respiratory symptoms, breathing problems and high fever. Serological analyses ruled out the involvement of several respiratory pathogens, such as M. pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Rickettsia conorii and C. pneumoniae, and Chlamydia abortus was identified as the possible aetiological agent of the infection. The isolation of C. abortus from the patient’s sputum and subsequent molecular analysis confirmed the presence of this microorganism. Conclusion As far as we know, although C. abortus has not been previously described as capable of causing pneumonia in humans, this is the first reported case of atypical pneumonia in which C. abortus is thought to have played an aetiological role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nieves Ortega
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Rosa Caro
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Carmen Gallego
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio Murcia-Belmonte
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Daniel Álvarez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Laura Del Río
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Cuello
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio J Buendía
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jesús Salinas
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Analysis of Humoral Immune Responses to Surface and Virulence-Associated Chlamydia abortus Proteins in Ovine and Human Abortions by Use of a Newly Developed Line Immunoassay. J Clin Microbiol 2016; 54:1883-1890. [PMID: 27194684 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00351-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia abortus is the causative agent of enzootic abortion of ewes and poses a significant zoonotic risk for pregnant women. Using proteomic analysis and gene expression library screening in a previous project, we identified potential virulence factors and candidates for serodiagnosis, of which nine were scrutinized here with a strip immunoassay. We have shown that aborting sheep exhibited a strong antibody response to surface (MOMP, MIP, Pmp13G) and virulence-associated (CPAF, TARP, SINC) antigens. While the latter disappeared within 18 weeks following abortion in a majority of the animals, antibodies to surface proteins persisted beyond the duration of the study. In contrast, nonaborting experimentally infected sheep developed mainly antibodies to surface antigens (MOMP, MIP, Pmp13G), all of which did not persist. We were also able to detect antibodies to these surface antigens in C abortus-infected women who had undergone septic abortion, whereas a group of shepherds and veterinarians with occupational exposure to C abortus-infected sheep revealed only sporadic immune responses to the antigens selected. The most specific antigen for the serodiagnosis of human C abortus infections was Pmp13G, which showed no cross-reactivity with other chlamydiae infecting humans. We suggest that Pmp13G-based serodiagnosis accomplished by the detection of antibodies to virulence-associated antigens such as CPAF, TARP, and SINC may improve the laboratory diagnosis of human and animal C abortus infections.
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Guo W, Li J, Kaltenboeck B, Gong J, Fan W, Wang C. Chlamydia gallinacea, not C. psittaci, is the endemic chlamydial species in chicken (Gallus gallus). Sci Rep 2016; 6:19638. [PMID: 26778053 PMCID: PMC4726042 DOI: 10.1038/srep19638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the prevalence and diversity of Chlamydia spp. in domestic birds in China, oral and cloacal swabs of healthy chickens, ducks, geese and pigeons were collected nationwide from live-animal markets and examined by Chlamydia spp. 23 S rRNA gene FRET-PCR followed by high-resolution melting curve analysis and confirmatory sequencing. Overall, 26.2% of the birds (602/2,300) were positive for Chlamydia spp. and five Chlamydia spp. were identified. While occasional detection of C. suis and C. muridarum in poultry is reported here for the first time, the predominant chlamydial agent was C. gallinacea representing 63.8% of all positives (384/602) and 81.2% of positive chickens (359/442). Analysis of the C. gallinacea ompA phylogeny revealed at least 13 well segregated variants (serovars). Seven-month monitoring of C. gallinacea-infected chickens indicated that the infection was persistent. C. gallinacea-infected chickens remained without overt clinical disease, but showed body weight gains significantly reduced by 6.5-11.4% beginning in week 3 post-infection. This study indicates that C. gallinacea is the endemic chlamydial species in chickens, whereas C. psittaci dominates only in pigeons. Further studies are required to address the specific conditions under which C. gallinacea could act as an avian pathogen and possibly also a zoonotic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weina Guo
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Anhui, China
| | - Jing Li
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | | | - Jiansen Gong
- Poultry Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yangzhou, Jiangsu China
| | - Weixing Fan
- Laboratory of Zoonosis, China Animal Health and Epidemiology Center, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chengming Wang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
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21
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Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Chlamydia Infection in Domestic Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in China. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:460473. [PMID: 25945336 PMCID: PMC4402174 DOI: 10.1155/2015/460473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia spp. are obligate intracellular bacteria distributed all over the world, known to cause various forms of diseases in animals and humans. In the present study, a serological survey was conducted to detect the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with rabbit chlamydiosis in northeast China, including Liaoning province, Jilin province, Heilongjiang province, and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Antibodies to Chlamydia were determined by indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA). The overall seroprevalence was estimated at 17.88% in total of 800 blood samples. The Chlamydia seroprevalence varied in domestic rabbits from different factors, and genders of domestic rabbits were considered as major risk factors associated with Chlamydia infection. Our study revealed a widespread and high prevalence of Chlamydia infection in domestic rabbits in northeast China, with higher exposure risk in female domestic rabbits. These findings suggested the potential importance of domestic rabbits in the transmission of zoonotic Chlamydia infection, and thus Chlamydia should be taken into consideration in diagnosing rabbit diseases. To our knowledge, there is no report of Chlamydia infection in domestic rabbits in China and the results extend the host range for Chlamydia, which has important implications for public health and the local economy.
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Mojica SA, Hovis KM, Frieman MB, Tran B, Hsia RC, Ravel J, Jenkins-Houk C, Wilson KL, Bavoil PM. SINC, a type III secreted protein of Chlamydia psittaci, targets the inner nuclear membrane of infected cells and uninfected neighbors. Mol Biol Cell 2015; 26:1918-34. [PMID: 25788290 PMCID: PMC4436835 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e14-11-1530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
SINC, a new type III secreted protein of the avian and human pathogen Chlamydia psittaci, uniquely targets the nuclear envelope of C. psittaci-infected cells and uninfected neighboring cells. Digitonin-permeabilization studies of SINC-GFP-transfected HeLa cells indicate that SINC targets the inner nuclear membrane. SINC localization at the nuclear envelope was blocked by importazole, confirming SINC import into the nucleus. Candidate partners were identified by proximity to biotin ligase-fused SINC in HEK293 cells and mass spectrometry (BioID). This strategy identified 22 candidates with high confidence, including the nucleoporin ELYS, lamin B1, and four proteins (emerin, MAN1, LAP1, and LBR) of the inner nuclear membrane, suggesting that SINC interacts with host proteins that control nuclear structure, signaling, chromatin organization, and gene silencing. GFP-SINC association with the native LEM-domain protein emerin, a conserved component of nuclear "lamina" structure, or with a complex containing emerin was confirmed by GFP pull down. Our findings identify SINC as a novel bacterial protein that targets the nuclear envelope with the capability of globally altering nuclear envelope functions in the infected host cell and neighboring uninfected cells. These properties may contribute to the aggressive virulence of C. psittaci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A Mojica
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Kelley M Hovis
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Matthew B Frieman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 20201
| | - Bao Tran
- Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Ru-ching Hsia
- Core Imaging Facility and Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Science, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 20201
| | - Clifton Jenkins-Houk
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Katherine L Wilson
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Patrik M Bavoil
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201
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23
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Heddema ER, van Hannen EJ, Bongaerts M, Dijkstra F, ten Hove RJ, de Wever B, Vanrompay D. Typing of Chlamydia psittaci to monitor epidemiology of psittacosis and aid disease control in the Netherlands, 2008 to 2013. Euro Surveill 2015; 20:21026. [DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es2015.20.5.21026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Heddema
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Orbis Medical Centre, Sittard-Geleen, the Netherlands
| | - E J van Hannen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - M Bongaerts
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Orbis Medical Centre, Sittard-Geleen, the Netherlands
| | - F Dijkstra
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control Netherlands, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - R J ten Hove
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Rijnstate, Velp, the Netherlands
| | - B de Wever
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - D Vanrompay
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Qin SY, Huang SY, Yin MY, Tan QD, Liu GX, Zhou DH, Zhu XQ, Zhou JZ, Qian AD. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Chlamydia abortus infection in free-ranging white yaks in China. BMC Vet Res 2015; 11:8. [PMID: 25601354 PMCID: PMC4308933 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0323-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia is gram-negative obligate bacteria which causes a wide variety of diseases in humans and animals. To date, there are a few reports about the seroprevalence of Chlamydia and the risk factors associated with Chlamydia infection in yaks in the world. In this study, 974 blood samples were collected from white yaks (Bos grunniens) in Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County, Gansu province, northwest China from June 2013 to April 2014. Results Antibodies against Chlamydia abortus were examined by the indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test, and 158 of 974 (16.22%) white yaks were seropositive for C. abortus antibodies at the cut-off of 1:16. The risk factors associated with seroprevalence were evaluated by a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Region, gender and age of white yak were left out of the final model, due to its insignificance in the logistic regression analysis (P > 0.05). However, season was considered as a major risk factor associated with C. abortus infection in white yaks. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first survey of C. abortus seroprevalence in white yaks in China, which extends the host range for C. abortus and has important implications for public health and the local Tibetan economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yuan Qin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130118, PR China. .,State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, PR China.
| | - Si-Yang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, PR China.
| | - Ming-Yang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, PR China. .,College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410128, PR China.
| | - Qi-Dong Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, PR China. .,College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230000, PR China.
| | - Guang-Xue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, PR China.
| | - Dong-Hui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, PR China.
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130118, PR China. .,State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, PR China.
| | - Ji-Zhang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, PR China.
| | - Ai-Dong Qian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130118, PR China.
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Seroprevalence and risk factors of Chlamydia abortus infection in Tibetan sheep in Gansu province, northwest China. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:193464. [PMID: 25401129 PMCID: PMC4226191 DOI: 10.1155/2014/193464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus, an important pathogen in a variety of animals, is associated with abortion in sheep. In the present study, 1732 blood samples, collected from Tibetan sheep between June 2013 and April 2014, were examined by the indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test, aiming to evaluate the seroprevalence and risk factors of C. abortus infection in Tibetan sheep. 323 of 1732 (18.65%) samples were seropositive for C. abortus antibodies at the cut-off of 1:16. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors associated with seroprevalence, which could provide foundation to prevent and control C. abortus infection in Tibetan sheep. Gender of Tibetan sheep was left out of the final model because it is not significant in the logistic regression analysis (P > 0.05). Region, season, and age were considered as major risk factors associated with C. abortus infection in Tibetan sheep. Our study revealed a widespread and high prevalence of C. abortus infection in Tibetan sheep in Gansu province, northwest China, with higher exposure risk in different seasons and ages and distinct geographical distribution.
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26
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Dutow P, Fehlhaber B, Bode J, Laudeley R, Rheinheimer C, Glage S, Wetsel RA, Pabst O, Klos A. The complement C3a receptor is critical in defense against Chlamydia psittaci in mouse lung infection and required for antibody and optimal T cell response. J Infect Dis 2013; 209:1269-78. [PMID: 24273177 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jit640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The complement system protects against extracellular pathogens and links innate and adaptive immunity. In this study, we investigated the anaphylatoxin C3a receptor (C3aR) in Chlamydia psittaci lung infection and elucidated C3a-dependent adaptive immune mechanisms. METHODS Survival, body weight, and clinical score were monitored in primary mouse infection and after serum transfer. Bacterial load, histology, cellular distribution, cytokines, antibodies, and lymphocytes were analyzed. RESULTS C3aR(-/-) mice showed prolonged pneumonia with decreased survival, lower weight, and higher clinical score. Compared to wild-type mice bacterial clearance was impaired, and inflammatory parameters were increased. In lung-draining lymph nodes of C3aR(-/-) mice the total number of B cells, CD4(+) T cells, and Chlamydia-specific IFN-γ(+) (CD4(+) or CD8(+)) cells was reduced upon infection, and the mice were incapable of Chlamydia-specific immunoglobulin M or immunoglobulin G production. Performed before infection, transfer of hyperimmune serum prolonged survival of C3aR(-/-) mice. CONCLUSIONS C3a and its receptor are critical for defense against C. psittaci in mouse lung infection. In this model, C3a acts via its receptor as immune modulator. Enhancement of specific B and T cell responses upon infection with an intracellular bacterium were identified as hitherto unknown features of C3a/C3aR. These new functions might be of general immunological importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Dutow
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Hannover Medical School (MHH)
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27
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Ocular lesions associated with Chlamydia suis in a wild boar piglet (Sus scrofa) from a semi-free range population in Spain. J Zoo Wildl Med 2013; 44:159-62. [PMID: 23505718 DOI: 10.1638/1042-7260-44.1.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of the wild boar (Sus scrofa) as a reservoir for a large number of pathogens that can affect both domestic animals and humans has been widely studied in the last few years. However, the impact of some of these pathogens on the health of wild boar populations is still being determined. This article presents a clinical case of severe bilateral keratoconjunctivitis affecting a 2-mo-old piglet from a semi-free range population in Spain. Histopathologic and microbiologic analysis revealed lesions in the cornea, choroid, and optical nerve, and Chlamydia suis was detected in the eyes bilaterally. The visual handicap resulting from this type of lesion greatly affects the survival of this affected piglet.
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28
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Zhang NZ, Zhou DH, Shi XC, Nisbet AJ, Huang SY, Ciren D, Wu SM, Zhu XQ. First report of Chlamydiaceae seroprevalence in Tibetan pigs in Tibet, China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2013; 13:196-9. [PMID: 23428089 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2012.1208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The seroprevalence of Chlamydiaceae infection in Tibetan pigs in Tibet, China, was examined by indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA), between April, 2010, and December, 2010. A total of 71 of 427 serum samples (16.63%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 15.31-17.95] were positive for Chlamydiaceae antibodies. Forty Chlamydiaceae seropositives from 232 samples were recorded in sera from Nyingchi (17.24%, 95% CI 15.40-19.08) and 31 positives were recorded in 195 serum samples from Mainling (15.90%, 95% CI 14.02-17.78). The investigation showed that the prevalence in female animals was 17.61% (95% CI 15.22-20.00), and in male animals it was 12.72% (95% CI 11.07-14.37). The prevalence ranged from 0% to 20.61% (95% CI 17.81-23.48) among different age groups, with a higher prevalence in growing pigs (p<0.01). The results indicated that Chlamydiaceae infection was widespread in Tibetan pigs in Tibet, China, which is of public health concern in this region of the world. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Chlamydiaceae seroprevalence in Tibetan pigs in Tibet, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian-Zhang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gansu Province, PR China
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Bliven KA, Fisher DJ, Maurelli AT. Characterization of the activity and expression of arginine decarboxylase in human and animal Chlamydia pathogens. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2012; 337:140-6. [PMID: 23043454 DOI: 10.1111/1574-6968.12021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Revised: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae encodes a functional arginine decarboxylase (ArgDC), AaxB, that activates upon self-cleavage and converts l-arginine to agmatine. In contrast, most Chlamydia trachomatis serovars carry a missense or nonsense mutation in aaxB abrogating activity. The G115R missense mutation was not predicted to impact AaxB functionality, making it unclear whether AaxB variations in other Chlamydia species also result in enzyme inactivation. To address the impact of gene polymorphism on functionality, we investigated the activity and production of the Chlamydia AaxB variants. Because ArgDC plays a critical role in the Escherichia coli acid stress response, we studied the ability of these Chlamydia variants to complement an E. coli ArgDC mutant in an acid shock assay. Active AaxB was detected in four additional species: Chlamydia caviae, Chlamydia pecorum, Chlamydia psittaci, and Chlamydia muridarum. Of the C. trachomatis serovars, only E appears to encode active enzyme. To determine when functional enzyme is present during the chlamydial developmental cycle, we utilized an anti-AaxB antibody to detect both uncleaved and cleaved enzyme throughout infection. Uncleaved enzyme production peaked around 20 h postinfection, with optimal cleavage around 44 h. While the role ArgDC plays in Chlamydia survival or virulence is unclear, our data suggest a niche-specific function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Bliven
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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Distinct intensity of host-pathogen interactions in Chlamydia psittaci- and Chlamydia abortus-infected chicken embryos. Infect Immun 2012; 80:2976-88. [PMID: 22689815 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00437-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Factors and mechanisms determining the differences in virulence and host specificity between the zoonotic agents Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia abortus are still largely unknown. In the present study, two strains were compared for their invasiveness, virulence, and capability of eliciting an immune response in chicken embryos. On breeding day 10, embryonated chicken eggs were inoculated with 5 × 10(4) inclusion-forming units. As shown by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR, C. psittaci displayed a significantly better capability of disseminating in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and internal organs than C. abortus. The higher infectious potential of C. psittaci in birds was underlined by significantly higher mRNA expression rates of essential chlamydial genes, such as incA, groEL (in CAM, liver, and spleen), cpaf, and ftsW (in CAM). Although the immune responses to both pathogens were similar, C. psittaci elicited higher macrophage numbers and a stronger expression of a subset of immune-related proteins. The data imply that invasiveness of Chlamydia spp. and propagation in the host are not solely dependent on the level of host immune response but, even to a greater extent, on the expression of bacterial factors related to virulence. The fact that C. psittaci has coped far better than C. abortus with the avian embryo's response by upregulating essential genes may be a key to understanding the mechanisms underlying host adaptation and etiopathology.
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Reinhold P, Ostermann C, Liebler-Tenorio E, Berndt A, Vogel A, Lambertz J, Rothe M, Rüttger A, Schubert E, Sachse K. A bovine model of respiratory Chlamydia psittaci infection: challenge dose titration. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30125. [PMID: 22299031 PMCID: PMC3267716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2011] [Accepted: 12/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to establish and evaluate a bovine respiratory model of experimentally induced acute C. psittaci infection. Calves are natural hosts and pathogenesis may resemble the situation in humans. Intrabronchial inoculation of C. psittaci strain DC15 was performed in calves aged 2–3 months via bronchoscope at four different challenge doses from 106 to 109 inclusion-forming units (ifu) per animal. Control groups received either UV-inactivated C. psittaci or cell culture medium. While 106 ifu/calf resulted in a mild respiratory infection only, the doses of 107 and 108 induced fever, tachypnea, dry cough, and tachycardia that became apparent 2–3 days post inoculation (dpi) and lasted for about one week. In calves exposed to 109 ifu C. psittaci, the respiratory disease was accompanied by severe systemic illness (apathy, tremor, markedly reduced appetite). At the time point of most pronounced clinical signs (3 dpi) the extent of lung lesions was below 10% of pulmonary tissue in calves inoculated with 106 and 107 ifu, about 15% in calves inoculated with 108 and more than 30% in calves inoculated with 109 ifu C. psittaci. Beside clinical signs and pathologic lesions, the bacterial load of lung tissue and markers of pulmonary inflammation (i.e., cell counts, concentration of proteins and eicosanoids in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid) were positively associated with ifu of viable C. psittaci. While any effect of endotoxin has been ruled out, all effects could be attributed to infection by the replicating bacteria. In conclusion, the calf represents a suitable model of respiratory chlamydial infection. Dose titration revealed that both clinically latent and clinically manifest infection can be reproduced experimentally by either 106 or 108 ifu/calf of C. psittaci DC15 while doses above 108 ifu C. psittaci cannot be recommended for further studies for ethical reasons. This defined model of different clinical expressions of chlamydial infection allows studying host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Reinhold
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis at 'Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Jena, Germany.
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Englund S, af Segerstad CH, Arnlund F, Westergren E, Jacobson M. The occurrence of Chlamydia spp. in pigs with and without clinical disease. BMC Vet Res 2012; 8:9. [PMID: 22280482 PMCID: PMC3307427 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-8-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Within the genera Chlamydia, the development of refined diagnostic techniques has allowed the identification of four species that are capable of infecting pigs. The epidemiology, clinical, and zoonotic impacts of these species are however largely unknown. The study aimed to investigate the presence of Chlamydia spp. in the intestines of growing pigs and in conjunctival swabs from finisher pigs, and relate the findings to clinical signs. Results By histology, 20 of 48 pigs had intestinal lesions that may be consistent with chlamydial infection. By PCR, forty-six of the pigs were positive whereas two samples were inhibited. Sequencing of 19 DNA extracts identified these as Chlamydia suis. By immunohistochemistry, 32 of 44 samples were positive and a significant relationship was detected between macroscopically visible intestinal lesions and a high degree of infection. By real-time PCR, a significant difference was detected between pigs with and without conjunctivitis when a Ct value of 36 was employed but not when a Ct value of 38 was employed. Conclusions Chlamydia suis was demonstrated in most samples and overall, no correlation to clinical signs was detected. However, a correlation was noted between samples with a high degree of infection and the presence of clinical signs. It is possible, that the intensive pig production systems studied might predispose for the transmission and maintenance of the infection thus increasing the infectious load and the risk for disease in the pig.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stina Englund
- National Veterinary Institute, 751 89 Uppsala, Sweden
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