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Seru LV, Forde TL, Roberto-Charron A, Mavrot F, Niu YD, Kutz SJ. Genomic characterization and virulence gene profiling of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae isolated from widespread muskox mortalities in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:691. [PMID: 39004696 PMCID: PMC11247837 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10592-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muskoxen are important ecosystem components and provide food, economic opportunities, and cultural well-being for Indigenous communities in the Canadian Arctic. Between 2010 and 2021, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was isolated from carcasses of muskoxen, caribou, a seal, and an Arctic fox during multiple large scale mortality events in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. A single strain ('Arctic clone') of E. rhusiopathiae was associated with the mortalities on Banks, Victoria and Prince Patrick Islands, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Canada (2010-2017). The objectives of this study were to (i) characterize the genomes of E. rhusiopathiae isolates obtained from more recent muskox mortalities in the Canadian Arctic in 2019 and 2021; (ii) identify and compare common virulence traits associated with the core genome and mobile genetic elements (i.e. pathogenicity islands and prophages) among Arctic clone versus other E. rhusiopathiae genomes; and iii) use pan-genome wide association studies (GWAS) to determine unique genetic contents of the Arctic clone that may encode virulence traits and that could be used for diagnostic purposes. RESULTS Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the newly sequenced E. rhusiopathiae isolates from Ellesmere Island, Nunavut (2021) also belong to the Arctic clone. Of 17 virulence genes analysed among 28 Arctic clone isolates, four genes - adhesin, rhusiopathiae surface protein-A (rspA), choline binding protein-B (cbpB) and CDP-glycerol glycerophosphotransferase (tagF) - had amino acid sequence variants unique to this clone when compared to 31 other E. rhusiopathiae genomes. These genes encode proteins that facilitate E. rhusiopathiae to attach to the host endothelial cells and form biofilms. GWAS analyses using Scoary found several unique genes to be overrepresented in the Arctic clone. CONCLUSIONS The Arctic clone of E. rhusiopathiae was associated with multiple muskox mortalities spanning over a decade and multiple Arctic islands with distances over 1000 km, highlighting the extent of its spatiotemporal spread. This clone possesses unique gene content, as well as amino acid variants in multiple virulence genes that are distinct from the other closely related E. rhusiopathiae isolates. This study establishes an essential foundation on which to investigate whether these differences are correlated with the apparent virulence of this specific clone through in vitro and in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taya L Forde
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | | | - Fabien Mavrot
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Yan D Niu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Susan J Kutz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Tschritter CM, van Coeverden de Groot P, Branigan M, Dyck M, Sun Z, Jenkins E, Buhler K, Lougheed SC. The geographic distribution, and the biotic and abiotic predictors of select zoonotic pathogen detections in Canadian polar bears. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12027. [PMID: 38797747 PMCID: PMC11128453 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62800-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Increasing Arctic temperatures are facilitating the northward expansion of more southerly hosts, vectors, and pathogens, exposing naïve populations to pathogens not typical at northern latitudes. To understand such rapidly changing host-pathogen dynamics, we need sensitive and robust surveillance tools. Here, we use a novel multiplexed magnetic-capture and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) tool to assess a sentinel Arctic species, the polar bear (Ursus maritimus; n = 68), for the presence of five zoonotic pathogens (Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Francisella tularensis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp.), and observe associations between pathogen presence and biotic and abiotic predictors. We made two novel detections: the first detection of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex member in Arctic wildlife and the first of E. rhusiopathiae in a polar bear. We found a prevalence of 37% for E. rhusiopathiae, 16% for F. tularensis, 29% for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, 18% for T. gondii, and 75% for Trichinella spp. We also identify associations with bear age (Trichinella spp.), harvest season (F. tularensis and MTBC), and human settlements (E. rhusiopathiae, F. tularensis, MTBC, and Trichinella spp.). We demonstrate that monitoring a sentinel species, the polar bear, could be a powerful tool in disease surveillance and highlight the need to better characterize pathogen distributions and diversity in the Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marsha Branigan
- Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of the Northwest Territories, Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada
| | - Markus Dyck
- Department of Environment, Government of Nunavut, Igloolik, NT, Canada
| | - Zhengxin Sun
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Kayla Buhler
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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3
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Zhong J, Medvecky M, Tornos J, Clessin A, Le Net R, Gantelet H, Gamble A, Forde TL, Boulinier T. Erysipelothrix amsterdamensis sp. nov., associated with mortalities among endangered seabirds. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2024; 74. [PMID: 38359084 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.006264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases threaten endangered species, particularly in small isolated populations. Seabird populations on the remote Amsterdam Island in the Indian Ocean have been in decline for the past three decades, with avian cholera caused by Pasteurella multocida proposed as the primary driver. However, Erysipelothrix species have also been sporadically detected from albatrosses on Amsterdam Island and may be contributing to some of the observed mortality. In this study, we genomically characterized 16 Erysipelothrix species isolates obtained from three Indian yellow-nosed albatross (Thalassarche carteri) chick carcasses in 2019. Histological analyses suggest that they died of bacterial septicaemia. Two isolates were sequenced using both Illumina short-read and MinION long-read approaches, which - following hybrid assembly - resulted in closed circular genomes. Mapping of Illumina reads from the remaining isolates to one of these new reference genomes revealed that all 16 isolates were closely related, with a maximum of 13 nucleotide differences distinguishing any pair of isolates. The nucleotide diversity of isolates obtained from the same or different carcasses was similar, suggesting all three chicks were likely infected from a common source. These genomes were compared with a global collection of genomes from Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and other species from the same genus. The isolates from albatrosses were phylogenetically distinct, sharing a most recent common ancestor with E. rhusiopathiae. Based on phylogenomic analysis and standard thresholds for average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization, these isolates represent a novel Erysipelothrix species, for which we propose the name Erysipelothrix amsterdamensis sp. nov. The type strain is A18Y020dT (=CIP 112216T=DSM 115297T). The implications of this bacterium for albatross conservation will require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiadong Zhong
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Matej Medvecky
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
- Bioinformatics Research Technology Platform, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Jérémy Tornos
- CEFE, UMR 5175, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
- Ceva Biovac, Beaucouzé, France
| | - Augustin Clessin
- CEFE, UMR 5175, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 69342 Lyon Cedex 07, France
| | - Rozenn Le Net
- Vet Diagnostics, 69260 Charbonnières-les-Bains, France
| | | | - Amandine Gamble
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Taya L Forde
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Thierry Boulinier
- CEFE, UMR 5175, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
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4
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Tschritter CM, V. C. de Groot P, Branigan M, Dyck M, Sun Z, Lougheed SC. A new multiplexed magnetic capture-Droplet digital PCR tool for monitoring wildlife population health and pathogen surveillance. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10655. [PMID: 37915804 PMCID: PMC10616740 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic stressors are exacerbating the emergence and spread of pathogens worldwide. In regions like the Arctic, where ecosystems are particularly susceptible, marked changes are predicted in regional diversity, intensity, and patterns of infectious diseases. To understand such rapidly changing host-pathogen dynamics and mitigate the impacts of novel pathogens, we need sensitive disease surveillance tools. We developed and validated a novel multiplexed, magnetic capture, and ddPCR tool for the surveillance of multiple pathogens in polar bears, a sentinel species that is considered susceptible to climate change and other stressors with a pan-Arctic distribution. Through sequence-specific magnetic capture, we concentrated five target template sequences from three zoonotic bacteria (Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Francisella tularensis, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex) and two parasitic (Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp.) pathogens from large quantities (<100 g) of host tissue. We then designed and validated two multiplexed probe-based ddPCR assays for the amplification and detection of the low-concentration target DNA. Validations used 48 polar bear tissues (muscle and liver). We detected 14, 1, 3, 4, and 22 tissue positives for E. rhusiopathiae, F. tularensis, M. tuberculosis complex, T. gondii, and Trichinella spp., respectively. These multiplexed assays offer a rapid, specific tool for quantifying and monitoring the changing geographical and host distributions of pathogens relevant to human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marsha Branigan
- Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesGovernment of the Northwest TerritoriesInuvikNorthwest TerritoriesCanada
| | - Markus Dyck
- Department of EnvironmentGovernment of NunavutIgloolikNunavutCanada
| | - Zhengxin Sun
- Department of BiologyQueen's UniversityKingstonOntarioCanada
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5
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Aguilar XF, Leclerc LM, Mavrot F, Roberto-Charron A, Tomaselli M, Mastromonaco G, Gunn A, Pruvot M, Rothenburger JL, Thanthrige-Don N, Jahromi EZ, Kutz S. An integrative and multi-indicator approach for wildlife health applied to an endangered caribou herd. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16524. [PMID: 37783688 PMCID: PMC10545743 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41689-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Assessing wildlife health in remote regions requires a multi-faceted approach, which commonly involves convenient samplings and the need of identifying and targeting relevant and informative indicators. We applied a novel wildlife health framework and critically assessed the value of different indicators for understanding the health status and trends of an endangered tundra caribou population. Samples and data from the Dolphin and Union caribou herd were obtained between 2015 and 2021, from community-based surveillance programs and from captured animals. We documented and categorized indicators into health determinants (infectious diseases and trace elements), processes (cortisol, pathology), and health outcomes (pregnancy and body condition). During a recent period of steep population decline, our results indicated a relatively good body condition and pregnancy rates, and decreasing levels of stress, along with a low adult cow survival. We detected multiple factors as potential contributors to the reduced survival, including Brucella suis biovar 4, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and lower hair trace minerals. These results remark the need of targeted studies to improve detection and investigations on caribou mortalities. We also identified differences in health indicators between captured and hunter sampled caribou, highlighting the importance of accounting for sampling biases. This integrative approach that drew on multiple data sources has provided unprecedented knowledge on the health in this herd and highlights the value of documenting individual animal health to understand causes of wildlife declines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Fernandez Aguilar
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada.
- Wildlife Conservation Medicine Research Group (WildCoM), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Lisa-Marie Leclerc
- Department of Environment, Government of Nunavut, P.O. Box 377, Kugluktuk, NU, X0B 0E0, Canada
| | - Fabien Mavrot
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Amélie Roberto-Charron
- Department of Environment, Government of Nunavut, P.O. Box 377, Kugluktuk, NU, X0B 0E0, Canada
| | - Matilde Tomaselli
- Polar Knowledge Canada, Canadian High Arctic Research Station, 1 Uvajuq Road, PO Box 2150, Cambridge Bay, NU, X0B 0C0, Canada
| | | | - Anne Gunn
- CircumArctic Rangifer Monitoring and Assessment (CARMA) Network, 368 Roland Rad, Salt Spring Island, BC, V8K 1V1, Canada
| | - Mathieu Pruvot
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Jamie L Rothenburger
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (Alberta Region), Alberta, Canada
| | - Niroshan Thanthrige-Don
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa Laboratory Fallowfield, 3851 Fallowfield Road, Station H, PO Box 11300, Nepean, ON, K2H 8P9, Canada
| | - Elham Zeini Jahromi
- Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Susan Kutz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
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6
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Rouse NM, Burek-Huntington K. Cook Inlet beluga whale Delphinapterus leucas with valvular endocarditis, encephalitis, rhabdomyolysis, heavy parasitism and fungal dermatitis. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2023; 155:1-6. [PMID: 37470355 DOI: 10.3354/dao03736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
This is a case report of a Cook Inlet beluga whale Delphinapterus leucas found dead stranded on September 28, 2020 in Turnagain Arm, Alaska. This subadult male had valvular endocarditis, encephalitis, rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuric nephropathy, severe parasitism and fungal dermatitis. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was detected in the heart lesion, eye and external swabs. The level of infection and parasitism in this individual is markedly higher than what has been found in other Cook Inlet belugas, suggesting immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie M Rouse
- Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services, Eagle River, AK 99577, USA
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7
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Population Structure and Genomic Characteristics of Australian Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Reveals Unobserved Diversity in the Australian Pig Industry. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020297. [PMID: 36838261 PMCID: PMC9964597 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a bacterial pathogen that is the causative agent of erysipelas in a variety of animals, including swine, emus, turkeys, muskox, caribou, moose, and humans. This study aims to investigate the population structure and genomic features of Australian isolates of E. rhusiopathiae in the Australian pig industry and compare them to the broader scope of isolates worldwide. A total of 178 isolates (154 Australian, seven vaccine isolates, six international isolates, and 11 of unknown origin) in this study were screened against an MLST scheme and publicly available reference isolates, identifying 59 new alleles, with isolates separating into two main single locus variant groups. Investigation with BLASTn revealed the presence of the spaA gene in 171 (96%) of the isolates, with three main groups of SpaA protein sequences observed amongst the isolates. Novel SpaA protein sequences, categorised here as group 3 sequences, consisted of two sequence types forming separate clades to groups 1 and 2, with amino acid variants at positions 195 (D/A), 303 (G/E) and 323(P/L). In addition to the newly identified groups, five new variant positions were identified, 124 (S/N), 307 (Q/R), 323 (P/L), 379 (M/I), and 400 (V/I). Resistance screening identified genes related to lincomycin, streptomycin, erythromycin, and tetracycline resistance. Of the 29 isolates carrying these resistance genes, 82% belonged to SpaA group 2-N101S (n = 22) or 2-N101S-I257L (n = 2). In addition, 79% (n = 23) of these 29 isolates belonged to MLST group ST 5. Our results illustrate that Australia appears to have a unique diversity of E. rhusiopathiae isolates in pig production industries within the wider global context of isolates.
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Aleuy OA, Anholt M, Orsel K, Mavrot F, Gagnon CA, Beckmen K, Côté SD, Cuyler C, Dobson A, Elkin B, Leclerc LM, Taillon J, Kutz S. Association of Environmental Factors with Seasonal Intensity of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Seropositivity among Arctic Caribou. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1650-1658. [PMID: 35876625 PMCID: PMC9328914 DOI: 10.3201/eid2808.212144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Several caribou (Rangifer tarandus) populations have been declining concurrently with increases in infectious diseases in the Arctic. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, a zoonotic bacterium, was first described in 2015 as a notable cause of illness and death among several Arctic wildlife species. We investigated epidemiologic and environmental factors associated with the seroprevalence of E. rhusiopathiae in the Arctic and found that seropositivity was highest during warmer months, peaking in September, and was highest among adult males. Summer seroprevalence increases tracked with the oestrid index from the previous year, icing and snowing events, and precipitation from the same year but decreased with growing degree days in the same year. Seroprevalence of E. rhusiopathiae varied more during the later years of the study. Our findings provide key insights into the influence of environmental factors on disease prevalence that can be instrumental for anticipating and mitigating diseases associated with climate change among Arctic wildlife and human populations.
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A SCOPING REVIEW OF THE RANGIFER TARANDUS INFECTIOUS DISEASE LITERATURE: GAP BETWEEN INFORMATION AND APPLICATION. J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:473-486. [PMID: 35675481 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00165] [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: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The role and impact of infectious diseases in wildlife population dynamics are increasingly recognized, yet disease information is variably incorporated into wildlife management frameworks. This discrepancy is particularly relevant for Rangifer tarandus (caribou or reindeer), a keystone circumarctic species experiencing widespread population declines. The primary objective of this review was to characterize the available peer-reviewed literature on infectious diseases of Rangifer by using a scoping review methodology. Three databases of peer-reviewed literature-Web of Science, BIOSIS previews, and Scopus-were searched and 695 articles met the criteria for initial review. After screening for relevance and language, 349 articles, published between 1967 and 2020, remained. More than half of the excluded articles (181/346; 52%) were left out because they were not published in English; the majority of these excluded articles (120) were in Russian. From the 349 included articles, 137 (39%) pertained to wild (as opposed to semidomesticated or captive) Rangifer populations. Articles on infectious disease in wild Rangifer were published in 40 different journals across various disciplines; the most common journals were disease and parasitology oriented, accounting for 55% of included articles. Most studies were descriptive (87%), followed by experimental (9%). Of the pathogen taxa investigated, helminths were the most common, comprising 35% of articles. Rangifer subspecies were not equally represented in the literature, with barren-ground caribou (R. t. groenlandicus; n=40) and woodland caribou (R. t. caribou; n=39) having the greatest abundance and diversity of infectious disease information available. Few studies explicitly examined individual or population-level impacts of disease, or related disease to vital population rates, and only 27 articles explicitly related results to management or conservation. Findings from this review highlight an unbalanced distribution of studies across Rangifer ecotypes, a preference for dissemination in disease-specialized publication venues, and an opportunity for investigating population-level impacts that may be more readily integrated into caribou conservation frameworks.
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Forde TL, Dennis TPW, Aminu OR, Harvey WT, Hassim A, Kiwelu I, Medvecky M, Mshanga D, Van Heerden H, Vogel A, Zadoks RN, Mmbaga BT, Lembo T, Biek R. Population genomics of Bacillus anthracis from an anthrax hyperendemic area reveals transmission processes across spatial scales and unexpected within-host diversity. Microb Genom 2022; 8:000759. [PMID: 35188453 PMCID: PMC8942019 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic sequencing has revolutionized our understanding of bacterial disease epidemiology, but remains underutilized for zoonotic pathogens in remote endemic settings. Anthrax, caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, remains a threat to human and animal health and rural livelihoods in low- and middle-income countries. While the global genomic diversity of B. anthracis has been well-characterized, there is limited information on how its populations are genetically structured at the scale at which transmission occurs, critical for understanding the pathogen's evolution and transmission dynamics. Using a uniquely rich dataset, we quantified genome-wide SNPs among 73 B. anthracis isolates derived from 33 livestock carcasses sampled over 1 year throughout the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, a region hyperendemic for anthrax. Genome-wide SNPs distinguished 22 unique B. anthracis genotypes (i.e. SNP profiles) within the study area. However, phylogeographical structure was lacking, as identical SNP profiles were found throughout the study area, likely the result of the long and variable periods of spore dormancy and long-distance livestock movements. Significantly, divergent genotypes were obtained from spatio-temporally linked cases and even individual carcasses. The high number of SNPs distinguishing isolates from the same host is unlikely to have arisen during infection, as supported by our simulation models. This points to an unexpectedly wide transmission bottleneck for B. anthracis, with an inoculum comprising multiple variants being the norm. Our work highlights that inferring transmission patterns of B. anthracis from genomic data will require analytical approaches that account for extended and variable environmental persistence, as well as co-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taya L. Forde
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Tristan P. W. Dennis
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - O. Rhoda Aminu
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - William T. Harvey
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ayesha Hassim
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Ireen Kiwelu
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Matej Medvecky
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Henriette Van Heerden
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Adeline Vogel
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ruth N. Zadoks
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Present address: Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Tiziana Lembo
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Roman Biek
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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11
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Di Francesco J, Kwong GPS, Deardon R, Checkley SL, Mastromonaco GF, Mavrot F, Leclerc LM, Kutz S. Qiviut cortisol is associated with metrics of health and other intrinsic and extrinsic factors in wild muskoxen ( Ovibos moschatus). CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 10:coab103. [PMID: 35492408 PMCID: PMC9040286 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid (GC) levels are increasingly and widely used as biomarkers of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity to study the effects of environmental changes and other perturbations on wildlife individuals and populations. However, identifying the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence GC levels is a key step in endocrinology studies to ensure accurate interpretation of GC responses. In muskoxen, qiviut (fine woolly undercoat hair) cortisol concentration is an integrative biomarker of HPA axis activity over the course of the hair's growth. We gathered data from 219 wild muskoxen harvested in the Canadian Arctic between October 2015 and May 2019. We examined the relationship between qiviut cortisol and various intrinsic (sex, age, body condition and incisor breakage) and extrinsic biotic factors (lungworm and gastrointestinal parasite infections and exposure to bacteria), as well as broader non-specific landscape and temporal features (geographical location, season and year). A Bayesian approach, which allows for the joint estimation of missing values in the data and model parameters estimates, was applied for the statistical analyses. The main findings include the following: (i) higher qiviut cortisol levels in males than in females; (ii) inter-annual variations; (iii) higher qiviut cortisol levels in a declining population compared to a stable population; (iv) a negative association between qiviut cortisol and marrow fat percentage; (v) a relationship between qiviut cortisol and the infection intensity of the lungworm Umingmakstrongylus pallikuukensis, which varied depending on the geographical location; and (vi) no association between qiviut cortisol and other pathogen exposure/infection intensity metrics. This study confirmed and further identified important sources of variability in qiviut cortisol levels, while providing important insights on the relationship between GC levels and pathogen exposure/infection intensity. Results support the use of qiviut cortisol as a tool to monitor temporal changes in HPA axis activity at a population level and to inform management and conservation actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Di Francesco
- Corresponding author: Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada.
| | - Grace P S Kwong
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Rob Deardon
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Sylvia L Checkley
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Gabriela F Mastromonaco
- Reproductive Physiology Unit, Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Avenue, Scarborough, Ontario M1B 5K7, Canada
| | - Fabien Mavrot
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Lisa-Marie Leclerc
- Department of Environment, Government of Nunavut, P.O. Box 377, Kugluktuk, Nunavut X0B 0E0, Canada
| | - Susan Kutz
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
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12
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Contagious Ecthyma Dermatitis as a Portal of Entry for Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) of the Canadian Arctic. J Wildl Dis 2021; 58:228-231. [PMID: 34780597 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-20-00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was detected immunohistochemically in contagious ecthyma (orf virus) dermatitis in two muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus), harvested and found dead in 2014 and 2015, respectively, on Victoria Island, Canada. This may help target further research on E. rhusiopathiae epidemiology and mechanisms of infection in muskoxen, recently associated with widespread mortalities in Canada's Arctic.
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13
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Berg RPKD, Stensvold CR, Jokelainen P, Grønlund AK, Nielsen HV, Kutz S, Kapel CMO. Zoonotic pathogens in wild muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) and domestic sheep (Ovis aries) from Greenland. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:2290-2302. [PMID: 34390537 PMCID: PMC8604140 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Erysipelothrix in muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) and sheep (Ovis aries) from Greenland. In 2017 and 2018, faecal samples were collected from wild muskoxen from three distinct populations (Zackenberg, Kangerlussuaq, and Ivittuut) and from domestic sheep from southwest Greenland. Blood samples were collected from muskoxen from Kangerlussuaq and Ivittuut and from sheep. Faecal samples were tested for specific DNA of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp., and blood samples were tested for antibodies against T. gondii and Erysipelothrix. The estimated prevalence of G. duodenalis was 0% (0/58), 17% (7/41) and 0% (0/55) in muskoxen from Zackenberg, Kangerlussuaq and Ivittuut, respectively, and 37% (16/43) in sheep. The estimated prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 0% (0/58), 2% (1/41), 7% (4/55) in muskoxen from Zackenberg, Kangerlussuaq, Ivittuut, respectively, and 2% (1/43) in sheep. Neither Giardia nor Cryptosporidium were detected in winter samples (0/78). Of the positive samples, Giardia from one muskox sample only was successfully typed as G. duodenalis assemblage A, and Cryptosporidium from two muskoxen was successfully typed as C. parvum, subtype IIdA20G1e. The estimated T. gondii seroprevalence was 2% (1/44) and 0% (0/8) in muskoxen from Kangerlussuaq and Ivittuut, respectively, and 1% (1/155) in sheep. The estimated Erysipelothrix seroprevalence was 2% (1/45) and 13% (1/8) in muskoxen from Kangerlussuaq and Ivittuut, respectively, and 7% (10/150) in sheep. The results of this study add to the scarce knowledge on zoonotic pathogens in the Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca P K D Berg
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Birds and Mammals, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk, Greenland
| | - C Rune Stensvold
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna K Grønlund
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik V Nielsen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susan Kutz
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Christian M O Kapel
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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14
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Corynebacterium freneyi Bacterial Septicemia Secondary to Contagious Ecthyma in a Wild Muskox (Ovibos moschatus). J Wildl Dis 2021; 57:225-229. [PMID: 33635972 DOI: 10.7589/2019-10-254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A wild muskox (Ovibos moschatus) with dermatitis typical of contagious ecthyma had secondary bacterial septicemia with Corynebacterium freneyi that included laminitis, hepatitis, and suppurative encephalitis. This case supports the association between orf virus infection and fatal secondary infections, which may have contributed to population declines on Victoria Island, Canada.
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15
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Keatts LO, Robards M, Olson SH, Hueffer K, Insley SJ, Joly DO, Kutz S, Lee DS, Chetkiewicz CLB, Lair S, Preston ND, Pruvot M, Ray JC, Reid D, Sleeman JM, Stimmelmayr R, Stephen C, Walzer C. Implications of Zoonoses From Hunting and Use of Wildlife in North American Arctic and Boreal Biomes: Pandemic Potential, Monitoring, and Mitigation. Front Public Health 2021; 9:627654. [PMID: 34026707 PMCID: PMC8131663 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.627654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has re-focused attention on mechanisms that lead to zoonotic disease spillover and spread. Commercial wildlife trade, and associated markets, are recognized mechanisms for zoonotic disease emergence, resulting in a growing global conversation around reducing human disease risks from spillover associated with hunting, trade, and consumption of wild animals. These discussions are especially relevant to people who rely on harvesting wildlife to meet nutritional, and cultural needs, including those in Arctic and boreal regions. Global policies around wildlife use and trade can impact food sovereignty and security, especially of Indigenous Peoples. We reviewed known zoonotic pathogens and current risks of transmission from wildlife (including fish) to humans in North American Arctic and boreal biomes, and evaluated the epidemic and pandemic potential of these zoonoses. We discuss future concerns, and consider monitoring and mitigation measures in these changing socio-ecological systems. While multiple zoonotic pathogens circulate in these systems, risks to humans are mostly limited to individual illness or local community outbreaks. These regions are relatively remote, subject to very cold temperatures, have relatively low wildlife, domestic animal, and pathogen diversity, and in many cases low density, including of humans. Hence, favorable conditions for emergence of novel diseases or major amplification of a spillover event are currently not present. The greatest risk to northern communities from pathogens of pandemic potential is via introduction with humans visiting from other areas. However, Arctic and boreal ecosystems are undergoing rapid changes through climate warming, habitat encroachment, and development; all of which can change host and pathogen relationships, thereby affecting the probability of the emergence of new (and re-emergence of old) zoonoses. Indigenous leadership and engagement in disease monitoring, prevention and response, is vital from the outset, and would increase the success of such efforts, as well as ensure the protection of Indigenous rights as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Partnering with northern communities and including Indigenous Knowledge Systems would improve the timeliness, and likelihood, of detecting emerging zoonotic risks, and contextualize risk assessments to the unique human-wildlife relationships present in northern biomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy O. Keatts
- Wildlife Conservation Society Health Program, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Martin Robards
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Arctic Beringia Program, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Sarah H. Olson
- Wildlife Conservation Society Health Program, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Karsten Hueffer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Arctic and Northern Studies Program, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Stephen J. Insley
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Susan Kutz
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - David S. Lee
- Department of Wildlife and Environment, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Stéphane Lair
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Mathieu Pruvot
- Wildlife Conservation Society Health Program, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Justina C. Ray
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Donald Reid
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan M. Sleeman
- United States Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Raphaela Stimmelmayr
- North Slope Department of Wildlife Management, Utqiagvik, AK, United States
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Craig Stephen
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Chris Walzer
- Wildlife Conservation Society Health Program, Bronx, NY, United States
- Conservation Medicine Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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16
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Sauvé CC, Hernández-Ortiz A, Jenkins E, Mavrot F, Schneider A, Kutz S, Saliki JT, Daoust PY. Exposure of the Gulf of St. Lawrence grey seal Halichoerus grypus population to potentially zoonotic infectious agents. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2020; 142:105-118. [PMID: 33269722 DOI: 10.3354/dao03536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The population of grey seals Halichoerus grypus in Canadian waters is currently used as a commercial source of meat for human consumption. As with domestic livestock, it is important to understand the occurrence in these seals of infectious agents that may be of public health significance and thus ensure appropriate measures are in place to avoid zoonotic transmission. This study examined the prevalence of antibodies against Brucella spp., Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, 6 serovars of Leptospira interrogans, and Toxoplasma gondii in 59 grey seals and determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) the presence of these potentially zoonotic agents in specific organs and tissues of seropositive animals. The presence of encysted Trichinella spp. larvae was also investigated by digestion of tongue, diaphragm and other muscle samples, but none were detected. Seroprevalence against Brucella spp. and E. rhusiopathiae was low (5 and 3%, respectively). All 59 seals tested had antibodies against L. interrogans, but no carrier of this bacterium was detected by PCR. Seroprevalence against T. gondii was 53%, and DNA of this protozoan was detected by PCR in 11/30 (37%) seropositive animals. Standard sanitary measures mandatory for commercialization of meat products for human consumption should greatly reduce the potential for exposure to these infectious agents. However, special consideration should be given to freezing seal meat for at least 3 d to ensure destruction of tissue cysts of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline C Sauvé
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
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17
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Serovars and SpaA Types of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Isolated from Pigs in Japan from 2012 to 2019. Curr Microbiol 2020; 78:55-66. [PMID: 33145611 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-020-02254-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae causes swine erysipelas (SE), which results in considerable economic loss on pig farms. During SE outbreaks that occurred sporadically from 2008 to 2011 in Japan, new E. rhusiopathiae strains were isolated with a specific surface protective antigen (Spa)A protein characterized by methionine at position 203 and isoleucine at position 257 (M203/I257 SpaA type). To determine whether strains with the M203/I257 SpaA type are still prevalent in Japan, we collected 79 strains of E. rhusiopathiae from pigs showing various SE symptoms from 2012 to 2019 and classified them based on serovar typing, spaA gene sequence analysis, and lineage typing. We found that the majority of recent E. rhusiopathiae strains (59/79) belonged to the serovar 1a strain, and that the M203/I257 SpaA type (56/59) was predominant continuing from 2008 to 2011. Furthermore, serovar 1a strains with IVb-1 and IVb-2 lineages that had been isolated in specific regions of Japan were no longer local but were found across Japan. The pathogenicity of recent isolates tested in mice was not significantly changed when compared to that of previously isolated strains. Our results suggest that recent SE outbreaks were not due to changes in the SpaA protein or to altered virulence of E. rhusiopathiae but were rather caused by the persistent presence of E. rhusiopathiae with the M203/I257 SpaA type.
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18
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Development of a Multiplex PCR-Based Assay for Rapid Serotyping of Erysipelothrix Species. J Clin Microbiol 2020; 58:JCM.00315-20. [PMID: 32269099 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00315-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gram-positive bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a zoonotic pathogen that causes erysipelas in a wide range of mammalian and avian species. Historically, E. rhusiopathiae has been differentiated from other Erysipelothrix species by serotyping. Among 28 serovars of Erysipelothrix species, specific serovars, namely, 1a, 1b, and 2 of E. rhusiopathiae, are associated mainly with the disease in pigs, poultry, and humans; however, other serovar strains are often simultaneously isolated from diseased and healthy animals, indicating the importance of isolate serotyping for epidemiology. The traditional serotyping protocol, which uses heat-stable peptidoglycan antigens and type-specific rabbit antisera in an agar-gel precipitation test, is time-consuming and labor-intensive. To develop a rapid serotyping scheme, we analyzed sequences of the 12- to 22-kb chromosomal region, which corresponds to the genetic region responsible for virulence of serovar 1a and 2 strains of E. rhusiopathiae, of the 28 serovars of Erysipelothrix species. We confirmed that the serovar 13 strain lacks the genomic region and that some serovar strains possess very similar or the same genetic structure, prohibiting differentiation of the serovars. We created 4 multiplex PCR sets allowing the simultaneous detection and differentiation of the majority of Erysipelothrix serovars. Together with a previously reported multiplex PCR that can differentiate serovars 1a, 1b, 2, and 5, the multiplex PCR-based assay developed in this study covers all but one (serovar 13) of the reported serovars of Erysipelothrix species and should be a valuable tool for etiological as well as epidemiological studies of Erysipelothrix infections.
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19
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Mavrot F, Orsel K, Hutchins W, Adams LG, Beckmen K, Blake JE, Checkley SL, Davison T, Di Francesco J, Elkin B, Leclerc LM, Schneider A, Tomaselli M, Kutz SJ. Novel insights into serodiagnosis and epidemiology of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, a newly recognized pathogen in muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231724. [PMID: 32315366 PMCID: PMC7173868 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muskoxen are a key species of Arctic ecosystems and are important for food security and socio-economic well-being of many Indigenous communities in the Arctic and Subarctic. Between 2009 and 2014, the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was isolated for the first time in this species in association with multiple mortality events in Canada and Alaska, raising questions regarding the spatiotemporal occurrence of the pathogen and its potential impact on muskox populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS We adapted a commercial porcine E. rhusiopathiae enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to test 958 blood samples that were collected from muskoxen from seven regions in Alaska and the Canadian Arctic between 1976 and 2017. The cut-off between negative and positive results was established using mixture-distribution analysis, a data-driven approach. Based on 818 samples for which a serological status could be determined and with complete information, we calculated trends in sample seroprevalences in population time-series and compared them with population trends in the investigated regions. RESULTS Overall, 219/818 (27.8%, 95% Confidence Interval: 24.7-31.0) samples were classified as positive for exposure to E. rhusiopathiae. There were large variations between years and regions. Seropositive animals were found among the earliest serum samples tested; 1976 in Alaska and 1991 in Canada. In Alaskan muskoxen, sample seroprevalence increased after 2000 and, in two regions, peak seroprevalences occurred simultaneously with population declines. In one of these regions, concurrent unusual mortalities were observed and E. rhusiopathiae was isolated from muskox carcasses. In Canada, there was an increase in sample seroprevalence in two muskox populations following known mortality events that had been attributed to E. rhusiopathiae. CONCLUSION Our results indicate widespread exposure of muskoxen to E. rhusiopathiae in western Canada and Alaska. Although not new to the Arctic, we documented an increased exposure to the pathogen in several regions concurrent with population declines. Understanding causes for the apparent increased occurrence of this pathogen and its association with large scale mortality events for muskoxen is critical to evaluate the implications for wildlife and wildlife-dependent human populations in the Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Mavrot
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Karin Orsel
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wendy Hutchins
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Layne G. Adams
- US Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Sitca, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Kimberlee Beckmen
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Juneau, Alaska, United States of America
| | - John E. Blake
- University of Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Sylvia L. Checkley
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tracy Davison
- Government of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
| | | | - Brett Elkin
- Government of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
| | | | - Angela Schneider
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Matilde Tomaselli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Canadian High Arctic Research Station, Polar Knowledge Canada, Ottawa, Nunavut, Canada
| | - Susan J. Kutz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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20
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Opriessnig T, Forde T, Shimoji Y. Erysipelothrix Spp.: Past, Present, and Future Directions in Vaccine Research. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:174. [PMID: 32351978 PMCID: PMC7174600 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Erysipelothrix spp. comprise a group of small Gram-positive bacteria that can infect a variety of hosts including mammals, fish, birds, reptiles and insects. Among the eight Erysipelothrix species that have been described to date, only Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae plays a major role in farmed livestock where it is the causative agent of erysipelas. E. rhusiopathiae also has zoonotic potential and can cause erysipeloid in humans with a clear occupational link to meat and fish industries. While there are 28 known Erysipelothrix serovars, over 80% of identified isolates belong to serovars 1 or 2. Vaccines to protect pigs against E. rhusiopathiae first became available in 1883 as a response to an epizootic of swine erysipelas in southern France. The overall vaccine repertoire was notably enlarged between the 1940s and 1960s following major outbreaks of swine erysipelas in the Midwest USA and has changed little since. Traditionally, E. rhusiopathiae serovar 1a or 2 isolates were inactivated (bacterins) or attenuated and these types of vaccines are still used today on a global basis. E. rhusiopathiae vaccines are most commonly used in pigs, poultry, and sheep where the bacterium can cause considerable economic losses. In addition, erysipelas vaccination is also utilized in selected vulnerable susceptible populations, such as marine mammals in aquariums, which are commonly vaccinated at regular intervals. While commercially produced erysipelas vaccines appear to provide good protection against clinical disease, in recent years there has been an increase in perceived vaccine failures in farmed animals, especially in organic outdoor operations. Moreover, clinical erysipelas outbreaks have been reported in animal populations not previously considered at risk. This has raised concerns over a possible lack of vaccine protection across various production species. This review focuses on summarizing the history and the present status of E. rhusiopathiae vaccines, the current knowledge on protection including surface antigens, and also provides an outlook into future directions for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Opriessnig
- The Roslin Institute and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom.,Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Taya Forde
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Yoshihiro Shimoji
- National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Japan.,Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan
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21
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Forde TL, Kollanandi Ratheesh N, Harvey WT, Thomson JR, Williamson S, Biek R, Opriessnig T. Genomic and Immunogenic Protein Diversity of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Isolated From Pigs in Great Britain: Implications for Vaccine Protection. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:418. [PMID: 32231655 PMCID: PMC7083082 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Erysipelas, caused by the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, is re-emerging in swine and poultry production systems worldwide. While the global genomic diversity of this species has been characterized, how much of this genomic and functional diversity is maintained at smaller scales is unclear. Specifically, while several key immunogenic surface proteins have been identified for E. rhusiopathiae, little is known about their presence among field strains and their divergence from vaccines, which could result in vaccine failure. Here, a comparative genomics approach was taken to determine the diversity of E. rhusiopathiae strains in pigs in Great Britain over nearly three decades, as well as to assess the field strains’ divergence from the vaccine strain most commonly used in British pigs. In addition, the presence/absence and variability of 13 previously described immunogenic surface proteins was determined, including SpaA which is considered a key immunogen. We found a high diversity of E. rhusiopathiae strains in British pigs, similar to the situation described in European poultry but in contrast to swine production systems in Asia. Of the four clades of E. rhusiopathiae found globally, three were represented among British pig isolates, with Clade 2 being the most common. All British pig isolates had one amino acid difference in the immunoprotective domain of the SpaA protein compared to the vaccine strain. However, we were able to confirm using in silico structural protein analyses that this difference is unlikely to compromise vaccine protection. Of 12 other known immunogenic surface proteins of E. rhusiopathiae examined, 11 were found to be present in all British pig isolates and the vaccine strain, but with highly variable degrees of conservation at the amino acid sequence level, ranging from 0.3 to 27% variant positions. Moreover, the phylogenetic incongruence of these proteins suggests that horizontal transfer of genes encoding for antigens is commonplace for this bacterium. We hypothesize that the sequence variants in these proteins could be responsible for differences in the efficacy of the immune response. Our results provide the necessary basis for testing this hypothesis through in vitro and in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taya L Forde
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Nichith Kollanandi Ratheesh
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - William T Harvey
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jill R Thomson
- Disease Surveillance Centre, SAC Veterinary Services, Scotland's Rural College, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Susanna Williamson
- Surveillance Intelligence Unit, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Bury St Edmunds, United Kingdom
| | - Roman Biek
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Tanja Opriessnig
- The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
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22
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Cuyler C, Rowell J, Adamczewski J, Anderson M, Blake J, Bretten T, Brodeur V, Campbell M, Checkley SL, Cluff HD, Côté SD, Davison T, Dumond M, Ford B, Gruzdev A, Gunn A, Jones P, Kutz S, Leclerc LM, Mallory C, Mavrot F, Mosbacher JB, Okhlopkov IM, Reynolds P, Schmidt NM, Sipko T, Suitor M, Tomaselli M, Ytrehus B. Muskox status, recent variation, and uncertain future. AMBIO 2020; 49:805-819. [PMID: 31187429 PMCID: PMC6989413 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-019-01205-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) are an integral component of Arctic biodiversity. Given low genetic diversity, their ability to respond to future and rapid Arctic change is unknown, although paleontological history demonstrates adaptability within limits. We discuss status and limitations of current monitoring, and summarize circumpolar status and recent variations, delineating all 55 endemic or translocated populations. Acknowledging uncertainties, global abundance is ca 170 000 muskoxen. Not all populations are thriving. Six populations are in decline, and as recently as the turn of the century, one of these was the largest population in the world, equaling ca 41% of today's total abundance. Climate, diseases, and anthropogenic changes are likely the principal drivers of muskox population change and result in multiple stressors that vary temporally and spatially. Impacts to muskoxen are precipitated by habitat loss/degradation, altered vegetation and species associations, pollution, and harvest. Which elements are relevant for a specific population will vary, as will their cumulative interactions. Our summaries highlight the importance of harmonizing existing data, intensifying long-term monitoring efforts including demographics and health assessments, standardizing and implementing monitoring protocols, and increasing stakeholder engagement/contributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Cuyler
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, PO Box 570, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Janice Rowell
- School of Natural Resources and Extension, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775 USA
| | - Jan Adamczewski
- Wildlife Division, Environment and Natural Resources, Government of Northwest Territories, PO Box 1320, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9 Canada
| | - Morgan Anderson
- BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources Operations and Rural Development, 2000 South Ospika Blvd, Prince George, BC V2N 4W5 Canada
| | - John Blake
- Animal Resources Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, PO Box 756980, Fairbanks, AK 99775 USA
| | - Tord Bretten
- Norwegian Environment Agency, PO Box 5672 Torgarden, 7485 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Vincent Brodeur
- Department of Wildlife Management of Northern Québec, Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks of Québec, 951 Hamel Boulevard, Chibougamau, QC G8P 2Z3 Canada
| | - Mitch Campbell
- Department of Environment, Government of Nunavut, PO Box 120, Arviat, NT X0C 0E0 Canada
| | - Sylvia L. Checkley
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6 Canada
| | - H. Dean Cluff
- Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Northwest Territories, PO Box 2668, 3803 Bretzlaff Drive, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2P9 Canada
| | - Steeve D. Côté
- Département de biologie & Centre for Northern Studies, Université Laval, 1045 avenue de la Médecine, Québec, G1V 0A6 Canada
| | - Tracy Davison
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Inuvik Region, PO Box 2749, Inuvik, NT X0E 0T0 Canada
| | | | - Barrie Ford
- Nunavik Research Centre, Makivik Corporation, PO Box 179, Kuujjuaq, QC J0M 1C0 Canada
| | | | - Anne Gunn
- 368 Roland Road, Salt Spring Island, V8K 1V1 BC Canada
| | - Patrick Jones
- Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, PO Box 1467, Bethel, AK 99559 USA
| | - Susan Kutz
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6 Canada
| | - Lisa-Marie Leclerc
- Department of Environment, Government of Nunavut, PO Box 377, Kugluktuk, NU X0B 0A2 Canada
| | - Conor Mallory
- Department of Environment, Government of Nunavut, PO Box 209, Iglulik, NU X0A 0L0 Canada
| | - Fabien Mavrot
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6 Canada
| | - Jesper Bruun Mosbacher
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6 Canada
| | - Innokentiy Mikhailovich Okhlopkov
- Institute of Biological Problems of Cryolithozone of the Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Science (IBPC SB RAS), 41 Lenina Ave., Yakutsk, Russia 677980
| | | | - Niels Martin Schmidt
- Arctic Research Centre, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Taras Sipko
- Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, PO Box 11, Moscow, Russia 119071
| | - Mike Suitor
- Inuvialuit and Migratory Caribou, Fish and Wildlife, Environment Yukon, PO Box 600, Dawson City, YT Y0B 1G0 Canada
| | - Matilde Tomaselli
- Polar Knowledge Canada, Canadian High Arctic Research Station, 1 Uvajuq Road, PO Box 2150, Cambridge Bay, NU X0B 0C0 Canada
| | - Bjørnar Ytrehus
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), PO Box 5685 Torgarden, 7485 Trondheim, Norway
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Winder R, Stewart FEC, Nebel S, McIntire EJB, Dyk A, Omendja K. Cumulative Effects and Boreal Woodland Caribou: How Bow-Tie Risk Analysis Addresses a Critical Issue in Canada's Forested Landscapes. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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24
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Conservation Genomics in a Changing Arctic. Trends Ecol Evol 2019; 35:149-162. [PMID: 31699414 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2019.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Although logistically challenging to study, the Arctic is a bellwether for global change and is becoming a model for questions pertinent to the persistence of biodiversity. Disruption of Arctic ecosystems is accelerating, with impacts ranging from mixing of biotic communities to individual behavioral responses. Understanding these changes is crucial for conservation and sustainable economic development. Genomic approaches are providing transformative insights into biotic responses to environmental change, but have seen limited application in the Arctic due to a series of limitations. To meet the promise of genome analyses, we urge rigorous development of biorepositories from high latitudes to provide essential libraries to improve the conservation, monitoring, and management of Arctic ecosystems through genomic approaches.
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25
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Groeschel M, Forde T, Turvey S, Joffe AM, Hui C, Naidu P, Mavrot F, Kutz S, Singh AE. An unusual case of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae prosthetic joint infection from the Canadian Arctic: whole genome sequencing unable to identify a zoonotic source. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:282. [PMID: 30909869 PMCID: PMC6434803 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-3913-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a zoonotic pathogen that causes erysipeloid and is most frequently associated with exposure to domestic swine. Infection of native and prosthetic joints is a rarely reported manifestation. Case presentation We describe a case of E. rhusiopathiae prosthetic joint infection in a woman with a history of exposure to wild animals in the Canadian Arctic. Patient management involved a 1-stage surgical revision exchange with an antibiotic impregnated cement spacer and 6 weeks of intravenous penicillin G followed by 6 weeks of oral amoxicillin. Ten previously reported cases of E. rhusiopathiae joint infection are reviewed. Recent increases in mortality due to infection with this organism among host animal populations in the Canadian Arctic have generated concern regarding a potential increase in human infections. However, whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the organism was unable to identify a zoonotic origin for this case. Conclusions Consideration should be given to E. rhusiopathiae as a cause of joint infections if the appropriate epidemiologic and host risk factors exist. Expanded use of WGS in other potential animal hosts and environmental sources may provide important epidemiologic information in determining the source of human infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Groeschel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Taya Forde
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Shannon Turvey
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 3B20-11111 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5K 0L4, Canada
| | - A Mark Joffe
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 3B20-11111 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5K 0L4, Canada
| | - Catherine Hui
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Prenilla Naidu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Provincial Laboratory for Public Health, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Fabien Mavrot
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Susan Kutz
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ameeta E Singh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 3B20-11111 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5K 0L4, Canada.
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26
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Shiraiwa K, Ogawa Y, Nishikawa S, Eguchi M, Shimoji Y. Identification of serovar 1a, 1b, 2, and 5 strains of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae by a conventional gel-based PCR. Vet Microbiol 2018; 225:101-104. [PMID: 30322520 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2018.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Among the four species of the genus Erysipelothrix, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is the main species that causes disease in swine and poultry and has also been isolated from human patients. Recently, E. rhusiopathiae infections in domesticated animals have increased in many countries and are also the cause of emerging wildlife disease in arctic and boreal ecosystems. Historically, E. rhusiopathiae has been differentiated from other Erysipelothrix species by their serovars, which are determined based on cell wall antigens. Serotyping of Erysipelothrix is important, as specific E. rhusiopathiae serovars (1a, 1b, and 2) are associated with disease in pigs, poultry, and humans. However, serotyping is laborious and time-consuming and requires a full set of serovar reference strains and strain-specific antiserum. In this study, to develop a conventional gel-based PCR assay that can detect the main disease-associated serovars of E. rhusiopathiae, the draft genome sequences of E. rhusiopathiae strains of serovars 1a, 1b, 2, and 5, the last of which is often isolated from wild animals, were analyzed. Primers were designed based on the serovar-specific sequences of the strains and tested for field strains isolated from extensive origins. Among two hundred and ninety-seven isolates of various serovar strains of E. rhusiopathiae and other Erysipelothrix species, the PCR assay identified serovar 1a, 1b, 2, and 5 strains of E. rhusiopathiae. This conventional gel-based PCR assay should be useful for serovar surveillance of E. rhusiopathiae isolates in domesticated and wild animals as well as in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumasa Shiraiwa
- National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0856, Japan
| | - Yohsuke Ogawa
- National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0856, Japan
| | - Sayaka Nishikawa
- National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0856, Japan
| | - Masahiro Eguchi
- National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0856, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Shimoji
- National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0856, Japan; Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan.
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27
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Andersen-Ranberg EU, Barnes CJ, Rasmussen L, Salgado-Flores A, Grøndahl C, Mosbacher JB, Hansen AJ, Sundset MA, Schmidt NM, Sonne C. A Comparative Study on the Faecal Bacterial Community and Potential Zoonotic Bacteria of Muskoxen ( Ovibos moschatus) in Northeast Greenland, Northwest Greenland and Norway. Microorganisms 2018; 6:E76. [PMID: 30044373 PMCID: PMC6164070 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms6030076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) are ruminants adapted to a high-fibre diet. There is increasing interest in the role that gut microbes play in the digestion and utilization of these specialized diets but only limited data available on the gut microbiome of high-Arctic animals. In this study, we metabarcoded the 16S rRNA region of faecal samples from muskoxen of Northeast Greenland, Northwest Greenland and Norway, and quantified the effects of physiological and temporal factors on bacterial composition. We found significant effects of body mass, year of sampling and location on the gut bacterial communities of North East Greenland muskoxen. These effects were however dwarfed by the effects of location, emphasizing the importance of the local ecology on the gut bacterial community. Habitat alterations and rising temperatures may therefore have a considerable impact on muskoxen health and reproductive success. Moreover, muskoxen are hunted and consumed in Greenland, Canada and Alaska; therefore, this study also screened for potential zoonoses of food safety interest. A total of 13 potentially zoonotic genera were identified, including the genera Erysipelothrix and Yersinia implicated in recent mass die-offs of the muskoxen themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie U Andersen-Ranberg
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Science and Technology, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Christopher J Barnes
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, 1350 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Linett Rasmussen
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, 1350 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Alejandro Salgado-Flores
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Carsten Grøndahl
- Copenhagen Zoo, Centre for Zoo and Wild Animal Health, DK-2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Jesper B Mosbacher
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Science and Technology, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Anders J Hansen
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, 1350 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Niels Martin Schmidt
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Science and Technology, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Science and Technology, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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28
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Shiraiwa K, Ogawa Y, Nishikawa S, Eguchi M, Shimoji Y. Multiplex PCR assay for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of clonal lineages of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae serovar 1a strains currently circulating in Japan. J Vet Med Sci 2017. [PMID: 28637945 PMCID: PMC5573815 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.17-0255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The species Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae displays
genetic heterogeneity; however, E. rhusiopathiae serovar 1a strains
currently circulating in Japan exhibit remarkably low levels of genetic diversity and
group into clonal sublineages of Lineage IVb (IVb-1 and IVb-2). In the present study,
based on whole genome sequencing data, we designed primers for a multiplex PCR assay to
simultaneously detect and differentiate the sublineages of E.
rhusiopathiae strains. Among the one hundred and twenty-seven isolates of
various serovar strains, including isolates from a wide range of hosts and geographic
origins, the PCR assay could successfully detect and differentiate the serovar 1a strains
belonging to the sublineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumasa Shiraiwa
- National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan
| | - Yohsuke Ogawa
- National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan
| | - Sayaka Nishikawa
- National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan
| | - Masahiro Eguchi
- National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Shimoji
- National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan.,Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
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29
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Clonal Lineages of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Responsible for Acute Swine Erysipelas in Japan Identified by Using Genome-Wide Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Analysis. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:AEM.00130-17. [PMID: 28314730 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00130-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae causes swine erysipelas, an important infectious disease in the swine industry. In Japan, the incidence of acute swine erysipelas due to E. rhusiopathiae serovar 1a has recently increased markedly. To study the genetic relatedness of the strains from the recent cases, we analyzed 34 E. rhusiopathiae serovar 1a swine isolates collected between 1990 and 2011 and further investigated the possible association of the live Koganei 65-0.15 vaccine strain (serovar 1a) with the increase in cases. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis revealed no marked variation among the isolates; however, sequencing analysis of a hypervariable region in the surface-protective antigen A gene (spaA) revealed that the strains isolated after 2007 exhibited the same spaA genotype and could be differentiated from older strains. Phylogenetic analysis based on genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) revealed that the Japanese strains examined were closely related, showing a relatively small number of SNPs among them. The strains were classified into four major lineages, with Koganei 65-0.15 (lineage III) being phylogenetically separated from the other three lineages. The strains isolated after 2007 and the two older strains constituted one major lineage (lineage IV) with a specific spaA genotype (M203/I257-SpaA), while the recent isolates were further divided into two geographic groups. The remaining older isolates belonged to either lineage I, with the I203/L257-SpaA type, or lineage II, with the I203/I257-SpaA type. These results indicate that the recent increased incidence of acute swine erysipelas in Japan is associated with two sublineages of lineage IV, which have independently evolved in two different geographic regions.IMPORTANCE Using large-scale whole-genome sequence data from Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae isolates from a wide range of hosts and geographic origins, a recent study clarified the existence of three distinct clades (clades 1, 2, and 3) that are found across multiple continents and host species, representing both livestock and wildlife, and an "intermediate" clade between clade 2 and the dominant clade 3 within the species. In this study, we found that the E. rhusiopathiae Japanese strains examined exhibited remarkably low levels of genetic diversity and confirmed that all of the Japanese and Chinese swine isolates examined in this study belong to clonal lineages within the intermediate clade. We report that spaA genotyping of E. rhusiopathiae strains is a practical alternative to whole-genome sequencing analysis of the E. rhusiopathiae isolates from eastern Asian countries.
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