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Deb S, Wild MA, LeClair T, Shah DH. Discovery of novel treponemes associated with pododermatitis in elk ( Cervus canadensis). Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0010524. [PMID: 38742897 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00105-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Pododermatitis, also known as treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD), presents a significant challenge to elk (Cervus canadensis) populations in the northwestern USA, with Treponema spp. consistently implicated in the lesion development. However, identifying species-specific Treponema strains from these lesions is hindered by its culture recalcitrance and limited genomic information. This study utilized shotgun sequencing, in silico genome reconstruction, and comparative genomics as a culture-independent approach to identify metagenome-assembled Treponema genomes (MATGs) from skin scraping samples collected from captive elk experimentally challenged with TAHD. The genomic analysis revealed 10 new MATGs, with 6 representing novel genomospecies associated with pododermatitis in elk and 4 corresponding to previously identified species-Treponema pedis and Treponema phagedenis. Importantly, genomic signatures of novel genomospecies identified in this study were consistently detected in biopsy samples of free-ranging elk diagnosed with TAHD, indicating a potential etiologic association. Comparative metabolic profiling of the MATGs against other Treponema genomes showed a distinct metabolic profile, suggesting potential host adaptation or geographic uniqueness of these newly identified genomospecies. The discovery of novel Treponema genomospecies enhances our understanding of the pathogenesis of pododermatitis and lays the foundation for the development of improved molecular surveillance tools to monitor and manage the disease in free-ranging elk.IMPORTANCETreponema spp. play an important role in the development of pododermatitis in free-ranging elk; however, the species-specific detection of Treponema from pododermatitis lesions is challenging due to culture recalcitrance and limited genomic information. The study utilized shotgun sequencing and in silico genome reconstruction to identify novel Treponema genomospecies from elk with pododermatitis. The discovery of the novel Treponema species opens new avenues to develop molecular diagnostic and epidemiologic tools for the surveillance of pododermatitis in elk. These findings significantly enhance our understanding of the genomic landscape of the Treponemataceae consortium while offering valuable insights into the etiology and pathogenesis of emerging pododermatitis in elk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushanta Deb
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Margaret A Wild
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Thomas LeClair
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Devendra H Shah
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas, USA
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Wilson-Welder JH, Han S, Bayles DO, Alt DP, Kanipe C, Garrison K, Mansfield KG, Olsen SC. Correlation of lesion severity with bacterial changes in Treponeme-Associated Hoof Disease from free-roaming wild elk (Cervus canadensis). Anim Microbiome 2024; 6:20. [PMID: 38650043 PMCID: PMC11036743 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-024-00304-9] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treponeme-Associated Hoof Disease (TAHD) is a polybacterial, multifactorial disease affecting free-ranging wild elk (Cervus canadensis) in the Pacific Northwest. Previous studies have indicated a bacterial etiology similar to digital dermatitis in livestock, including isolation of Treponema species from lesions. The lesions appear to progress rapidly from ulcerative areas in the interdigital space or along the coronary band to severe, ulcerative, necrotic, proliferative lesions under-running the hoof wall, perforating the sole, and contributing to hoof elongation, deformity, and overgrowth. Eventually the lesions undermine the laminal structure leading to sloughing of the hoof horn capsule. The objective of this study was to characterize the bacterial communities associated with hoof lesions, which were categorized into 5 stages or disease grade severities, with 0 being unaffected tissue and 4 being sloughed hoof capsule. We also wanted to determine if the etiology of TAHD through morphological changes was dominated by Treponema, as observed in hoof diseases in livestock. RESULTS The bacterial 16S rRNA gene was sequenced from 66 hoof skin biopsy samples representing 5 lesion grades from samples collected by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife as part of a voluntary hunter program. Analysis of the relative abundance of bacterial sequences showed that lesions were dominated by members of the bacterial phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Spirochaetes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. In lesion samples, members of the genus Treponema, Porphyromonas, and Mycoplasma increased with lesion severity. Association analysis indicated frequent identification of Treponema with Porphyromonas, Bacteroides and other anaerobic Gram-positive cocci. CONCLUSIONS The bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed the presence of Treponema species at all stages of TAHD lesions, treponeme specie-specific PCR and histopathology, indicating that the morphological changes are a continual progression of disease severity with similar bacterial communities. Association and abundance of these other pathogenic genera within lesions may mean synergistic role with Treponema in hoof disease pathogenesis. Characterizing bacteria involved in lesion development, and their persistence during disease progression, provides evidence for science-based management decisions in TAHD infected elk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H Wilson-Welder
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service- USDA, 1920 Dayton Ave, 50010, Ames, IA, USA.
| | - Sushan Han
- Colorado State University Diagnostic Medicine Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Darrell O Bayles
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service- USDA, 1920 Dayton Ave, 50010, Ames, IA, USA
| | - David P Alt
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service- USDA, 1920 Dayton Ave, 50010, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Carly Kanipe
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service- USDA, 1920 Dayton Ave, 50010, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Kyle Garrison
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, WA, USA
| | | | - Steven C Olsen
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service- USDA, 1920 Dayton Ave, 50010, Ames, IA, USA
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Benito AA, Anía S, Ramo MDLÁ, Baselga C, Quílez J, Tejedor MT, Monteagudo LV. Molecular Diagnosis of Footrot and Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis in Small Ruminants in the Iberian Peninsula. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:481. [PMID: 38338124 PMCID: PMC10854840 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030481] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) and footrot (FR), a sub-acute or acute necrotic (decaying) infectious disease involving the hoof and underlying tissues, pose economic challenges to herds in Spain and worldwide. The aetiological agent for FR is Dichelobacter nodosus, while CODD is caused by pathogenic Treponema phylogroups. We detail the findings derived from the analysis by qPCR of 105 pooled samples from 100 ovine and five caprine herds in Spain and Portugal, alongside 15 samples from healthy flocks in order to identify Dichelobacter nodosus, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Treponema spp., and three pathogenic Treponema phylogroups (T. phagedenis, T. medium, and T. pedis). Treponema spp. were detected in all 120 pools, including samples from the 15 healthy flocks where only one positive result for F. necrophorum was recorded. Mixed infections by agents different from Treponema spp. were identified in 68.57% of samples. Positive results for F. necrophorum and/or D. nodosus, were obtained for 91.4% of the pools, whereas the presence of the three pathogenic Treponema phylogroups was rare: each of them appeared in isolation in a single pool, while they were found in 18 pools in combination with other agents. While F. necrophorum was the sole finding in 16.2% of samples from affected herds, D. nodosus (the footrot causative agent) was only detected in 61% of affected farms. An improved qPCR protocol was implemented to determine the serogroups of D. nodosus in the samples and found all of them (except the G serogroup), often in combined infections (35.1%). This report concludes with comprehensive proposals for diagnosing, preventing, and treating hoof ailments, remarking the interest of the information about D. nodosus serogroups in order to improve the efficiency of immunization by choosing appropriate vaccine protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo A. Benito
- Exopol S.L., Pol Río Gállego D/14, San Mateo de Gállego, 50840 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.A.B.); (S.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Silvia Anía
- Exopol S.L., Pol Río Gállego D/14, San Mateo de Gállego, 50840 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.A.B.); (S.A.); (C.B.)
| | - María de los Ángeles Ramo
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Cristina Baselga
- Exopol S.L., Pol Río Gállego D/14, San Mateo de Gállego, 50840 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.A.B.); (S.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Joaquín Quílez
- Agrifood Institute of Aragón (IA2), University of Zaragoza-Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Alimentaria de Aragón (CITA), 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Department of Anatomy, Embriology and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - María Teresa Tejedor
- Department of Anatomy, Embriology and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Aragon Institute of Health Sciences (IACS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Luis Vicente Monteagudo
- Agrifood Institute of Aragón (IA2), University of Zaragoza-Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Alimentaria de Aragón (CITA), 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Department of Anatomy, Embriology and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
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Robinson ZB, Shah DH, Taylor KR, Wild MA. Transmission and lesion progression of treponeme-associated hoof disease in captive elk (Cervus canadensis). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289764. [PMID: 37561744 PMCID: PMC10414667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD) is a debilitating disease of free-ranging elk (Cervus canadensis) in the northwestern U.S. While treponemes are associated with lesions, the etiology and transmissibility between elk are unknown. Our objective was to determine whether the disease can be environmentally transmitted to captive elk. Four individually housed treatment elk and 2 control elk were challenged with soil mixed with inoculum prepared from free-ranging elk hooves from TAHD-positive elk or autoclaved hooves from normal elk, respectively. The inoculum for each group was applied to the interdigital space and added to pre-existing soil in each pen. Eight challenges were conducted at 1-4-week intervals and lesion development was assessed during a 138-day challenge period that was followed by a 170-day monitoring period to document lesion progression. All treatment elk, but no control elk, developed gross and histologic lesions consistent with TAHD. Treponema phylotypes similar to those in bovine digital dermatitis in cattle were detected using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing from lesions in all treatment elk, but no control elk, during the challenge period. Lesions progressed from ulcerations in the interdigital space to extensive ulceration and underrunning of the hoof capsule by 35 and 173 days following the initial inoculation, respectively. Lameness in treatment elk was correlated with lesion development (R = 0.702, p≤0.001), and activity of infected elk was reduced during the challenge (p≤0.001) and monitoring periods (p = 0.004). Body condition was significantly lower in treatment than control elk 168 days following the initial inoculation (p = 0.05) and at each individual elk's study endpoint (p = 0.006). Three of 4 treatment elk were euthanized when they reached humane endpoints, and one elk recovered. These results provide direct evidence that TAHD is a transmissible infectious disease in elk. As such, actions that reduce transmission risk can support disease management and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary B. Robinson
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Devendra H. Shah
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kyle R. Taylor
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Margaret A. Wild
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
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Jucker S, Alsaaod M, Steiner A, Zingre T, Kaessmeyer S, Gurtner C, Friker B, Brandt S, Jensen TK, Hoby S. Treatment of digital dermatitis using salicylic acid in European bison (Bison bonasus) reveals promising results. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1012226. [DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1012226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital dermatitis (DD) associated with the presence of multiple Treponema spp. was recently described for the first time in European bison (Bison bonasus). DD is characterized by skin inflammation in the distal foot area in various ungulates. The objective of this proof of concept study was to test a treatment protocol adopted from cattle for its applicability in this wildlife species using five animals. Keratolytic salicylic acid paste was administered topically under bandages for seven days to enable removal of the affected skin. All interventions were performed under general anesthesia. To evaluate the treatment efficacy, photographs and biopsies were taken pre- and post-treatment. The biopsies were examined histologically, by PCR for the presence of different bacterial species, by Treponema-specific fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and by transmission electron microscopy. Based on photographs, complete clinical healing of the 15 feet with macroscopical DD lesions was achieved. Histological examination showed mild to moderate dermatitis in 17/20 feet before, and in 12/20 feet after treatment. 17/20 feet were Treponema spp. PCR positive before, and none was positive after treatment. Dichelobacter nodosus, Fusobacterium necrophorum, and Porphyromonas levii could not be detected in any of the samples. By FISH and electron microscopy, Treponema spp. could be visualized in the stratum corneum before, but not after treatment. These results suggest that this treatment method can be applied as standard practice prior to transporting DD affected European bison to prevent the spread of this contagious disease.
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Thomas AD, Pajor EA, Caddey B, Goldhawk C, Martins L, Orsel K. An experimental model to induce digital dermatitis in beef calves. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:238. [PMID: 35739561 PMCID: PMC9219410 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03345-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Digital dermatitis (DD) is a multifactorial infectious disease affecting the skin on feet of cattle causing erosion and inflammation above the heel bulbs. Some cases of DD cause lameness and significantly impact animal welfare and productivity. While DD has emerged as a concern for the beef industry, key information regarding early detection and its impact on cattle behaviour is lacking. The primary objective of this study was to determine if an established DD experimental model for dairy calves could be used to induce DD lesions in beef calves. A secondary objective was to describe changes in behaviour and pain associated with induction of DD lesions. Eight beef calves acquired from a single cow-calf operator were enrolled in the study. Upon enrolment, calves were evaluated and determined to be free of foot lesions. Within the experimental environment, calves were housed in individual pens and assigned to two groups (mock-inoculated and inoculated). Both hind feet of each calf were enrolled. Within calf, inoculation protocol was consistent, and a 28-day experimental protocol was employed. Two days prior to inoculation, both hind feet of each calf were abraded (area above the heel bulbs and below the dewclaws), moistened, and wrapped to facilitate an anaerobic condition. Feet were inoculated with macerated DD lesion material or mock inoculum and remained wrapped until clinical signs of DD or protocol endpoint. Results After a period of 14 to 18 days post inoculation, three of five inoculated calves developed clinical signs (lameness), and upon close inspection, DD lesions were present on at least one hind foot. Two of five inoculated calves did not develop lesions within 28 days. Zero of three mock-inoculated calves developed DD. Treponema spp. were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction from biopsies of induced lesions. Measurements of behaviour prior to disease induction were numerically different between DD affected and mock-inoculated calves. Conclusions An experimental infection model established for dairy cattle was used to successfully induce acute DD lesions in three of five inoculated beef calves. This model can provide a framework to study intervention protocols and to evaluate the impact of DD on behaviour and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anice D Thomas
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Edmond A Pajor
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Benjamin Caddey
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Christy Goldhawk
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Larissa Martins
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Karin Orsel
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada.
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