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Alsheim E, Thet NT, Laabei M, Jenkins ATA. Development and early testing of a simple, low cost, fast sensor for maternal and neonatal group B Streptococcus. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 247:115923. [PMID: 38118304 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae, (Group B Streptococcus (GBS)), is a common colonizer of the female vagina. In women giving birth it can be transmitted to the baby and cause serious illness and even death to the child. We have developed a biosensor comprising of phospholipids and fatty acids vesicles encapsulating high concentration, self-quenched carboxyfluorescein, which is released by the lysis of the vesicle by virulence factors expressed by GBS, becoming diluted and fluorescent. The microbial specificity of the sensor was tested against a number of GBS strains and other microbes including Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus epidermidis and a statistically significant response to GBS measured over these other microbes. To test the invivo efficacy of the biosensor, a pilot study using donated lower vaginal swabs from non-pregnant women was conducted, where 58 female adults were recruited. Participants donated two swabs, one which was used for the vesicle test and one for the 'gold standard', enriched culture media (ECM) test. An overall GBS carriage rate of 17.2% was measured using the ECM test. The vesicle biosensor test took 45 min to obtain a result, and showed a sensitivity of 83.3%, specificity of 85.7% and accuracy of 85.3%. The test accuracy is in line with current novel GBS identification tests, with the advantage of being rapid, easy to use, low-cost and able to be conducted by bedside during start of labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emelie Alsheim
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, BA2 7AY, BATH, UK
| | - Naing Tun Thet
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, BA2 7AY, BATH, UK
| | - Maisem Laabei
- Department of Life Science, University of Bath, Claverton Down, BA2 7AY, BATH, UK; School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, BS8 1TD, Bristol, UK.
| | - A Toby A Jenkins
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, BA2 7AY, BATH, UK.
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2
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Korir ML, Doster RS, Lu J, Guevara MA, Spicer SK, Moore RE, Francis JD, Rogers LM, Haley KP, Blackman A, Noble KN, Eastman AJ, Williams JA, Damo SM, Boyd KL, Townsend SD, Henrique Serezani C, Aronoff DM, Manning SD, Gaddy JA. Streptococcus agalactiae cadD alleviates metal stress and promotes intracellular survival in macrophages and ascending infection during pregnancy. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5392. [PMID: 36104331 PMCID: PMC9474517 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32916-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Perinatal infection with Streptococcus agalactiae, or Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is associated with preterm birth, neonatal sepsis, and stillbirth. Here, we study the interactions of GBS with macrophages, essential sentinel immune cells that defend the gravid reproductive tract. Transcriptional analyses of GBS-macrophage co-cultures reveal enhanced expression of a gene encoding a putative metal resistance determinant, cadD. Deletion of cadD reduces GBS survival in macrophages, metal efflux, and resistance to metal toxicity. In a mouse model of ascending infection during pregnancy, the ΔcadD strain displays attenuated bacterial burden, inflammation, and cytokine production in gestational tissues. Furthermore, depletion of host macrophages alters cytokine expression and decreases GBS invasion in a cadD-dependent fashion. Our results indicate that GBS cadD plays an important role in metal detoxification, which promotes immune evasion and bacterial proliferation in the pregnant host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Korir
- Michigan State University, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Aurora University, Department of Biology, Aurora, IL, USA
| | - Ryan S Doster
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Jacky Lu
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Miriam A Guevara
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sabrina K Spicer
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rebecca E Moore
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jamisha D Francis
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lisa M Rogers
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kathryn P Haley
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI, USA
| | - Amondrea Blackman
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kristen N Noble
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alison J Eastman
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Janice A Williams
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Steven M Damo
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kelli L Boyd
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - C Henrique Serezani
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - David M Aronoff
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Shannon D Manning
- Michigan State University, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Jennifer A Gaddy
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Center for Medicine, Health, and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare Systems, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Brennan AA, Mehrani M, Tal-Gan Y. Modulating streptococcal phenotypes using signal peptide analogues. Open Biol 2022; 12:220143. [PMID: 35920042 PMCID: PMC9346555 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding bacterial communication mechanisms is imperative to improve our current understanding of bacterial infectivity and find alternatives to current modes of antibacterial therapeutics. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria use quorum sensing (QS) to regulate group behaviours and associated phenotypes in a cell-density-dependent manner. Group behaviours, phenotypic expression and resultant infection and disease can largely be attributed to efficient bacterial communication. Of particular interest are the communication mechanisms of Gram-positive bacteria known as streptococci. This group has demonstrated marked resistance to traditional antibiotic treatment, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality of infected hosts and an ever-increasing burden on the healthcare system. Modulating circuits and mechanisms involved in streptococcal communication has proven to be a promising anti-virulence therapeutic approach that allows managing bacterial phenotypic response but does not affect bacterial viability. Targeting the chemical signals bacteria use for communication is a promising starting point, as manipulation of these signals can dramatically affect resultant bacterial phenotypes, minimizing associated morbidity and mortality. This review will focus on the use of modified peptide signals in modulating the development of proliferative phenotypes in different streptococcal species, specifically regarding how such modification can attenuate bacterial infectivity and aid in developing future alternative therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec A Brennan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Mona Mehrani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Yftah Tal-Gan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89557, USA
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McCutcheon CR, Pell ME, Gaddy JA, Aronoff DM, Petroff MG, Manning SD. Production and Composition of Group B Streptococcal Membrane Vesicles Vary Across Diverse Lineages. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:770499. [PMID: 34880842 PMCID: PMC8645895 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.770499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the neonatal and fetal pathogen Group B Streptococcus (GBS) asymptomatically colonizes the vaginal tract of ∼30% of pregnant women, only a fraction of their offspring develops invasive disease. We and others have postulated that these dimorphic clinical phenotypes are driven by strain variability; however, the bacterial factors that promote these divergent clinical phenotypes remain unclear. It was previously shown that GBS produces membrane vesicles (MVs) that contain active virulence factors capable of inducing adverse pregnancy outcomes. Because the relationship between strain variation and vesicle composition or production is unknown, we sought to quantify MV production and examine the protein composition, using label-free proteomics on MVs produced by diverse clinical GBS strains representing three phylogenetically distinct lineages. We found that MV production varied across strains, with certain strains displaying nearly twofold increases in production relative to others. Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis of the proteomes revealed that MV composition is lineage-dependent but independent of clinical phenotype. Multiple proteins that contribute to virulence or immunomodulation, including hyaluronidase, C5a peptidase, and sialidases, were differentially abundant in MVs, and were partially responsible for this divergence. Together, these data indicate that production and composition of GBS MVs vary in a strain-dependent manner, suggesting that MVs have lineage-specific functions relating to virulence. Such differences may contribute to variation in clinical phenotypes observed among individuals infected with GBS strains representing distinct lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cole R. McCutcheon
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Macy E. Pell
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Jennifer A. Gaddy
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - David M. Aronoff
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Margaret G. Petroff
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Shannon D. Manning
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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Deciphering Streptococcal Biofilms. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111835. [PMID: 33233415 PMCID: PMC7700319 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococci are a diverse group of bacteria, which are mostly commensals but also cause a considerable proportion of life-threatening infections. They colonize many different host niches such as the oral cavity, the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tract. While these host compartments impose different environmental conditions, many streptococci form biofilms on mucosal membranes facilitating their prolonged survival. In response to environmental conditions or stimuli, bacteria experience profound physiologic and metabolic changes during biofilm formation. While investigating bacterial cells under planktonic and biofilm conditions, various genes have been identified that are important for the initial step of biofilm formation. Expression patterns of these genes during the transition from planktonic to biofilm growth suggest a highly regulated and complex process. Biofilms as a bacterial survival strategy allow evasion of host immunity and protection against antibiotic therapy. However, the exact mechanisms by which biofilm-associated bacteria cause disease are poorly understood. Therefore, advanced molecular techniques are employed to identify gene(s) or protein(s) as targets for the development of antibiofilm therapeutic approaches. We review our current understanding of biofilm formation in different streptococci and how biofilm production may alter virulence-associated characteristics of these species. In addition, we have summarized the role of surface proteins especially pili proteins in biofilm formation. This review will provide an overview of strategies which may be exploited for developing novel approaches against biofilm-related streptococcal infections.
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Two-Component Signal Transduction Systems in the Human Pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae. Infect Immun 2020; 88:IAI.00931-19. [PMID: 31988177 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00931-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus [GBS]) is an important cause of invasive infection in newborns, maternal women, and older individuals with underlying chronic illnesses. GBS has many mechanisms to adapt and survive in its host, and these mechanisms are often controlled via two-component signal transduction systems. In GBS, more than 20 distinct two-component systems (TCSs) have been classified to date, consisting of canonical TCSs as well as orphan and atypical sensors and regulators. These signal transducing systems are necessary for metabolic regulation, resistance to antibiotics and antimicrobials, pathogenesis, and adhesion to the mucosal surfaces to colonize the host. This minireview discusses the structures of these TCSs in GBS as well as how selected systems regulate essential cellular processes such as survival and colonization. GBS contains almost double the number of TCSs compared to the closely related Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae, and while research on GBS TCSs has been increasing in recent years, no comprehensive reviews of these TCSs exist, making this review especially relevant.
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McBrayer DN, Cameron CD, Tal-Gan Y. Development and utilization of peptide-based quorum sensing modulators in Gram-positive bacteria. Org Biomol Chem 2020; 18:7273-7290. [PMID: 32914160 DOI: 10.1039/d0ob01421d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a mechanism by which bacteria regulate cell density-dependent group behaviors. Gram-positive bacteria generally rely on auto-inducing peptide (AIP)-based QS signaling to regulate their group behaviors. To develop synthetic modulators of these behaviors, the natural peptide needs to be identified and its structure-activity relationships (SARs) with its cognate receptor (either membrane-bound or cytosolic) need to be understood. SAR information allows for the rational design of peptides or peptide mimics with enhanced characteristics, which in turn can be utilized in studies to understand species-specific QS mechanisms and as lead scaffolds for the development of therapeutic candidates that target QS. In this review, we discuss recent work associated with the approaches used towards forwarding each of these steps in Gram-positive bacteria, with a focus on species that have received less attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic N McBrayer
- Department of Chemistry, SUNY New Paltz, 1 Hawk Drive, New Paltz, NY 12561, USA. and Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA.
| | - Crissey D Cameron
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA.
| | - Yftah Tal-Gan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA.
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Korir ML, Flaherty RA, Rogers LM, Gaddy JA, Aronoff DM, Manning SD. Investigation of the Role That NADH Peroxidase Plays in Oxidative Stress Survival in Group B Streptococcus. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2786. [PMID: 30515142 PMCID: PMC6255910 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages play an important role in defending the host against infections by engulfing pathogens and containing them inside the phagosome, which consists of a harsh microbicidal environment. However, many pathogens have developed mechanisms to survive inside macrophages despite this challenge. Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a leading cause of sepsis and meningitis in neonates, is one such pathogen that survives inside macrophages by withstanding phagosomal stress. Although a few key intracellular survival factors have been identified, the mechanisms by which GBS detoxifies the phagosome are poorly defined. Transcriptional analysis during survival inside macrophages revealed strong upregulation of a putative NADH peroxidase (npx) at 1 and 24 h post-infection. A deletion mutant of npx (Δnpx) was more susceptible to killing by a complex in vitro model of multiple phagosomal biochemical/oxidant stressors or by hydrogen peroxide alone. Moreover, compared to an isogenic wild type GBS strain, the Δnpx strain demonstrated impaired survival inside human macrophages and a reduced capacity to blunt macrophage reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. It is therefore likely that Npx plays a role in survival against ROS production in the macrophage. A more thorough understanding of how GBS evades the immune system through survival inside macrophages will aid in development of new therapeutic measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Korir
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Rebecca A Flaherty
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Lisa M Rogers
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Jennifer A Gaddy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.,Tennessee Valley Healthcare Systems, Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, TN, United States.,Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - David M Aronoff
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.,Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Shannon D Manning
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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Vornhagen J, Adams Waldorf KM, Rajagopal L. Perinatal Group B Streptococcal Infections: Virulence Factors, Immunity, and Prevention Strategies. Trends Microbiol 2017. [PMID: 28633864 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2017.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Group B streptococcus (GBS) or Streptococcus agalactiae is a β-hemolytic, Gram-positive bacterium that is a leading cause of neonatal infections. GBS commonly colonizes the lower gastrointestinal and genital tracts and, during pregnancy, neonates are at risk of infection. Although intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis during labor and delivery has decreased the incidence of early-onset neonatal infection, these measures do not prevent ascending infection that can occur earlier in pregnancy leading to preterm births, stillbirths, or late-onset neonatal infections. Prevention of GBS infection in pregnancy is complex and is likely influenced by multiple factors, including pathogenicity, host factors, vaginal microbiome, false-negative screening, and/or changes in antibiotic resistance. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of GBS infections during pregnancy will facilitate the development of novel therapeutics and vaccines. Here, we summarize and discuss important advancements in our understanding of GBS vaginal colonization, ascending infection, and preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Vornhagen
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kristina M Adams Waldorf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lakshmi Rajagopal
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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