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Guzman RM, Voth DE. Embracing multiple infection models to tackle Q fever: A review of in vitro, in vivo, and lung ex vivo models. Cell Immunol 2024; 405-406:104880. [PMID: 39357100 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2024.104880] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Multiple animal and cell culture models are employed to study pathogenesis of Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of acute and chronic human Q fever. C. burnetii is a lung pathogen that is aerosolized in contaminated products and inhaled by humans to cause acute disease that can disseminate to other organs and establish chronic infection. Cellular models of Q fever include a variety of tissue-derived cell lines from mice and humans such as lung alveolar ex vivo cells. These models have the advantage of being cost-effective and reproducible. Similarly, animal models including mice and guinea pigs are cost-effective, although only immunocompromised SCID mice display a severe disease phenotype in response to Nine Mile I and Nine Mile II isolates of C. burnetii while immunocompetent guinea pigs display human-like symptoms and robust immune responses. Non-human primates such as macaques and marmosets are the closest model of human disease but are costly and largely used for adaptive immune response studies. All animal models are used for vaccine development but many differences exist in the pathogen's ability to establish lung infection when considering infection routes, bacterial isolates, and host genetic background. Similarly, while cellular models are useful for characterization of host-pathogen mechanisms, future developments should include use of a lung infection platform to draw appropriate conclusions. Here, we summarize the current state of the C. burnetii lung pathogenesis field by discussing the contribution of different animal and cell culture models and include suggestions for continuing to move the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Guzman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States
| | - Daniel E Voth
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
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Pustahija T, Medić S, Vuković V, Lozanov-Crvenković Z, Patić A, Štrbac M, Jovanović V, Dimitrijević D, Milinković M, Kosanović ML, Maltezou HC, Mellou K, Musa S, Bakić M, Medenica S, Sokolovska N, Rodić NV, Devrnja M, Ristić M, Petrović V. Epidemiology of Q Fever in Southeast Europe for a 20-Year Period (2002-2021). J Epidemiol Glob Health 2024; 14:1305-1318. [PMID: 39230863 PMCID: PMC11442714 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-024-00288-4] [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: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess epidemiological trends of Q fever in six countries of Southeast Europe by analysing surveillance data for 2002-2021 period. In this descriptive analysis, we collected and analysed data on confirmed human Q fever cases, obtained from the national Public Health Institutes of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Overall, 2714 Q fever cases were registered during the 20-year period. The crude average annual notification rate was 0.82 (± 2.06) (95% CI: 0.47-1.16) per 100,000 inhabitants, ranged from 0.06 (± 0.04) (95% CI: 0.04-0.08) /100,000 in Greece to 2.78 (± 4.80) (95% CI: 0.53-5.02) /100,000 in the Republic of Srpska (entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina). Significant declining trends of Q fever age standardized rates were registered in Croatia, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Serbia, with an average annual change of -30.15%; -17.13%; -28.33% and - 24.77%, respectively. An unequal spatial distribution was observed. The highest average age-specific notification rate was reported in the 20-59 age group (0.84 (± 0.40) (95% CI: 0.65-1.02) /100,000). Most cases (53.69%) were reported during the spring. Q fever remains a significant public health threat in this part of Europe. The findings of this study revealed the endemic maintenance of this disease in the including countries, with large regional and subnational disparities in notification rates. A downward trend was found in Q fever notification rates across the study countries with the average notification rate higher than in the EU/EEA, during the same period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Pustahija
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia.
- Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - Snežana Medić
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Vuković
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Aleksandra Patić
- Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Microbiology with Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Mirjana Štrbac
- Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | | | | | | | - Helena C Maltezou
- Directorate for Research, Studies and Documentation, National Public Health Organization, Athens, Greece
| | - Kassiani Mellou
- Department of Epidemiological Surveillance and Interventions, Hellenic Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - Sanjin Musa
- Department of Epidemiology, Institute for Public Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Marijan Bakić
- Institute of Public Health of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Sanja Medenica
- Institute of Public Health of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Nikolina Sokolovska
- Epidemiology with Unit for Pest Control and Laboratory of Entomology, Center for Public Health, Skopje, North, Macedonia
| | - Nina Vukmir Rodić
- Public Health Institute of the Republic of Srpska, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Milica Devrnja
- Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Mioljub Ristić
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Petrović
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
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Böttcher J, Alex M, Dänicke S, Gethmann J, Mertens-Scholz K, Janowetz B. Susceptibility, Immunity, and Persistent Infection Drive Endemic Cycles of Coxiellosis on Dairy Farms. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1056. [PMID: 38612295 PMCID: PMC11011148 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Coxiella (C.) burnetii, a zoonotic bacterium, is prevalent in dairy farms. Some cows develop a persistent infection and shed C. burnetii into milk and occasionally by amniotic fluid at calving. Serological diagnosis of Q fever in humans is performed by phase (Ph)-specific antibody tests; PhII antibodies usually indicate an acute infection, while the development of a chronic infection is characterised by elevated PhI antibody titres. Phase-specific tests have now been established for diagnosis of coxiellosis in cattle. Additionally, an interferon-γ (IFN-γ) recall assay has been implemented to assess cellular immunity to C. burnetii in cattle. Milk samples from all lactating cows (n = 2718) of 49 Bavarian dairy farms were collected through a convenience sample and analysed for phase-specific antibodies. Antibody profiles were evaluated by age. Based on the seropositivity of first-lactation cows, three distinct herd profiles were observed: an 'acute' state of herd infection was characterised by a PhI-/PhII+ pattern. The detection of PhI antibodies (PhI+/PhII+) characterised the 'chronic' state, and seronegative results defined the 'silent' state of herd infection. If antibodies had not been detected in multiparous cows, the herd was considered as probably free of coxiellosis. The analysed cattle herds were noted to have an 'acute' (n = 12, 24.5%), 'chronic' (n = 18, 36.8%), or 'silent' state of herd infection (n = 16, 32.6%). Only three farms (6.1%) were classified as 'free' of C. burnetii. The detection of these herd states over a time period of 4 years in one farm indicated that the described states occur in a cyclical manner. Frequently, a wave-like profile was seen, i.e., a circumscribed seronegative age group was flanked by seropositive age groups. In seronegative animals, IFN-γ reactivity was demonstrated. Seroconversion after vaccination was observed by day 7 post-vaccination in chronically infected herds, whereas in the case of silent infection, it started by day 14. These data indicated a pre-existing immunity in seronegative animals in chronically infected herds. Additionally, IFN-γ reactivity was detected in seronegative calves (>3 months) and heifers from chronically infected farms compared to a negative farm. An infection prior to 3 months of age resulted in cellular immunity in the absence of detectable antibodies. An infection around calving would explain this. The aforementioned circumscribed seronegative age groups are, therefore, explained by an infection early in life during active shedding at calving. Based on these results, an endemic cycle of coxiellosis is proposed: Susceptible young heifers get infected by persistently infected cows. Subsequently, shedding of C. burnetii at calving results in infection and then in cellular immunity in offspring. When these calves enter the cow herd two years later, a maximum of herd immunity is achieved, shedding ceases, and new susceptible animals are raised. In an acutely infected dairy farm, the PhI+/PhII+ serological pattern prevailed in second-lactation cows. In this study, stored sera collected since birth were analysed retrospectively. From the earliest seroconversion, the peak of seroconversion took about 33 months. These data suggested a slow spread of infection within herds. The classification of dairy cow herds is a promising basis for further analysis of the clinical impact of coxiellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Böttcher
- Bavarian Animal Health Service, Senator-Gerauer-Straße 23, D-85586 Poing, Germany; (M.A.); (B.J.)
| | - Michaela Alex
- Bavarian Animal Health Service, Senator-Gerauer-Straße 23, D-85586 Poing, Germany; (M.A.); (B.J.)
| | - Sven Dänicke
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Bundesallee 37, D-38116 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Jörn Gethmann
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany;
| | - Katja Mertens-Scholz
- Institute for Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Naumburger Straße 96a, D-07743 Jena, Germany;
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control and Center for Sepsis Care and Control (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Britta Janowetz
- Bavarian Animal Health Service, Senator-Gerauer-Straße 23, D-85586 Poing, Germany; (M.A.); (B.J.)
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Yasobant S, Ali S, Saxena D, Figueroa DP, Khan MMT. Editorial: The One Health approach in the context of public health. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1353709. [PMID: 38590816 PMCID: PMC10999541 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1353709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sandul Yasobant
- Center for One Health Education, Research and Development, and Department of Public Health Sciences, India Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar, India
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, India
- Global Health, Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Shahzad Ali
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Deepak Saxena
- Center for One Health Education, Research and Development, and Department of Public Health Sciences, India Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar, India
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, India
| | | | - Mohiuddin Md. Taimur Khan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Washington State University, Tri Cities, WA, United States
- Center for Molecular Discovery and Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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Kodori M, Amani J, Ahmadi A. Unveiling promising immunogenic targets in Coxiella burnetii through in silico analysis: paving the way for novel vaccine strategies. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:902. [PMID: 38129801 PMCID: PMC10740251 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08904-7] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coxiella burnetii, an intracellular pathogen, serves as the causative agent of zoonotic Q fever. This pathogen presents a significant threat due to its potential for airborne transmission, environmental persistence, and pathogenicity. The current whole-cell vaccine (WCV) utilized in Australia to combat Q fever exhibits notable limitations, including severe adverse reactions and limited regulatory approval for human use. This research employed the reverse vaccinology (RV) approach to uncover antigenic proteins and epitopes of C. burnetii, facilitating the development of more potent vaccine candidates. METHODS The potential immunogenic proteins derived from C. burnetii RSA493/Nine Mile phase I (NMI) were extracted through manual, automated RV, and virulence factor database (VFDB) methods. Web tools and bioinformatics were used to evaluate physiochemical attributes, subcellular localization, antigenicity, allergenicity, human homology, B-cell epitopes, MHC I and II binding ratios, functional class scores, adhesion probabilities, protein-protein interactions, and molecular docking. RESULTS Out of the 1850 proteins encoded by RSA493/NMI, a subset of 178 demonstrated the potential for surface or membrane localization. Following a series of analytical iterations, 14 putative immunogenic proteins emerged. This collection included nine proteins (57.1%) intricately involved in cell wall/membrane/envelope biogenesis processes (CBU_0197 (Q83EW1), CBU_0311 (Q83EK8), CBU_0489 (Q83E43), CBU_0939 (Q83D08), CBU_1190 (P39917), CBU_1829 (Q83AQ2), CBU_1412 (Q83BU0), CBU_1414 (Q83BT8), and CBU_1600 (Q83BB2)). The CBU_1627 (Q83B86 ) (7.1%) implicated in intracellular trafficking, secretion, and vesicular transport, and CBU_0092 (Q83F57) (7.1%) contributing to cell division. Additionally, three proteins (21.4%) displayed uncharacterized functions (CBU_0736 (Q83DJ4), CBU_1095 (Q83CL9), and CBU_2079 (Q83A32)). The congruent results obtained from molecular docking and immune response stimulation lend support to the inclusion of all 14 putative proteins as potential vaccine candidates. Notably, seven proteins with well-defined functions stand out among these candidates. CONCLUSIONS The outcomes of this study introduce promising proteins and epitopes for the forthcoming formulation of subunit vaccines against Q fever, with a primary emphasis on cellular processes and the virulence factors of C. burnetii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansoor Kodori
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Non Communicable Diseases Research Center, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
| | - Jafar Amani
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Ahmadi
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Redden P, Parker K, Henderson S, Fourie P, Agnew L, Stenos J, Graves S, Govan B, Norton R, Ketheesan N. Q fever - immune responses and novel vaccine strategies. Future Microbiol 2023; 18:1185-1196. [PMID: 37850346 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0117] [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: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. It is an occupational risk for employees of animal industries and is associated with contact with wildlife and domestic animals. Although Q fever infection may be asymptomatic, chronic sequelae such as endocarditis occur in 5% of symptomatic individuals. Disease outcomes may be predicted through measurement of immune correlates. Vaccination is the most efficient method to prevent Q fever. Currently, Q-VAX is the only licenced human vaccine. Q-VAX is highly effective; however, individuals previously exposed to C. burnetii are at risk of adverse reactions. This review examines the immunological responses of acute and chronic Q fever and the efforts to provide a safer and cost-effective Q fever vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Redden
- School of Science & Technology, University of New England, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
| | - Kaitland Parker
- School of Science & Technology, University of New England, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
| | - Sinead Henderson
- School of Science & Technology, University of New England, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
| | - Phillip Fourie
- School of Science & Technology, University of New England, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
| | - Linda Agnew
- School of Science & Technology, University of New England, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
- Griffith Health Group, Griffith University, Queensland, 4222, Australia
| | - John Stenos
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Stephen Graves
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Brenda Govan
- College of Public Health, Medicine & Vet Sciences, James Cook University, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Robert Norton
- Pathology Queensland, Queensland Health, Townsville Hospital, Queensland, 4814, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Natkunam Ketheesan
- School of Science & Technology, University of New England, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
- Griffith Health Group, Griffith University, Queensland, 4222, Australia
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Tomaiuolo S, Jansen W, Soares Martins S, Devriendt B, Cox E, Mori M. QuilA® adjuvanted Coxevac® sustains Th1-CD8 +-type immunity and increases protection in Coxiella burnetii-challenged goats. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:17. [PMID: 36788233 PMCID: PMC9929268 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00607-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Coxevac® is the EMA-approved veterinary vaccine for the protection of cattle and goats against Q fever, a zoonotic bacterial disease due to Coxiella burnetii. Since Coxevac® reduces bacterial shedding and clinical symptoms but does not prevent infection, novel, ready-to-use vaccine formulations are needed to increase its immunogenicity. Here, a goat vaccination-challenge model was used to evaluate the impact of the commercially available saponin-based QuilA® adjuvant on Coxevac® immunity. Upon challenge, the QuilA®-Coxevac® group showed a stronger immune response reflected in a higher magnitude of total IgG and an increase in circulating and splenic CD8+ T-cells compared to the Coxevac® and challenged-control groups. The QuilA®-Coxevac® group was characterized by a targeted Th1-type response (IFNγ, IP10) associated with increased transcripts of CD8+ and NK cells in spleens and γδ T cells in bronchial lymph nodes. Coxevac® vaccinated animals presented an intermediate expression of Th1-related genes, while the challenged-control group showed an immune response characterized by pro-inflammatory (IL1β, TNFα, IL12), Th2 (IL4 and IL13), Th17 (IL17A) and other immunoregulatory cytokines (IL6, IL10). An intriguing role was observed for γδ T cells, which were of TBX21- and SOX4-types in the QuilA®-Coxevac® and challenged control group, respectively. Overall, the addition of QuilA® resulted in a sustained Th1-type activation associated with an increased vaccine-induced bacterial clearance of 33.3% as compared to Coxevac® only. QuilA® could be proposed as a readily-applied veterinary solution to improve Coxevac® efficacy against C. burnetii infection in field settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Tomaiuolo
- grid.508031.fBacterial Zoonoses Unit, Veterinary Bacteriology, Infectious Diseases in Animals Scientific Directorate, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium ,National Reference Centre for Coxiella burnetii and Bartonella, Brussels, Belgium ,grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Wiebke Jansen
- grid.508031.fBacterial Zoonoses Unit, Veterinary Bacteriology, Infectious Diseases in Animals Scientific Directorate, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium ,National Reference Centre for Coxiella burnetii and Bartonella, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Susana Soares Martins
- grid.508031.fBacterial Zoonoses Unit, Veterinary Bacteriology, Infectious Diseases in Animals Scientific Directorate, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bert Devriendt
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Eric Cox
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Marcella Mori
- Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Veterinary Bacteriology, Infectious Diseases in Animals Scientific Directorate, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium. .,National Reference Centre for Coxiella burnetii and Bartonella, Brussels, Belgium.
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Celina SS, Cerný J. Coxiella burnetii in ticks, livestock, pets and wildlife: A mini-review. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1068129. [PMID: 36439350 PMCID: PMC9691889 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1068129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic bacterium with an obligatory intracellular lifestyle and has a worldwide distribution. Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever in humans and coxiellosis in animals. Since its discovery in 1935, it has been shown to infect a wide range of animal species including mammals, birds, reptiles, and arthropods. Coxiella burnetii infection is of public and veterinary health and economic concern due to its potential for rapid spread and highly infectious nature. Livestock are the primary source of C. burnetii infection in most Q fever outbreaks which occurs mainly through inhalation of contaminated particles. Aside from livestock, many cases of Q fever linked to exposure to wildlife. Changes in the dynamics of human-wildlife interactions may lead to an increased potential risk of interspecies transmission and contribute to the emergence/re-emergence of Q fever. Although C. burnetii transmission is mainly airborne, ticks may act as vectors and play an important role in the natural cycle of transmission of coxiellosis among wild vertebrates and livestock. In this review, we aim to compile available information on vectors, domestic, and wild hosts of C. burnetii, and to highlight their potential role as bacterial reservoirs in the transmission of C. burnetii.
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Graves SR, Islam A, Webb LD, Marsh I, Plain K, Westman M, Conlan XA, Carbis R, Toman R, Stenos J. An O-Specific Polysaccharide/Tetanus Toxoid Conjugate Vaccine Induces Protection in Guinea Pigs against Virulent Challenge with Coxiella burnetii. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091393. [PMID: 36146471 PMCID: PMC9503072 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Q fever is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii and is spread to humans from infected animals especially goats, sheep and cattle, predominantly when giving birth. There is an effective human vaccine (Q-VAX) against Q fever, and although Q fever is a worldwide problem, the vaccine is only used in Australia due to difficulties associated with its use and the risk of adverse reactions. The desire to protect humans, particularly farmers and abattoir workers, from Q fever prompted the development of a new safe and effective human vaccine without all the difficulties associated with the current vaccine. Candidate vaccines were prepared using purified O-specific polysaccharide (OSP) extracted from the lipopolysaccharide of virulent (phase 1) C. burnetii, strain Nine Mile, which was then conjugated to a tetanus toxoid (TT) carrier protein. Two vaccines were prepared using OSP from C. burnetii grown in embryonated eggs (vaccine A) and axenic media (vaccine B). Vaccines with or without alum adjuvant were used to vaccinate guinea pigs, which were later challenged by intranasal inoculation with virulent C. burnetii. Both vaccines protected guinea pigs from fever and loss of weight post challenge. Post-mortem samples of the spleen, liver and kidney of vaccinated guinea pigs contained substantially less C. burnetii DNA as measured by PCR than those of the unvaccinated control animals. This study demonstrated that a C. burnetii OSP-TT conjugate vaccine is capable of inducing protection against virulent C. burnetii in guinea pigs. Additionally, OSP derived from C. burnetii grown in axenic media compared to OSP from embryonated eggs is equivalent in terms of providing a protective immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R. Graves
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW 2567, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Aminul Islam
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW 2567, Australia
| | - Lawrence D. Webb
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Ian Marsh
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW 2567, Australia
| | - Karren Plain
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW 2567, Australia
| | - Mark Westman
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW 2567, Australia
| | - Xavier A. Conlan
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Rodney Carbis
- Symbioticus Pty Ltd., Strathmore, VIC 3041, Australia
| | - Rudolf Toman
- Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - John Stenos
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
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Binette P, Tesfamariam M, Cockrell D, Heinzen RA, Richards C, Shaia C, Long CM. Murine Q Fever Vaccination Model Reveals Sex Dimorphism in Early Phase Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Responses. Front Immunol 2022; 13:894536. [PMID: 35784317 PMCID: PMC9241443 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.894536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses to microbial vaccines and related components are a major roadblock for widespread licensing of whole cell vaccines such as that of Q fever. Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii. The only currently licensed vaccine, Q-Vax®, is a whole cell inactivated formulation that is associated with a potentially severe dermal post vaccination DTH response in previously sensitized individuals. To investigate the underlying immunologic mechanisms of this response and better represent the early-phase DTH response observed in humans, a murine sensitization and skin testing model was developed and employed. Female C57Bl/6J mice displayed the most robust early-phase DTH responses following sensitization and elicitation compared to their male counterparts and other mouse strains. Immunologic responses were measured within the skin, draining lymph nodes, and serum following both sensitization and elicitation with Q fever whole cell vaccines. Local immunologic responses in the dermis were characterized by inflammation primarily involving neutrophils, macrophages, and T cells. Secondary lymphoid organ profiling revealed distinct immunological signatures following both sensitization and elicitation with a sex-based dichotomy in T cell phenotypes and antigen presenting cell numbers. Beyond providing a post-Q fever vaccination DTH model that recapitulates early-phase DTH events, these data suggest that sex is a primary factor influencing the magnitude and composition of the ensuing response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Picabo Binette
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States
| | - Mahelat Tesfamariam
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States
| | - Diane Cockrell
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States
| | - Robert A. Heinzen
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States
| | - Crystal Richards
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States
| | - Carl Shaia
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States
| | - Carrie Mae Long
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States
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Sluder AE, Raju Paul S, Moise L, Dold C, Richard G, Silva-Reyes L, Baeten LA, Scholzen A, Reeves PM, Pollard AJ, Garritsen A, Bowen RA, De Groot AS, Rollier C, Poznansky MC. Evaluation of a Human T Cell-Targeted Multi-Epitope Vaccine for Q Fever in Animal Models of Coxiella burnetii Immunity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:901372. [PMID: 35651616 PMCID: PMC9149306 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.901372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell-mediated immunity plays a central role in the control and clearance of intracellular Coxiella burnetii infection, which can cause Q fever. Therefore, we aimed to develop a novel T cell-targeted vaccine that induces pathogen-specific cell-mediated immunity to protect against Q fever in humans while avoiding the reactogenicity of the current inactivated whole cell vaccine. Human HLA class II T cell epitopes from C. burnetii were previously identified and selected by immunoinformatic predictions of HLA binding, conservation in multiple C. burnetii isolates, and low potential for cross-reactivity with the human proteome or microbiome. Epitopes were selected for vaccine inclusion based on long-lived human T cell recall responses to corresponding peptides in individuals that had been naturally exposed to the bacterium during a 2007-2010 Q fever outbreak in the Netherlands. Multiple viral vector-based candidate vaccines were generated that express concatemers of selected epitope sequences arranged to minimize potential junctional neo-epitopes. The vaccine candidates caused no antigen-specific reactogenicity in a sensitized guinea pig model. A subset of the vaccine epitope peptides elicited antigenic recall responses in splenocytes from C57BL/6 mice previously infected with C. burnetii. However, immunogenicity of the vaccine candidates in C57BL/6 mice was dominated by a single epitope and this was insufficient to confer protection against an infection challenge, highlighting the limitations of assessing human-targeted vaccine candidates in murine models. The viral vector-based vaccine candidates induced antigen-specific T cell responses to a broader array of epitopes in cynomolgus macaques, establishing a foundation for future vaccine efficacy studies in this large animal model of C. burnetii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann E Sluder
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Susan Raju Paul
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Christina Dold
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Laura Silva-Reyes
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Laurie A Baeten
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | | | - Patrick M Reeves
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Andrew J Pollard
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Richard A Bowen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | | | - Christine Rollier
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mark C Poznansky
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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Tesfamariam M, Binette P, Long CM. Preclinical Animal Models for Q Fever Vaccine Development. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:828784. [PMID: 35223553 PMCID: PMC8866712 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.828784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic pathogen responsible for the human disease Q fever. While an inactivated whole cell vaccine exists for this disease, its widespread use is precluded by a post vaccination hypersensitivity response. Efforts for the development of an improved Q fever vaccine are intricately connected to the availability of appropriate animal models of human disease. Accordingly, small mammals and non-human primates have been utilized for vaccine-challenge and post vaccination hypersensitivity modeling. Here, we review the animal models historically utilized in Q fever vaccine development, describe recent advances in this area, discuss the limitations and strengths of these models, and summarize the needs and criteria for future modeling efforts. In summary, while many useful models for Q fever vaccine development exist, there remains room for growth and expansion of these models which will in turn increase our understanding of C. burnetii host interactions.
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Sluder AE, Poznansky MC. Q fever vaccine development: Challenges and progress in balancing safety and efficacy. Cell Rep Med 2021; 2:100480. [PMID: 35028619 PMCID: PMC8715067 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2021.100480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The existing human vaccine against Q fever, a zoonotic disease of biothreat concern, is approved only in Australia. In this issue of Cell Reports Medicine, Gregory and colleagues describe a new vaccine candidate that overcomes specific concerns hindering wider acceptance of the commercial vaccine.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann E. Sluder
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark C. Poznansky
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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