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Kachi K, Sato T, Nagasawa M, Cann I, Atomi H. The Lreu_1276 protein from Limosilactobacillus reuteri represents a third family of dihydroneopterin triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolases in bacteria. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0081424. [PMID: 38888337 PMCID: PMC11267939 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00814-24] [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: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Tetrahydrofolate is a cofactor involved in C1 metabolism including biosynthesis pathways for adenine and serine. In the classical tetrahydrofolate biosynthesis pathway, the steps removing three phosphate groups from the precursor 7,8-dihydroneopterin triphosphate (DHNTP) remain unclear in many bacteria. DHNTP pyrophosphohydrolase hydrolyzes pyrophosphate from DHNTP and produces 7,8-dihydroneopterin monophosphate. Although two structurally distinct DHNTP pyrophosphohydrolases have been identified in the intestinal bacteria Lactococcus lactis and Escherichia coli, the distribution of their homologs is limited. Here, we aimed to identify a third DHNTP pyrophosphohydrolase gene in the intestinal lactic acid bacterium Limosilactobacillus reuteri. In a gene operon including genes involved in dihydrofolate biosynthesis, we focused on the lreu_1276 gene, annotated as Ham1 family protein or XTP/dITP diphosphohydrolase, as a candidate encoding DHNTP pyrophosphohydrolase. The Lreu_1276 recombinant protein was prepared using E. coli and purified. Biochemical analyses of the reaction product revealed that the Lreu_1276 protein displays significant pyrophosphohydrolase activity toward DHNTP. The optimal reaction temperature and pH were 35°C and around 7, respectively. Substrate specificity was relatively strict among 17 tested compounds. Although previously characterized DHNTP pyrophosphohydrolases prefer Mg2+, the Lreu_1276 protein exhibited maximum activity in the presence of Mn2+, with a specific activity of 28.2 ± 2.0 µmol min-1 mg-1 in the presence of 1 mM Mn2+. The three DHNTP pyrophosphohydrolases do not share structural similarity to one another, and the distribution of their homologs does not overlap, implying that the Lreu_1276 protein represents a third structurally novel DHNTP pyrophosphohydrolase in bacteria. IMPORTANCE The identification of a structurally novel DHNTP pyrophosphohydrolase in L. reuteri provides valuable information in understanding tetrahydrofolate biosynthesis in bacteria that possess lreu_1276 homologs. Interestingly, however, even with the identification of a third family of DHNTP pyrophosphohydrolases, there are still a number of bacteria that do not harbor homologs for any of the three genes while possessing other genes involved in the biosynthesis of the pterin ring structure. This suggests the presence of an unrecognized DHNTP pyrophosphohydrolase gene in bacteria. As humans do not harbor DHNTP pyrophosphohydrolase, the high structural diversity of enzymes responsible for a reaction in tetrahydrofolate biosynthesis may provide an advantage in designing inhibitors targeting a specific group of bacteria in the intestinal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaede Kachi
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takaaki Sato
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Integrated Research Center for Carbon Negative Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Maina Nagasawa
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Isaac Cann
- Department of Animal Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Haruyuki Atomi
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Integrated Research Center for Carbon Negative Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Hussain H, Fadel A, Garcia E, Hernandez RJ, Saadoon ZF, Naseer L, Casmartino E, Hamad M, Schnepp T, Sarfraz R, Angly S, Jayakumar AR. Clostridial Myonecrosis: A Comprehensive Review of Toxin Pathophysiology and Management Strategies. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1464. [PMID: 39065232 PMCID: PMC11278868 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071464] [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: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridial myonecrosis, commonly known as gas gangrene (GG), is a rapidly progressing and potentially fatal bacterial infection that primarily affects muscle and soft tissue. In the United States, the incidence of GG is roughly 1000 cases per year, while, in developing countries, the incidence is higher. This condition is most often caused by Clostridium perfringens, a Gram-positive, spore-forming anaerobic bacterium widely distributed in the environment, although other Clostridium species have also been reported to cause GG. The CP genome contains over 200 transport-related genes, including ABC transporters, which facilitate the uptake of sugars, amino acids, nucleotides, and ions from the host environment. There are two main subtypes of GG: traumatic GG, resulting from injuries that introduce Clostridium spores into deep tissue, where anaerobic conditions allow for bacterial growth and toxin production, and spontaneous GG, which is rarer and often occurs in immunocompromised patients. Clostridium species produce various toxins (e.g., alpha, theta, beta) that induce specific downstream signaling changes in cellular pathways, causing apoptosis or severe, fatal immunological conditions. For example, the Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin (CPA) targets the host cell's plasma membrane, hydrolyzing sphingomyelin and phosphatidylcholine, which triggers necrosis and apoptosis. The clinical manifestations of clostridial myonecrosis vary. Some patients experience the sudden onset of severe pain, swelling, and muscle tenderness, with the infection progressing rapidly to widespread tissue necrosis, systemic toxicity, and, if untreated, death. Other patients present with discharge, pain, and features of cellulitis. The diagnosis of GG primarily involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as X-rays, computer tomography (CT) scans, and culture. The treatment of GG involves surgical exploration, broad-spectrum antibiotics, antitoxin, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which is considered an adjunctive treatment to inhibit anaerobic bacterial growth and enhance the antibiotic efficacy. Early recognition and prompt, comprehensive treatment are critical to improving the outcomes for patients affected by this severe and life-threatening condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussain Hussain
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kendall Hospital-HCA Florida Healthcare, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, FL 33143, USA; (E.G.); (Z.F.S.); (L.N.); (E.C.); (M.H.); (T.S.); (R.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Aya Fadel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ocean University Medical Center—Hackensack Meridian Health, Brick, NJ 08724, USA;
| | - Efrain Garcia
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, FL 33143, USA; (E.G.); (Z.F.S.); (L.N.); (E.C.); (M.H.); (T.S.); (R.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Robert J. Hernandez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kendall Hospital-HCA Florida Healthcare, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, FL 33143, USA; (E.G.); (Z.F.S.); (L.N.); (E.C.); (M.H.); (T.S.); (R.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Zahraa F. Saadoon
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, FL 33143, USA; (E.G.); (Z.F.S.); (L.N.); (E.C.); (M.H.); (T.S.); (R.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Lamia Naseer
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, FL 33143, USA; (E.G.); (Z.F.S.); (L.N.); (E.C.); (M.H.); (T.S.); (R.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Ekaterina Casmartino
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, FL 33143, USA; (E.G.); (Z.F.S.); (L.N.); (E.C.); (M.H.); (T.S.); (R.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Mohammad Hamad
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, FL 33143, USA; (E.G.); (Z.F.S.); (L.N.); (E.C.); (M.H.); (T.S.); (R.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Taylor Schnepp
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, FL 33143, USA; (E.G.); (Z.F.S.); (L.N.); (E.C.); (M.H.); (T.S.); (R.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Rehan Sarfraz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, FL 33143, USA; (E.G.); (Z.F.S.); (L.N.); (E.C.); (M.H.); (T.S.); (R.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Sohair Angly
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, FL 33143, USA; (E.G.); (Z.F.S.); (L.N.); (E.C.); (M.H.); (T.S.); (R.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Arumugam R. Jayakumar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Zhang Z, Wang X, Li S, Fu Y, Li Y, Nawaz S, Chen J, Yang G, Li J, Shi D. Isolation of a Virulent Clostridium perfringens Strain from Elaphurus davidianus and Characterization by Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:7169-7186. [PMID: 39057068 PMCID: PMC11276296 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46070427] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) is an important veterinary pathogen and a noteworthy threat to human and animal health. Recently, there has been a significant rise in the number of moose fatalities caused by this rare, endemic species in China. Currently, there is an increasing trend in conducting whole-genome analysis of C. perfringens strains originating from pigs and chickens, whereas fewer studies have been undertaken on Elaphurus davidianus-originating strains at the whole-genome level. Our laboratory has identified and isolated five C. perfringens type A from affected Elaphurus davidianus. The current study identified the most potent strain of C. perfringens, which originated from Elaphurus davidianus, and sequenced its genome to reveal virulence genes and pathogenicity. Our findings show that strain CX1-4 exhibits the highest levels of phospholipase activity, hemolytic activity, and mouse toxicity compared to the other four isolated C. perfringens type A strains. The chromosome sequence length of the CX1-4 strain was found to be 3,355,389 bp by complete genome sequencing. The current study unveils the genomic characteristics of C. perfringens type A originating from Elaphurus davidianus. It provides a core foundation for further investigation regarding the prevention and treatment of such infectious diseases in Elaphurus davidianus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Provincial Wildlife Rescue Center, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Siyuan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yuhang Fu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Shah Nawaz
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Hubei Provincial Wildlife Rescue Center, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Guoxiang Yang
- Hubei Provincial Wildlife Rescue Center, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jiakui Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Daoliang Shi
- Hubei Provincial Wildlife Rescue Center, Wuhan 430070, China
- Department of Forestry Ecology, Hubei Ecology Polytechnic College, Wuhan 430070, China
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Ibrahim GA, Altammar KA. Moringa oleifera as a potential antimicrobial against pathogenic Clostridium perfringens isolates in farm animals. Open Vet J 2024; 14:242-255. [PMID: 38633192 PMCID: PMC11018413 DOI: 10.5455/ovj.2024.v14.i1.21] [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] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Clostridium perfringens (CP) is an emerging anaerobic pathogen that can aggravate severe fatal infections in different hosts and livestock. Aim This paper was designed to monitor the antibacterial efficacy of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) plant against different CP isolates of variant toxin genotypes comparing that with commercial antibiotics in the veterinary field. Methods A total of 200 examined fecal, intestinal, and liver samples from cattle, sheep, and goats were investigated bacteriologically and biochemically for CP. Then, the isolates were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for toxin gene typing. Thereafter, the antimicrobial susceptibility testing as well as the antibacterial efficacy of M. oleifera were evaluated and statistically analyzed against recovered isolates. Results The prevalence rate of CP was 51% (102/200); of which 54.5% was from cattle, 50% from sheep, and 40% from goat. Moreover, all CP isolates were highly resistant to tetracycline and lincomycin drugs; meanwhile, they were of the least resistance against ciprofloxacin (8.3%-16.7%), cefotaxime (16.7%-25%), and gentamycin (26.7%-33.3%). For M. oleifera, high antibacterial efficacy with greater inhibition zones of the plant was recorded with its oil (20-24 mm) and ethanolic extracts (16-20 mm) against CP than the aqueous extract (≤ 10 mm). A good correlation was stated between M. oleifera oil and toxin type of CP isolates particularly type A followed by D and B types. Interestingly, the oil and ethanolic extracts of M. oleifera gave higher antibacterial efficacy than most commercial antibiotics against the recovered isolates. Conclusion This study highlighted the potent antibacterial properties of M. oleifera for suppressing CP isolated from farm animals; hence, more investigations on M. oleifera are suggested to support its use as a medical herbal plant substituting antibiotics hazards and resistance problems worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada A. Ibrahim
- Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Bacteriology Department, Ismailia Branch, Egypt
| | - Khadijah A. Altammar
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia
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Liu J, Wu S, Zhao H, Ye C, Fu S, Liu Y, Liu T, Qiu Y. Baicalin-aluminum alleviates necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens by inhibiting virulence factors expression of Clostridium perfringens. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1243819. [PMID: 37818042 PMCID: PMC10561085 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1243819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens type A is the main cause of necrotic enteritis (NE) in chickens. Since the use of antibiotics in feed is withdrawn, it is imperative to find out suitable alternatives to control NE. Baicalin-aluminum complex is synthesized from baicalin, a flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. The present study investigated the effects of baicalin-aluminum on the virulence-associated traits and virulence genes expression of C. perfringens CVCC2030, it also evaluated the in vivo therapeutic effect on NE. The results showed that baicalin-aluminum inhibited bacterial hemolytic activity, diminished biofilm formation, attenuated cytotoxicity to Caco-2 cells, downregulated the expression of genes encoding for clostridial toxins and extracellular enzymes such as alpha toxin (CPA), perfringolysin O (PFO), collagenase (ColA), and sialidases (NanI, NanJ). Additionally, baicalin-aluminum was found to negatively regulate the expression of genes involved in quorum sensing (QS) communication, including genes of Agr QS system (agrB, agrD) and genes of VirS/R two-component regulatory system (virS, virR). In vivo experiments, baicalin-aluminum lightened the intestinal lesions and histological damage, it inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) expression in the jejunal and ileal tissues. Besides, baicalin-aluminum alleviated the upregulation of C. perfringens and Escherichia coli and raised the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the ileal digesta. This study suggests that baicalin-aluminum may be a potential candidate against C. perfringens infection by inhibiting the virulence-associated traits and virulence genes expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuangqi Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
| | - Honghao Zhao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chun Ye
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shulin Fu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yinsheng Qiu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
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Araghi A, Taghizadeh M, Hosseini Doust SR, Paradise A, Azimi Dezfouli SM. Evaluation of Immunogenicity of Clostridium perfringens Type B Toxoid and Inactivated FMD (O) Virus with Adjuvant (ISA70-MF59). ARCHIVES OF RAZI INSTITUTE 2023; 78:907-913. [PMID: 38028825 PMCID: PMC10657933 DOI: 10.22092/ari.2022.360215.2565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) and enterotoxemia are important diseases of hoofed animals. Vaccination against livestock pathogens, especially these two diseases, plays a key role in the prevention and control of these diseases. The use of combined vaccines with the aim of creating a better immune response and producing cheaper vaccines is a great contribution to Vaccine industry. This research aimed to compare the immunogenicity of FMD (O) and Clostridium perfringens type B toxoid along with adjuvant (MF59) and Montanide (ISA70) to create the best immunogenicity. To investigate the immune responses of vaccines, it was injected into an animal model, and the antibody titer was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test and VN antibody titer. The results showed that the formulation with MF59 adjuvant brought more stable immunogenicity against FMD and Clostridium perfringens type B, and the length of the immunogenicity period also increased significantly. Therefore, the combined vaccine (Clostridium perfringens + FMD) could play a major role invaccine industry as an alternative vaccine against Clostridium perfringens and FMD in livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Araghi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Taghizadeh
- Department of Research and Development, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - S R Hosseini Doust
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Paradise
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Advanced Sciences, Islamic Azad University Tehran Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S M Azimi Dezfouli
- Department of Anaerobic Vaccine Research and Production, Specialized Clostridia Research Laboratory, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
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Field Evaluation of Novel Combination Vaccines Against Foot and Mouth Disease Virus and Clostridium perfringens Toxoid Using Different Immunization Protocols. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2023. [DOI: 10.5812/jjm-132415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Foot and mouth disease (FMD) and enterotoxaemia are serious livestock diseases. The livestock industry has suffered heavy economic losses, especially in developing countries. Objectives: These two diseases can be effectively controlled and prevented via vaccination. To prepare multivalent vaccines, Clostridium perfringens (B, C, and D) toxoids were mixed with foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV; type O) along with adjuvants aluminum hydroxide and Montanide ISA206. Methods: According to the guidelines of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and pharmacopeia, sheep were the target animals. Following the injection of vaccines, ELISA and virus neutralization test (VNT) antibody titers determined the effectiveness of the test vaccines. Results: The combination vaccine with ISA206 adjuvant resulted in anti-enterotoxaemia and anti-FMD antibody titers higher than OIE values and pharmacopeia standards. A statistically significant difference was found between the combination vaccine groups with and without Montanide ISA206 adjuvant for anti-enterotoxaemia antibody titers after the second vaccination (P < 0.05). In contrast, the mean VNT antibody titer of the combined vaccine against serotype O with ISA206 adjuvant was significantly higher than that of other FMD vaccine groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, all vaccinated groups (A, B, C, D, E, Fand G) displayed significantly higher than the negative control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study showed that enterotoxaemia-FMD combined vaccines could replace traditional livestock vaccines on an industrial scale.
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Romero-Rodríguez A, Ruiz-Villafán B, Martínez-de la Peña CF, Sánchez S. Targeting the Impossible: A Review of New Strategies against Endospores. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020248. [PMID: 36830159 PMCID: PMC9951900 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020248] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Endospore-forming bacteria are ubiquitous, and their endospores can be present in food, in domestic animals, and on contaminated surfaces. Many spore-forming bacteria have been used in biotechnological applications, while others are human pathogens responsible for a wide range of critical clinical infections. Due to their resistant properties, it is challenging to eliminate spores and avoid the reactivation of latent spores that may lead to active infections. Furthermore, endospores play an essential role in the survival, transmission, and pathogenesis of some harmful strains that put human and animal health at risk. Thus, different methods have been applied for their eradication. Nevertheless, natural products are still a significant source for discovering and developing new antibiotics. Moreover, targeting the spore for clinical pathogens such as Clostridioides difficile is essential to disease prevention and therapeutics. These strategies could directly aim at the structural components of the spore or their germination process. This work summarizes the current advances in upcoming strategies and the development of natural products against endospores. This review also intends to highlight future perspectives in research and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Romero-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
- Correspondence:
| | - Beatriz Ruiz-Villafán
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Claudia Fabiola Martínez-de la Peña
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72592, Mexico
| | - Sergio Sánchez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
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Incidental finding of Clostridium perfringens on human corpses used for the anatomy course. Anat Sci Int 2023; 98:151-154. [PMID: 36471134 PMCID: PMC9734960 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-022-00699-y] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Post-mortem specimens used for anatomy teaching are commonly embalmed using compositions of chemicals, with the objective to maintain tissue quality and to avoid putrefaction. Monitoring for bacterial or fungal contamination is becoming increasingly important especially when measures are taken to minimize exposure by chemicals such as formaldehyde. In this case, random swabs were taken from six corpses embalmed with ethanol-glycerin and Thiel embalming. Cultures and MALDI-TOF analyses yielded four cases of Clostridium perfringens contamination. C. perfringens is of special interest as a human pathogen. A potential source was identified in the containers filled with the moistening solution. Cross contamination with Clostridium species has likely occurred between corpses sharing the moistening solution and soaking the cover linen directly within the containers. To minimize any risk for those exposed, the moistening solutions were discarded and all equipment thoroughly disinfected. The specimens had to be cremated as they formed a potential source of Clostridium spores. Deviating from previous routines it was formalized that the cover linen must not be submerged in the moistening contains rather than moistening the specimens directly with dedicated vessels. Follow-up analyses yielded no further contamination with C. perfringens.
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Li W, Li H, Wang S, Han K, Liu Y, An Z, Wu H, Li J, Song J, Wu W. Regional pattern and signatures of gut microbiota in rural residents with coronary heart disease: A metagenomic analysis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1007161. [PMID: 36519129 PMCID: PMC9742380 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1007161] [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: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is tightly associated with gut microbiota, but microbiota heterogeneity limits the application of microbial biomarkers and personalized interventions demand regional-specific features. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively characterize the regional pattern of gut microbiota in rural residents with CHD and assess the predictive value and clinical correlations of local microbial signatures. We profiled the gut microbiota by shotgun metagenomic sequencing from 19 CHD and 19 healthy residents in rural Xinxiang, China, and tested the physiological parameters. The results indicated that microbial diversity, as well as KEGG orthology (KO) and carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) functions, deserved no significant disparities between CHD and healthy residents. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes phylum was significantly lower and unclassified Lachnospiraceae genus, and Eubacterium rectale species were markedly higher in CHD residents compared with the healthy control. Co-occurrence network revealed a more diverse and scattered ecology in CHD residents. LEfSe identified 39 potential biomarkers and butanoate metabolism and glycosyltransferases families were the enhanced KO and CAZymes in CHD residents, respectively. Twenty key signatures were determined by the random forest algorithm and most of them belonged to the Clostridium cluster. These key signatures harbored a superior accuracy of 83.9% to distinguish CHD and healthy residents and, fasting serum insulin, diastolic blood pressure, and body mass index were the top three clinical parameters influencing the gut bacterial community. Furthermore, we also found that low-density lipoprotein and waist circumference had significantly positive correlations with the members of the Clostridium cluster. These findings expand our knowledge in the regional-specific pattern of gut microbiota for rural CHD residents and highlight the non-invasive diagnostic value and clinical correlations of microbial signatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Li
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China,Institute of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Zhengzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Huijun Li
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Shaolan Wang
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Keyang Han
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Zhen An
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Hui Wu
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Juan Li
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Jie Song
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Weidong Wu
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China,*Correspondence: Weidong Wu,
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11
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Regulation of a High-Iron Diet on Lipid Metabolism and Gut Microbiota in Mice. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162063. [PMID: 36009656 PMCID: PMC9405328 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron homeostasis disorder is associated with the imbalance of lipid metabolism, while the specific interaction remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effect of a high-iron diet on lipid metabolism in mice. The C57BL/6 mice were fed with a normal diet (WT) or a high-iron diet (WT + Fe) for 12 weeks. We found that mice in the WT + Fe group showed a significant decrease in body weight gain, body fat and lipid accumulation of liver when compared with mice in the WT group. Accordingly, serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were both reduced in mice with a high-iron diet. Moreover, mice in the WT + Fe group exhibited a significant decrease in expression of genes regulating adipogenesis and adipocyte differentiation, and a significant increase in expression of fat hydrolysis enzyme genes in both liver and adipose tissues, which was consistent with their dramatic reduction in adipocyte cell size. In addition, a high-iron diet decreased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) and increased the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria (Romboutsia and Erysipelatoclostridium). Thus, our research revealed that a high-iron diet reduced lipid deposition by inhibiting adipogenesis and promoting lipolysis. Altered gut microbial composition induced by a high-iron diet may not play a critical role in regulating lipid metabolism, but might cause unwanted side effects such as intestinal inflammation and damaged villi morphology at the intestinal host–microbe interface. These findings provide new insights into the relationship among iron, lipid metabolism and gut microbiota.
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12
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Piceatannol Alleviates Clostridium perfringens Virulence by Inhibiting Perfringolysin O. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27165145. [PMID: 36014383 PMCID: PMC9415171 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) is an important foodborne pathogen that can cause diseases such as gas gangrene and necrotizing enteritis in a variety of economic animals, seriously affecting public health and the economic benefits and healthy development of the livestock and poultry breeding industry. Perfringolysin O (PFO) is an important virulence factor of C. perfringens and plays critical roles in necrotic enteritis and gas gangrene, rendering it an ideal target for developing new drugs against infections caused by this pathogen. In this study, based on biological activity inhibition assays, oligomerization tests and computational biology assays, we found that the foodborne natural component piceatannol reduced pore-forming activity with an inhibitory ratio of 83.84% in the concentration of 16 µg/mL (IC50 = 7.83 µg/mL) by binding with PFO directly and changing some of its secondary structures, including 3-Helix, A-helix, bend, and in turn, ultimately affecting oligomer formation. Furthermore, we confirmed that piceatannol protected human intestinal epithelial cells from the damage induced by PFO with LDH release reduced by 38.44% at 16 µg/mL, based on a cytotoxicity test. By performing an animal experiment, we found the C. perfringens clones showed an approximate 10-fold reduction in infected mice. These results suggest that piceatannol may be a candidate for anti-C. perfringens drug development.
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13
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Mining transcriptome data: Utilization of environmentally regulated promoters for protein expression and purification in Clostridium perfringens. J Microbiol Methods 2022; 199:106519. [PMID: 35718279 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2022.106519] [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: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is a Gram-positive pathogen with low GC content. To identify genes that are transcribed at higher levels when the bacteria grow on a surface, we used RNA-seq in a previous study to measure global transcript levels of cells grown in three types of media on both plates and in liquid culture. We found the arcABDC-argR operon is induced >1000-fold when the cells were grown on plates than in liquid brain heart infusion (BHI). In addition, the pyrBICFZDE operon was transcribed >1000-fold higher in liquid BHI than on plates. Biochemical analysis of C. perfringens proteins is usually accomplished by cloning and expressing the relevant genes in Escherichia coli, a Gram-negative bacterium. Here we utilize both the arcA and pyrB promoters to express and purify proteins from C. perfringens plate and liquid-grown cultures, respectively. Three mg of the His-tagged cytoplasmic protein PilM were obtained when the pilM gene was expressed in cells grown on 10 BHI plates using the arcA promoter. Using the pyrB promoter, 0.85 mg of the C. perfringens His-tagged secreted toxin collagenase was purified from the culture supernatant of 500 ml of cells grown in liquid BHI. In the process of constructing clones, we found we can transform C. perfringens strain HN13 directly with DNA from an in vitro ligation mix, bypassing E. coli. These environmentally regulated promoters can be used to express clostridial or other low GC content genes for protein purification without the addition of an inducer molecule.
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14
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Regulatory Networks Controlling Neurotoxin Synthesis in Clostridium botulinum and Clostridium tetani. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14060364. [PMID: 35737025 PMCID: PMC9229411 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14060364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum and Clostridium tetani are Gram-positive, spore-forming, and anaerobic bacteria that produce the most potent neurotoxins, botulinum toxin (BoNT) and tetanus toxin (TeNT), responsible for flaccid and spastic paralysis, respectively. The main habitat of these toxigenic bacteria is the environment (soil, sediments, cadavers, decayed plants, intestinal content of healthy carrier animals). C. botulinum can grow and produce BoNT in food, leading to food-borne botulism, and in some circumstances, C. botulinum can colonize the intestinal tract and induce infant botulism or adult intestinal toxemia botulism. More rarely, C. botulinum colonizes wounds, whereas tetanus is always a result of wound contamination by C. tetani. The synthesis of neurotoxins is strictly regulated by complex regulatory networks. The highest levels of neurotoxins are produced at the end of the exponential growth and in the early stationary growth phase. Both microorganisms, except C. botulinum E, share an alternative sigma factor, BotR and TetR, respectively, the genes of which are located upstream of the neurotoxin genes. These factors are essential for neurotoxin gene expression. C. botulinum and C. tetani share also a two-component system (TCS) that negatively regulates neurotoxin synthesis, but each microorganism uses additional distinct sets of TCSs. Neurotoxin synthesis is interlocked with the general metabolism, and CodY, a master regulator of metabolism in Gram-positive bacteria, is involved in both clostridial species. The environmental and nutritional factors controlling neurotoxin synthesis are still poorly understood. The transition from amino acid to peptide metabolism seems to be an important factor. Moreover, a small non-coding RNA in C. tetani, and quorum-sensing systems in C. botulinum and possibly in C. tetani, also control toxin synthesis. However, both species use also distinct regulatory pathways; this reflects the adaptation of C. botulinum and C. tetani to different ecological niches.
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15
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Gao W, Lin Y, Yue H, Chen W, Liu T, Ye J, Cai Q, Ye F, He L, Xie X, Xiong G, Wu J, Wang B, Wen W, Lei W. Bacteriological analysis based on disease severity and clinical characteristics in patients with deep neck space abscess. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:280. [PMID: 35321647 PMCID: PMC8944129 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07259-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Deep neck space abscess (DNSA) is a serious infection in the head and neck. Antibiotic therapy is an important treatment in patients with DNSA. However, the results of bacterial culture need at least 48 h, and the positive rate is only 30–50%, indicating that the use of empiric antibiotic treatment for most patients with DNSA should at least 48 h or even throughout the whole course of treatment. Thus, how to use empiric antibiotics has always been a problem for clinicians. This study analyzed the distribution of bacteria based on disease severity and clinical characteristics of DNSA patients, and provides bacteriological guidance for the empiric use of antibiotics. Methods We analyzed 433 patients with DNSA who were diagnosed and treated at nine medical centers in Guangdong Province between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020. A nomogram for disease severity (mild/severe) was constructed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator–logistic regression analysis. Clinical characteristics for the Gram reaction of the strain were identified using multivariate analyses. Results 92 (21.2%) patients developed life-threatening complications. The nomogram for disease severity comprised of seven predictors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of the nomogram in the training and validation cohorts were 0.951 and 0.931, respectively. In the mild cases, 43.2% (101/234) had positive culture results (49% for Gram-positive and 51% for Gram-negative strains). The positive rate of cultures in the patients with severe disease was 63% (58/92, 37.9% for Gram-positive, and 62.1% for Gram-negative strains). Diabetes mellitus was an independent predictor of Gram-negative strains in the mild disease group, whereas gas formation and trismus were independent predictors of Gram-positive strains in the severe disease group. The positivity rate of multidrug-resistant strains was higher in the severe disease group (12.1%) than in the mild disease group (1.0%) (P < 0.001). Metagenomic sequencing was helpful for the bacteriological diagnosis of DNSA by identifying anaerobic strains (83.3%). Conclusion We established a DNSA clinical severity prediction model and found some predictors for the type of Gram-staining strains in different disease severity cases. These results can help clinicians in effectively choosing an empiric antibiotic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiang Gao
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Lin
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Huijun Yue
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Weixiong Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianrun Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Ye
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Cai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Ye
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongshan People's Hospital, Zhongshan, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Long He
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First People's Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingqiang Xie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First People's Hospital of Zhaoqing, Zhaoqing, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoping Xiong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Jiangmen Central Hospital Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Jiangmen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhui Wu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongshan People's Hospital, Zhongshan, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First People's Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiping Wen
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbin Lei
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Forouzan AR, Moori Bakhtiari N, Seify abad Shapouri MR, Salabi F, Khosravi M. Expression of α- and ε-toxin genes in Clostridium perfringens type D vaccine strain in contact with the Caco-2 cell line. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH 2022; 23:229-236. [PMID: 36425606 PMCID: PMC9681981 DOI: 10.22099/ijvr.2022.42349.6162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridium perfringens commonly resides in the gastrointestinal tract and can survive in different environmental conditions. This pathogen produces several protein toxins including the potent ε-toxin which is classified as a category B toxin by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In several studies, the induction of C. perfringens type C or D to produce toxins much more rapidly by close contact of bacteria with Caco-2 cells has been reported. AIMS The effect of close contact of enterocyte-like Caco-2 cells with C. perfringens type D (vaccine strain) on the production time of ε- and α-toxins was studied. METHODS During C. perfringens type D contact with Caco-2 cells for 5 h, ε- and α-toxins expressions (at 0, 2, and 5 h) were evaluated by a quantitative real-time PCR assay. Non-contacted bacteria with cells were included as the negative control in this research. RESULTS Bacterial contact with the Caco-2 cells induces a significant effect on the mean expression of the ε-toxin gene (etx) (P<0.05). Two h after contact, the highest level of gene expression was detected in the experimental group. Bacterial harvesting time, cell treatment, and their interactions did not affect significantly the mean expression of the α-toxin gene (cpa) (P>0.05). CONCLUSION According to the findings of the present study, 2 h of bacterial contact with Caco-2 cells could stimulate etx gene expression in the C. perfringens type D vaccine strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. R. Forouzan
- Ph.D. Student in Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - N. Moori Bakhtiari
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - M. R. Seify abad Shapouri
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - F. Salabi
- Department of Venomous Animals and Anti-Venom Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ahvaz, Iran
| | - M. Khosravi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
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Lee KW, Lillehoj HS. Role of Clostridium perfringens Necrotic Enteritis B-like Toxin in Disease Pathogenesis. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 10:vaccines10010061. [PMID: 35062722 PMCID: PMC8780507 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a devastating enteric disease caused by Clostridium perfringens type A/G that impacts the global poultry industry by compromising the performance, health, and welfare of chickens. Coccidiosis is a major contributing factor to NE. Although NE pathogenesis was believed to be facilitated by α-toxin, a chromosome-encoded phospholipase C enzyme, recent studies have indicated that NE B-like (NetB) toxin, a plasmid-encoded pore-forming heptameric protein, is the primary virulence factor. Since the discovery of NetB toxin, the occurrence of NetB+ C. perfringens strains has been increasingly reported in NE-afflicted poultry flocks globally. It is generally accepted that NetB toxin is the primary virulent factor in NE pathogenesis although scientific evidence is emerging that suggests other toxins contribute to NE. Because of the complex nature of the host-pathogen interaction in NE pathogenesis, the interaction of NetB with other potential virulent factors of C. perfringens needs better characterization. This short review will summarize the primary virulence factors involved in NE pathogenesis with an emphasis on NetB toxin, and a new detection method for large-scale field screening of NetB toxin in biological samples from NE-afflicted commercial broiler flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Woo Lee
- Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA;
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-450-0495
| | - Hyun S. Lillehoj
- Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA;
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Patakova P, Branska B, Vasylkivska M, Jureckova K, Musilova J, Provaznik I, Sedlar K. Transcriptomic studies of solventogenic clostridia, Clostridium acetobutylicum and Clostridium beijerinckii. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 58:107889. [PMID: 34929313 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Solventogenic clostridia are not a strictly defined group within the genus Clostridium but its representatives share some common features, i.e. they are anaerobic, non-pathogenic, non-toxinogenic and endospore forming bacteria. Their main metabolite is typically 1-butanol but depending on species and culture conditions, they can form other metabolites such as acetone, isopropanol, ethanol, butyric, lactic and acetic acids, and hydrogen. Although these organisms were previously used for the industrial production of solvents, they later fell into disuse, being replaced by more efficient chemical production. A return to a more biological production of solvents therefore requires a thorough understanding of clostridial metabolism. Transcriptome analysis, which reflects the involvement of individual genes in all cellular processes within a population, at any given (sampling) moment, is a valuable tool for gaining a deeper insight into clostridial life. In this review, we describe techniques to study transcription, summarize the evolution of these techniques and compare methods for data processing and visualization of solventogenic clostridia, particularly the species Clostridium acetobutylicum and Clostridium beijerinckii. Individual approaches for evaluating transcriptomic data are compared and their contributions to advancements in the field are assessed. Moreover, utilization of transcriptomic data for reconstruction of computational clostridial metabolic models is considered and particular models are described. Transcriptional changes in glucose transport, central carbon metabolism, the sporulation cycle, butanol and butyrate stress responses, the influence of lignocellulose-derived inhibitors on growth and solvent production, and other respective topics, are addressed and common trends are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Patakova
- University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technicka 5, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Barbora Branska
- University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technicka 5, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Maryna Vasylkivska
- University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technicka 5, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | | | - Jana Musilova
- Brno University of Technology, Technicka 10, 61600 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ivo Provaznik
- Brno University of Technology, Technicka 10, 61600 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Sedlar
- Brno University of Technology, Technicka 10, 61600 Brno, Czech Republic
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Mehdizadeh Gohari I, A. Navarro M, Li J, Shrestha A, Uzal F, A. McClane B. Pathogenicity and virulence of Clostridium perfringens. Virulence 2021; 12:723-753. [PMID: 33843463 PMCID: PMC8043184 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1886777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is an extremely versatile pathogen of humans and livestock, causing wound infections like gas gangrene (clostridial myonecrosis), enteritis/enterocolitis (including one of the most common human food-borne illnesses), and enterotoxemia (where toxins produced in the intestine are absorbed and damage distant organs such as the brain). The virulence of this Gram-positive, spore-forming, anaerobe is largely attributable to its copious toxin production; the diverse actions and roles in infection of these toxins are now becoming established. Most C. perfringens toxin genes are encoded on conjugative plasmids, including the pCW3-like and the recently discovered pCP13-like plasmid families. Production of C. perfringens toxins is highly regulated via processes involving two-component regulatory systems, quorum sensing and/or sporulation-related alternative sigma factors. Non-toxin factors, such as degradative enzymes like sialidases, are also now being implicated in the pathogenicity of this bacterium. These factors can promote toxin action in vitro and, perhaps in vivo, and also enhance C. perfringens intestinal colonization, e.g. NanI sialidase increases C. perfringens adherence to intestinal tissue and generates nutrients for its growth, at least in vitro. The possible virulence contributions of many other factors, such as adhesins, the capsule and biofilms, largely await future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Mehdizadeh Gohari
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mauricio A. Navarro
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, San Bernardino, CA, USA
| | - Jihong Li
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Archana Shrestha
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Francisco Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, San Bernardino, CA, USA
| | - Bruce A. McClane
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Bai S, Zhang P, Zhang C, Du J, Du X, Zhu C, Liu J, Xie P, Li S. Comparative Study of the Gut Microbiota Among Four Different Marine Mammals in an Aquarium. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:769012. [PMID: 34745077 PMCID: PMC8567075 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.769012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite an increasing appreciation in the importance of host–microbe interactions in ecological and evolutionary processes, information on the gut microbial communities of some marine mammals is still lacking. Moreover, whether diet, environment, or host phylogeny has the greatest impact on microbial community structure is still unknown. To fill part of this knowledge gap, we exploited a natural experiment provided by an aquarium with belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) affiliated with family Monodontidae, Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) and common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) affiliated with family Delphinidae, and Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) affiliated with family Otariidae. Results show significant differences in microbial community composition of whales, dolphins, and fur seals and indicate that host phylogeny (family level) plays the most important role in shaping the microbial communities, rather than food and environment. In general, the gut microbial communities of dolphins had significantly lower diversity compared to that of whales and fur seals. Overall, the gut microbial communities were mainly composed of Firmicutes and Gammaproteobacteria, together with some from Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Epsilonbacteraeota. However, specific bacterial lineages were differentially distributed among the marine mammal groups. For instance, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Peptostreptococcaceae were the dominant bacterial lineages in the gut of belugas, while for Cape fur seals, Moraxellaceae and Bacteroidaceae were the main bacterial lineages. Moreover, gut microbial communities in both Pacific white-sided dolphins and common bottlenose dolphins were dominated by a number of pathogenic bacteria, including Clostridium perfringens, Vibrio fluvialis, and Morganella morganii, reflecting the poor health condition of these animals. Although there is a growing recognition of the role microorganisms play in the gut of marine mammals, current knowledge about these microbial communities is still severely lacking. Large-scale research studies should be undertaken to reveal the roles played by the gut microbiota of different marine mammal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Bai
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Peijun Zhang
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | | | - Jiang Du
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | | | - Chengwei Zhu
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peiyu Xie
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Songhai Li
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
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21
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Identifying the Basis for VirS/VirR Two-Component Regulatory System Control of Clostridium perfringens Beta-Toxin Production. J Bacteriol 2021; 203:e0027921. [PMID: 34228498 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00279-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens toxin production is often regulated by the Agr-like quorum sensing (QS) system signaling the VirS/VirR two-component regulatory system (TCRS), which consists of the VirS membrane sensor histidine kinase and the VirR response regulator. VirS/VirR is known to directly control expression of some genes by binding to a DNA binding motif consisting of two VirR boxes located within 500 bp of the target gene start codon. Alternatively, the VirS/VirR system can indirectly regulate production levels of other proteins by increasing expression of a small regulatory RNA, VR-RNA. Previous studies demonstrated that C. perfringens beta-toxin (CPB) production by C. perfringens type B and C strains is positively regulated by both the Agr-like QS and the VirS/VirR TCRS, but the mechanism has been unclear. The current study first inactivated the vrr gene encoding VR-RNA to show that VirS/VirR regulation of cpb expression does not involve VR-RNA. Subsequently, bioinformatic analyses identified a potential VirR binding motif, along with a predicted strong promoter, ∼1.4 kb upstream of the cpb open reading frame (ORF). Two insertion sequences were present between this VirR binding motif/promoter region and the cpb ORF. PCR screening of a collection of strains carrying cpb showed that the presence and sequence of this VirR binding motif/promoter is highly conserved among CPB-producing strains. Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and a GusA reporter assay showed this VirR binding motif is important for regulating CPB production. These findings indicate that VirS/VirR directly regulates cpb expression via VirS binding to a VirR binding motif located unusually distant from the cpb start codon. IMPORTANCE Clostridium perfringens beta-toxin (CPB) is only produced by type B and C strains. Production of CPB is essential for the pathogenesis of type C-associated infections, which include hemorrhagic necrotizing enteritis and enterotoxemia in both humans and animals. In addition, CPB can synergize with other toxins during C. perfringens gastrointestinal diseases. CPB toxin production is cooperatively regulated by the Agr-like quorum sensing (QS) system and the VirS/VirR two-component regulatory system. This study now reports that the VirS/VirR regulatory cascade directly controls expression of the cpb gene via a process involving a VirR box binding motif located unusually far (∼1.4 kb) upstream of the cpb ORF. This study provides a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms for CPB production by the VirS/VirR regulatory cascade.
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22
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Hustá M, Ducatelle R, Van Immerseel F, Goossens E. A Rapid and Simple Assay Correlates In Vitro NetB Activity with Clostridium perfringens Pathogenicity in Chickens. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081708. [PMID: 34442787 PMCID: PMC8400579 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Necrotic enteritis is an important enteric disease in poultry, caused by NetB-producing Clostridium (C.) perfringens strains. As no straight-forward method to assess the NetB activity of C. perfringens was available, we aimed to develop an easy, high-throughput method to measure the NetB activity produced by C. perfringens. First, the appearance of C. perfringens on different avian blood agar plates was assessed. Based on the size of the haemolysis surrounding the C. perfringens colonies, NetB-positive strains could phenotypically be discriminated from NetB-negative strains on both chicken and duck blood agar. Additionally, strains producing the consensus NetB protein induced more pronounced haemolysis on chicken blood agar as compared to the weak outer haemolysis induced by A168T NetB-variant-producing C. perfringens strains. Next, a 96-well plate-based haemolysis assay to screen NetB activity in the C. perfringens culture supernatants was developed. Using this assay, a positive correlation between the in vitro NetB activity and virulence of the C. perfringens strains was shown. The developed activity assay allows us to screen novel C. perfringens isolates for their in vitro NetB activity, which could give valuable information on their disease-inducing potential, or identify molecules and (bacterial) metabolites that affect NetB expression and activity.
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23
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Epigallocatechin gallate and Lactobacillus plantarum culture supernatants exert bactericidal activity and reduce biofilm formation in Clostridium perfringens. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2021; 66:843-853. [PMID: 34170482 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-021-00891-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens forms biofilms and spores that are a source of food contamination. In this study, the antibacterial activities of Lactobacillus plantarum culture supernatants (LP-S), LP-S fractions, and the plant-derived compound epigallocatechin gallate (EG) were evaluated. Specifically, their effects on the viability and biofilm-forming ability of C. perfringens were assessed. Moreover, the expression of quorum sensing-regulated genes associated with the pathogenesis of this microorganism and that of genes involved in biofilm formation was also investigated. The results showed that both EG and the LP-S exerted bactericidal activity against all C. perfringens strains tested. The minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of EG was 75 µg/mL for all strains but ranged from 61 to 121 µg of total protein per mL for LP-S. EG exerted only minor effects on biofilm formation, whereas LP-S, particularly its 10 and 30 K fractions, significantly reduced the biofilm-forming ability of all the strains. The antibiofilm activity of LP-S was lost following preincubation with proteases, suggesting that it was mediated by a proteinaceous molecule. The treatment of C. perfringens with either EG or LP-S did not change the transcript levels of two CpAL (C. perfringens quorum-sensing Agr-like system)-related genes, agrB and agrD, which are known to be involved in the regulation of biofilms, suggesting that LP-S exerted its biofilm inhibitory activity downstream of CpAL signaling. In summary, we demonstrated the bactericidal activity of EG and LP-S against C. perfringens and antibiofilm activity of LP-S at a subinhibitory dose. Our results suggested that these compounds can be further explored for food safety applications to control agents such as C. perfringens.
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24
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Kabała M, Gofron Z, Aptekorz M, Burdynowski K, Harmanus C, Kuijper E, Martirosian G. Detection of Clostridioides difficile in hospital environment by using C diff Banana Broth™. Anaerobe 2021; 73:102408. [PMID: 34174400 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2021.102408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
116 environmental samples from a 504 bed clinical hospital obtained in 2017/19 were inoculated into C diff Banana Broth™. Six C. difficile and 12 C. pefringens strains were isolated. Antibiotic-resistant Clostridium spp. dominated in hospital environment. To determine Clostridium spp. in hospital environment suitable medium like C diff Banana Broth™ should be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Kabała
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Zygmunt Gofron
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Aptekorz
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Burdynowski
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Universitas Opoliensis, Opole, Poland
| | - Celine Harmanus
- Department of Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ed Kuijper
- Department of Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Gayane Martirosian
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
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25
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Xu W, Wang H, Chen S, Chen Y, Liu L, Wu W. Tracing Clostridium perfringens strains along the chicken production chain from farm to slaughter by multilocus sequence typing. Zoonoses Public Health 2021; 68:431-442. [PMID: 33878232 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The current study is undertaken to characterize the prevalence, genotypes distribution, antibiotic resistance and genetic diversity of Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) collected from different stages of a chicken production chain. In total, 579 samples from a broiler farm and 378 samples from the slaughterhouse were collected from a large-scale rearing and slaughter one-stop enterprise in Weifang, China, between June and July 2019, of which 30.40% of the samples from farm and 54.50% of samples from slaughterhouse were determined to be positive for C. perfringens, respectively. The contamination of chicken products was relatively serious, with the total positive rate of carcasses at 59.73%; the positive rate of carcass samples was the highest in the evisceration process, which might be the critical point of C. perfringens contamination. A total of 476 isolates of C. perfringens were recovered; and 99.58% of recovered isolates were identified as type A, with the remaining isolates being type G. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that 97.15% of the isolates showed multiple antibiotic resistance and 67.89% of them were resistant to at least five classes of commonly used antibiotics. Multilocus sequence typing results of 91 representative isolates showed that the isolates can be divided into 74 sequences types (STs); 40.66% of the isolates can be included into seven clonal complexes (CCs). Although most of the isolates were classified as type A, considerable genetic diversity was observed, with the Simpson's diversity index of ST up to 0.9902. Some isolates from farm stage and slaughter stage were distributed in the same ST or CC, indicating that chicken products may be contaminated by the same ST or CC of C. perfringens originated from the farm stage. The high contamination rates of chicken products and the widespread multiple antibiotic resistance of isolates indicated potential public health risks, control measures at rearing and slaughtering stage should be considered to reduce this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Xu
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Hairong Wang
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Suo Chen
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Pingyin Animal Husbandry and Veterinary bureau, Jinan, China
| | - Lixue Liu
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Weifang customs of the People's Republic of China, Weifang, China
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26
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Diversity of the type I-U CRISPR-Cas system in Bifidobacterium. Arch Microbiol 2021; 203:3235-3243. [PMID: 33837440 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02310-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas system is widely distributed in prokaryotes and plays an important role in the adaptive immunity of bacteria and archaea. Bifidobacterium is an important component of the intestinal flora of humans and animals, and some species of this bacterium can be employed as food additives. However, the Bifidobacterium CRISPR-Cas system has not been fully elucidated to date. In this study, the genomes of 110 strains of Bifidobacterium were employed to research the diversity of the type I-U system. The 110 strains were divided into five groups according to the genes adjacent to the CRISPR locus, including group A, B, C, D and E. Strains in the intergroup had unique species classifications and MLST types. An evolutionary tree was constructed based on the conserved cas4/cas1 fusion gene. The results showed that group A had a different evolutionary branch compared with the other groups and had a relatively low spacer number. Notably, group B, C and E had exhibited ABC transporter regulators in the genes adjacent to the CRISPR locus. ABC transporters play important roles in the exocytosis of many antibiotics and are involved in horizontal gene transfer. This mechanism may have promoted the evolution of Bifidobacterium and the horizontal gene transfer of the type I-U system, which may have promoted the generation of system diversity. In summary, our results help to elucidate the role of the type I-U system in the evolution of Bifidobacterium.
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27
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A Putative Amidase Endolysin Encoded by Clostridium perfringens St13 Exhibits Specific Lytic Activity and Synergizes with the Muramidase Endolysin Psm. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10030245. [PMID: 33804492 PMCID: PMC7999503 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10030245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is an often-harmful intestinal bacterium that causes various diseases ranging from food poisoning to life-threatening fulminant disease. Potential treatments include phage-derived endolysins, a promising family of alternative antimicrobial agents. We surveyed the genome of the C. perfringens st13 strain and identified an endolysin gene, psa, in the phage remnant region. Psa has an N-terminal catalytic domain that is homologous to the amidase_2 domain, and a C-terminal domain of unknown function. psa and gene derivatives encoding various Psa subdomains were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli as N-terminal histidine-tagged proteins. Purified His-tagged full-length Psa protein (Psa-his) showed C. perfringens-specific lytic activity in turbidity reduction assays. In addition, we demonstrated that the uncharacterized C-terminal domain has cell wall-binding activity. Furthermore, cell wall-binding measurements showed that Psa binding was highly specific to C. perfringens. These results indicated that Psa is an amidase endolysin that specifically lyses C. perfringens; the enzyme’s specificity is highly dependent on the binding of the C-terminal domain. Moreover, Psa was shown to have a synergistic effect with another C. perfringens-specific endolysin, Psm, which is a muramidase that cleaves peptidoglycan at a site distinct from that targeted by Psa. The combination of Psa and Psm may be effective in the treatment and prevention of C. perfringens infections.
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28
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Identification of a non-coding RNA and its putative involvement in the regulation of tetanus toxin synthesis in Clostridium tetani. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4157. [PMID: 33603121 PMCID: PMC7892561 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83623-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium tetani produces the tetanus toxin (TeNT), one of the most powerful bacterial toxins known to humankind and responsible for tetanus. The regulation of toxin expression is complex and involves the alternative sigma factor TetR as well as other regulators. Here, a transcriptional analysis of the TeNT-encoding large plasmid of C. tetani identified a putative non-coding small RNA (sRNA), located in close vicinity of the 3′ untranslated region of the tent gene. A northern blot experiment could identify a respective sRNA with a size of approx. 140 nucleotides. Sequence analysis showed that the sRNA contains a 14-nucleotide region that is complementary to a 5′ located region of tent. In order to investigate the function of the sRNA, we applied a RNA interference approach targeting the sRNA in two C. tetani wild-type strains; the constructed antisense C. tetani strains showed an approx. threefold increase in both extracellular and total TeNT production compared to the respective wild-type strains. In addition, recombinant C. tetani strains were constructed that contained tent-locus harboring plasmids with and without the sRNA. However, the introduction of the tent-locus without the sRNA in a C. tetani strain lacking the wild-type TeNT-encoding large plasmid resulted in a lower TeNT production compared to the same strain with recombinant tent-locus with the sRNA. This suggests that the expression or the effect of the sRNA is modulated by the C. tetani genetic background, notably that of the wild-type TeNT-encoding large plasmid. In addition, some recombinant strains exhibited modulated growth patterns, characterized by premature bacterial cell lysis. Taken together, our data indicate that the sRNA acts as a negative regulator of TeNT synthesis, with a possible impact on the growth of C. tetani. We hypothesize that the role of this sRNA is to limit toxin levels in the exponential growth phase in order to prevent premature bacterial lysis.
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29
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Zgheib H, Belguesmia Y, Boukherroub R, Drider D. Alginate Nanoparticles Enhance Anti-Clostridium perfringens Activity of the Leaderless Two-Peptide Enterocin DD14 and Affect Expression of Some Virulence Factors. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2021; 13:1213-1227. [PMID: 33481224 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-020-09730-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Here, we report a novel approach to improve the anti-Clostridium perfringens activity of the leaderless two-peptide enterocin 14 (EntDD14), produced by Enterococcus faecalis 14. This strategy consists of loading EntDD14 onto alginate nanoparticles (Alg NPs), which are made of a safe polymer. The resulting formulation (EntDD14/Alg NPs) was able to reduce up to four times the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of EntDD14 against C. perfringens pathogenic strains isolated from a chicken affected by necrotic enteritis (NE). Interestingly, this formulation remained active under conditions mimicking the human and chicken gastric tract. Assays conducted to establish the impact of this formulation on the intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2 and the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line HT29 revealed the absence of cytotoxicity of both free-EntDD14 and EntDD14 loaded onto the alginate nanoparticles (EntDD14/Alg NPs) against the aforementioned eukaryotic cells, after 24 h of contact. Notably, EntDD14 and EntDD14/Alg NPs, both at a sub-inhibitory concentration, affected the expression of genes coding for clostridial toxins such as toxin α, enteritis B-like toxin, collagen adhesion protein and thiol-activated cytolysin. Further, expression of these genes was significantly down-regulated following the addition of EntDD14/Alg NPs, but not affected upon addition of EntDD14 alone. This study revealed that adsorption of EntDD14 onto Alg NPs leads to a safe and active formulation (EntDD14/Alg NPs) capable of affecting the pathogenicity of C. perfringens. This formulation could therefore be used in the poultry industry as a novel approach to tackle NE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Zgheib
- UMR Transfrontalière BioEcoAgro1158, Univ. Lille, INRAE, Univ. Liège, UPJV, YNCREA, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte D'Opale, ICV - Institut Charles Viollette, 59000, Lille, France
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Polytechnique Hauts-de-France. UMR, 8520 - IEMN, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Yanath Belguesmia
- UMR Transfrontalière BioEcoAgro1158, Univ. Lille, INRAE, Univ. Liège, UPJV, YNCREA, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte D'Opale, ICV - Institut Charles Viollette, 59000, Lille, France.
| | - Rabah Boukherroub
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Polytechnique Hauts-de-France. UMR, 8520 - IEMN, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Djamel Drider
- UMR Transfrontalière BioEcoAgro1158, Univ. Lille, INRAE, Univ. Liège, UPJV, YNCREA, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte D'Opale, ICV - Institut Charles Viollette, 59000, Lille, France
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30
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Valeriani RG, Beard LL, Moller A, Ohtani K, Vidal JE. Gas gangrene-associated gliding motility is regulated by the Clostridium perfringens CpAL/VirSR system. Anaerobe 2020; 66:102287. [PMID: 33130105 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2020.102287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens strains cause a wide variety of human and animal disease, including gas gangrene or myonecrosis. Production of toxins required for myonecrosis, PFO and CPA, is regulated by the C. perfringens Agr-like (CpAL) system via the VirSR two-component system. Myonecrosis begins at the site of infection from where bacteria migrate deep into the host tissue likely using a previously described gliding motility phenotype. We therefore assessed whether gliding motility was under the control of the CpAL/VirSR regulon. The migration rate of myonecrosis-causing C. perfringens strain 13 (S13) was investigated during a 96 h period, including an adaptation phase with bacterial migration (∼1.4 mm/day) followed by a gliding phase allowing bacteria faster migration (∼8.6 mm/day). Gliding required both an intact CpAL system, and signaling through VirSR. Mutants lacking ΔagrB, or ΔvirR, were impaired for onward gliding while a complemented strain S13ΔagrB/pTS1303 had the gliding phenotype restored. Gene expression studies revealed upregulated transcription of pili genes (pilA1, pilA2 and pilT) whose encoded proteins were previously found to be required for gliding motility and CpAL/VirSR-regulated pfoA and cpa toxin genes. Compared to S13, transcription of cpa and pfoA significantly decreased in S13ΔagrB, or S13ΔvirR, strains but not that of pili genes. Further experiments demonstrated that mutants S13ΔpfoA and S13Δcpa migrated at the same rate as S13 wt. We demonstrated that CpAL/VirSR regulates C. perfringens gliding motility and that gliding bacteria have an increased transcription of toxin genes involved in myonecrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - LaMonta L Beard
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Abraham Moller
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kaori Ohtani
- Tokai University School of Medicine, Ishihara-shi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Jorge E Vidal
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
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31
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Saadh MJ, Sa'adeh IJ, Dababneh MF, Almaaytah AM, Bayan MF. Production, immunogenicity, stability, and safety of a vaccine against Clostridium perfringens beta toxins. Vet World 2020; 13:1517-1523. [PMID: 33061221 PMCID: PMC7522943 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.1517-1523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: The beta toxin is causing the most severe Clostridium perfringens-related diseases. This work was dedicated to developing a vaccine against beta toxin using C. perfringens type C (NCTC 3180). Materials and Methods: The crude toxoid harvest contained 710 limits of flocculation (Lf)/mL. The vaccine was formulated. Each 1 mL of the final vaccine product contained at least 50 Lf/mL of beta toxoids, 0.2 mL 3% aluminum hydroxide gel (equivalent to 5.18 mg of aluminum), <0.001% W/V thiomersal, formaldehyde <0.05% W/V, and ~0.7 mL phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.2). The efficacy of the vaccine was evaluated by potency, stability, and safety tests. Results: The vaccine demonstrated 24.36 IU/mL (standard deviation, ±0.56) and 14.74 IU/mL (±0.36) of neutralizing antibodies in rabbits and cattle, respectively. Indeed, these levels were above the minimum recommended by international protocols since the obtained antibody levels had 2.43- and 1.47-fold increase in both rabbits and cattle, respectively, over the minimum antitoxin level suggested by the United States Department of Agriculture. Interestingly, our formulation was capable of inducing 1.65-fold higher immune responses in rabbits than that stimulated in cattle (65% increase) with a significant difference (p<0.0001). The vaccine was stable up to 30 months. The vaccinated rabbits were suffered from a temporarily slight increase in temperatures in the first 10 h without any significant difference (p>0.05). Conclusion: The research showed a procedure for the manufacturing process of the vaccine against C. perfringens beta toxins with a feasible quantity and the vaccine described here showed to be effective in eliciting levels of neutralizing antibodies higher than required by international standards. In addition, The vaccine was stable up to 30 months. Thus, it may represent an effective and safe for preventing C. perfringens-related diseases in rabbits and cattle, although further studies to prove its efficacy in the field on other farm animals are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed J Saadh
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Issam J Sa'adeh
- Department of Radiology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moeen F Dababneh
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ammar M Almaaytah
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan.,Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mohammad F Bayan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Philadelphia University, Amman, Jordan
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32
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Evidence That VirS Is a Receptor for the Signaling Peptide of the Clostridium perfringens Agr-like Quorum Sensing System. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.02219-20. [PMID: 32934089 PMCID: PMC7492741 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02219-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
C. perfringens beta toxin (CPB) is essential for the virulence of type C strains, a common cause of fatal necrotizing enteritis and enterotoxemia in humans and domestic animals. Production of CPB, as well as several other C. perfringens toxins, is positively regulated by both the Agr-like QS system and the VirS/R two-component regulatory system. This study presents evidence that the VirS membrane sensor protein is a receptor for the AgrD-derived SP and that the second extracellular loop of VirS is important for SP binding. Understanding interactions between SP and VirS improves knowledge of C. perfringens pathogenicity and may provide insights for designing novel strategies to reduce C. perfringens toxin production during infections. Since both the Agr (accessory gene regulator)-like quorum sensing (QS) system and VirS/VirR (VirS/R) two-component regulatory system of Clostridium perfringens positively regulate production of several toxins, including C. perfringens beta toxin (CPB), it has been hypothesized the VirS membrane sensor protein is an Agr-like QS signaling peptide (SP) receptor. To begin evaluating whether VirS is an SP receptor, this study sequenced the virS gene in C. perfringens strains CN3685 and CN1795 because it was reported that agrB mutants of both strains increase CPB production in response to the pentapeptide 5R, likely the natural SP, but only the CN3685 agrB mutant responds to 8R, which is 5R plus a 3-amino-acid tail. This sequencing identified differences between the predicted VirS extracellular loop 2 (ECL2) of CN3685 versus that of CN1795. To explore if those ECL2 differences explain strain-related variations in SP sensitivity and support VirS as an SP receptor, virS agrB double-null mutants of each strain were complemented to swap which VirS protein they produce. CPB Western blotting showed that this complementation changed the natural responsiveness of each strain to 8R. A pulldown experiment using biotin-5R demonstrated that VirS can bind SP. To further support VirS:SP binding and to identify a VirS binding site for SP, a 14-mer peptide corresponding to VirS ECL2 was synthesized. This ECL2 peptide inhibited 5R signaling to agrB mutant and wild-type strains. This inhibition was specific, since a single N to D substitution in the ECL2 peptide abrogated these effects. Collectively, these results support VirS as an important SP receptor and may assist development of therapeutics.
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Fourie JCJ, Bezuidenhout CC, Sanko TJ, Mienie C, Adeleke R. Inside environmental Clostridium perfringens genomes: antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factors and genomic features. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2020; 18:477-493. [PMID: 32833675 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2020.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Until recently, research has focused on Clostridium perfringens in clinical settings without considering environmental isolates. In this study, environmental genomes were used to investigate possible antibiotic resistance and the presence of virulence traits in C. perfringens strains from raw surface water. In silico assembly of three C. perfringens strains, DNA generated almost complete genomes setting their length ranging from 3.4 to 3.6 Mbp with GC content of 28.18%. An average of 3,175 open reading frames was identified, with the majority associated with carbohydrate and protein metabolisms. The genomes harboured several antibiotic resistance genes for glycopeptides, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B, β-lactam, trimethoprim, tetracycline and aminoglycosides and also the presence of several genes encoding for polypeptides and multidrug resistance efflux pumps and 35 virulence genes. Some of these encode for haemolysins, sialidase, hyaluronidase, collagenase, perfringolysin O and phospholipase C. All three genomes contained sequences indicating phage, antibiotic resistance and pathogenic islands integration sites. A genomic comparison of these three strains confirmed high similarity and shared core genes with clinical C. perfringens strains, highlighting their health security risks. This study provides a genomic insight into the potential pathogenicity of C. perfringens present in the environment and emphasises the importance of monitoring this niche in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tomasz Janusz Sanko
- Unit for Environmental Science and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa E-mail:
| | - Charlotte Mienie
- Unit for Environmental Science and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa E-mail:
| | - Rasheed Adeleke
- Unit for Environmental Science and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa E-mail:
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Lee KW, Kim WH, Li C, Lillehoj HS. Detection of Necrotic Enteritis B–like Toxin Secreted by Clostridium perfringens Using Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Avian Dis 2020; 64:490-495. [DOI: 10.1637/0005-2086-64.4.490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Woo Lee
- Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology Laboratory, USDA-ARS, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705
| | - Woo H. Kim
- Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology Laboratory, USDA-ARS, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705
| | - Charles Li
- Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology Laboratory, USDA-ARS, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705
| | - Hyun S. Lillehoj
- Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology Laboratory, USDA-ARS, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705
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Tetanus Toxin Synthesis is Under the Control of A Complex Network of Regulatory Genes in Clostridium tetani. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12050328. [PMID: 32429286 PMCID: PMC7290440 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12050328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium tetani produces a potent neurotoxin, the tetanus toxin (TeNT), which is responsible for an often-fatal neurological disease (tetanus) characterized by spastic paralysis. Prevention is efficiently acquired by vaccination with the TeNT toxoid, which is obtained by C.tetani fermentation and subsequent purification and chemical inactivation. C.tetani synthesizes TeNT in a regulated manner. Indeed, the TeNT gene (tent) is mainly expressed in the late exponential and early stationary growth phases. The gene tetR (tetanus regulatory gene), located immediately upstream of tent, encodes an alternative sigma factor which was previously identified as a positive regulator of tent. In addition, the genome of C.tetani encodes more than 127 putative regulators, including 30 two-component systems (TCSs). Here, we investigated the impact of 12 regulators on TeNT synthesis which were selected based on their homology with related regulatory elements involved in toxin production in other clostridial species. Among nine TCSs tested, three of them impact TeNT production, including two positive regulators that indirectly stimulate tent and tetR transcription. One negative regulator was identified that interacts with both tent and tetR promoters. Two other TCSs showed a moderate effect: one binds to the tent promoter and weakly increases the extracellular TeNT level, and another one has a weak inverse effect. In addition, CodY (control of dciA (decoyinine induced operon) Y) but not Spo0A (sporulation stage 0) or the DNA repair protein Mfd (mutation frequency decline) positively controls TeNT synthesis by interacting with the tent promoter. Moreover, we found that inorganic phosphate and carbonate are among the environmental factors that control TeNT production. Our data show that TeNT synthesis is under the control of a complex network of regulators that are largely distinct from those involved in the control of toxin production in Clostridium botulinum or Clostridium difficile.
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Koyanagi Y, Suzuki R, Ihara K, Miyagi H, Isogai H, Yoneyama H, Isogai E. Intestinal Clostridium species lower host susceptibility to enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection. Pathog Dis 2020; 77:5538763. [PMID: 31344225 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftz036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Susceptibility to enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) infection varies among humans. The intestinal microbiota seems to play an essential role in host defense against EHEC; thus, we hypothesized that indigenous bacteria, such as Clostridium ramosum and Clostridium perfringens, could influence the susceptibility to EHEC infection. To evaluate the effect of indigenous bacteria on EHEC infection, germ-free mice were precolonized with each indigenous bacterium, and then infected with EHEC O157:H7. Precolonization with C. ramosum or C. perfringens completely prevented death from EHEC infection througout a test period. Precolonization with C. ramosum also reduced the level of secreted Shiga toxin (Stx) 2 and prevented histopathological changes in the kidneys in a similar way to precolonization with Bifidobacterium longum, which is used as a model for preventing EHEC infection. In contrast, the mice precolonized with C. perfringens showed mild renal injuries. When evaluated using an in vitro co-culturing system, again C. ramosum inhibited the growth and Stx production of EHEC more potently than C. perfringens. These results indicate that C. ramosum and C. perfringens suppressed EHEC infection; however, the extent of their preventive effects differed. Therefore, the susceptibility to EHEC infection and its severity can depend on the functional bacteria present in the intestinal microbiota of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukako Koyanagi
- Laboratory of Animal Microbiology, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki Aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Japan
| | - Rie Suzuki
- Laboratory of Animal Microbiology, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki Aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Japan
| | - Kohei Ihara
- Laboratory of Animal Microbiology, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki Aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Japan
| | - Hikaru Miyagi
- Laboratory of Animal Microbiology, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki Aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Isogai
- Animal Research Center, Sapporo Medical University, Minami 1, Nishi 16, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yoneyama
- Laboratory of Animal Microbiology, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki Aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Japan
| | - Emiko Isogai
- Laboratory of Animal Microbiology, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki Aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Japan
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Soncini SR, Hartman AH, Gallagher TM, Camper GJ, Jensen RV, Melville SB. Changes in the expression of genes encoding type IV pili-associated proteins are seen when Clostridium perfringens is grown in liquid or on surfaces. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:45. [PMID: 31937237 PMCID: PMC6958937 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-6453-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridium perfringens is a Gram-positive anaerobic pathogen that causes multiple diseases in humans and animals. C. perfringens lack flagella but have type IV pili (TFP) and can glide on agar surfaces. When C. perfringens bacteria are placed on surfaces, they become elongated, flexible and have TFP on their surface, traits not seen in liquid-grown cells. In addition, the main pilin in C. perfringens TFP, PilA2, undergoes differential post-translational modification when grown in liquid or on plates. To understand the mechanisms underlying these phenotypes, bacteria were grown in three types of liquid media and on agar plates with the same medium to compare gene expression using RNA-Seq. RESULTS Hundreds of genes were differentially expressed, including transcriptional regulatory protein-encoding genes and genes associated with TFP functions, which were higher on plates than in liquid. Transcript levels of TFP genes reflected the proportion of each protein predicted to reside in a TFP assembly complex. To measure differences in rates of translation, the Escherichia coli reporter gene gusA gene (encoding β-glucuronidase) was inserted into the chromosome downstream of TFP promoters and in-frame with the first gene of the operon. β-glucuronidase expression was then measured in cells grown in liquid or on plates. β-glucuronidase activity was proportional to mRNA levels in liquid-grown cells, but not plate-grown cells, suggesting significant levels of post-transcriptional regulation of these TFP-associated genes occurs when cells are grown on surfaces. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals insights into how a non-flagellated pathogenic rod-shaped bacterium senses and responds to growth on surfaces, including inducing transcriptional regulators and activating multiple post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms associated with TFP functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha R Soncini
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.,Current address: UPMC Genome Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Andrea H Hartman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Tara M Gallagher
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.,Current address: Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Gary J Camper
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Roderick V Jensen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Stephen B Melville
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
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Chasser KM, Wilson KM, Briggs WN, Duff AF, Bielke LR. Comparison of multiple methods for induction of necrotic enteritis in broilers: II. Impact on the growth curve. Poult Sci 2020; 98:5488-5496. [PMID: 31350993 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pez405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a disease that has gained relevance in the poultry industry with both immediate and sustained effects on BW of broilers. The objective of the 3 experiments was to evaluate the impact of NE, induced by methods that reflect common broiler production systems, on the growth curve throughout the growth period. In addition, the impact of Eimeria maxima (EM) on NE, as well as the long-term impact of Clostridium perfringens (CP) on BW, were analyzed. In experiment 1, a dual infection model of EM and CP was compared to a non-challenged control, while experiment 2 evaluated 2 different strains of EM dual infection, as well as 6 CP-only groups. Similarly, experiment 3 tested dual infection and both high and low dose CP-only groups. Both NetB and non-NetB strains of CP were used to evaluate whether NetB toxin may potentially play a role in NE induction. In all 3 experiments, BW was measured immediately before infection on day 16, then weekly through the end of the test period. In all 3 experiments, a decrease (p < 0.05) in BW was observed immediately following the acute NE disease period of day 21 to day 23, with a negative impact also observed of BW gain during NE disease period (p < 0.05). A long-term effect on BW was most clearly detected in the EM + CP dual infection models, as well as when high levels of CP-only were administered. In these cases, BW was impacted long-term, with a requisite week or more to return to a BW similar to the non-challenged control. The separation in BW, though not significant, was nearly parallel with the non-challenged control throughout the growth period, indicating a shift in the growth curve. In addition to showing the long-term impact of various forms of NE on broiler growth, these shifts in the growth curve can be used to measure the effects of treatments on prevention and recovery of broilers impacted by NE.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Chasser
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - K M Wilson
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - W N Briggs
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - A F Duff
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - L R Bielke
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus
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Zaragoza NE, Orellana CA, Moonen GA, Moutafis G, Marcellin E. Vaccine Production to Protect Animals Against Pathogenic Clostridia. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E525. [PMID: 31514424 PMCID: PMC6783934 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11090525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium is a broad genus of anaerobic, spore-forming, rod-shaped, Gram-positive bacteria that can be found in different environments all around the world. The genus includes human and animal pathogens that produce potent exotoxins that cause rapid and potentially fatal diseases responsible for countless human casualties and billion-dollar annual loss to the agricultural sector. Diseases include botulism, tetanus, enterotoxemia, gas gangrene, necrotic enteritis, pseudomembranous colitis, blackleg, and black disease, which are caused by pathogenic Clostridium. Due to their ability to sporulate, they cannot be eradicated from the environment. As such, immunization with toxoid or bacterin-toxoid vaccines is the only protective method against infection. Toxins recovered from Clostridium cultures are inactivated to form toxoids, which are then formulated into multivalent vaccines. This review discusses the toxins, diseases, and toxoid production processes of the most common pathogenic Clostridium species, including Clostridiumbotulinum, Clostridiumtetani, Clostridiumperfringens, Clostridiumchauvoei, Clostridiumsepticum, Clostridiumnovyi and Clostridiumhemolyticum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas E. Zaragoza
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (N.E.Z.); (C.A.O.)
| | - Camila A. Orellana
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (N.E.Z.); (C.A.O.)
| | - Glenn A. Moonen
- Zoetis, 45 Poplar Road, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia; (G.A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - George Moutafis
- Zoetis, 45 Poplar Road, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia; (G.A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Esteban Marcellin
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (N.E.Z.); (C.A.O.)
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Park CS, Hwang JY, Cho GJ. The First Identification and Antibiogram of Clostridium perfringens Type C Isolated from Soil and The Feces of Dead Foals in South Korea. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E579. [PMID: 31434197 PMCID: PMC6719196 DOI: 10.3390/ani9080579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium (C.) perfringens was isolated from 25 (11.1%) of 225 sampled horses and from 16 (35.56%) of 45 farms. All of the samples were negative for cpe, etx, itx, NetF genes and cpa gene were detected in 100% (25 of 25) of the samples that were positive for C. perfringens. cpb and cpb2 were detected in 40.0% (10 of 25) and 60.0% (15 of 25) of the samples that were positive for C. perfringens, respectively. Of the 25 C. perfringens isolates, 15 (60%) were type A and 10 (40%) were type C. Type C was observed on all the farms where the foals' deaths occurred. None of the isolates were positive for type B, type D, or type E. The MIC Evaluator strips antimicrobial susceptibility test showed meropenem (96%), ampicillin (92%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (84%), and tetracycline (8%) sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chul Song Park
- Laboratory of Equine Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Equine Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80, Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Ji Yong Hwang
- Laboratory of Equine Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Equine Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80, Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Gil Jae Cho
- Laboratory of Equine Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Equine Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80, Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Korea.
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Sakaue M, Ota K, Nakamura E, Nitta M, Oka M, Oishi Y, Sano Y, Yonogi S, Takasu A. Type A fulminant Clostridium perfringens sepsis indicated RBC/Hb discrepancy; a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:719. [PMID: 31416426 PMCID: PMC6694550 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4350-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridium perfringens can cause various infections, including food poisoning, gas gangrene, cellulitis and fasciitis. C. perfringens septicemia is rare, but is a known cause of hemolysis by damaging red blood cell, and often proves rapidly fatal in emergency department (ED) situations. CASE PRESENTATION A previously healthy 76-year-old man presented to the ED 8 h after onset of acute abdominal pain and diarrhea. Laboratory examination revealed a large discrepancy between the red blood cell count of 1.91 × 106/mm3 and the hemoglobin level of 10.3 g/dL, suggesting massive intravascular hemolysis. Computed tomography revealed liver abscesses with gas. During ED treatment, the state of the patient rapidly deteriorated and he entered cardiopulmonary arrest. Blood cultures finally identified C. perfringens. CONCLUSION Intravascular hemolysis and red blood cell (RBC) / hemoglobin (Hb) discrepancy in the presence of infection should prompt ED physicians to consider C. perfringens septicemia and to act quickly to provide appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahide Sakaue
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki City, Osaka 596-8686 Japan
| | - Koshi Ota
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki City, Osaka 596-8686 Japan
| | - Eriko Nakamura
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki City, Osaka 596-8686 Japan
| | - Masahiko Nitta
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki City, Osaka 596-8686 Japan
| | - Masahiro Oka
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki City, Osaka 596-8686 Japan
| | - Yasuo Oishi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki City, Osaka 596-8686 Japan
| | - Yohei Sano
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki City, Osaka 596-8686 Japan
| | | | - Akira Takasu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki City, Osaka 596-8686 Japan
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Diversity of CRISPR/Cas system in Clostridium perfringens. Mol Genet Genomics 2019; 294:1263-1275. [PMID: 31134321 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-019-01579-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is an important pathogen of human and livestock infections, posing a threat to health. The horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of plasmids that carry toxin-related genes is involved in C. perfringens pathogenicity. The CRISPR/Cas system, which has been identified in a wide range of prokaryotes, provides acquired immunity against HGT. However, information about the CRISPR/Cas system in Clostridium perfringens is still limited. In this study, 111 C. perfringens strains with publicly available genomes were used to analyze the occurrence and diversity of CRISPR/Cas system and evaluate the potential of CRISPR-based genotyping in this multi-host pathogen. A total of 59 out of the 111 genomes harbored at least one confirmed CRISPR array. Four CRISPR/Cas system subtypes, including subtypes IB, IIA, IIC, and IIID systems, were identified in 32 strains. Subtype IB system was the most prevalent in this species, which was subdivided into four subgroups displaying subgroup specificity in terms of cas gene content, repeat sequence content, and PAM. We showed that the CRISPR spacer polymorphism can be used for evolutionary studies, and that it can provide discriminatory power for typing strains. Nevertheless, the application of this approach was largely limited to strains that contain the CRISPR/Cas system. Spacer origin analysis revealed that approximately one-fifth of spacers showed significant matches to plasmids and phages, thereby suggesting the implication of CRISPR/Cas systems in controlling HGT. Collectively, our results provide new insights into the diversity and evolution of CRISPR/Cas system in C. perfringens.
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Azimirad M, Gholami F, Yadegar A, Knight DR, Shamloei S, Aghdaei HA, Zali MR. Prevalence and characterization of Clostridium perfringens toxinotypes among patients with antibiotic-associated diarrhea in Iran. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7792. [PMID: 31127185 PMCID: PMC6534674 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44281-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens has emerged as an important cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), particularly in the hospital environment. Here we investigated the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of C. perfringens isolated from 2280 fecal samples from Iranian diarrheal patients suspected of having AAD. Overall, AAD was diagnosed in 13.3% (303/2280) of patients and associated with advanced age (>50 years, P = 0.001). A total of 106 C. perfringens isolates were cultured from AAD (n = 68) and non-AAD (n = 38) groups, with toxinotypes A and F comprising 84% and 16% of isolates, respectively. Notably, 41.2% of type F strains were also cpb2-positive and enterotoxigenic cpe-positive strains were detected in 13.2% of the isolates from AAD patients. Genes associated with the VirR/VirS signal transduction (virR, virS) and accessory gene regulator (agrB, agrD) systems were detected in 56.6% and 67% of the isolates, respectively, and peptides of the quorum-sensing modulator, AgrD were highly conserved across all strains. The high prevalence of C. perfringens in Iranian AAD patients suggests that diagnostic laboratories in this region should consider screening for C. perfringens in cases of suspected AAD, especially if the specimen is negative for other pathogens and/or the patients are aged >50 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Azimirad
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Gholami
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Yadegar
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Daniel R Knight
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sharareh Shamloei
- Department of Water and Wastewater Quality Control Laboratory, Water and Wastewater Company, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Asadzadeh Aghdaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Revitt-Mills SA, Vidor CJ, Watts TD, Lyras D, Rood JI, Adams V. Virulence Plasmids of the Pathogenic Clostridia. Microbiol Spectr 2019; 7:10.1128/microbiolspec.gpp3-0034-2018. [PMID: 31111816 PMCID: PMC11257192 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.gpp3-0034-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The clostridia cause a spectrum of diseases in humans and animals ranging from life-threatening tetanus and botulism, uterine infections, histotoxic infections and enteric diseases, including antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and food poisoning. The symptoms of all these diseases are the result of potent protein toxins produced by these organisms. These toxins are diverse, ranging from a multitude of pore-forming toxins to phospholipases, metalloproteases, ADP-ribosyltransferases and large glycosyltransferases. The location of the toxin genes is the unifying theme of this review because with one or two exceptions they are all located on plasmids or on bacteriophage that replicate using a plasmid-like intermediate. Some of these plasmids are distantly related whilst others share little or no similarity. Many of these toxin plasmids have been shown to be conjugative. The mobile nature of these toxin genes gives a ready explanation of how clostridial toxin genes have been so widely disseminated both within the clostridial genera as well as in the wider bacterial community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Revitt-Mills
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Callum J Vidor
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Thomas D Watts
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Dena Lyras
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Julian I Rood
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Vicki Adams
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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Saito K, Kuroda K, Suzuki R, Kino Y, Sekine T, Shinoda H, Yamashiro H, Fukuda T, Kobayashi J, Abe Y, Nishimura J, Urushihara Y, Yoneyama H, Fukumoto M, Isogai E. Intestinal Bacteria as Powerful Trapping Lifeforms for the Elimination of Radioactive Cesium. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:70. [PMID: 30915344 PMCID: PMC6422879 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In March 2011, an accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant led to major problems, including the release of radionuclides such as Cesium (Cs)-137 into the environment. Ever since this accident, Cs-137 in foods has become a serious problem. In this study, we determined the concentration of Cs-137 in the feces, urine, and ruminal contents of cattle and demonstrated the possibility of its elimination from the body by intestinal bacteria. The results revealed a high Cs-137 concentration in the feces; in fact, this concentration was higher than that in skeletal muscles and other samples from several animals. Furthermore, intestinal bacteria were able to trap Cs-137, showing an uptake ratio within the range of 38–81% in vitro. This uptake appeared to be mediated through the sodium–potassium (Na+-K+) ion pump in the bacterial cell membrane. This inference was drawn based on the fact that the uptake ratio of Cs-137 was decreased in media with high potassium concentration. In addition, it was demonstrated that intestinal bacteria hindered the trapping of Cs-137 by the animal. Cattle feces showed high concentration of Cs-137 and intestinal bacteria trapped Cs-137. This study is the first report showing that intestinal bacteria contribute to the elimination of Cs-137 from the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Saito
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kengo Kuroda
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Rie Suzuki
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yasushi Kino
- Department of Chemistry, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Sekine
- Center for the Advancement of Higher Education, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hisashi Shinoda
- Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hideaki Yamashiro
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Fukuda
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Jin Kobayashi
- School of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Miyagi University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Abe
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Junko Nishimura
- Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hachinohe Institute of Technology, Hachinohe, Japan
| | - Yusuke Urushihara
- Department of Radiation Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yoneyama
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | | | - Emiko Isogai
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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Akyol I. Development and application of RTi-PCR method for common food pathogen presence and quantity in beef, sheep and chicken meat. Meat Sci 2018; 137:9-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Adachi K, Ohtani K, Kawano M, Singh RP, Yousuf B, Sonomoto K, Shimizu T, Nakayama J. Metabolic dependent and independent pH-drop shuts down VirSR quorum sensing in Clostridium perfringens. J Biosci Bioeng 2018; 125:525-531. [PMID: 29373309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2017.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens produces various exotoxins and enzymes that cause food poisoning and gas gangrene. The genes involved in virulence are regulated by the agr-like quorum sensing (QS) system, which consists of a QS signal synthesis system and a VirSR two-component regulatory system (VirSR TCS) which is a global regulatory system composed of signal sensor kinase (VirS) and response regulator (VirR). We found that the perfringolysin O gene (pfoA) was transiently expressed during mid-log phase of bacterial growth; its expression was rapidly shut down thereafter, suggesting the existence of a self-quorum quenching (sQQ) system. The sQQ system was induced by the addition of stationary phase culture supernatant (SPCS). Activity of the sQQ system was heat stable, and was present following filtration through the ultrafiltration membrane, suggesting that small molecules acted as sQQ agents. In addition, sQQ was also induced by pure acetic and butyric acids at concentrations equivalent to those in the stationary phase culture, suggesting that organic acids produced by C. perfringens were involved in sQQ. In pH-controlled batch culture, sQQ was greatly diminished; expression level of pfoA extended to late-log growth phase, and was eventually increased by one order of magnitude. Furthermore, hydrochloric acid induced sQQ at the same pH as was used in organic acids. SPCS also suppressed the expression of genes regulated by VirSR TCS. Overall, the expression of virulence factors of C. perfringens was downregulated by the sQQ system, which was mediated by primary acidic metabolites and acidic environments. This suggested the possibility of pH-controlled anti-virulence strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keika Adachi
- Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Kaori Ohtani
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medical Science, University of Kanazawa, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8203, Japan; Miyarisan Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 1-10-3 Kaminakazato, Kita-ku, Tokyo 114-0016, Japan
| | - Michio Kawano
- Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Ravindra Pal Singh
- Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Basit Yousuf
- Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Kenji Sonomoto
- Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Tohru Shimizu
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medical Science, University of Kanazawa, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8203, Japan
| | - Jiro Nakayama
- Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan.
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Nazki S, Wani SA, Parveen R, Ahangar SA, Kashoo ZA, Hamid S, Dar ZA, Dar TA, Dar PA. Isolation, molecular characterization and prevalence of Clostridium perfringens in sheep and goats of Kashmir Himalayas, India. Vet World 2017; 10:1501-1507. [PMID: 29391693 PMCID: PMC5771177 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2017.1501-1507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The study was conducted to report the occurrence of the Clostridium perfringens in sheep and goats of the Kashmir valley for the 1st time and to characterize them molecularly with respect to toxin genes to determine the prevalence of the various toxinotypes. Materials and Methods: A total of 177 samples (152 from sheep and 25 from goats) collected from healthy, diarrheic animals, and morbid material of animals suspected to have died of enterotoxaemia were screened for C. perfringens toxinotypes. The presumptive positive isolates were confirmed using 16S rRNA gene-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All the confirmed isolates were screened for six toxin genes, namely; cpa, cpb, etx, cpi, cpb2, and cpe using a multiplex PCR. Results: The PCR amplification of 16S rRNA gene revealed that out of 177 samples collected, 125 (70.62%) were found positive for C. perfringens, of which 110 (72.36%) were from sheep and 15 (60%) were from goats. The highest prevalence of C. perfringens toxinotype D was observed in lambs (56.16%) and kids (46.16%) followed by 3.84% in adult sheep while it was absent in samples obtained from adult goats. The multiplex PCR revealed that 67 (60.90%) isolates from sheep and 8 (53.33%) isolates from goats belonged to toxinotype A, while 43 (39.09%) isolates from sheep and 7 (46.66%) isolates from goats were detected as toxinotype D. None of the isolates was found to be toxinotype B, C, or E. All the C. perfringens toxinotype A isolates from sheep were negative for both cpb2 and cpe genes, however, 27.90% toxinotype D isolates from sheep carried cpb2 gene, and 6.97% possessed cpe gene. In contrast, 12.50% C. perfringens toxinotype A isolates from goats harbored cpb2 and cpe genes while 14.28% isolates belonging to toxinotype D carried cpb2 and cpe genes, respectively. Conclusion: The high prevalence of C. perfringens was observed, even in day-old lambs. The toxinotypes A and D are prevalent in both sheep and goats. The severity of disease and mortality may be associated with the presence of minor toxins in both the detected toxinotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salik Nazki
- Bacteriology Laboratory, Division of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shuhama, Srinagar - 190 006, Jammu and Kashmir, India.,Laboratory of Veterinary Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, South Korea
| | - Shakil A Wani
- Bacteriology Laboratory, Division of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shuhama, Srinagar - 190 006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Rafia Parveen
- Bacteriology Laboratory, Division of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shuhama, Srinagar - 190 006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Showkat A Ahangar
- Bacteriology Laboratory, Division of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shuhama, Srinagar - 190 006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Zahid A Kashoo
- Bacteriology Laboratory, Division of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shuhama, Srinagar - 190 006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Syed Hamid
- Bacteriology Laboratory, Division of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Jammu, R.S. Pora, Jammu - 181 102, India
| | - Zahoor A Dar
- Bacteriology Laboratory, Division of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shuhama, Srinagar - 190 006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Tanveer A Dar
- Division of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shuhama, Srinagar - 190 006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Pervaiz A Dar
- Bacteriology Laboratory, Division of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shuhama, Srinagar - 190 006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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50
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Yin D, Du E, Yuan J, Gao J, Wang Y, Aggrey SE, Guo Y. Supplemental thymol and carvacrol increases ileum Lactobacillus population and reduces effect of necrotic enteritis caused by Clostridium perfringes in chickens. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7334. [PMID: 28779076 PMCID: PMC5544757 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07420-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Necrotic enteritis (NE) caused by Clostridium perfringens is one of the most detrimental infectious diseases in poultry. This study examined the effect of blends of essential oils (BEOs) (25% thymol and 25% carvacrol) on NE and bacterial dynamics and functions in chicks challenged with C. perfringens. Chicks were assigned to a Control diet and BEOs diet (Control diet + 120 mg/kg BEOs), were challenged with C. perfringens from days 14 to 20 and were killed on day 21 for assessment. Supplementation with BEOs decreased the mortality, alleviated gut lesions, and decreased the virulence factors of pathogenic bacteria (VF 0073-ClpE, VF0124-LPS, and VF0350-BSH). Lack of supplementation also changed the nutrient and immunological dynamics of host microbiota in responding to C. perfringens infection. Adding BEOs changed the host ileum microbial population by increasing the numbers of Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus agilis, and decreasing Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus johnsonii. The functional roles of these changing host bacterial populations coupled with the putative reduced pathogenicity of C. perfringens by BEOs contributed to the reduction in gut lesions and mortality in infected chickens. It suggests that dietary supplementation with BEOs could significantly reduce the impact of NE caused by C. perfringens on broilers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafei Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Encun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianmin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - YouLi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Samuel E Aggrey
- NutriGenomics Laboratory, Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 20602, USA
| | - Yuming Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
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