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Takai S, Suzuki Y, Sasaki Y, Kakuda T, Ribeiro MG, Makrai L, Witkowski L, Cohen N, Sekizaki T. Short review: Geographical distribution of equine-associated pVAPA plasmids in Rhodococcus equi in the world. Vet Microbiol 2023; 287:109919. [PMID: 38000208 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Virulent Rhodococcus equi strains expressing virulence-associated 15-17 kDa protein (VapA) and having a large virulence plasmid (pVAPA) of 85-90 kb containing vapA gene are pathogenic for horses. In the last two decades, following pVAPA, two host-associated virulence plasmid types of R. equi have been discovered: a circular plasmid, pVAPB, associated with porcine isolates in 1995, and a recently detected linear plasmid, pVAPN, related to bovine and caprine isolates. Molecular epidemiological studies of R. equi infection in foals on horse-breeding farms in Japan and many countries around the world have been conducted in the last three decades, and the epidemiological studies using restriction enzyme digestion patterns of plasmid DNAs from virulent isolates have shown 14 distinct pVAPA subtypes and their geographical preference. This short review summarizes previous reports regarding equine-associated pVAPA subtypes in the world and discusses their geographic distribution from the standpoint of horse movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Takai
- Department of Animal Hygiene, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan.
| | - Yasunori Suzuki
- Department of Animal Hygiene, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan
| | - Yukako Sasaki
- Department of Animal Hygiene, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Kakuda
- Department of Animal Hygiene, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan
| | - Márcio Garcia Ribeiro
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - László Makrai
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Hungária krt. 23-25, H-1143 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lucjan Witkowski
- Laboratory of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Noah Cohen
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Tsutomu Sekizaki
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Rocha BZLL, Portilho FVR, Garino Júnior F, Monti FDS, de Almeida BO, de Souza AAL, Morizane Y, Sakaizawa N, Suzuki Y, Kakuda T, Takai S, de Farias MR, Ribeiro MG. Cellulitis-related Rhodococcus equi in a cat harboring VAPA-type plasmid pattern. Microb Pathog 2021; 160:105186. [PMID: 34509529 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105186] [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: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Rhodococcus equi is a well-known intracellular facultative bacterium that is opportunistic in nature, and a contagious disease-causing agent of pyogranulomatous infections in humans and multihost animals. Feline rhodococcosis is an uncommon or unnoticed clinical condition, in which the organism is usually refractory to conventional antimicrobial therapy. The pathogenicity of the agent is intimately associated with plasmid-governed infectivity, which is attributed to the presence of plasmid-encoded virulence-associated proteins (Vap). Three host-adapted virulence plasmid types (VAPs) have been distinguished to date: pVAPA, pVAPB, and pVAPN, whose infections are related to equine, pig, and bovine or caprine origin, respectively, while humans are infected by all three VAP types. Most virulence studies with R. equi plasmid types in animals involve livestock species. Conversely, data on the pathogenicity and human relevance of the virulence plasmid profile of R. equi isolated from cats remains unclear. This report describes a case of cellulitis-related R. equi that harbors the pVAPA-type in a cat with cutaneous lesion. Long-term therapy of the cat using marbofloxacin, a broad-spectrum third-generation fluoroquinolone, resulted effectiveness. pVAPA is a host-adapted virulent type that has been associated predominantly with pulmonary foal infections. Our cat had a history of contact with other cats, livestock (including horses), and farm environment that could have favored the transmission of the pathogen. Besides no clear evidence of cat-to-humans transmission of the pathogen, the identification of R. equi harboring pVAPA-type in a cat with cutaneous abscessed lesion represent relevance in human health because this virulent type has been described in people worldwide with clinical rhodococcal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fábio Vinícius Ramos Portilho
- UNESP-São Paulo State University, Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Fabiana Dos Santos Monti
- Graduate Program in Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná - PUCPR, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | - Beatriz Oliveira de Almeida
- UNESP-São Paulo State University, Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Yuri Morizane
- Kitasato University, Department of Animal Hygiene, Towada, Aomori, Japan.
| | - Naho Sakaizawa
- Kitasato University, Department of Animal Hygiene, Towada, Aomori, Japan.
| | - Yasunori Suzuki
- Kitasato University, Department of Animal Hygiene, Towada, Aomori, Japan.
| | - Tsutomu Kakuda
- Kitasato University, Department of Animal Hygiene, Towada, Aomori, Japan.
| | - Shinji Takai
- Kitasato University, Department of Animal Hygiene, Towada, Aomori, Japan.
| | - Marconi Rodrigues de Farias
- Graduate Program in Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná - PUCPR, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | - Márcio Garcia Ribeiro
- UNESP-São Paulo State University, Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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Suzuki Y, Kubota H, Madarame H, Takase F, Takahashi K, Sasaki Y, Kakuda T, Takai S. Pathogenicity and genomic features of vapN-harboring Rhodococcus equi isolated from human patients. Int J Med Microbiol 2021; 311:151519. [PMID: 34280738 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2021.151519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhodococcus equi is a saprophytic soil bacterium and intracellular pathogen that causes refractory suppurative pneumonia in foals and has emerged as a pathogenic cause of zoonotic disease. Several studies have reported human infections caused by R. equi harboring a recently described third type of virulence plasmid, the ruminant-associated pVAPN, which carries the vapN virulence determinant. Herein, we analyzed pathogenicity and genomic features of nine vapN-harboring R. equi isolated from human patients with and without HIV/AIDS. Four of these strains showed significant VapN production and proliferation in cultured macrophages. These strains were lethally pathogenic after inoculation with 1.0 × 108 CFU in mice and reproduced a necrotizing granulomatous inflammation in the liver and spleen similar to that observed in humans. Additionally, we determined entire genome sequences of all nine strains. Lengths of sequences were 5.0-5.3 Mbp, and GC contents were 68.7 %-68.8 %. All strains harbored a 120- or 125-kbp linear plasmid carrying vapN (Type I or Type II pVAPN) classified on the basis of differences in the distal sequences on the 3' side. Interestingly, VapN production differed significantly among strains harboring nearly identical types of pVAPN with variation limited to several SNPs and short base pair indels. The pVAPN sequences possessed by the VapN-producing strains did not retain any common genetic characteristics, and more detailed analyses, including chromosomal genes, are needed to further elucidate the VapN expression mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunori Suzuki
- Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Aomori, Japan.
| | - Hiroaki Kubota
- Department of Microbiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroo Madarame
- Laboratory of Small Animal Clinics, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Azabu University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Takase
- Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Aomori, Japan
| | - Kei Takahashi
- Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Aomori, Japan
| | - Yukako Sasaki
- Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Aomori, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Kakuda
- Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Aomori, Japan
| | - Shinji Takai
- Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Aomori, Japan
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Salazar-Rodríguez D, Aleaga-Santiesteban Y, Iglesias E, Plascencia-Hernández A, Pérez-Gómez HR, Calderón EJ, Vázquez-Boland JA, de Armas Y. Virulence Plasmids of Rhodococcus equi Isolates From Cuban Patients With AIDS. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:628239. [PMID: 33718470 PMCID: PMC7947234 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.628239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhodococcus equi is an animal pathogen and zoonotic human opportunistic pathogen associated with immunosuppressive conditions. The pathogenicity of R. equi is linked to three animal host-associated virulence plasmids encoding a family of “Virulence Associated Proteins” (VAPs). Here, the PCR-based TRAVAP molecular typing system for the R. equi virulence plasmids was applied to 26 R. equi strains isolated between 2010 and 2016 at the Institute of Tropical Medicine “Pedro Kourí,” Cuba, from individuals living with HIV/AIDS. TRAVAP detects 4 gene markers, traA common to the three virulence plasmids, and vapA, vapB, and vapN specific to each of the host-associated plasmid types (equine pVAPA, porcine pVAPB, and ruminant pVAPN). Of the 26 isolates, six were positive to the vapB (porcine-type) marker, 4 (15.4%) to the vapA (equine-type) marker, and 1 (3.8%) to the vapN (ruminant-type) marker. Most of the isolates 14 (53.8%) were negative to all TRAVAP markers, suggesting they lacked a virulence plasmid. To our knowledge, this work is the first to report the molecular characterization of R. equi isolates from Cuba. Our findings provide insight into the zoonotic origin of R. equi infections in people and the potential dispensability of the virulence plasmid in immunosuppressed patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Salazar-Rodríguez
- Department of Clinical Microbiology Diagnostic, Hospital Center of Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí," Havana, Cuba
| | - Yamilé Aleaga-Santiesteban
- Department of Clinical Microbiology Diagnostic, Hospital Center of Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí," Havana, Cuba
| | - Enrique Iglesias
- Departamento de Vacunas, Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología, Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Héctor R Pérez-Gómez
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Enrique J Calderón
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Seville, Spain
| | - José A Vázquez-Boland
- Microbial Pathogenesis Group, Edinburgh Medical School (Biomedical Sciences - Infection Medicine), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Yaxsier de Armas
- Department of Clinical Microbiology Diagnostic, Hospital Center of Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí," Havana, Cuba.,Pathology Department, Hospital Center of Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí," Havana, Cuba
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Suzuki Y, Takahashi K, Takase F, Sawada N, Nakao S, Toda A, Sasaki Y, Kakuda T, Takai S. Serological epidemiological surveillance for vapN-harboring Rhodococcus equi infection in goats. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 73:101540. [PMID: 32911379 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Rhodococcus equi causes suppurative pneumonia in foals aged 1-3 months; moreover, it has emerged as a pathogenic cause of zoonotic diseases. After the initial report of the ruminant-pathogenic factor VapN encoded by the novel virulence plasmid pVAPN, several reports have described ruminant infections caused by vapN-harboring R. equi. Herein, we conducted a serological epidemiological surveillance in goats at a breeding farm (Farm A) and characterized the vapN-harboring R. equi isolates from this farm. First, we established a simple screening enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using recombinant glutathione S-transferase-tagged VapN as an immobilized antigen. This method revealed that the VapN antibody titers were elevated in 12 of 42 goats. Subsequently, we attempted to isolate R. equi from the goat feces and soil of Farm A. choE+/vapN+R. equi was isolated from the feces of Goat No. 27 and a soil sample near the shed. The pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns of five vapN-harboring R. equi strains isolated from Farm A in 2013 and 2019 were investigated and found to be the same except for the strain (OKI2019F1). However, no difference was observed in VapN expression and growth in macrophages among these vapN-harboring R. equi isolates. Our results revealed that some goats had histories of vapN-harboring R. equi infections, and two genomic types of vapN-harboring R. equi were found in isolates from Farm A. Ruminant-specific (pVAPN-carrying) R. equi might be an unrecognized pathogen in Japan and further studies are required to determine its prevalence and distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunori Suzuki
- Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Higashi 23-35-1, Towada, Aomori, 034-8628, Japan.
| | - Kei Takahashi
- Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Higashi 23-35-1, Towada, Aomori, 034-8628, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Takase
- Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Higashi 23-35-1, Towada, Aomori, 034-8628, Japan
| | - Nozomi Sawada
- Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Higashi 23-35-1, Towada, Aomori, 034-8628, Japan
| | - Satoko Nakao
- Okinawa Prefectural Institute of Animal Health, 3-1 Kanekadan, Uruma, Okinawa, 904-2241, Japan
| | - Ayako Toda
- Okinawa Yaeyama Livestock Hygiene Service Center, 1-2 Miyara, Ishigaki, Okinawa, 907-0243, Japan
| | - Yukako Sasaki
- Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Higashi 23-35-1, Towada, Aomori, 034-8628, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Kakuda
- Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Higashi 23-35-1, Towada, Aomori, 034-8628, Japan
| | - Shinji Takai
- Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Higashi 23-35-1, Towada, Aomori, 034-8628, Japan
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First Microbiological and Molecular Identification of Rhodococcus equi in Feces of Nondiarrheic Cats. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:4278598. [PMID: 31380423 PMCID: PMC6652081 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4278598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Rhodococcus equi is responsible for infections in multiple-host animals. In humans, the prevalence of rhodococcus has increased worldwide and represents an emergent risk. R. equi is a soil-borne opportunistic bacterium isolated from feces of a wide variety of domestic species, except cats; thus, there is no known potential risk of its transmission from humans. Here, the mono- and cooccurrence of Rhodococcus equi and other bacteria and selected virulence markers were investigated in feces of nondiarrheic cats from urban (n=100) and rural (n=100) areas. Seven (7/200=3.5%) R. equi isolates were recovered in ceftazidime, novobiocin, and cycloheximide (CAZ-NB) selective media, exclusively of cats from three distinct farms (p=0.01), and these cats had a history of contact with horses and their environment (p=0.0002). None of the R. equi isolates harbored hosted-adapted plasmid types associated with virulence (pVAPA, pVAPB, and pVAPN). One hundred seventy-five E. coli isolates were identified, and 23 atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (aEPEC), 1 STEC (Shiga-toxin producing E. coli), and 1 EAEC (enteroaggregative E. coli) were detected. Eighty-six C. perfringens type A isolates were identified, and beta-2 and enterotoxin were detected in 21 and 1 isolates, respectively. Five C. difficile isolates were identified, one of which was toxigenic and ribotype 106. The main cooccurring isolates in cats from urban areas were E. coli and C. perfringens A (26/100=26%), E. coli and C. perfringens type A cpb2+ (8/100=8%), and aEPEC (eae+/escN+) and C. perfringens type A (5/100=5%). In cats from farms, the main cooccurring isolates were E. coli and C. perfringens type A (21/100=21%), E. coli and C. perfringens type A cpb2+ 8/100=8%), and E. coli and R. equi (4/100=4%). We identified, for the first time, R. equi in nondiarrheic cats, a finding that represents a public health issue because rhodococcus has been reported in both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent humans, particularly people living with HIV/AIDS.
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Rampacci E, Marenzoni ML, Chiaradia E, Passamonti F, Ricci M, Pepe M, Coletti M, Giovagnoli S. In vitro performances of novel co-spray-dried azithromycin/rifampicin microparticles for Rhodococcus equi disease treatment. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12149. [PMID: 30108265 PMCID: PMC6092326 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30715-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This work was aimed at providing clues on the in vitro performances of novel azithromycin/rifampicin combinations, in the form of co-spray-dried microparticles (AZM/RIF MP), against Rhodococcus equi, an animal and emerging human pathogen found responsible for worrying zoonosis. Various AZM/RIF combinations were spray-dried and characterized for their morphology and size. Susceptibility studies included determination of MIC, MBC, Fractional Inhibitory/Bactericidal Concentration Indexes and intracellular activity in R. equi-infected THP-1 cells. Cytotoxicity was tested on BEAS-2B cells through MTT assay and combination index assessment for drug interaction. Spray-dried MP were collapsed and 3-10 times smaller than commercial powders. Drug combinations showed an enhancement of in vitro antibacterial activity with a remarkable synergistic bactericidal effect. Azithromycin MP and AZM/RIF MP 2:1 led to a CFU reduction of >90% up to 4 days after treatment at all tested concentrations (p = 0.001) but AZM/RIF MP 2:1 were at least four-fold more potent than AZM MP alone. IC50 values of >100 mg/L supported low cytotoxicity of drug combinations and the combination index suggested an antagonistic toxic effect. Co-spray-drying enhanced powder dispersibility and solubility, which may improve bioavailability as well as provide administration alternatives. The novel AZM/RIF MP combinations could result a valid platform to develop new treatment strategies against R. equi infections in animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Rampacci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Centro di Studio del Cavallo Sportivo, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, Perugia, 06126, Italy.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, Perugia, 06123, Italy.
| | - Maria Luisa Marenzoni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Centro di Studio del Cavallo Sportivo, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, Perugia, 06126, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Chiaradia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Centro di Studio del Cavallo Sportivo, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, Perugia, 06126, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Passamonti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Centro di Studio del Cavallo Sportivo, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, Perugia, 06126, Italy
| | - Maurizio Ricci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, Perugia, 06123, Italy
| | - Marco Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Centro di Studio del Cavallo Sportivo, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, Perugia, 06126, Italy
| | - Mauro Coletti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Centro di Studio del Cavallo Sportivo, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, Perugia, 06126, Italy
| | - Stefano Giovagnoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, Perugia, 06123, Italy
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Lin WV, Kruse RL, Yang K, Musher DM. Diagnosis and management of pulmonary infection due to Rhodococcus equi. Clin Microbiol Infect 2018; 25:310-315. [PMID: 29777923 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2018.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhodococcus equi is a recognized cause of disease in humans, especially in individuals who are immunocompromised. Because diphtheroids are regarded as part of normal respiratory flora, the importance of R. equi as a pulmonary pathogen may not be fully appreciated and its prevalence may be underestimated. Most treatment recommendations for R. equi infection were established before antiretroviral drugs became available for human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS therapy, and therapeutic strategies may need to be updated. OBJECTIVES To review the role of R. equi as a cause of pulmonary infection; to highlight its importance for clinicians and microbiologists; and to challenge current approaches to treatment, whether in immunodeficient or immunocompetent individuals. SOURCES A PubMed search using combinations of the following terms: 'Rhodococcus (automatically including Corynebacterium) equi' AND 'pneumonia' OR 'pulmonary' infection, then cross-checking references in the resulting cases, case series and reviews. CONTENT We provide a review that details the challenges in the diagnosis, microbiology and pathogenesis of pulmonary infection caused by R. equi and the options for treatment. IMPLICATIONS Ten to 14 days of treatment may be effective for pneumonia due to R. equi. Our review suggests that longer courses of therapy are needed for cavitary lesions and lung masses. However, recommendations for excessively prolonged treatment of all pulmonary infections arose during a time when many cases occurred in individuals with AIDS and before effective antiretroviral therapy was available. We suggest that the rationale for prolonged therapy with multiple antibiotics needs to be re-evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- W V Lin
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - R L Kruse
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - K Yang
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - D M Musher
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Infectious Disease Section, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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Identification of Mycobacterium species and Rhodococcus equi in peccary lymph nodes. Trop Anim Health Prod 2018; 50:1319-1326. [PMID: 29546549 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-018-1562-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Mycobacterium species and the virulence-associated proteins (vapA, vapB, and vapN genes) of Rhodococcus equi isolated from 330 lymph nodes of collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) and white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari) intended for human consumption were investigated. Thirty-six (10.9%) R. equi strains were isolated; 3.3% (n = 11/330) were from white-lipped peccary lymph nodes, and 7.6% (25/330) were from collared peccary lymph nodes. Among the 11 isolates of R. equi from the white-lipped peccaries, 90.9% (n = 10/11) were obtained from the mesenteric lymph nodes, and only 9.1% (n = 1/10) were obtained from the mediastinal lymph nodes. In the 25 isolates of R. equi obtained from the collared peccaries, 40.0% (n = 10/25) were recovered from the mesenteric lymph nodes, 36% (n = 9/25) from the submandibular lymph nodes, and 24.0% (n = 6/25) from the mediastinal lymph nodes. No vapA, vapB, or vapN genes (plasmidless) or three host-associated types (pVAPA, pVAPB, and pVAPN) were identified among the R. equi isolates. Mycobacterium species were isolated in 3.03% (n = 10/330) of all the lymph nodes analyzed. Among the 10 mycobacterial isolates, 60% (n = 6/10) were from the white-lipped peccary lymph nodes, and 40% (n = 4/10) were from the collared peccary lymph nodes. Ten Mycobacterium species were detected by PCR-PRA with a predominance of M. avium type 1. Sequencing of the hsp65 and rpob genes revealed mycobacteria that were saprophytic (M. sinense and M. kumamotonense) and potentially pathogenic (M. colombiense and M. intracellulare) to humans and animals. To our knowledge, this is the first description of R. equi and/or mycobacterial species identified in the lymph nodes of peccary specimens. R. equi (plasmidless) and the mycobacterial species described here have been reported as causes of pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised humans.
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Ribeiro MG, Lara GHB, da Silva P, Franco MMJ, de Mattos-Guaraldi AL, de Vargas APC, Sakate RI, Pavan FR, Colhado BS, Portilho FVR, Motta RG, Kakuda T, Takai S. Novel bovine-associated pVAPN plasmid type in Rhodococcus equi identified from lymph nodes of slaughtered cattle and lungs of people living with HIV/AIDS. Transbound Emerg Dis 2017; 65:321-326. [PMID: 29226632 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Rhodococcus equi is a well-recognized Gram-positive intracellular facultative bacterium that is opportunistic in nature, which causes pyogranulomatous infections in humans and multiple host animals. The pathogenicity of the microorganism has been attributed to the presence of plasmid-encoded virulence-associated proteins (Vap). To date, three host-associated virulence plasmid types of R. equi have been identified as follows: the circular pVAPA and pVAPB, related, respectively, to equine and porcine isolates, and a recently described linear pVAPN plasmid associated with bovine strains, although these three types are found in human isolates. Recent phylogenomic studies support the evidence that human R. equi infection is zoonotically acquired. Nevertheless, data regarding distribution and prevalence of the host-adapted virulence plasmid types of R. equi isolated from meat animals are scarce or unnoticed. Here, the three host-associated virulence plasmid types (pVAPA, pVAPB, and pVAPN) were investigated in 154 R. equi isolates recovered from lymph nodes of cattle with lymphadenitis (n = 31), faeces of cattle without enteric signs (n = 49), as well as different clinical specimens from human patients (n = 74). The analysis of virulence profile of 74 R. equi from humans revealed six (8.1%) isolates pVAPB (type 8), two (2.7%) pVAPN, and one (1.3%) pVAPB (type 11), all of which were from lung samples from people living with HIV/AIDS. From the lymph node samples of cattle, 41.9% (13 of 31) isolates revealed pVAPN type, whereas all isolates from faecal samples were negative for three host-associated types. Here, recently described bovine-associated pVAPN type was detected in R. equi isolates recovered from the lungs of people living with HIV/AIDS and lymph nodes from slaughtered cattle intended for human consumption; a finding that represents a public health concern, mainly in countries where undercooked or raw meat are traditionally consumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Ribeiro
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - G H B Lara
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - P da Silva
- IAL-Adolfo Lutz Institute, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - M M J Franco
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | - A P C de Vargas
- UFSM-Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - R I Sakate
- Federal Veterinary Inspection Service, Lençois Paulista, SP, Brazil
| | - F R Pavan
- UNESP-Faculty of Pharmacy, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - B S Colhado
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - F V R Portilho
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - R G Motta
- UniRV-University of Rio Verde, Rio Verde, GO, Brazil
| | - T Kakuda
- Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan
| | - S Takai
- Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan
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11
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Witkowski L, Rzewuska M, Takai S, Kizerwetter-Świda M, Kita J. Molecular epidemiology of Rhodococcus equi in slaughtered swine, cattle and horses in Poland. BMC Microbiol 2016; 16:98. [PMID: 27234339 PMCID: PMC4882809 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-016-0712-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rhodococcus equi is an emerging zoonotic presumably foodborne pathogen. Since the data on the worldwide prevalence of R. equi in meat animals are scarce, the present study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology of R. equi in swine, cattle and horse carcasses intended for human consumption in Poland. Results Totally 1028 lymph node samples were examined. R. equi was isolated from 26.6 % (105/395) swine and 1.3 % (3/234) bovine healthy submaxillary lymph nodes. In horses, R. equi was isolated only from 0.5 % (1/198) samples of middle tracheo-branchiales lymph node while no lymphocentrum retropharyngeum sample was positive (0/198). The purulent lesions were observed only in 0.8 % swine submaxillary lymph nodes samples (3/398) and in two of them R. equi was detected. All bovine and most of swine isolates (98.1 %) were vapB-positive. 87.9 % of swine isolates carried 95-kb type 5 plasmid, 3.7 % type 1 and plasmid types: 4, 7, 10, 11, 21, 31 were carried by a single isolate (0.9 %). All bovine isolates carried VAPB type 26. Single horse isolate was vapA-positive and carried plasmid VAPA 85-kb type I. Conclusions The prevalence of vapB-positive R. equi in investigated healthy swine intended for human consumption was very high. Not only swine, but also even apparently healthy cattle or horse carcasses should be considered as a potential source of R. equi for humans, especially in countries where undercooked or raw beef or horsemeat is traditionally consumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucjan Witkowski
- Laboratory of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Rzewuska
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Shinji Takai
- Department of Animal Hygiene, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Higashi 23-35-1, Towada, Aomori, 034-8628, Japan
| | - Magdalena Kizerwetter-Świda
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Kita
- Laboratory of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
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12
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Lara G, Takai S, Sasaki Y, Kakuda T, Listoni F, Risseti R, de Morais A, Ribeiro M. VapB type 8 plasmids in Rhodococcus equi
isolated from the small intestine of pigs and comparison of selective culture media. Lett Appl Microbiol 2015; 61:306-10. [DOI: 10.1111/lam.12458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G.H.B. Lara
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health; School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP; Botucatu Brazil
| | - S. Takai
- Department of Animal Hygiene; School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences; Kitasato University; Towada Japan
| | - Y. Sasaki
- Department of Animal Hygiene; School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences; Kitasato University; Towada Japan
| | - T. Kakuda
- Department of Animal Hygiene; School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences; Kitasato University; Towada Japan
| | - F.J.P. Listoni
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health; School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP; Botucatu Brazil
| | - R.M. Risseti
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health; School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP; Botucatu Brazil
| | - A.B.C. de Morais
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health; School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP; Botucatu Brazil
| | - M.G. Ribeiro
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health; School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP; Botucatu Brazil
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Abstract
Gram-positive bacteria are leading causes of many types of human infection, including pneumonia, skin and nasopharyngeal infections, as well as urinary tract and surgical wound infections among hospitalized patients. These infections have become particularly problematic because many of the species causing them have become highly resistant to antibiotics. The role of mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids, in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance among Gram-positive bacteria has been well studied; less well understood is the role of mobile elements in the evolution and spread of virulence traits among these pathogens. While these organisms are leading agents of infection, they are also prominent members of the human commensal ecology. It appears that these bacteria are able to take advantage of the intimate association between host and commensal, via virulence traits that exacerbate infection and cause disease. However, evolution into an obligate pathogen has not occurred, presumably because it would lead to rejection of pathogenic organisms from the host ecology. Instead, in organisms that exist as both commensal and pathogen, selection has favored the development of mechanisms for variability. As a result, many virulence traits are localized on mobile genetic elements, such as virulence plasmids and pathogenicity islands. Virulence traits may occur within a minority of isolates of a given species, but these minority populations have nonetheless emerged as a leading problem in infectious disease. This chapter reviews virulence plasmids in nonsporulating Gram-positive bacteria, and examines their contribution to disease pathogenesis.
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14
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Fernandes MC, Takai S, Leite DS, Pinto JPAN, Brandão PE, Santarém VA, Listoni FJP, Da Silva AV, Ribeiro MG. Identification of pathogens and virulence profile of Rhodococcus equi and Escherichia coli strains obtained from sand of parks. Braz J Microbiol 2013; 44:485-91. [PMID: 24294244 PMCID: PMC3833150 DOI: 10.1590/s1517-83822013005000044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2011] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of pathogens of viral (Rotavirus, Coronavirus), parasitic (Toxocara spp.) and bacterial (Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Rhodococcus equi) origin shed in feces, and the virulence profile of R. equi and E. coli isolates were investigated in 200 samples of sand obtained from 40 parks, located in central region of state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, using different diagnostic methods. From 200 samples analyzed, 23 (11.5%) strains of R. equi were isolated. None of the R. equi isolates showed a virulent (vapA gene) or intermediately virulent (vapB gene) profiles. Sixty-three (31.5%) strains of E. coli were identified. The following genes encoding virulence factors were identified in E. coli: eae, bfp, saa, iucD, papGI, sfa and hly. Phylogenetic classification showed that 63 E. coli isolates belonged to groups B1 (52.4%), A (25.4%) and B2 (22.2%). No E. coli serotype O157:H7 was identified. Eggs of Toxocara sp. were found in three parks and genetic material of bovine Coronavirus was identified in one sample of one park. No Salmonella spp. and Rotavirus isolates were identified in the samples of sand. The presence of R. equi, Toxocara sp, bovine Coronavirus and virulent E. coli isolates in the environment of parks indicates that the sanitary conditions of the sand should be improved in order to reduce the risks of fecal transmission of pathogens of zoonotic potential to humans in these places.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Fernandes
- Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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15
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de Vargas AC, Monego F, Gressler LT, de Avila Botton S, Lazzari AM, da Costa MM, Ecco R, Ribeiro MG, Lara GHB, Takai S. Bronchopneumonia in wild boar (Sus scrofa) caused by Rhodococcus equi carrying the VapB type 8 plasmid. BMC Res Notes 2013; 6:111. [PMID: 23531380 PMCID: PMC3630014 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-6-111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rhodococcus equi is associated with pyogranulomatous infections, especially in foals, and this bacterium has also emerged as a pathogen for humans, particularly immunocompromised patients. R. equi infections in pigs, wild boar (Sus scrofa) and humans are mainly due to strains carrying the intermediate virulence (VapB) plasmid. In Brazil, R. equi carrying the VapB type 8 plasmid is the most common type recovered from humans co-infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). R. equi infection in pigs and wild boar is restricted predominantly to the lymphatic system, without any reports of pulmonary manifestations. Findings This report describes the microbiological and histopathological findings, and molecular characterization of R. equi in two bronchopneumonia cases in wild boar using PCR and plasmid profile analysis by digestion with restriction endonucleases. The histological findings were suggestive of pyogranulomatous infection, and the plasmid profile of both R. equi isolates enabled the characterization of the strains as VapB type 8. Conclusions This is the first report of bronchopneumonia in wild boar due to R. equi. The detection of the VapB type 8 plasmid in R. equi isolates emphasize that wild boar may be a potential source of pathogenic R. equi strains for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agueda Castagna de Vargas
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, UFSM, 97105-900, Santa Maria, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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