1
|
Price CTD, Hanford HE, Al-Quadan T, Santic M, Shin CJ, Da'as MSJ, Abu Kwaik Y. Amoebae as training grounds for microbial pathogens. mBio 2024; 15:e0082724. [PMID: 38975782 PMCID: PMC11323580 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00827-24] [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] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Grazing of amoebae on microorganisms represents one of the oldest predator-prey dynamic relationships in nature. It represents a genetic "melting pot" for an ancient and continuous multi-directional inter- and intra-kingdom horizontal gene transfer between amoebae and its preys, intracellular microbial residents, endosymbionts, and giant viruses, which has shaped the evolution, selection, and adaptation of microbes that evade degradation by predatory amoeba. Unicellular phagocytic amoebae are thought to be the ancient ancestors of macrophages with highly conserved eukaryotic processes. Selection and evolution of microbes within amoeba through their evolution to target highly conserved eukaryotic processes have facilitated the expansion of their host range to mammals, causing various infectious diseases. Legionella and environmental Chlamydia harbor an immense number of eukaryotic-like proteins that are involved in ubiquitin-related processes or are tandem repeats-containing proteins involved in protein-protein and protein-chromatin interactions. Some of these eukaryotic-like proteins exhibit novel domain architecture and novel enzymatic functions absent in mammalian cells, such as ubiquitin ligases, likely acquired from amoebae. Mammalian cells and amoebae may respond similarly to microbial factors that target highly conserved eukaryotic processes, but mammalian cells may undergo an accidental response to amoeba-adapted microbial factors. We discuss specific examples of microbes that have evolved to evade amoeba predation, including the bacterial pathogens- Legionella, Chlamydia, Coxiella, Rickettssia, Francisella, Mycobacteria, Salmonella, Bartonella, Rhodococcus, Pseudomonas, Vibrio, Helicobacter, Campylobacter, and Aliarcobacter. We also discuss the fungi Cryptococcus, and Asperigillus, as well as amoebae mimiviruses/giant viruses. We propose that amoeba-microbe interactions will continue to be a major "training ground" for the evolution, selection, adaptation, and emergence of microbial pathogens equipped with unique pathogenic tools to infect mammalian hosts. However, our progress will continue to be highly dependent on additional genomic, biochemical, and cellular data of unicellular eukaryotes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T. D. Price
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Hannah E. Hanford
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Tasneem Al-Quadan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | | | - Cheon J. Shin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Manal S. J. Da'as
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Yousef Abu Kwaik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Center for Predictive Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ahmed A, Shimizu T, Shimoda H, Hosoi E, Uda A, Hotta A, Watarai M, Maeda K, Takano A. Molecular and serological investigation of Francisella tularensis among wild animals in Yamaguchi prefecture. Vet Res Commun 2024:10.1007/s11259-024-10474-1. [PMID: 39066824 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10474-1] [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: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is an intracellular gram-negative bacterium known as the causative agent of tularemia, which can be transmitted to humans by direct contact with wild animals or by tick bites. Although F. tularensis is highly pathogenic, its recent prevalence in Japan is underreported due to the small number of reported cases. To clarify the current situation of F. tularensis in wild animals, we conducted surveillance on various species of wild animals in Yamaguchi prefecture. In this study, we screened 809 samples collected from 90 Japanese black bears, 105 Japanese monkeys, 168 sika deer, 205 wild boars, and 84 bats. For seroprevalence analysis, we tested 177 serum samples from 75 black bears and 102 monkeys using the microagglutination test. The results showed that serums from five black bears exhibited slight agglutination. Western blot was performed as a confirmatory test on these five samples, but no positive signals were detected. Additionally, molecular surveillance was conducted using DNA extracted from 464 whole blood and 168 tissues, targeting the gene encoding 23 KDa hypothetical protein by real-time PCR and outer membrane protein A gene by conventional PCR. No positive samples of F. tularensis were detected by either real-time or conventional PCR. Although we did not detect any F. tularensis-positive samples through serological and molecular analyses, continuous surveillance studies are necessary since sporadic human cases have been reported in Japan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdelrahman Ahmed
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan
| | - Takashi Shimizu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shimoda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan
| | - Eiji Hosoi
- Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan
| | - Akihiko Uda
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama, 162-8640, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akitoyo Hotta
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama, 162-8640, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahisa Watarai
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan
| | - Ken Maeda
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama, 162-8640, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ai Takano
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan.
- Laboratory of Epidemiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pustijanac E, Buršić M, Millotti G, Paliaga P, Iveša N, Cvek M. Tick-Borne Bacterial Diseases in Europe: Threats to public health. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 43:1261-1295. [PMID: 38676855 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-024-04836-5] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne diseases, caused by bacterial pathogens, pose a growing threat to public health in Europe. This paper provides an overview of the historical context of the discovery of the most impactful pathogens transmitted by ticks, including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Francisella spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Neoehrlichia mikurensis. Understanding the historical context of their discovery provides insight into the evolution of our understanding of these pathogens. METHODS AND RESULTS Systematic investigation of the prevalence and transmission dynamics of these bacterial pathogens is provided, highlighting the intricate relationships among ticks, host organisms, and the environment. Epidemiology is explored, providing an in-depth analysis of clinical features associated with infections. Diagnostic methodologies undergo critical examination, with a spotlight on technological advancements that enhance detection capabilities. Additionally, the paper discusses available treatment options, addressing existing therapeutic strategies and considering future aspects. CONCLUSIONS By integrating various pieces of information on these bacterial species, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive resource for researchers and healthcare professionals addressing the impact of bacterial tick-borne diseases in Europe. This review underscores the importance of understanding the complex details influencing bacterial prevalence and transmission dynamics to better combat these emerging public health threats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emina Pustijanac
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia.
| | - Moira Buršić
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Gioconda Millotti
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Paolo Paliaga
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Neven Iveša
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Maja Cvek
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia
- Teaching Institute of Public Health of the Region of Istria, Nazorova 23, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Güler E, Güvenir M, Korbay B, Kiraz A, Süer K. Investigation of Francisella tularensis Seroprevalence and Determination of Risk Factors for Tularemia among Hunters in Northern Cyprus. J Arthropod Borne Dis 2024; 18:47-56. [PMID: 39005541 PMCID: PMC11239370 DOI: 10.18502/jad.v18i1.15671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Tularemia is a zoonotic disease (reservoir is usually rodents) caused by Francisella tularensis, especially seen in the northern hemisphere. Hunters are in the risk group for this disease. In this study, it was aimed to determine the seroprevalence of tularemia among hunters and determine the risk factors of tularemia in our country. Methods The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is divided into four regions (Nicosia, Kyrenia, Famagusta/Trikomo, and Morphou/Lefka) and 100 volunteer hunters randomly selected from these regions were included in our study. Tube agglutination test (TAT) and F. tularensis IgG and IgM (ELISA method) were applied in all sera. All hunters were filled with a pre-prepared questionnaire to determine risk factors for tularemia. Results TAT positivity was found in 11%. While F. tularensis ELISA IgG positivity was 17%, IgM positivity was not found in any hunters. Hunters with positive F. tularensis ELISA IgG test (17%) were accepted as seropositive in terms of tularemia. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean age of IgG-positive and negative hunters (p= 0.915). Of the 86 hunters who kept at least one hunting dog in their garden, 15 (17.4%) were IgG-positive. There was no significant relationship between feeding hunting dogs and tularemia (p= 0.561). Conclusion Our study showed that the seroprevalence of tularemia was high (17%) among hunters, who are considered a risk group, in our country. We think that more epidemiological research should be done on tularemia infection and it should not be overlooked in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emrah Güler
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, European University of Lefke, Lefke, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Meryem Güvenir
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cyprus Health and Social Sciences of University, Guzelyurt, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Berkem Korbay
- Department of Environmental Education and Management, Ataturk Faculty of Education, Near East University, Nicosia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Aşkın Kiraz
- Department of Environmental Education and Management, Ataturk Faculty of Education, Near East University, Nicosia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Kaya Süer
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Mersin, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Herrera-Rodríguez D, Jareño-Moreno S, Buch-Cardona C, Mougeot F, Luque-Larena JJ, Vidal D. Water and mosquitoes as key components of the infective cycle of Francisella tularensis in Europe: a review. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38393764 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2319040] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is the pathogen of tularemia, a zoonotic disease that have a broad range of hosts. Its epidemiology is related to aquatic environments, particularly in the subspecies holarctica. In this review, we explore the role of water and mosquitoes in the epidemiology of Francisella in Europe. F. tularensis epidemiology has been linked to natural waters, where its persistence has been associated with biofilm and amebas. In Sweden and Finland, the European countries where most human cases have been reported, mosquito bites are a main route of transmission. F. tularensis is present in other European countries, but to date positive mosquitoes have not been found. Biofilm and amebas are potential sources of Francisella for mosquito larvae, however, mosquito vector capacity has not been demonstrated experimentally, with the need to be studied using local species to uncover a potential transmission adaptation. Transstadial, for persistence through life stages, and mechanical transmission, suggesting contaminated media as a source for infection, have been studied experimentally for mosquitoes, but their natural occurrence needs to be evaluated. It is important to clear up the role of different local mosquito species in the epidemiology of F. tularensis and their importance in all areas where tularemia is present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Herrera-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha (UCLM), Ciudad Real, España
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ciudad Real, España
| | - Sara Jareño-Moreno
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, España
| | - Clara Buch-Cardona
- Facultad de Biociencias, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, España
| | - François Mougeot
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ciudad Real, España
| | - Juan José Luque-Larena
- Departamento de Ciencias Agroforestales, E.T.S. Ingenierías Agrarias, Universidad de Valladolid (UVa), Palencia, España
- Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute (iuFOR), Universidad de Valladolid (UVa), Palencia, España
| | - Dolors Vidal
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha (UCLM), Ciudad Real, España
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Affiliation(s)
- Christina A Nelson
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Anders Sjöstedt
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sharma R, Patil RD, Singh B, Chakraborty S, Chandran D, Dhama K, Gopinath D, Jairath G, Rialch A, Mal G, Singh P, Chaicumpa W, Saikumar G. Tularemia - a re-emerging disease with growing concern. Vet Q 2023; 43:1-16. [PMID: 37916743 PMCID: PMC10732219 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2023.2277753] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tularemia caused by Gram-negative, coccobacillus bacterium, Francisella tularensis, is a highly infectious zoonotic disease. Human cases have been reported mainly from the United States, Nordic countries like Sweden and Finland, and some European and Asian countries. Naturally, the disease occurs in several vertebrates, particularly lagomorphs. Type A (subspecies tularensis) is more virulent and causes disease mainly in North America; type B (subspecies holarctica) is widespread, while subspecies mediasiatica is present in central Asia. F. tularensis is a possible bioweapon due to its lethality, low infectious dosage, and aerosol transmission. Small mammals like rabbits, hares, and muskrats are primary sources of human infections, but true reservoir of F. tularensis is unknown. Vector-borne tularemia primarily involves ticks and mosquitoes. The bacterial subspecies involved and mode of transmission determine the clinical picture. Early signs are flu-like illnesses that may evolve into different clinical forms of tularemia that may or may not include lymphadenopathy. Ulcero-glandular and glandular forms are acquired by arthropod bite or handling of infected animals, oculo-glandular form as a result of conjunctival infection, and oro-pharyngeal form by intake of contaminated food or water. Pulmonary form appears after inhalation of bacteria. Typhoidal form may occur after infection via different routes. Human-to-human transmission has not been known. Diagnosis can be achieved by serology, bacterial culture, and molecular methods. Treatment for tularemia typically entails use of quinolones, tetracyclines, or aminoglycosides. Preventive measures are necessary to avoid infection although difficult to implement. Research is underway for the development of effective live attenuated and subunit vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rinku Sharma
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Rajendra Damu Patil
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, DGCN College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSK HPKV, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Birbal Singh
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Sandip Chakraborty
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, R.K. Nagar, West Tripura, India
| | | | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Devi Gopinath
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Gauri Jairath
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Ajayta Rialch
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Gorakh Mal
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Putan Singh
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Wanpen Chaicumpa
- Center of Research Excellence in Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - G. Saikumar
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Esmaeili S, Latifian M, Mahmoudi A, Ghasemi A, Mohammadi A, Mordadi A, Ziapour SP, Naddaf SR, Mostafavi E. Molecular investigation of Coxiella burnetii and Francisella tularensis infection in ticks in northern, western, and northwestern Iran. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289567. [PMID: 37590254 PMCID: PMC10434890 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Tularemia and Q fever are endemic diseases in Iran; however, little information is available on the prevalence of the causative agents, Coxiella burnetii and Francisella tularensis, in Iranian ticks. This study investigated C. burnetii and F. tularensis among hard ticks in this country. We collected ticks from livestock and other mammals in Guilan, Mazandaran, Golestan (northern Iran), Kurdistan (western Iran), and West Azerbaijan (northwestern Iran) provinces. Genomic DNA from collected ticks was extracted and screened for C. burnetii and F. tularensis using Real-time PCR. A total of 4,197 ticks (belonging to 12 different species) were collected, and Ixodes ricinus (46.4%), Rhipicephalus turanicus (25%), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (19.1%) were the most collected species. Of 708 pooled tick samples, 11.3% and 7.20% were positive for C. burnetii and F. tularensis, respectively. The genus of Rhipicephalus had the highest (18.3%) C. burnetii infection among the collected tick pools (P<0.001). Furthermore, the most positive pools for F. tularensis belonged to Haemaphysalis spp. (44.4%). Kurdistan had the most significant percentage of C. burnetii-infected ticks (92.5%), and there was a meaningful relationship between the provinces and the infection (P< 0.001). The ticks from Golestan exhibited the highest F. tularensis infection rate (10. 9%), and the infection showed no significant relationship with the provinces (P = 0.19). Ticks collected from grasslands had a higher Coxiella burnetii infection rate than those collected from animals (39.4% vs. 7.9%; p<0.01). However, ticks collected from animal surfaces had a slightly higher rate of Francisella tularensis infection than those collected from grasslands (7.6% vs. 3.9%; p = 0.24). Here, we demonstrated the presence of both pathogens in the north (Guilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan provinces), the west (Kurdistan province), and the northwest (West Azerbaijan province) of Iran. The public health system should pay particular attention to tick bites in veterinary medicine and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saber Esmaeili
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, KabudarAhang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Latifian
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, KabudarAhang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Mahmoudi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ghasemi
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, KabudarAhang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, Research Center of Reference Health Laboratories, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health and National Institute of Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Mordadi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyyed Payman Ziapour
- Department of Parasitology, Zoonoses, Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Amol, Mazandaran, Iran
| | | | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, KabudarAhang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Binay UD, Barkay O, Karakeçili F. Tularemia in the Differential Diagnosis of Lymphadenitis: A Retrospective Analysis of 16 Cases. Cureus 2023; 15:e38920. [PMID: 37309344 PMCID: PMC10257801 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tularemia is a zoonotic disease caused by Francisella tularensis, a gram-negative, facultative, intracellular coccobacillus. It can occur in different clinical forms, and the most common form in our country (Turkey) is the oropharyngeal form. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of lymphadenitis caused by tularemia is delayed unless it is suspected, especially in sporadic cases. Our aim is to remind clinicians to have tularemia among differentials of lymphadenitis. METHODS In this study, the clinical and laboratory findings of 16 tularemia patients between 2011 and 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS The mean age of the 16 patients included in the study was 39 years, and 62.5% were female. The patients were diagnosed with tularemia on the average 31st day of their complaints. The rate of use of beta-lactam group antibiotics before diagnosis was 74%. About 81.25% of the patients were engaged in animal husbandry/farming, and living in rural areas (93.75%) and farming (81.25%) were the most common possible risk factors. The patients were admitted to the hospital with the most common complaints of enlarged lymph nodes (100%), fatigue (62.5%) and loss of appetite (56.25%). All patients had lymphadenopathy, and the most common location of lymphadenopathy was the cervical region (81.25%). Moxifloxacin (56.25%) was used most frequently in the treatment of tularemia, and surgical drainage was performed for 31% of the patients. CONCLUSION The diagnosis of tularemia is often delayed unless clinical suspicion is high. Delayed diagnosis may lead to unnecessary frequent use of antibiotics, especially beta-lactam group antibiotics. As the diagnosis is delayed, since lymph node suppuration is common, surgical intervention may be required. This situation can cause extra burden for both patients and the health system. It may be beneficial to organize trainings to increase awareness among physicians and society in order to make the diagnosis early.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Umut D Binay
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan Binali Yildirim University, Erzincan, TUR
| | - Orçun Barkay
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan Binali Yildirim University, Erzincan, TUR
| | - Faruk Karakeçili
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan Binali Yildirim University, Erzincan, TUR
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Davarcı İ, Eryıldız C, Renders DP, Berberoğlu U, Gürcan Ş. Tularemia seroprevalence in humans in the region of the Hittite-Arzawa War (Inner Aegean Region), where the first biological weapon was used 3300 years ago. Turk J Med Sci 2023; 53:310-315. [PMID: 36945928 PMCID: PMC10388056 DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND : According to Egyptian records, tularemia emerged in the Canaan region, where it was first identified and spread to Anatolia over the Euphrates. It was used as an active biological weapon for the first time in the Hittite-Arzawa War in 1320-1318 BC. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of tularemia in the Inner Aegean Region, which is thought to be the region where this war was fought 3300 years ago. METHODS Tularemia seropositivity in humans was investigated in 27 villages/neighborhoods in 3 districts in each of Manisa, Kütahya, and Uşak provinces. Before the study, the participants were informed about the disease via posters, and their blood samples were taken following filling out the questionnaire. Microagglutination tests were performed using in-house tularemia antigen and V plate for serological experiments. Rose-Bengal test was also performed on seropositive sera. RESULTS Of the total of 410 people, 226 (55.12%) were male. The mean age of the volunteers was 43.72 years. The highest participation was from Kütahya Province. According to the results of the tularemia microagglutination test, seropositivity was detected in 6 cases. It was determined that all of the seropositive volunteers were in Kütahya. When the tularemia antibody titers were examined, seropositivity was determined at 1/20-1/160 titers. No positivity was detected in the Rose-Bengal test for cross-reaction. DISCUSSION Kütahya has been identified as a risky region in terms of tularemia in the Inner Aegean Region. In order to use the resources in the country economically, first of all, the risk areas in terms of tularemia should be determined by serological studies in all regions. In order to increase awareness about the disease, physicians and filiation teams should be trained in risky areas. Surveillance studies should be conducted to identify and monitor possible sources in areas identified as risky.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- İsmail Davarcı
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Canan Eryıldız
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Duygu Perçin Renders
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kütahya Health Sciences University, Kütahya, Turkey
| | - Ufuk Berberoğlu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Uşak University, Uşak, Turkey
| | - Şaban Gürcan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yeni DK, Büyük F, Malal ME, Shah MS, Ashraf A. Tracking the footsteps of Francisella tularensis: Bacteriological and serological monitoring in epidemic areas in Ankara. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 92:101921. [PMID: 36455310 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101921] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to detect Francisella tularensis (F. tularensis) in water samples and to investigate the seroreactivity of sheep to tularemia in endemic areas where human tularemia cases have been reported in Ankara, Turkey. For the isolation of F. tularensis, 50 water samples were collected from rural areas of 5 regions of Ankara (Turkey) and selectively cultured on Francis medium supplemented with 8-9 % sheep blood and antibiotics (100 IU/ml penicillin G, 100 mg/L cycloheximide, 80,000 U/L polymixin B). No F. tularensis isolate was cultivated from the water samples. To determine the seroreactivity of sheep to tularemia, 1006 sheep blood samples were collected from the regions, where human tularemia is endemic. A microagglutination test (MAT) identified significant antibody titers, ranging from 1/20-1/640 in 181 (17.99 %) of the investigated sheep sera. Further investigation is required in order to evaluate and confirm a possible epidemiologic relationship between human outbreaks and probable role of sheep or other sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Derya Karataş Yeni
- University of Necmettin Erbakan, Veterinary Faculty, Department of Microbiology, Ereğli, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Fatih Büyük
- Department of Microbiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Kafkas, Kars, Turkey
| | | | - M Salahuddin Shah
- Animal Sciences Division, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Jhang road, P.O Box 128, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Asma Ashraf
- Department of Zoology, GC University, Allama Iqbal Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Buhler K, Bouchard É, Elmore S, Samelius G, Jackson J, Tomaselli M, Fenton H, Alisauskas R, Jenkins E. Tularemia above the Treeline: Climate and Rodent Abundance Influences Exposure of a Sentinel Species, the Arctic Fox ( Vulpes lagopus), to Francisella tularensis. Pathogens 2022; 12:pathogens12010028. [PMID: 36678376 PMCID: PMC9861794 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010028] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tularemia is a zoonotic disease found throughout most of the northern hemisphere that may experience range expansion with warming temperatures. Rodents and lagomorphs are reservoirs for the disease, and outbreaks of tularemia often follow peaks in their abundance. As small mammals dominate the diet of arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus), we determined whether they may serve as sentinels by identifying antibodies in live-captured and harvested foxes from northern Canada. Overall seroprevalence was 2% (CI95 1-2%) in 176 foxes harvested in 2018-2019 compared to 17% (CI95 12-22%) of 230 foxes captured live in 2011-2021. Prevalence was at an all-time high in 2018, following a peak in vole abundance in 2017. Antibodies were identified in fox pups born in 2018 and 2019, suggesting that F. tularensis was actively transmitted during the summers. High precipitation during the summer, increased snow cover and colder temperatures in May, and a higher abundance of voles were all associated with increased seroprevalence in live-captured foxes. Thus, exposure to F. tularensis is largely mediated through climate and rodent populations in the Canadian Arctic, and arctic foxes are useful sentinels for F. tularensis in northern ecosystems. Further studies should investigate whether infection impacts arctic fox survival and reproductive success in the circumpolar North.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Buhler
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Émilie Bouchard
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
- Research Group on Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health (GREZOSP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Stacey Elmore
- Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine Fort Kent, 23 University Drive, Fort Kent, MA 04743, USA
| | - Gustaf Samelius
- Snow Leopard Trust, 4649 Sunnyside Ave North, Suite 325, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Jessica Jackson
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Matilde Tomaselli
- Canadian High Arctic Research Station, Polar Knowledge Canada, 1 Uvajuq Road, P.O. Box 2150, Cambridge Bay, NU X0B 0C0, Canada
| | - Heather Fenton
- Government of The Northwest Territories, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 5th Floor Scotiabank Centre, P.O. Box 1320, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2P9, Canada
- Australian Wildlife Health Registry, Taronga Zoo, P.O. Box 20, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia
| | - Ray Alisauskas
- Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre, Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 115 Perimeter Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X4, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ammam I, Brunet CD, Boukenaoui-Ferrouk N, Peyroux J, Berthier S, Boutonnat J, Rahal K, Bitam I, Maurin M. Francisella tularensis PCR detection in Cape hares (Lepus capensis) and wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Algeria. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21451. [PMID: 36509808 PMCID: PMC9743112 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25188-0] [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: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tularemia is a zoonosis caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. Leporids are primary sources of human infections in the northern hemisphere. Africa is classically considered free of tularemia, but recent data indicate that this dogma might be wrong. We assessed the presence of this disease in wild leporids in Algeria. Between 2014 and 2018, we collected 74 leporids carcasses from spontaneously dead or hunted animals. Francisella tularensis DNA was detected by specific real-time PCR tests in 7/36 (19.44%) Cape hares (Lepus capensis) and 5/38 (13.15%) wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Known tularemia arthropod vectors infested half of the PCR-positive animals. At necropsy, F. tularensis-infected animals presented with an enlarged spleen (n = 12), enlarged adrenal glands (12), liver discoloration (12), hemorrhages (11), and pneumonia (11). Immunohistological examination of liver tissue from one animal was compatible with the presence of F. tularensis. Our study demonstrates the existence of tularemia in lagomorphs in Algeria. It should encourage investigations to detect this disease among the human population of this country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imene Ammam
- grid.32139.3a0000 0004 0633 7931Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria ,Laboratory of Biodiversity and Environment: Interactions, Genome, University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumedienne, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Camille D. Brunet
- grid.4444.00000 0001 2112 9282University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Nouria Boukenaoui-Ferrouk
- grid.32139.3a0000 0004 0633 7931Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria ,grid.420190.e0000 0001 2293 1293Laboratory of Research on Arid Zones Lands (LRZA), Faculty of Biological Sciences (FSB), Houari Boumediene University of Science and Technology (USTHB), BP 32, 16111 Bab Ezzouar, Algiers Algeria
| | - Julien Peyroux
- grid.4444.00000 0001 2112 9282University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Sylvie Berthier
- grid.410529.b0000 0001 0792 4829Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Jean Boutonnat
- grid.410529.b0000 0001 0792 4829Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Karim Rahal
- grid.32139.3a0000 0004 0633 7931Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Idir Bitam
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Environment: Interactions, Genome, University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumedienne, Algiers, Algeria ,Superior School of Food Sciences and Food Industries of Algiers, El Harrach, Algeria
| | - Max Maurin
- grid.4444.00000 0001 2112 9282University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France ,grid.410529.b0000 0001 0792 4829Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, 38000 Grenoble, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cantlay S, Kaftanic C, Horzempa J. PdpC, a secreted effector protein of the type six secretion system, is required for erythrocyte invasion by Francisella tularensis LVS. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:979693. [PMID: 36237421 PMCID: PMC9552824 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.979693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a gram negative, intracellular pathogen that is the causative agent of the potentially fatal disease, tularemia. During infection, F. tularensis is engulfed by and replicates within host macrophages. Additionally, this bacterium has also been shown to invade human erythrocytes and, in both cases, the Type Six Secretion System (T6SS) is required for these host-pathogen interaction. One T6SS effector protein, PdpC, is important for macrophage infection, playing a role in phagolysosomal escape and intracellular replication. To determine if PdpC also plays a role in erythrocyte invasion, we constructed a pdpC-null mutant in the live vaccine strain, F. tularensis LVS. We show that PdpC is required for invasion of human and sheep erythrocytes during in vitro assays and that reintroduction of a copy of pdpC, in trans, rescues this phenotype. The interaction with human erythrocytes was further characterized using double-immunofluorescence microscopy to show that PdpC is required for attachment of F. tularensis LVS to erythrocytes as well as invasion. To learn more about the role of PdpC in erythrocyte invasion we generated a strain of F. tularensis LVS expressing pdpC-emgfp. PdpC-EmGFP localizes as discrete foci in a subset of F. tularensis LVS cells grown in broth culture and accumulates in erythrocytes during invasion assays. Our results are the first example of a secreted effector protein of the T6SS shown to be involved in erythrocyte invasion and indicate that PdpC is secreted into erythrocytes during invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joseph Horzempa
- Department of Biological Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hussain S, Perveen N, Hussain A, Song B, Aziz MU, Zeb J, Li J, George D, Cabezas-Cruz A, Sparagano O. The Symbiotic Continuum Within Ticks: Opportunities for Disease Control. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:854803. [PMID: 35369485 PMCID: PMC8969565 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.854803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Among blood-sucking arthropods, ticks are recognized as being of prime global importance because of their role as vectors of pathogens affecting human and animal health. Ticks carry a variety of pathogenic, commensal, and symbiotic microorganisms. For the latter, studies are available concerning the detection of endosymbionts, but their role in the physiology and ecology of ticks remains largely unexplored. This review paper focuses on tick endosymbionts of the genera Coxiella, Rickettsia, Francisella, Midichloria, and Wolbachia, and their impact on ticks and tick-pathogen interactions that drive disease risk. Tick endosymbionts can affect tick physiology by influencing nutritional adaptation, fitness, and immunity. Further, symbionts may influence disease ecology, as they interact with tick-borne pathogens and can facilitate or compete with pathogen development within the vector tissues. Rickettsial symbionts are frequently found in ticks of the genera of Ixodes, Amblyomma, and Dermacentor with relatively lower occurrence in Rhipicephalus, Haemaphysalis, and Hyalomma ticks, while Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) were reported infecting almost all tick species tested. Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLEs) have been identified in tick genera such as Dermacentor, Amblyomma, Ornithodoros, Ixodes, and Hyalomma, whereas Wolbachia sp. has been detected in Ixodes, Amblyomma, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus tick genera. Notably, CLEs and FLEs are obligate endosymbionts essential for tick survival and development through the life cycle. American dog ticks showed greater motility when infected with Rickettsia, indirectly influencing infection risk, providing evidence of a relationship between tick endosymbionts and tick-vectored pathogens. The widespread occurrence of endosymbionts across the tick phylogeny and evidence of their functional roles in ticks and interference with tick-borne pathogens suggests a significant contribution to tick evolution and/or vector competence. We currently understand relatively little on how these endosymbionts influence tick parasitism, vector capacity, pathogen transmission and colonization, and ultimately on how they influence tick-borne disease dynamics. Filling this knowledge gap represents a major challenge for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabir Hussain
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Nighat Perveen
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abrar Hussain
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Baolin Song
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Muhammad Umair Aziz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jehan Zeb
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - David George
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Olivier Sparagano
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fanelli A, Awada L, Caceres-Soto P, Diaz F, Grillo T, Gizo I, Hamilton K, Rolez CL, Melens P, Morales R, Mur L, Muset S, Nake L, Thompson L, Wannous C, Tizzani P. Sensitivity of an international notification system for wildlife diseases: A case study using the OIE-WAHIS data on tularemia. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:286-294. [PMID: 35092712 PMCID: PMC9306881 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has recently developed a Wildlife Health Framework to respond to the need of members to manage the risk from emerging diseases at the animal-human-ecosystem interface. One of its objectives is to improve surveillance systems, early detection and notification of wildlife diseases. Members share information on disease occurrence by reporting through the OIE World Animal Health Information System (OIE-WAHIS-formerly known as 'WAHIS'). To evaluate the capacity of a surveillance system to detect disease events, it is important to quantify the gap between all known events and those officially notified to the OIE. This study used capture-recapture analysis to estimate the sensitivity of the OIE-WAHIS system for a OIE-listed wildlife disease by comparing information from publicly available sources to identify undetected events. This article presents a case study of the occurrence of tularemia in lagomorphs among selected North American and European countries during the period 2014-2019. First, an analysis using three data sources (OIE-WAHIS, ProMED, WHO-EIOS [Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources]) was conducted. Subsequent analysis then explored the model integrating information from a fourth source (scientific literature collected in PubMed). Two models were built to evaluate both the sensitivity of the OIE-WAHIS using media reports (ProMED and WHO-EIOS), which is likely to represent current closer to real-time events, and published scientific data, which is more useful for retrospective analysis. Using the three-source approach, the predicted number of tularemia events was 93 (95% CI: 75-114), with an OIE-WAHIS sensitivity of 90%. In the four-source approach, the number of predicted events increased to 120 (95% CI: 99-143), dropping the sensitivity of the OIE-WAHIS to 70%. The results indicate a good sensitivity of the OIE-WAHIS system using the three-source approach, but lower sensitivity when including information from the scientific literature. Further analysis should be undertaken to identify diseases and regions for which international reporting presents a low sensitivity. This will enable evaluation and prioritization of underreported OIE-listed wildlife diseases and identify areas of focus as part of the Wildlife Health Framework. This study also highlights the need for stronger collaborations between academia and National Veterinary Services to enhance surveillance systems for notifiable diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Fanelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Lina Awada
- World Animal Health Information and Analysis Department, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Paris, France
| | - Paula Caceres-Soto
- World Animal Health Information and Analysis Department, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Paris, France
| | - François Diaz
- Preparedness and Resilience Department, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Paris, France
| | - Tiggy Grillo
- Preparedness and Resilience Department, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Paris, France
| | - Itlala Gizo
- World Animal Health Information and Analysis Department, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Paris, France
| | - Keith Hamilton
- Preparedness and Resilience Department, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Paris, France
| | - Christine Leon Rolez
- World Animal Health Information and Analysis Department, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Paris, France
| | - Peter Melens
- World Animal Health Information and Analysis Department, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Paris, France
| | - Roberta Morales
- World Animal Health Information and Analysis Department, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Paris, France
| | - Lina Mur
- World Animal Health Information and Analysis Department, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Paris, France
| | - Sophie Muset
- Preparedness and Resilience Department, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Paris, France
| | - Lorenz Nake
- Engagement and Investment Department, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Paris, France
| | - Lesa Thompson
- Regional Representation for Asia and the Pacific, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chadia Wannous
- One Health, World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) Regional Office for Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Paolo Tizzani
- World Animal Health Information and Analysis Department, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Draft Genome Sequence of Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica Strain H0001, Isolated from a Tularemia Patient in the Republic of Korea. Microbiol Resour Announc 2022; 11:e0071921. [PMID: 35084225 PMCID: PMC8800444 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00719-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is the etiological agent of the zoonosis tularemia. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of F. tularensis subsp. holarctica H0001, which was isolated from a tularemia patient in the Republic of Korea.
Collapse
|
18
|
Cellular and molecular level host-pathogen interactions in Francisella tularensis: A microbial gene network study. Comput Biol Chem 2021; 96:107601. [PMID: 34801846 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2021.107601] [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: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Due to the high infectivity and fatal effect on human population, Francisella tularensis (F. tularensis) is classified as a potential biological warfare agent. The interaction between host and pathogen behind the successful establishment of F. tularensis infection within the human host is largely unknown. In our present work, we have studied the molecular level interactions between the host cellular components and F. tularensis genes to understand the interplay between the host and pathogen. Interestingly, we have identified the pathways associated with the pathogen offensive strategies that help in invasion of host defensive systems. The F. tularensis genes purL, katG, proS, rpoB and fusA have displayed high number of interactions with the host genes and thus play a crucial role in vital pathogen pathways. The pathways identified were involved in adaptation to different stress conditions within the host and might be crucial for designing new therapeutic interventions against tularemia.
Collapse
|
19
|
Four Tick-Borne Microorganisms and Their Prevalence in Hyalomma Ticks Collected from Livestock in United Arab Emirates. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10081005. [PMID: 34451469 PMCID: PMC8398371 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10081005] [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: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks and associated tick-borne diseases in livestock remain a major threat to the health of animals and people worldwide. However, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), very few studies have been conducted on tick-borne microorganisms thus far. The purpose of this cross-sectional DNA-based study was to assess the presence and prevalence of tick-borne Francisella sp., Rickettsia sp., and piroplasmids in ticks infesting livestock, and to estimate their infection rates. A total of 562 tick samples were collected from camels, cows, sheep, and goats in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah from 24 locations. DNA was extracted from ticks and PCR was conducted. We found that Hyalomma dromedarii ticks collected from camels had Francisella sp. (5.81%) and SFG Rickettsia (1.36%), which was 99% similar to Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae and uncultured Rickettsia sp. In addition, Hyalomma anatolicum ticks collected from cows were found to be positive for Theileria annulata (4.55%), whereas H. anatolicum collected from goats were positive for Theileria ovis (10%). The widespread abundance of Francisella of unknown pathogenicity and the presence of Rickettsia are a matter of concern. The discovery of T. ovis from relatively few samples from goats indicates the overall need for more surveillance. Increasing sampling efforts over a wider geographical range within the UAE could reveal the true extent of tick-borne diseases in livestock. Moreover, achieving successful tick-borne disease control requires more research and targeted studies evaluating the pathogenicity and infection rates of many microbial species.
Collapse
|
20
|
Radhika SR, Shilpa K, Hongal AA, Revathi TN. "TOPONYM" conditions in dermatology. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2021; 88:123-127. [PMID: 33969665 DOI: 10.25259/ijdvl_664_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kanathur Shilpa
- Department of Dermatology, Veneorology, Leprosy, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Amrita Anandkumar Hongal
- Department of Dermatology, Veneorology, Leprosy, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - T N Revathi
- Department of Dermatology, Veneorology, Leprosy, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Nadrah K, Biškup UG, Špik VC, Premru MM, Šoba B. Ignatzschineria larvae Bacteremia Following Lucilia sp. Myiasis in an Irregular Migrant: A Case Report. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2021; 59:159-165. [PMID: 33951772 PMCID: PMC8106986 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2021.59.2.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Bacteremia induced by wound myiasis is uncommon and therefore rarely suspected by clinicians when treating patients with neglected wounds. We present a case of Ignatzschineria larvae bacteremia as a complication of Lucilia sp. maggot wound myiasis in a young male migrant. This is the first reported human case of Ignatzschineria bacteremia in Slovenia and one of the 2 described in the literature where the fly larvae infesting the wounds of the patient with Ignatzschineria bacteremia were not only suspected to be Lucilia sp. but also entomologically identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Nadrah
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Japljeva 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urška Glinšek Biškup
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vesna Cvitković Špik
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Manica Müller Premru
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Šoba
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Esmaeili S, Rohani M, Ghasemi A, Gouya MM, Khayatzadeh S, Mahmoudi A, Ahangari Cohan H, Johansson A, Maurin M, Mostafavi E. Francisella tularensis human infections in a village of northwest Iran. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:310. [PMID: 33789598 PMCID: PMC8010941 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06004-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent seroepidemiological studies have suggested that tularemia could be an endemic bacterial zoonosis in Iran. Methods From January 2016 to June 2018, disease cases characterized by fever, cervical lymphadenopathy and ocular involvement were reported in Youzband Village of Kaleybar County, in the East Azerbaijan Province, northwestern Iran. Diagnostic tests included Francisella tularensis serology (including tube agglutination test and ELISA), PCR, and culture. Results Among 11 examined case-patients, the tularemia tube agglutination test was positive in ten and borderline in one. PCR detected the F. tularensisISFtu2 elements and fopA gene in one rodent and a spring water sample from the same geographic area. Conclusions Based on the clinical manifestations of the disease suggesting an oropharyngeal form of tularemia, serology results in case patients, and F. tularensis detection in the local fauna and aquatic environment, the water supply of the village was the likely source of the tularemia outbreak. Intervention such as dredging and chlorination of the main water storage tank of the village and training of villagers and health care workers in preventive measures and treatment of the illness helped control the infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saber Esmaeili
- National Reference laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Rohani
- National Reference laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran.,Department of Microbiology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ghasemi
- National Reference laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Gouya
- Center for Communicable Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Simin Khayatzadeh
- Department of Communicable Disease Control, Deputy of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Mahmoudi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hossein Ahangari Cohan
- National Reference laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anders Johansson
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Max Maurin
- Universite Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, CHU Grenoble Alpes, TIMC-IMAG, 38000 Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- National Reference laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran. .,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Robinson JL. Paediatrics: how to manage pharyngitis in an era of increasing antimicrobial resistance. Drugs Context 2021; 10:dic-2020-11-6. [PMID: 33828608 PMCID: PMC8007209 DOI: 10.7573/dic.2020-11-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of this narrative review of pharyngitis is to summarize the practical aspects of the management of sore throat in children in high- and middle-income countries. A traditional review of the literature was performed. Most cases of pharyngitis are viral and self-limited, although rarely viral pharyngitis due to Epstein–Barr leads to airway obstruction. Bacterial pharyngitis is usually due to group A streptococcus (GAS), occurs primarily in children aged 5–15 years, and presents as sore throat in the absence of rhinitis, laryngitis or cough. Again, most cases are self-limited; antibiotics hasten recovery by only 1–2 days. Guidelines vary by country, but antibiotics are commonly recommended for proven GAS pharyngitis as they may prevent rare but severe complications, in particular rheumatic fever (RF). In this era of antimicrobial stewardship, it should be extremely rare that antibiotics are prescribed for presumed GAS pharyngitis until GAS has been detected. Even with proven GAS pharyngitis, it is controversial whether children at low risk for RF should routinely be prescribed antibiotics as the number needed to treat to prevent one case of RF is undoubtedly very large. When treatment is offered, the antibiotics of choice are penicillin or amoxicillin as they are narrow spectrum and resistance resulting in clinical failure is yet to be documented. A 10-day oral course is recommended as shorter courses appear to be less likely to clear carriage of GAS. However, the evidence that one needs to clear carriage to prevent RF is low quality and indirect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joan L Robinson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Yeni DK, Büyük F, Ashraf A, Shah MSUD. Tularemia: a re-emerging tick-borne infectious disease. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2021; 66:1-14. [PMID: 32989563 PMCID: PMC7521936 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-020-00827-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Tularemia is a bacterial disease of humans, wild, and domestic animals. Francisella tularensis, which is a Gram-negative coccobacillus-shaped bacterium, is the causative agent of tularemia. Recently, an increase in the number of human tularemia cases has been noticed in several countries around the world. It has been reported mostly from North America, several Scandinavian countries, and certain Asian countries. The disease spreads through vectors such as mosquitoes, horseflies, deer flies, and ticks. Humans can acquire the disease through direct contact of sick animals, consumption of infected animals, drinking or direct contact of contaminated water, and inhalation of bacteria-loaded aerosols. Low infectious dose, aerosol route of infection, and its ability to induce fatal disease make it a potential agent of biological warfare. Tularemia leads to several clinical forms, such as glandular, ulceroglandular, oculoglandular, oropharyngeal, respiratory, and typhoidal forms. The disease is diagnosed through the use of culture, serology, or molecular methods. Quinolones, tetracyclines, or aminoglycosides are frequently used in the treatment of tularemia. No licensed vaccine is available in the prophylaxis of tularemia and this is need of the time and high-priority research area. This review mostly focuses on general features, importance, current status, and preventive measures of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Derya Karataş Yeni
- Veterinary Control Central Research Institute, Bacterial Disease Laboratory, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fatih Büyük
- Department of Microbiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Kafkas, Kars, Turkey.
| | - Asma Ashraf
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Perveen N, Muzaffar SB, Al-Deeb MA. Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases of Livestock in the Middle East and North Africa: A Review. INSECTS 2021; 12:83. [PMID: 33477991 PMCID: PMC7835866 DOI: 10.3390/insects12010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of an array of viral, bacterial and protozoan pathogens resulting in a wide range of animal and human diseases. There is limited information in the literature about tick species in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, even though they have suitable climate and vegetation for ticks and their hosts. We reviewed the occurrence of tick species and the pathogens they transmit from the MENA on published papers from 1901-2020. We found taxonomic records of 55 tick species infesting livestock representing the following eight genera: Ornithodoros, Otobius, Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ixodes, and Rhipicephalus. In addition, 15 pathogens were recorded causing diseases of significance, with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, theileriosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis being widely distributed diseases in the region. In recent decades, there has been increasing trends in disease occurrence and movement associated with global movement of humans and global trade of animals. We suggest that disease control and prevention could be achieved effectively through good integration between public health, veterinary medicine and animal management, and ecological approaches. We recommend further research in the areas of tick ecology and tick born-disease transmission. Furthermore, we suggest evaluation and improvement of disease control policies in the region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohammad Ali Al-Deeb
- Department of Biology, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain 15551, UAE; (N.P.); (S.B.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abalos C, Cutrona A, John J. Lessons Learned From a Young Lady With a Bad Sore Throat. Am J Med 2021; 134:54-56. [PMID: 32505702 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charmaine Abalos
- Department of Internal Medicine; Physician Resident 2, Graduate Medical Education in Internal Medical, St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, Youngstown, Ohio; Clinical Instructor of Internal Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown.
| | - Anthony Cutrona
- Infectious Disease Specialist, Northeast Ohio Infectious Disease Associates, Youngstown; Professor of Internal Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown
| | - Jisha John
- Infectious Disease Specialist, Northeast Ohio Infectious Disease Associates, Youngstown; Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abdellahoum Z, Maurin M, Bitam I. Tularemia as a Mosquito-Borne Disease. Microorganisms 2020; 9:microorganisms9010026. [PMID: 33374861 PMCID: PMC7823759 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010026] [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: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis (Ft) is the etiological agent of tularemia, a disease known for over 100 years in the northern hemisphere. Ft includes four subspecies, of which two are the etiologic agents of tularemia: Ft subsp. tularensis (Ftt) and Ft subsp. holarctica (Fth), mainly distributed in North America and the whole northern hemisphere, respectively. Several routes of human infection with these bacteria exist, notably through bites of Ixodidae ticks. However, mosquitoes represent the main vectors of Fth in Scandinavia, where large tularemia outbreaks have occurred, usually during the warm season. The mechanisms making mosquitoes vectors of Fth are still unclear. This review covers the inventory of research work and epidemiological data linking tularemia to mosquitoes in Scandinavia and highlights the gaps in understanding mosquitoes and Ft interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zakaria Abdellahoum
- Laboratoire Biodiversité et Environnement: Interaction Génome, Faculté des Sciences Biologique, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene, Alger 16111, Algeria;
| | - Max Maurin
- Centre National de Référence des Francisella, Institut de Biologie et de Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, 38043 Grenoble, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, TIMC-IMAG, UMR5525, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38400 Saint Martin d’Heres, France
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (I.B.); Tel.: +33-476-769-594 (M.M.); +213-559-775-322 (I.B.)
| | - Idir Bitam
- Laboratoire Biodiversité et Environnement: Interaction Génome, Faculté des Sciences Biologique, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene, Alger 16111, Algeria;
- Ecole Supérieure des Sciences de l’Aliment et des Industries Alimentaires, Alger 16004, Algeria
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (I.B.); Tel.: +33-476-769-594 (M.M.); +213-559-775-322 (I.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Baldassi F, Cenciarelli O, Malizia A, Gaudio P. First Prototype of the Infectious Diseases Seeker (IDS) Software for Prompt Identification of Infectious Diseases. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2020; 10:367-377. [PMID: 32959625 PMCID: PMC7758858 DOI: 10.2991/jegh.k.200714.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid detection of ongoing outbreak – and the identification of causative pathogen – is pivotal for the early recognition of public health threats. The emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases are linked to several determinants, both human factors – such as population density, travel, and trade – and ecological factors – like climate change and agricultural practices. Several technologies are available for the rapid molecular identification of pathogens [e.g. real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)], and together with on line monitoring tools of infectious disease activity and behaviour, they contribute to the surveillance system for infectious diseases. Web-based surveillance tools, infectious diseases modelling and epidemic intelligence methods represent crucial components for timely outbreak detection and rapid risk assessment. The study aims to integrate the current prevention and control system with a prediction tool for infectious diseases, based on regression analysis, to support decision makers, health care workers, and first responders to quickly and properly recognise an outbreak. This study has the intention to develop an infectious disease regressive prediction tool working with an off-line database built with specific epidemiological parameters of a set of infectious diseases of high consequences. The tool has been developed as a first prototype of a software solution called Infectious Diseases Seeker (IDS) and it had been established in two main steps, the database building stage and the software implementation stage (MATLAB® environment). The IDS has been tested with the epidemiological data of three outbreaks occurred recently: severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic in China (2002–2003), plague outbreak in Madagascar (2017) and the Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (2018). The outcomes are promising and they reveal that the software has been able to recognize and characterize these outbreaks. The future perspective about this software regards the developing of that tool as a useful and user-friendly predictive tool appropriate for first responders, health care workers, and public health decision makers to help them in predicting, assessing and contrasting outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Baldassi
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - O Cenciarelli
- International CBRNe Master Courses, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - A Malizia
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - P Gaudio
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Ticks are the most important vectors of human pathogens, leading to increased public health burdens worldwide. Tick-borne pathogens include viruses (e.g. tick-borne encephalitis and Powassan); bacteria, such as the causative agents of Lyme disease, spotted fever rickettsiosis and human anaplasmosis; and malaria-like protozoan parasites causing babesiosis. Tick-borne diseases are emerging due to the geographical expansion of their tick vectors, especially in the northern hemisphere. Two examples of this phenomenon are Ixodes scapularis and Amblyomma americanum, which have expanded their ranges in the USA in recent decades and are responsible for the continuous emergence of Lyme disease and human ehrlichiosis, respectively. This phenomenon is also occurring worldwide and is reflected by the increasing number of tick-borne encephalitis and haemorrhagic fever cases in Europe and Asia. In this review, we provide a concise synopsis of the most medically important tick-borne pathogen worldwide, with a particular emphasis on emerging public health threats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilia Rochlin
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, 180 Jones Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Alvaro Toledo
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, 180 Jones Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Mihelčić M, Marečić V, Ožanič M, Kelava I, Knežević M, Šantić M. Epidemiologic and Epizootic Data of Tularemia in the Past and in the Recent History in Croatia. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8050721. [PMID: 32408663 PMCID: PMC7284554 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8050721] [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: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tularemia is a zoonotic disease caused by Francisella tularensis. A large number of recent studies have provided an update on the disease characteristics and the distribution across Europe. In Croatia, most of the clinical cases, as well as the reports of the disease in animals, date from the 20th century. In that period, epidemic and epizootic research had given detailed information about endemic regions and their characteristics, including suspected animal hosts and vectors. The region along the middle course of the Sava River, called Middle Posavina, is described as an endemic region, i.e., a “natural focus” of tularemia, in Croatia. In the 21st century, cases of human tularemia are being reported sporadically, with ulceloglandular, oropharyngeal and typhoid forms of disease. A majority of the described cases are linked with the consumption of contaminated food or water. The disease outbreaks still occur in areas along the course of the river Sava and in northwest Croatia. In this review article, we have summarized epidemiologic and epizootic data of tularemia in the past and in recent Croatian history.
Collapse
|
31
|
Guardone L, Ebani VV, Verin R, Nardoni S, Consolazione A, Bennett M, Mancianti F. Molecular Detection of Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Eurasian Badgers ( Meles meles) from the United Kingdom. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E446. [PMID: 32155963 PMCID: PMC7143893 DOI: 10.3390/ani10030446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthropod-borne diseases (ABD) are of increasing interest in veterinary and public health. Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) are known to harbor a wide range of pathogens, but information on their role as ABD reservoirs and their potential epidemiological relevance is limited. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of arthropod-borne pathogens, specifically piroplasmids and the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis and Bartonella spp., in badgers from Great Britain (GB). Blood and heart samples from 18 badgers were examined using PCR and sequencing. A neighbour-joining (NJ) phylogram was also produced. Nine animals tested positive for Babesia sp., while none of the samples was positive for the investigated bacteria. The sequences obtained clustered with other sequences of Babesia sp. from badgers from GB and elsewhere, including China, Hungary, Spain and Italy, showing a widespread distribution of this parasite in badgers. Badger-associated Babesia DNA was also found recently in a wild cat in Bosnia Herzegovina, in a wolf in Italy and in dogs in Hungary. Further investigations are needed to understand the epidemiology of this putative pathogen and its impact on the health of wild and domestic carnivores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Guardone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (S.N.); (A.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (S.N.); (A.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Ranieri Verin
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy;
| | - Simona Nardoni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (S.N.); (A.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Antonio Consolazione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (S.N.); (A.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Malcolm Bennett
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, LE12 5RD, UK;
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (S.N.); (A.C.); (F.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Kocabaş E, Özgür Gündeşlioğlu Ö, Kılıç Çil M, Çay Ü, Doran F, Soyupak S. A rare cause of granulomatous hepatitis: Tularemia. J Infect Public Health 2020; 13:1003-1005. [PMID: 31937491 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2019.12.007] [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: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Tularemia is a zoonotic infection caused by Francisella tularensis. Tularemia has several clinical form in humans, including ulceroglandular, pneumonic, oropharyngeal, oculoglandular, and systemic (typhoidal). Tularemia may develop granulomatous and suppurative lesions, especially in the affected regional lymph nodes and various organs. Patients with hepatic involvement typically have elevated transaminase levels, hepatomegaly and rarely jaundice. Histologically, there are typically suppurative microabscesses with occasional surrounding macrophages. Rarely, hepatic granuloma can develop due to tularemia. We present a case of an 8 year-old male residing in a rural village in Turkey, who came to our hospital after having intermittent fever for four months and right upper abdominal pain for two months. Liver had a nodular appearance in liver imaging and liver biopsy were consistent with granulomatous hepatitis. The microagglutination test was positive for tularemia in the patient who was investigated for granulomatous hepatitis etiology. Symptoms and signs improved with tularemia treatment. We present a rare case of hepatic involvement of tularemia in a child. Clinicians should be suspicious of and evaluate for typhoidal tularemia in patients who present with prolonged fever and non-specific systemic symptoms, potentially with associated abdominal pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emine Kocabaş
- Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Departman of Pediatric Infection Disease. Adana, Turkey.
| | - Özlem Özgür Gündeşlioğlu
- Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Departman of Pediatric Infection Disease. Adana, Turkey.
| | - Merve Kılıç Çil
- Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Departman of Pediatric Infection Disease. Adana, Turkey.
| | - Ümmühan Çay
- Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Departman of Pediatric Infection Disease. Adana, Turkey.
| | - Figen Doran
- Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Departman of Pathology. Adana, Turkey.
| | - Süreyya Soyupak
- Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Departman of Radiology. Adana, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kane SR, Shah SR, Alfaro TM. Rapid viability polymerase chain reaction method for detection of Francisella tularensis. J Microbiol Methods 2019; 166:105738. [PMID: 31626892 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2019.105738] [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: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Francisella tularensis, which causes potentially fatal tularemia, has been considered an attractive agent of bioterrorism and biological warfare due to its low infectious dose, reported environmental persistence, and ability to be transmitted to humans via multiple exposure routes. Due to slow growth on even selective culture media, detection of viable F. tularensis from environmental and drinking water samples, usually takes >3 days. Therefore, a rapid viability polymerase chain reaction (RV-PCR) method was developed to detect and identify viable F. tularensis cells in environmental samples. The method uses a change in PCR response during high throughput (48-well) sample incubation in Brain Heart Infusion/Vitox/Fildes/Histidine growth medium to detect viable F. tularensis presence, which is at least two times faster than the current plate culture-based method. Using the method, 101 to 102 live F. tularensis cells were detected in simulated complex sample matrices containing chemical and biological interferences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Staci R Kane
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Sanjiv R Shah
- National Homeland Security Research Center, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
Tularemia is a zoonotic disease caused by Francisella tularensis, a highly virulent gram-negative coccobacillus. Oropharyngeal tularemia, one of the clinical subtypes, is the most common clinical form of the disease in Eastern Europe, including Turkey. This clinical form affects mostly the head and neck region and the most common complaints of patients are mass in the neck, sore throat, and fever. This form of tularemia may be confused with tonsillitis, pharyngitis, or cervical lymphadenitis caused by other microbial agents due to the nonspecific clinical and laboratory features. In this study, we present a patient with nasolacrimal duct obstruction and dacryocystitis caused by oropharyngeal tularemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helin Ceren Köse
- Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Melek Banu Hoşal
- Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Esmaeili S, Ghasemi A, Naserifar R, Jalilian A, Molaeipoor L, Maurin M, Mostafavi E. Epidemiological survey of tularemia in Ilam Province, west of Iran. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:502. [PMID: 31174488 PMCID: PMC6556031 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4121-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Francisella tularensis is the causative agent of tularemia in humans and a large number of animal species. Considering recent evidence of the circulation of this bacterium in different parts of Iran, especially in the western provinces, the aim of current study was to determine the tularemia seroprevalence in the human population living in Ilam Province. Methods In 2015, 360 serum samples were collected from five groups of people: ranchers (n = 112), farmers (n = 79), butchers and slaughterhouse workers (n = 61), Nature Conservation Officers (n = 34), and referents of medical diagnostic laboratories (n = 74). These samples were tested for the presence of anti- F. tularensis IgG antibodies using the ELISA method. Results According to the ELISA manufacturer cutoffs, we found that 10 (2.78%) and 9 (2.5%) sera, respectively, were positive or borderline for F. tularensis IgG antibodies. The highest tularemia seroprevalence was observed among farmers (7.59%). Conclusions Our results strongly support the circulation of tularemia in Ilam Province. Because no human tularemia case has been reported so far in this province, we recommend specific education programs to increase knowledge of local health care professionals about this important zoonotic disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saber Esmaeili
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, No. 69, Pasteur Ave, Tehran, 1316943551, Iran.,National Reference laboratory for diagnosis and research on Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran.,Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ghasemi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, No. 69, Pasteur Ave, Tehran, 1316943551, Iran.,National Reference laboratory for diagnosis and research on Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran.,Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Razi Naserifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Ali Jalilian
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Leila Molaeipoor
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, No. 69, Pasteur Ave, Tehran, 1316943551, Iran.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Faculty of Public Health Branch, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Max Maurin
- Centre National de Référence Francisella tularensis, Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Institut de Biologie et de Pathologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,TIMC-IMAG, CNRS/UGA, UMR5525, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, No. 69, Pasteur Ave, Tehran, 1316943551, Iran. .,National Reference laboratory for diagnosis and research on Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
GÖZDAŞ HT, GÖKSEL AO. Evaluation of Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Tularemia Suspected Cases in Kastamonu between 2014-2017 years. DÜZCE ÜNIVERSITESI SAĞLIK BILIMLERI ENSTITÜSÜ DERGISI 2019. [DOI: 10.33631/duzcesbed.533135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
37
|
Muhammad J, Rabbani M, Shabbir MZ, Muhammad K, Ghori MT, Chaudhry HR, Ul Hassnain Z, Jamil T, Abbas T, Chaudhry MH, Haisem-ur-Rasool M, Ali MA, Nisar M, Kirimanjeswara GS, Jayarao BM. Cross Sectional Study and Risk Factors Analysis of Francisella tularensis in Soil Samples in Punjab Province of Pakistan. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:89. [PMID: 31024860 PMCID: PMC6460113 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tularemia is an endemic zoonotic disease in many parts of the world including Asia. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine genome-based prevalence of Francisella tularensis (Ft) in soil, assess an association between its occurrence in soil and likely predictors i.e., macro and micro-nutrients and several categorical variables, and determine seroconversion in small and large ruminants. The study included a total of 2,280 soil samples representing 456 villages in eight districts of the Punjab Province of Pakistan followed by an analysis of serum antibodies in 707 ruminants. The genome of Ft was detected in 3.25% (n = 74, 95% CI: 2.60-4.06) of soil samples. Soluble salts (OR: 1.276, 95% CI: 1.043-1.562, p = 0.015), Ni (OR: 2.910, 95%CI: 0.795-10.644, p = 0.106), Mn (OR:0.733, 95% CI:0.565-0.951, p = 0.019), Zn (OR: 4.922, 95% CI:0.929-26.064, p = 0.061) and nutrients clustered together as PC-1 (OR: 4.76, 95% CI: 2.37-9.54, p = 0.000) and PC-3 (OR: 0.357, 95% CI: 0.640, p = 0.001) were found to have a positive association for the presence of Ft in soil. The odds of occurrence of Ft DNA in soil were higher at locations close to a water source, including canals, streams or drains, [χ2 = 6.7, OR = 1.19, 95% CI:1.05-3.09, p = 0.004] as well as places where animals were present [χ2 = 4.09, OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.05-4.05, p = 0.02]. The seroconversion was detected in 6.22% (n = 44, 95% CI: 4.67-8.25) of domestic animals. An occurrence of Ft over a wide geographical region indicates its expansion to enzootic range, and demonstrates the need for further investigation among potential disease reservoirs and at-risk populations, such as farmers and veterinarians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javed Muhammad
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
- University of Swabi, Swabi, Pakistan
| | - Masood Rabbani
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Khushi Muhammad
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Zia Ul Hassnain
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Tariq Jamil
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Tariq Abbas
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | - Muhammad Nisar
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Jánová E. Emerging and threatening vector-borne zoonoses in the world and in Europe: a brief update. Pathog Glob Health 2019; 113:49-57. [PMID: 30916639 PMCID: PMC6493274 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2019.1598127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Climatic changes, landscape management, massive human, animal and commodity transportation represent important factors which are contributing to the spread of zoonotic diseases. The environmental and socioeconomic factors affecting the incidence of vector-borne zoonoses and possibilities for the reduction of disease impacts are discussed in the article. The most important zoonoses with expanding area of incidence and/or increasing occurrence are summarized, with special emphasis on the European region. While some diseases and their respective pathogens are indigenous to Europe (e.g. Lyme disease), others have been introduced to Europe from tropical areas (e.g. chikungunya or dengue fever). These emerging diseases may represent a serious threat in near future and better understanding of their spreading mechanisms, pathogenesis and consequent treatment is very important.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Jánová
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Ceitec VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Dehhaghi M, Kazemi Shariat Panahi H, Holmes EC, Hudson BJ, Schloeffel R, Guillemin GJ. Human Tick-Borne Diseases in Australia. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:3. [PMID: 30746341 PMCID: PMC6360175 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00003] [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: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
There are 17 human-biting ticks known in Australia. The bites of Ixodes holocyclus, Ornithodoros capensis, and Ornithodoros gurneyi can cause paralysis, inflammation, and severe local and systemic reactions in humans, respectively. Six ticks, including Amblyomma triguttatum, Bothriocroton hydrosauri, Haemaphysalis novaeguineae, Ixodes cornuatus, Ixodes holocyclus, and Ixodes tasmani may transmit Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia australis, Rickettsia honei, or Rickettsia honei subsp. marmionii. These bacterial pathogens cause Q fever, Queensland tick typhus (QTT), Flinders Island spotted fever (FISF), and Australian spotted fever (ASF). It is also believed that babesiosis can be transmitted by ticks to humans in Australia. In addition, Argas robertsi, Haemaphysalis bancrofti, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Ixodes hirsti, Rhipicephalus australis, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks may play active roles in transmission of other pathogens that already exist or could potentially be introduced into Australia. These pathogens include Anaplasma spp., Bartonella spp., Burkholderia spp., Francisella spp., Dera Ghazi Khan virus (DGKV), tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), Lake Clarendon virus (LCV), Saumarez Reef virus (SREV), Upolu virus (UPOV), or Vinegar Hill virus (VINHV). It is important to regularly update clinicians' knowledge about tick-borne infections because these bacteria and arboviruses are pathogens of humans that may cause fatal illness. An increase in the incidence of tick-borne infections of human may be observed in the future due to changes in demography, climate change, and increase in travel and shipments and even migratory patterns of birds or other animals. Moreover, the geographical conditions of Australia are favorable for many exotic ticks, which may become endemic to Australia given an opportunity. There are some human pathogens, such as Rickettsia conorii and Rickettsia rickettsii that are not currently present in Australia, but can be transmitted by some human-biting ticks found in Australia, such as Rhipicephalus sanguineus, if they enter and establish in this country. Despite these threats, our knowledge of Australian ticks and tick-borne diseases is in its infancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mona Dehhaghi
- Neuroinflammation Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Centre of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Kazemi Shariat Panahi
- Neuroinflammation Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Centre of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Edward C. Holmes
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Sydney Medical School, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bernard J. Hudson
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Gilles J. Guillemin
- Neuroinflammation Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
García-Gil A, Lopez-Bailon LU, Ortiz-Navarrete V. Beyond the antibody: B cells as a target for bacterial infection. J Leukoc Biol 2019; 105:905-913. [PMID: 30657607 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.mr0618-225r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that B cells play an important role during infections beyond antibody production. B cells produce cytokines and are APCs for T cells. Recently, it has become clear that several pathogenic bacterial genera, such as Salmonella, Brucella, Mycobacterium, Listeria, Francisella, Moraxella, and Helicobacter, have evolved mechanisms such as micropinocytosis induction, inflammasome down-regulation, inhibitory molecule expression, apoptosis induction, and anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion to manipulate B cell functions influencing immune responses. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of B cells as targets of bacterial infection and the mechanisms by which B cells become a niche for bacterial survival and replication away from extracellular immune responses such as complement and antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abraham García-Gil
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis Uriel Lopez-Bailon
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Vianney Ortiz-Navarrete
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Balestra A, Bytyci H, Guillod C, Braghetti A, Elzi L. A case of ulceroglandular tularemia presenting with lymphadenopathy and an ulcer on a linear morphoea lesion surrounded by erysipelas. Int Med Case Rep J 2018; 11:313-318. [PMID: 30519119 PMCID: PMC6237246 DOI: 10.2147/imcrj.s178561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tularemia is a zoonosis caused by the infection of Francisella tularensis (a gram-negative aerobic bacterium). Transmission to other animals or humans usually occurs through insect or tick bites, direct contact with a contaminated environment (mud or water), infected animals - mainly lagomorphs - or by ingesting undercooked meat or inhaling contaminated dust (hay or soil). This paper discusses the case of a 32-year-old man, who came to our Emergency Room presenting with persistent fever, inguinal lymphadenopathy, and an ulcer on his left lower limb on a linear morphoea lesion that had been there for some time. The lesion was surrounded by erysipelas. After hospitalization and tests, the patient was diagnosed with ulceroglandular tularemia. Antibiotic treatment with doxycycline resolved the clinical picture, but not the morphoea lesion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Balestra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Regional Hospital of Bellinzona e Valli, 6500 Bellinzona, Ticino, Switzerland,
| | - Hekuran Bytyci
- Department of Internal Medicine, Regional Hospital of Bellinzona e Valli, 6500 Bellinzona, Ticino, Switzerland,
| | - Caroline Guillod
- Department of Dermatology, Regional Hospital of Bellinzona e Valli, 6500 Bellinzona, Ticino, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Braghetti
- Department of Radiology, Regional Hospital of Bellinzona e Valli, 6500 Bellinzona, Ticino, Switzerland
| | - Luigia Elzi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital of Bellinzona e Valli, 6500 Bellinzona, Ticino, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
TOKARSKA-RODAK MAŁGORZATA, WEINER MARCIN, SZYMAŃSKA-CZERWIŃSKA MONIKA, PAŃCZUK ANNA, NIEMCZUK KRZYSZTOF, SROKA JACEK, RÓŻYCKI MIROSŁAW, IWANIAK WOJCIECH. Seroprevalence of Selected Zoonotic Agents among Hunters from Eastern Poland. Pol J Microbiol 2018; 67:233-236. [PMID: 30015463 PMCID: PMC7256780 DOI: 10.21307/pjm-2018-027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of our study was the collection of seroprevalence data for Toxoplasma gondii, Coxiella burnetii, Trichinella spp., and Francisella tularensis from hunters in Lublin Province. The antibodies against T. gondii and C. burnetii were recorded in 38.5% and 16.2% of the sera, respectively. 4.05% of the sera were seropositive for both T. gondii and C. burnetii. None of the sera tested reacted positively with F. tulariensis or Trichinella spp. Seroprevalence of T. gondii and C. burnetii is common among the hunters from Lublin Province. It seems reasonable to undertake similar research among hunters from other regions of eastern Poland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- MAŁGORZATA TOKARSKA-RODAK
- Institute of Health Science, Department of Health, Pope John Paul II State School of Higher Education in Biala Podlaska, Poland
| | - MARCIN WEINER
- Institute of Health Science, Department of Health, Pope John Paul II State School of Higher Education in Biala Podlaska, Poland
| | | | - ANNA PAŃCZUK
- Institute of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Pope John Paul II State School of Higher Education in Biala Podlaska, Poland
| | - KRZYSZTOF NIEMCZUK
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy, Poland
| | - JACEK SROKA
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy, Poland
| | - MIROSŁAW RÓŻYCKI
- Department of Hygiene of Food of Animal Origin, National Veterinary Research Institute, Poland
| | - WOJCIECH IWANIAK
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Mansour AA, Banik S, Suresh RV, Kaur H, Malik M, McCormick AA, Bakshi CS. An Improved Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV)-Conjugated Multiantigen Subunit Vaccine Against Respiratory Tularemia. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1195. [PMID: 29922267 PMCID: PMC5996085 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of the fatal human disease known as tularemia is classified as a Category A Select Agent by the Centers for Disease Control. No licensed vaccine is currently available for prevention of tularemia in the United States. Previously, we published that a tri-antigen tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) vaccine confers 50% protection in immunized mice against respiratory tularemia caused by F. tularensis. In this study, we refined the TMV-vaccine formulation to improve the level of protection in immunized C57BL/6 mice against respiratory tularemia. We developed a tetra-antigen vaccine by conjugating OmpA, DnaK, Tul4, and SucB proteins of Francisella to TMV. CpG was also included in the vaccine formulation as an adjuvant. Primary intranasal (i.n.) immunization followed by two booster immunizations with the tetra-antigen TMV vaccine protected 100% mice against i.n. 10LD100 challenges dose of F. tularensis live vaccine strain (LVS). Mice receiving three immunization doses of tetra-antigen TMV vaccine showed only transient body weight loss, cleared the infection rapidly, and showed minimal histopathological lesions in lungs, liver, and spleen following a lethal respiratory challenge with F. tularensis LVS. Mice immunized with the tetra-antigen TMV vaccine also induced strong ex vivo recall responses and were protected against a lethal challenge as late as 163 days post-primary immunization. Three immunization with the tetra-antigen TMV vaccine also induced a stronger humoral immune response predominated by IgG1, IgG2b, and IgG2c antibodies than mice receiving only a single or two immunizations. Remarkably, a single dose protected 40% of mice, while two doses protected 80% of mice from lethal pathogen challenge. Immunization of Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-deficient mice with the tetra-antigen TMV vaccine demonstrated an absolute requirement of IFN-γ for the generation of protective immune response against a lethal respiratory challenge with F. tularensis LVS. Collectively, this study further demonstrates the feasibility of TMV as an efficient platform for the delivery of multiple F. tularensis antigens and that tetra-antigen TMV vaccine formulation provides complete protection, and induces long-lasting protective and memory immune responses against respiratory tularemia caused by F. tularensis LVS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahd A Mansour
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Sukalyani Banik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Ragavan V Suresh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Hardeep Kaur
- College of Pharmacy, Touro University California, Vallejo, CA, United States
| | - Meenakshi Malik
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Alison A McCormick
- College of Pharmacy, Touro University California, Vallejo, CA, United States
| | - Chandra S Bakshi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Polat M, Karapınar T, Sırmatel F. Dermatological aspects of tularaemia: a study of 168 cases. Clin Exp Dermatol 2018; 43:770-774. [PMID: 29761532 DOI: 10.1111/ced.13548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tularaemia is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Francisella tularensis, an aerobic, uncapsulated, gram-negative coccobacillus. Several case reports have appeared on the dermatological manifestations of tularaemia, but relatively few longer-term studies are available. AIM To identify skin features of tularaemia that aid in its diagnosis. METHODS In total, 168 patients (68 male, 100 female) diagnosed with tularaemia were retrospectively examined. All dermatological data for these patients were evaluated. RESULTS Of the 168 patients, 149 (88.69%) had tularaemia of the oropharyngeal type, 12 (7.73%) had the ulceroglandular type, 5 (2.9%) had the oculoglandular type and 2 (0.59%) had the pulmonary type. Secondary skin manifestations were found in 26 patients (15.47%). Sweet syndrome (SS) was found in 11 patients (6.54%), most of whom presented with the oropharyngeal form, while erythema nodosum (EN) was found in 7 patients (4.16%), dermatitis in 2 (1.19%), urticaria in 2 (1.19%), acneiform eruptions in 1 (0.59%), vasculitis-like eruptions in 1 (0.59%) and SS + EN in 1 (0.59%). Patients with the oropharyngeal form had a statistically significant (P < 0.001) higher number of skin findings than patients with the other forms. CONCLUSIONS In clinical practice, tularaemia may present with various cutaneous manifestations, and dermatologists who work in endemic regions must be aware of the possibility of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Polat
- Department of Dermatology, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Faculty of Medicine, Bolu, Turkey
| | - T Karapınar
- Department of Dermatology, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Faculty of Medicine, Bolu, Turkey
| | - F Sırmatel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Faculty of Medicine, Bolu, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Karasartova D, Gureser AS, Gokce T, Celebi B, Yapar D, Keskin A, Celik S, Ece Y, Erenler AK, Usluca S, Mumcuoglu KY, Taylan-Ozkan A. Bacterial and protozoal pathogens found in ticks collected from humans in Corum province of Turkey. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006395. [PMID: 29649265 PMCID: PMC5916866 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne diseases are increasing all over the word, including Turkey. The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial and protozoan vector-borne pathogens in ticks infesting humans in the Corum province of Turkey. Methodology/Principal findings From March to November 2014 a total of 322 ticks were collected from patients who attended the local hospitals with tick bites. Ticks were screened by real time-PCR and PCR, and obtained amplicons were sequenced. The dedected tick was belonging to the genus Hyalomma, Haemaphysalis, Rhipicephalus, Dermacentor and Ixodes. A total of 17 microorganism species were identified in ticks. The most prevalent Rickettsia spp. were: R. aeschlimannii (19.5%), R. slovaca (4.5%), R. raoultii (2.2%), R. hoogstraalii (1.9%), R. sibirica subsp. mongolitimonae (1.2%), R. monacensis (0.31%), and Rickettsia spp. (1.2%). In addition, the following pathogens were identified: Borrelia afzelii (0.31%), Anaplasma spp. (0.31%), Ehrlichia spp. (0.93%), Babesia microti (0.93%), Babesia ovis (0.31%), Babesia occultans (3.4%), Theileria spp. (1.6%), Hepatozoon felis (0.31%), Hepatozoon canis (0.31%), and Hemolivia mauritanica (2.1%). All samples were negative for Francisella tularensis, Coxiella burnetii, Bartonella spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania spp. Conclusions/Significance Ticks in Corum carry a large variety of human and zoonotic pathogens that were detected not only in known vectors, but showed a wider vector diversity. There is an increase in the prevalence of ticks infected with the spotted fever group and lymphangitis-associated rickettsiosis, while Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. were reported for the first time from this region. B. microti was detected for the first time in Hyalomma marginatum infesting humans. The detection of B. occultans, B. ovis, Hepatozoon spp., Theileria spp. and Hemolivia mauritanica indicate the importance of these ticks as vectors of pathogens of veterinary importance, therefore patients with a tick infestation should be followed for a variety of pathogens with medical importance. Ticks are important vectors for different kind of pathogens, both of medical and veterinary importance, while tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are increasing all over the world. In Turkey, many important human and zoonotic TBDs such as, Lyme borreliosis, rickettsiosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, tularemia, bartonellosis, babesiosis, theileriosis, and hepatozoonosis have been reported. Nonetheless, there is lack of research-based information concerning the epidemiology, ecology, and vector diversity of these tick-borne pathogens. In this study, we aimed to investigate broad-range bacterial and protozoan vector-borne pathogens by PCR/RT-PCR and sequencing, those ticks infesting humans in the Corum province. Spotted fever group rickettsiae and lymphangitis-associated rickettsiae, Borrelia afzelii, Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp. were detected. Babesia microti was detected in Hyalomma marginatum infesting humans. Interestingly zoonotic pathogens like Babesia ovis, Babesia occultans, Theileria spp, Hepatozoon felis, Hepatozoon canis, and Hemolivia mauritanica were also detected, showing the role of ticks for diseases also of veterinary importance. This study provides important data for understanding the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens and it is hoped that these results will challenge clinicians and veterinarians to unify their efforts in the management of TBDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tuncay Gokce
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Bekir Celebi
- National High Risk Pathogens Reference Laboratory, Public Health Institution of Turkey, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Derya Yapar
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Adem Keskin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Arts, Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Selim Celik
- Emergency Medicine, Hitit University Corum Training and Research Hospital, Corum, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Ece
- Emergency Medicine, Hitit University Corum Training and Research Hospital, Corum, Turkey
| | - Ali Kemal Erenler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine; Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Selma Usluca
- National Parasitology Reference Laboratory, Public Health Institution of Turkey, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kosta Y. Mumcuoglu
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Aysegul Taylan-Ozkan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
- Department of Medical and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Northern Cyprus
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Hoang KV, Rajaram MVS, Curry HM, Gavrilin MA, Wewers MD, Schlesinger LS. Complement Receptor 3-Mediated Inhibition of Inflammasome Priming by Ras GTPase-Activating Protein During Francisella tularensis Phagocytosis by Human Mononuclear Phagocytes. Front Immunol 2018; 9:561. [PMID: 29632532 PMCID: PMC5879101 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a remarkably infectious facultative intracellular bacterium of macrophages that causes tularemia. Early evasion of host immune responses contributes to the success of F. tularensis as a pathogen. F. tularensis entry into human monocytes and macrophages is mediated by the major phagocytic receptor, complement receptor 3 (CR3, CD11b/CD18). We recently determined that despite a significant increase in macrophage uptake following C3 opsonization of the virulent Type A F. tularensis spp. tularensis Schu S4, this phagocytic pathway results in limited pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Notably, MAP kinase/ERK activation is suppressed immediately during C3-opsonized Schu S4-CR3 phagocytosis. A mathematical model of CR3-TLR2 crosstalk predicted early involvement of Ras GTPase-activating protein (RasGAP) in immune suppression by CR3. Here, we link CR3-mediated uptake of opsonized Schu S4 by human monocytes and macrophages with inhibition of early signal 1 inflammasome activation, evidenced by limited caspase-1 cleavage and IL-18 release. This inhibition is due to increased RasGAP activity, leading to a reduction in the Ras-ERK signaling cascade upstream of the early inflammasome activation event. Thus, our data uncover a novel signaling pathway mediated by CR3 following engagement of opsonized virulent F. tularensis to limit inflammasome activation in human phagocytic cells, thereby contributing to evasion of the host innate immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ky V Hoang
- Center for Microbial Interface Biology, Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Murugesan V S Rajaram
- Center for Microbial Interface Biology, Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Heather Marie Curry
- Center for Microbial Interface Biology, Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Mikhail A Gavrilin
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Mark D Wewers
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Larry S Schlesinger
- Center for Microbial Interface Biology, Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
SHAHSAVARI S, BANNAZADEH BAGHI H, SAMADI KAFIL H, EBRAHIMZADEH LEYLABADLO H. Re-emerging Tularemia in Some Middle East Countries: What Are the Reasons? IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 47:305-306. [PMID: 29445647 PMCID: PMC5810400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shirin SHAHSAVARI
- Division of Biotechnology, Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein BANNAZADEH BAGHI
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein SAMADI KAFIL
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamed EBRAHIMZADEH LEYLABADLO
- Dept. of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding Author:
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Hoang KV, Adcox HE, Fitch JR, Gordon DM, Curry HM, Schlesinger LS, White P, Gunn JS. AR-13, a Celecoxib Derivative, Directly Kills Francisella In Vitro and Aids Clearance and Mouse Survival In Vivo. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1695. [PMID: 28955308 PMCID: PMC5600997 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis (F. tularensis) is the causative agent of tularemia and is classified as a Tier 1 select agent. No licensed vaccine is currently available in the United States and treatment of tularemia is confined to few antibiotics. In this study, we demonstrate that AR-13, a derivative of the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor celecoxib, exhibits direct in vitro bactericidal killing activity against Francisella including a type A strain of F. tularensis (SchuS4) and the live vaccine strain (LVS), as well as toward the intracellular proliferation of LVS in macrophages, without causing significant host cell toxicity. Identification of an AR-13-resistant isolate indicates that this compound has an intracellular target(s) and that efflux pumps can mediate AR-13 resistance. In the mouse model of tularemia, AR-13 treatment protected 50% of the mice from lethal LVS infection and prolonged survival time from a lethal dose of F. tularensis SchuS4. Combination of AR-13 with a sub-optimal dose of gentamicin protected 60% of F. tularensis SchuS4-infected mice from death. Taken together, these data support the translational potential of AR-13 as a lead compound for the further development of new anti-Francisella agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ky V Hoang
- Center for Microbial Interface Biology, Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, ColumbusOH, United States
| | - Haley E Adcox
- Center for Microbial Interface Biology, Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, ColumbusOH, United States
| | - James R Fitch
- The Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, ColumbusOH, United States
| | - David M Gordon
- The Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, ColumbusOH, United States
| | - Heather M Curry
- Center for Microbial Interface Biology, Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, ColumbusOH, United States
| | - Larry S Schlesinger
- Center for Microbial Interface Biology, Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, ColumbusOH, United States
| | - Peter White
- The Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, ColumbusOH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, ColumbusOH, United States
| | - John S Gunn
- Center for Microbial Interface Biology, Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, ColumbusOH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Timofeev V, Bakhteeva I, Titareva G, Kopylov P, Christiany D, Mokrievich A, Dyatlov I, Vergnaud G. Russian isolates enlarge the known geographic diversity of Francisella tularensis subsp. mediasiatica. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183714. [PMID: 28873421 PMCID: PMC5584958 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis, a small Gram-negative bacterium, is capable of infecting a wide range of animals, including humans, and causes a plague-like disease called tularemia—a highly contagious disease with a high mortality rate. Because of these characteristics, F. tularensis is considered a potential agent of biological terrorism. Currently, F. tularensis is divided into four subspecies, which differ in their virulence and geographic distribution. Two of them, subsp. tularensis (primarily found in North America) and subsp. holarctica (widespread across the Northern Hemisphere), are responsible for tularemia in humans. Subsp. novicida is almost avirulent in humans. The fourth subspecies, subsp. mediasiatica, is the least studied because of its limited distribution and impact in human health. It is found only in sparsely populated regions of Central Asia. In this report, we describe the first focus of naturally circulating F. tularensis subsp. mediasiatica in Russia. We isolated and characterized 18 strains of this subspecies in the Altai region. All strains were highly virulent in mice. The virulence of subsp. mediasiatica in a vaccinated mouse model is intermediate between that of subsp. tularensis and subsp. holarctica. Based on a multiple-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA), we show that the Altaic population of F. tularensis subsp. mediasiatica is genetically distinct from the classical Central Asian population, and probably is endemic to Southern Siberia. We propose to subdivide the mediasiatica subspecies into three phylogeographic groups, M.I, M.II and M.III.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vitalii Timofeev
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (SRCAMB), Obolensk, Moscow Region, Russia
- * E-mail: (VT); (GV)
| | - Irina Bakhteeva
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (SRCAMB), Obolensk, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Galina Titareva
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (SRCAMB), Obolensk, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Pavel Kopylov
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (SRCAMB), Obolensk, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - David Christiany
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
| | - Alexander Mokrievich
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (SRCAMB), Obolensk, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Ivan Dyatlov
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (SRCAMB), Obolensk, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Gilles Vergnaud
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
- * E-mail: (VT); (GV)
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Schmitt DM, Barnes R, Rogerson T, Haught A, Mazzella LK, Ford M, Gilson T, Birch JWM, Sjöstedt A, Reed DS, Franks JM, Stolz DB, Denvir J, Fan J, Rekulapally S, Primerano DA, Horzempa J. The Role and Mechanism of Erythrocyte Invasion by Francisella tularensis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:173. [PMID: 28536678 PMCID: PMC5423315 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is an extremely virulent bacterium that can be transmitted naturally by blood sucking arthropods. During mammalian infection, F. tularensis infects numerous types of host cells, including erythrocytes. As erythrocytes do not undergo phagocytosis or endocytosis, it remains unknown how F. tularensis invades these cells. Furthermore, the consequence of inhabiting the intracellular space of red blood cells (RBCs) has not been determined. Here, we provide evidence indicating that residing within an erythrocyte enhances the ability of F. tularensis to colonize ticks following a blood meal. Erythrocyte residence protected F. tularensis from a low pH environment similar to that of gut cells of a feeding tick. Mechanistic studies revealed that the F. tularensis type VI secretion system (T6SS) was required for erythrocyte invasion as mutation of mglA (a transcriptional regulator of T6SS genes), dotU, or iglC (two genes encoding T6SS machinery) severely diminished bacterial entry into RBCs. Invasion was also inhibited upon treatment of erythrocytes with venom from the Blue-bellied black snake (Pseudechis guttatus), which aggregates spectrin in the cytoskeleton, but not inhibitors of actin polymerization and depolymerization. These data suggest that erythrocyte invasion by F. tularensis is dependent on spectrin utilization which is likely mediated by effectors delivered through the T6SS. Our results begin to elucidate the mechanism of a unique biological process facilitated by F. tularensis to invade erythrocytes, allowing for enhanced colonization of ticks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deanna M Schmitt
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty UniversityWest Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Rebecca Barnes
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty UniversityWest Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Taylor Rogerson
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty UniversityWest Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Ashley Haught
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty UniversityWest Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Leanne K Mazzella
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty UniversityWest Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Matthew Ford
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty UniversityWest Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Tricia Gilson
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty UniversityWest Liberty, WV, USA
| | - James W-M Birch
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty UniversityWest Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Anders Sjöstedt
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Clinical Bacteriology, and Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Umeå UniversityUmeå, Sweden
| | - Douglas S Reed
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, Center for Vaccine Research, University of PittsburghPittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan M Franks
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Donna B Stolz
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James Denvir
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall UniversityHuntington, WV, USA
| | - Jun Fan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall UniversityHuntington, WV, USA
| | - Swanthana Rekulapally
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall UniversityHuntington, WV, USA
| | - Donald A Primerano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall UniversityHuntington, WV, USA
| | - Joseph Horzempa
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty UniversityWest Liberty, WV, USA
| |
Collapse
|