1
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Bach E, Fitzgerald SF, Williams-MacDonald SE, Mitchell M, Golde WT, Longbottom D, Nisbet AJ, Dinkla A, Sullivan E, Pinapati RS, Tan JC, Joosten LAB, Roest HJ, Østerbye T, Koets AP, Buus S, McNeilly TN. Genome-wide epitope mapping across multiple host species reveals significant diversity in antibody responses to Coxiella burnetii vaccination and infection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1257722. [PMID: 37954609 PMCID: PMC10637584 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1257722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is an important zoonotic bacterial pathogen of global importance, causing the disease Q fever in a wide range of animal hosts. Ruminant livestock, in particular sheep and goats, are considered the main reservoir of human infection. Vaccination is a key control measure, and two commercial vaccines based on formalin-inactivated C. burnetii bacterins are currently available for use in livestock and humans. However, their deployment is limited due to significant reactogenicity in individuals previously sensitized to C. burnetii antigens. Furthermore, these vaccines interfere with available serodiagnostic tests which are also based on C. burnetii bacterin antigens. Defined subunit antigen vaccines offer significant advantages, as they can be engineered to reduce reactogenicity and co-designed with serodiagnostic tests to allow discrimination between vaccinated and infected individuals. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of antibody responses to C. burnetii vaccination and/or infection in cattle, goats, humans, and sheep through genome-wide linear epitope mapping to identify candidate vaccine and diagnostic antigens within the predicted bacterial proteome. Using high-density peptide microarrays, we analyzed the seroreactivity in 156 serum samples from vaccinated and infected individuals to peptides derived from 2,092 open-reading frames in the C. burnetii genome. We found significant diversity in the antibody responses within and between species and across different types of C. burnetii exposure. Through the implementation of three different vaccine candidate selection methods, we identified 493 candidate protein antigens for protein subunit vaccine design or serodiagnostic evaluation, of which 65 have been previously described. This is the first study to investigate multi-species seroreactivity against the entire C. burnetii proteome presented as overlapping linear peptides and provides the basis for the selection of antigen targets for next-generation Q fever vaccines and diagnostic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Bach
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Annemieke Dinkla
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostic Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | - Eric Sullivan
- Nimble Therapeutics, Inc., Madison, WI, United States
| | | | - John C. Tan
- Nimble Therapeutics, Inc., Madison, WI, United States
| | - Leo A. B. Joosten
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Hendrik-Jan Roest
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostic Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, Netherlands
- Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, Den Haag, Netherlands
- Department of Infection and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Thomas Østerbye
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ad P. Koets
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostic Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | - Søren Buus
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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2
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Caspe SG, Ewing DA, Livingstone M, Underwood C, Milne E, Sargison ND, Wattegedera SR, Longbottom D. The Immune Response in the Uteri and Placentae of Chlamydia abortus-Infected Ewes and Its Association with Pregnancy Outcomes. Pathogens 2023; 12:846. [PMID: 37375536 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The enzootic abortion of ewes, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus), is one of the main causes of abortion in sheep. There are multiple contributory factors, including chlamydial growth, host immune response, and hormonal balance, that result in different pregnancy outcomes, such as abortion, the birth of weak lambs that may die, or healthy lambs. This study aimed to determine the relationship between phenotypical patterns of immune cell infiltration and different pregnancy outcomes in twin-bearing sheep (both lambs born dead; one alive and one dead; both alive) when experimentally infected with C. abortus. Both the sheep uteri and placentae were collected after parturition. All samples were analysed for specific immune cell features, including cell surface antigens and the T-regulatory (Treg) cell-associated transcription factor and cytokines, by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation. Some of these immunological antigens were evaluated in ovine reproductive tissues for the first time. Differential patterns of T helper/Treg cells revealed significant group effects in the placentae. It suggests the potential role that the balance of lymphocyte subsets may play in affecting different pregnancy outcomes in C. abortus-infected sheep. The present study provides novel detailed information about the immune responses observed at the maternofoetal interface in sheep at the time of pre-term abortion or lambing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Gaston Caspe
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik EH26 0PZ, UK
- Estación Experimental Mercedes, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Corrientes W3400, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Elspeth Milne
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH10 5HF, UK
| | - Neil Donald Sargison
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH10 5HF, UK
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3
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Livingstone M, Jorgensen P, McCall M, Thomson J, Longbottom D. De Novo Whole-Genome Sequencing of Two Pathogenic Pasteurella multocida Type D:6 Strains Isolated from Pigs. Microbiol Resour Announc 2023; 12:e0009823. [PMID: 37010432 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00098-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report the complete genome sequences of Pasteurella multocida strains P504190 and P504188/1, which were isolated from the diseased lungs of a sow and her piglet, respectively. Despite the unusual clinical presentation, whole-genome sequence typing revealed both strains to be capsular type D and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group 6, commonly found in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pernille Jorgensen
- Scotland's Rural College, Aberdeen Veterinary Disease Surveillance Centre, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Margaret McCall
- Scotland's Rural College Veterinary Services, Veterinary and Analytical Laboratory, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Jill Thomson
- Scotland's Rural College Veterinary Services, Veterinary and Analytical Laboratory, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
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4
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Williams-Macdonald SE, Mitchell M, Frew D, Palarea-Albaladejo J, Ewing D, Golde WT, Longbottom D, Nisbet AJ, Livingstone M, Hamilton CM, Fitzgerald SF, Buus S, Bach E, Dinkla A, Roest HJ, Koets AP, McNeilly TN. Efficacy of Phase I and Phase II Coxiella burnetii Bacterin Vaccines in a Pregnant Ewe Challenge Model. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030511. [PMID: 36992095 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacterium Coxiella burnetii can cause the disease Q-fever in a wide range of animal hosts. Ruminants, including sheep, are thought to play a pivotal role in the transmission of C. burnetii to humans; however, the only existing livestock vaccine, namely, Coxevac® (Ceva Animal Health Ltd., Libourne, France), a killed bacterin vaccine based on phase I C. burnetii strain Nine-Mile, is only approved for use in goats and cattle. In this study, a pregnant ewe challenge model was used to determine the protective effects of Coxevac® and an experimental bacterin vaccine based on phase II C. burnetii against C. burnetii challenge. Prior to mating, ewes (n = 20 per group) were vaccinated subcutaneously with either Coxevac®, the phase II vaccine, or were unvaccinated. A subset of pregnant ewes (n = 6) from each group was then challenged 151 days later (~100 days of gestation) with 106 infectious mouse doses of C. burnetii, Nine-Mile strain RSA493. Both vaccines provided protection against C. burnetii challenge as measured by reductions in bacterial shedding in faeces, milk and vaginal mucus, and reduced abnormal pregnancies, compared to unvaccinated controls. This work highlights that the phase I vaccine Coxevac® can protect ewes against C. burnetii infection. Furthermore, the phase II vaccine provided comparable levels of protection and may offer a safer and cost-effective alternative to the currently licensed vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mairi Mitchell
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - David Frew
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Javier Palarea-Albaladejo
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, JCMB, The King's Buildings, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, UK
| | - David Ewing
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, JCMB, The King's Buildings, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, UK
| | - William T Golde
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Alasdair J Nisbet
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Morag Livingstone
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Clare M Hamilton
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Stephen F Fitzgerald
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Søren Buus
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, DK 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emil Bach
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, DK 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Annemieke Dinkla
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg 39, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik-Jan Roest
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg 39, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Ad P Koets
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg 39, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tom N McNeilly
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
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5
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Rigamonti S, Floriano AM, Scaltriti E, Longbottom D, Livingstone M, Comandatore F, Pongolini S, Capucci L, Mandola ML, Bazzucchi M, Prati P, Vicari N. Comparative analysis of two genomes of Chlamydia pecorum isolates from an Alpine chamois and a water buffalo. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:645. [PMID: 36088280 PMCID: PMC9464383 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08860-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
To date, whole genome sequencing has been performed mainly for isolates of Chlamydia trachomatis, C. pneumoniae, C. psittaci and C. abortus, but only a few isolates of C. pecorum have been entirely sequenced and this makes it difficult to understand its diversity and population structure. In this study the genome of two C. pecorum strains isolated from the lung of an Alpine chamois affected with pneumonia (isolate PV7855) and the brain of a water buffalo affected with meningoencephalomyelitis (isolate PV6959), were completely sequenced with MiSeq system (Illumina) and analyzed in their most polymorphic regions.
Results
The genome length and GC content of the two isolates were found to be consistent with other C. pecorum isolates and the gene content of polymorphic membrane proteins and plasticity zone was found to be very similar. Some differences were observed in the phospholipase genes for both isolates and in the number of genes in the plasticity zone, such as the presence of some hypothetical proteins in PV6959, not present in any other genomes analyzed in this study. Interestingly, PV6959 possesses an extra pmp and has an incomplete tryptophan biosynthesis operon. Plasmids were detected in both isolates.
Conclusions
Genome sequencing of the two C. pecorum strains did not reveal differences in length and GC content despite the origin from different animal species with different clinical disease. In the plasticity zone, the differences in the genes pattern might be related to the onset of specific symptoms or infection of specific hosts. The absence of a tryptophan biosynthesis pathway in PV6959 may suggest a strict relationship between C. pecorum and its host.
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6
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De Meyst A, Aaziz R, Pex J, Braeckman L, Livingstone M, Longbottom D, Laroucau K, Vanrompay D. Prevalence of New and Established Avian Chlamydial Species in Humans and Their Psittacine Pet Birds in Belgium. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091758. [PMID: 36144360 PMCID: PMC9500992 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence and zoonotic transfer of four different avian Chlamydia spp. was assessed in an epidemiological study in a psittacine bird population and its owners. Fecal swabs from 84 pet birds and pharyngeal swabs from 22 bird owners were collected from 21 locations in Flanders. Samples were examined using established and novel PCR platforms combined with culture on PCR-positive samples. Chlamydiaceae DNA was detected in 33 of 84 (39.3%) birds. The predominant part of the avian infections could be attributed to C. psittaci (22 of 84; 26.2%), followed by C. avium (11 of 84; 13.1%). C. gallinacea and C. abortus were not detected in birds or humans. C. psittaci was the only species detected in pet bird owners (4 of 22; 18.2%), stressing its zoonotic importance. This study showed that C. psittaci and the more recently discovered novel avian species C. avium are undoubtedly present in the Flemish psittacine bird population. Our results justify additional research in a larger psittacine bird population and its owners, focusing on C. psittaci and C. avium. In the meantime, increased awareness among pet bird owners and the implementation of preventive measures in the pet bird industry is advised to limit the circulation of established and novel emerging avian chlamydial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne De Meyst
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-09-264-5972
| | - Rachid Aaziz
- Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses, University Paris-Est, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Joachim Pex
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lutgart Braeckman
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Morag Livingstone
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Karine Laroucau
- Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses, University Paris-Est, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Daisy Vanrompay
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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7
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Thomas KM, Kibona T, Claxton JR, de Glanville WA, Lankester F, Amani N, Buza JJ, Carter RW, Chapman GE, Crump JA, Dagleish MP, Halliday JEB, Hamilton CM, Innes EA, Katzer F, Livingstone M, Longbottom D, Millins C, Mmbaga BT, Mosha V, Nyarobi J, Nyasebwa OM, Russell GC, Sanka PN, Semango G, Wheelhouse N, Willett BJ, Cleaveland S, Allan KJ. Prospective cohort study reveals unexpected aetiologies of livestock abortion in northern Tanzania. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11669. [PMID: 35803982 PMCID: PMC9270399 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15517-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Livestock abortion is an important cause of productivity losses worldwide and many infectious causes of abortion are zoonotic pathogens that impact on human health. Little is known about the relative importance of infectious causes of livestock abortion in Africa, including in subsistence farming communities that are critically dependent on livestock for food, income, and wellbeing. We conducted a prospective cohort study of livestock abortion, supported by cross-sectional serosurveillance, to determine aetiologies of livestock abortions in livestock in Tanzania. This approach generated several important findings including detection of a Rift Valley fever virus outbreak in cattle; high prevalence of C. burnetii infection in livestock; and the first report of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, and pestiviruses associated with livestock abortion in Tanzania. Our approach provides a model for abortion surveillance in resource-limited settings. Our findings add substantially to current knowledge in sub-Saharan Africa, providing important evidence from which to prioritise disease interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate M Thomas
- Centre for International Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania.
- Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand Food Safety, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Tito Kibona
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tengeru, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - John R Claxton
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - William A de Glanville
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Felix Lankester
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Global Animal Health Tanzania, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Nelson Amani
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Joram J Buza
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tengeru, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Ryan W Carter
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gail E Chapman
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - John A Crump
- Centre for International Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Jo E B Halliday
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Caroline Millins
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Blandina T Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Victor Mosha
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - James Nyarobi
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Obed M Nyasebwa
- Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Zonal Veterinary Centre-Arusha, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Paul N Sanka
- Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - George Semango
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tengeru, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Nick Wheelhouse
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Brian J Willett
- Medical Research Council, University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sarah Cleaveland
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kathryn J Allan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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8
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Caspe SG, Livingstone M, Wattegedera S, Aitchison K, Underwood C, Milne E, Sargison N, Chianini F, Palarea-Albaladejo J, Longbottom D. Histopathological analysis of placental lesions caused by Chlamydia abortus 1B vaccine strain in vaccinated ewes. Access Microbiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1099/acmi.ac2021.po0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Chlamydia abortus is one of the most diagnosed causes of infectious abortion in small ruminants. Infections can be controlled using the live, attenuated C. abortus strain 1B vaccine, which has been associated with infection and abortion in animals. This study aimed to compare the severity and the distribution of lesions caused by this vaccine strain (vt) with those resulting from a wild-type (wt) infection.
Methods
Two grossly affected and 1B-positive (by qPCR and RFLP analysis) placentas from a vaccinated sheep flock were analysed. Histopathological lesions and immunohistochemical labelling (IHC) were graded (increasing score from 0 to 5) according to their severity and distribution. Pathology in the vt infected placentas was compared with that in two wt infected placentas. Datasets generated for observed histological and pathological features were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA).
Results
Histopathologically, the lesions in both vt and wt-placentas presented as typical multifocal necrosuppurative placentitis, associated with vasculitis, mural necrosis, and thrombosis. IHC for C. abortus revealed intense staining with a multifocal distribution in most cotyledons in both vt and wt placentas. Comparison of the pathological lesions between vt and wt by PCA revealed a similar distribution and severity, revealing a strong association with features such as necrosis and inflammatory infiltration between vt and wt placentas. A weaker association with IHC was observed.
Conclusion
This study shows that the C. abortus attenuated 1B vaccine strain presents no significant differences in severity and distribution of pathological lesions from those typically observed following a wt infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Gastón Caspe
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria, Argentina
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Moredun Research Institute, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Elspeth Milne
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Sargison
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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9
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Livingstone M, Ribeca P, Beeckman D, Ende AVD, Pannekoek Y, Vanrompay D, Longbottom D. Whole genome sequencing and comparative analysis of a novel Chlamydia psittaci strain. Access Microbiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1099/acmi.ac2021.po0162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Chlamydia abortus and Chlamydia psittaci are important pathogens of livestock and avian species, respectively. While C. abortus is recognized as descended from C. psittaci species, there is emerging evidence of strains that are intermediary, including C. psittaci strain 84/2334 that was isolated from a parrot.
Methods
Strain 84/2334 was analysed by multi-locus sequence typing of seven housekeeping genes and by analysis of five species-discriminant proteins. The strain was de novo sequenced for comparison with representative strains from chlamydial species. 16S rRNA and whole genome phylogenetic analyses, network and recombination analyses, and analyses of key virulence-associated genes were conducted to explore its evolutionary relationship with both C. psittaci and C. abortus.
Results
Typing, 16S rRNA and whole genome phylogenetic analyses, as well as network and recombination analyses showed that strain 84/2334 clusters closely with C. abortus. Analyses also suggested a closer evolutionary relationship with classical C. abortus strains, than to two other avian C. abortus or C. psittaci strains. Analyses of virulence-associated genes that exhibit greatest diversity within chlamydial species, reveal greater diversity than present in sequenced C. abortus genomes. The strain also possesses an extrachromosomal plasmid, as found in C. psittaci species but absent from all sequenced classical C. abortus strains.
Conclusion
The results are consistent with 84/2334 being a C. abortus ancestral strain, suggesting that it should be reclassified as C. abortus. The identification of a C. abortus strain bearing an extra-chromosomal plasmid has implications for plasmid-based transformation studies providing a potential route for future vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paolo Ribeca
- Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland, United Kingdom
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10
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Wheelhouse N, Hearn J, Livingstone M, Flockhart A, Dagleish M, Longbottom D. Identification of Parachlamydiaceae DNA in nasal and rectal passages of healthy dairy cattle. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 132:2642-2648. [PMID: 34932865 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The order Chlamydiales comprises a broad range of bacterial pathogens and endosymbionts, which infect a wide variety of host species. Within this order, members of the family Parachlamydiaceae, which includes Parachlamydia and Neochlamydia species, have been particularly associated with infections in both humans and cattle, including having a potential pathogenic role in cases of bovine abortion. While the route of transmission has yet to be defined, it has been hypothesised that asymptomatic carriage and contamination of the immediate environment may be a route of inter-animal transmission. We investigated the asymptomatic carriage of Chlamydia-related organisms in healthy cattle. METHODS & RESULTS DNA was isolated from nasal and rectal swabs obtained from 38 healthy dairy heifers. A Chlamydiales sp. 16S rRNA qPCR was performed on each sample. A total of 18/38 nasal samples and all 38/38 rectal samples were identified as positive for Chlamydiales sp. Each positive sample was sequenced confirming the presence of DNA belonging to the Parachlamydiaceae. CONCLUSIONS The presence of Parachlamydiaceae DNA in nasal and rectal swab samples of healthy cattle provides evidence for the asymptomatic carriage of parachlamydial organisms within cattle. SIGNIFICANCE & IMPACT OF THE STUDY The study provides evidence of potential routes of environmental contamination that could provide a route for inter-animal and animal transmission of Parachlamydiaceae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Wheelhouse
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jack Hearn
- Vector Biology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Allen Flockhart
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
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11
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Zaręba-Marchewka K, Szymańska-Czerwińska M, Livingstone M, Longbottom D, Niemczuk K. Whole Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genome Analyses of Chlamydia abortus Strains of Avian Origin Suggests That Chlamydia abortus Species Should Be Expanded to Include Avian and Mammalian Subgroups. Pathogens 2021; 10:1405. [PMID: 34832561 PMCID: PMC8623937 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of Chlamydia species belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family have been reported in birds. Until recently, C. psittaci was considered to be the most common avian species, although found in both birds and mammals, while C. abortus has only been found in mammals. Recently, a new group of avian C. abortus strains with worldwide distribution in various wild bird families has been described. In this study, whole genome sequencing (WGS) of three of these strains (15-70d24, 15-49d3 and 15-58d44, representing genotypes G1, G2 and 1V, respectively) that were isolated from wild birds were analysed. Genome assemblies based on both short-read Illumina and long-read Nanopore data indicate that these avian C. abortus strains show features characteristic of both C. abortus and C. psittaci species, although phylogenetic analyses demonstrate a closer relationship with classical C. abortus strains. Currently, species classification established by the ICSP Subcommittee on the taxonomy of Chlamydiae, determines that these avian C. abortus strains 15-70d24, 15-49d3 and 15-58d44 should be classified as C. abortus. However, the authors of this study conclude that the current taxonomic definition of C. abortus is outdated and should be amended to include two subgroups, mammalian and avian, the latter of which would include all isolates so far referred to as atypical C. psittaci or C. psittaci/C. abortus intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Zaręba-Marchewka
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland; (M.S.-C.); (K.N.)
| | - Monika Szymańska-Czerwińska
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland; (M.S.-C.); (K.N.)
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Morag Livingstone
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (D.L.)
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (D.L.)
| | - Krzysztof Niemczuk
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland; (M.S.-C.); (K.N.)
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
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12
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Dagleish MP, Flockhart AF, Baily JL, Hall AJ, Simpson TI, Longbottom D. Presence of DNA from Chlamydia-like organisms in the nasal cavities of grey seal pups (Halichoerus grypus) and three different substrates present in a breeding colony. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:328. [PMID: 34645426 PMCID: PMC8515689 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03032-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia-like organisms (CLO) have been found to be present in many environmental niches, including human sewage and agricultural run-off, as well as in a number of aquatic species worldwide. Therefore, monitoring their presence in sentinel wildlife species may be useful in assessing the wider health of marine food webs in response to habitat loss, pollution and disease. We used nasal swabs from live (n = 42) and dead (n = 50) pre-weaned grey seal pups and samples of differing natal substrates (n = 8) from an off-shore island devoid of livestock and permanent human habitation to determine if CLO DNA is present in these mammals and to identify possible sources. Results We recovered CLO DNA from 32/92 (34.7%) nasal swabs from both live (n = 17) and dead (n = 15) seal pups that clustered most closely with currently recognised species belonging to three chlamydial families: Parachlamydiaceae (n = 22), Rhabdochlamydiaceae (n = 6), and Simkaniaceae (n = 3). All DNA positive sediment samples (n = 7) clustered with the Rhabdochlamydiaceae. No difference was found in rates of recovery of CLO DNA in live versus dead pups suggesting the organisms are commensal but their potential as opportunistic secondary pathogens could not be determined. Conclusion This is the first report of CLO DNA being found in marine mammals. This identification warrants further investigation in other seal populations around the coast of the UK and in other areas of the world to determine if this finding is unique or more common than shown by this data. Further investigation would also be warranted to determine if they are present as purely commensal organisms or whether they could also be opportunistic pathogens in seals, as well as to investigate possible sources of origin, including whether they originated as a result of anthropogenic impacts, including human waste and agricultural run-off.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Dagleish
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, UK
| | - Allen F Flockhart
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, UK.,Present address: School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Johanna L Baily
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, UK.,Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK.,Present address: Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Ailsa J Hall
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - T Ian Simpson
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, JCMB, The King's Buildings, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh, UK.,Present address: School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Crichton Street, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, UK.
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13
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Livingstone M, Wattegedera SR, Palarea-Albaladejo J, Aitchison K, Corbett C, Sait M, Wilson K, Chianini F, Rocchi MS, Wheelhouse N, Entrican G, Longbottom D. Efficacy of Two Chlamydia abortus Subcellular Vaccines in a Pregnant Ewe Challenge Model for Ovine Enzootic Abortion. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9080898. [PMID: 34452023 PMCID: PMC8402522 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9080898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus, the aetiological agent of enzootic abortion of ewes, is a major cause of reproductive loss in small ruminants worldwide, accounting for significant economic losses to the farming industry. Disease can be managed through the use of commercial inactivated or live whole organism-based vaccines, although both have limitations particularly in terms of efficacy, safety and disease-associated outbreaks. Here we report a comparison of two experimental vaccines (chlamydial outer membrane complex (COMC) and octyl glucoside (OG)-COMC) based on detergent extracted outer membrane preparations of C. abortus and delivered as prime-boost immunisations, with the commercial live vaccine Cevac® Chlamydia in a pregnant sheep challenge model. No abortions occurred in either experimental vaccine group, while a single abortion occurred in the commercial vaccine group. Bacterial shedding, as a measure of potential risk of transmission of infection to naïve animals, was lowest in the COMC vaccinated group, with reductions of 87.5%, 86.4% and 74% observed for the COMC, OG-COMC and live commercial vaccine groups, respectively, compared to the unvaccinated challenge control group. The results show that the COMC vaccine performed the best and is a safer efficacious alternative to the commercial vaccines. However, to improve commercial viability, future studies should optimise the antigen dose and number of inoculations required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morag Livingstone
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Sean Ranjan Wattegedera
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | | | - Kevin Aitchison
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Cecilia Corbett
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Michelle Sait
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Kim Wilson
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Francesca Chianini
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Mara Silvia Rocchi
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Nicholas Wheelhouse
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Gary Entrican
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
- Correspondence:
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14
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Caspe SG, Palarea-Albaladejo J, Underwood C, Livingstone M, Wattegedera SR, Milne E, Sargison ND, Chianini F, Longbottom D. Distribution and Severity of Placental Lesions Caused by the Chlamydia abortus 1B Vaccine Strain in Vaccinated Ewes. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10050543. [PMID: 33946380 PMCID: PMC8147122 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus infects livestock species worldwide and is the cause of enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE). In Europe, control of the disease is achieved using a live vaccine based on C. abortus 1B strain. Although the vaccine has been useful for controlling disease outbreaks, abortion events due to the vaccine have been reported. Recently, placental pathology resulting from a vaccine type strain (vt) infection has been reported and shown to be similar to that resulting from a natural wild-type (wt) infection. The aim of this study was to extend these observations by comparing the distribution and severity of the lesions, the composition of the predominating cell infiltrate, the amount of bacteria present and the role of the blood supply in infection. A novel system for grading the histological and pathological features present was developed and the resulting multi-parameter data were statistically transformed for exploration and visualisation through a tailored principal component analysis (PCA) to evaluate the difference between them. The analysis provided no evidence of meaningful differences between vt and wt strains in terms of the measured pathological parameters. The study also contributes a novel methodology for analysing the progression of infection in the placenta for other abortifacient pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Gastón Caspe
- Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, UK; (C.U.); (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (F.C.); (D.L.)
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK; (E.M.); (N.D.S.)
- Estación Experimental Mercedes, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Mercedes CP 3470, Argentina
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-131-445-5111
| | | | - Clare Underwood
- Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, UK; (C.U.); (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (F.C.); (D.L.)
| | - Morag Livingstone
- Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, UK; (C.U.); (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (F.C.); (D.L.)
| | - Sean Ranjan Wattegedera
- Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, UK; (C.U.); (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (F.C.); (D.L.)
| | - Elspeth Milne
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK; (E.M.); (N.D.S.)
| | - Neil Donald Sargison
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK; (E.M.); (N.D.S.)
| | - Francesca Chianini
- Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, UK; (C.U.); (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (F.C.); (D.L.)
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, UK; (C.U.); (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (F.C.); (D.L.)
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15
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Longbottom D, Livingstone M, Ribeca P, Beeckman DSA, van der Ende A, Pannekoek Y, Vanrompay D. Whole genome de novo sequencing and comparative genomic analyses suggests that Chlamydia psittaci strain 84/2334 should be reclassified as Chlamydia abortus species. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:159. [PMID: 33676404 PMCID: PMC7937271 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07477-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia abortus and Chlamydia psittaci are important pathogens of livestock and avian species, respectively. While C. abortus is recognized as descended from C. psittaci species, there is emerging evidence of strains that are intermediary between the two species, suggesting they are recent evolutionary ancestors of C. abortus. Such strains include C. psittaci strain 84/2334 that was isolated from a parrot. Our aim was to classify this strain by sequencing its genome and explore its evolutionary relationship to both C. abortus and C. psittaci. RESULTS In this study, methods based on multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) of seven housekeeping genes and on typing of five species discriminant proteins showed that strain 84/2334 clustered with C. abortus species. Furthermore, whole genome de novo sequencing of the strain revealed greater similarity to C. abortus in terms of GC content, while 16S rRNA and whole genome phylogenetic analysis, as well as network and recombination analysis showed that the strain clusters more closely with C. abortus strains. The analysis also suggested a closer evolutionary relationship between this strain and the major C. abortus clade, than to two other intermediary avian C. abortus strains or C. psittaci strains. Molecular analyses of genes (polymorphic membrane protein and transmembrane head protein genes) and loci (plasticity zone), found in key virulence-associated regions that exhibit greatest diversity within and between chlamydial species, reveal greater diversity than present in sequenced C. abortus genomes as well as similar features to both C. abortus and C. psittaci species. The strain also possesses an extrachromosomal plasmid, as found in most C. psittaci species but absent from all sequenced classical C. abortus strains. CONCLUSION Overall, the results show that C. psittaci strain 84/2334 clusters very closely with C. abortus strains, and are consistent with the strain being a recent C. abortus ancestral species. This suggests that the strain should be reclassified as C. abortus. Furthermore, the identification of a C. abortus strain bearing an extra-chromosomal plasmid has implications for plasmid-based transformation studies to investigate gene function as well as providing a potential route for the development of a next generation vaccine to protect livestock from C. abortus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK.
| | - Morag Livingstone
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Paolo Ribeca
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UK
| | - Delphine Sylvie Anne Beeckman
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.,Current address: BASF Belgium Coordination Center CommV - Innovation Center Gent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Arie van der Ende
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne Pannekoek
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daisy Vanrompay
- Department of Animal Science and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
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16
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Caspe SG, Livingstone M, Frew D, Aitchison K, Wattegedera SR, Entrican G, Palarea-Albaladejo J, McNeilly TN, Milne E, Sargison ND, Chianini F, Longbottom D. The 1B vaccine strain of Chlamydia abortus produces placental pathology indistinguishable from a wild type infection. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242526. [PMID: 33196660 PMCID: PMC7668586 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus is one of the most commonly diagnosed causes of infectious abortion in small ruminants worldwide. Control of the disease (Enzootic Abortion of Ewes or EAE) is achieved using the commercial live, attenuated C. abortus 1B vaccine strain, which can be distinguished from virulent wild-type (wt) strains by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. Published studies applying this typing method and whole-genome sequence analyses to cases of EAE in vaccinated and non-vaccinated animals have provided strong evidence that the 1B strain is not attenuated and can infect the placenta causing disease in some ewes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterise the lesions found in the placentas of ewes vaccinated with the 1B strain and to compare these to those resulting from a wt infection. A C. abortus-free flock of multiparous adult ewes was vaccinated twice, over three breeding seasons, each before mating, with the commercial C. abortus 1B vaccine strain (Cevac® Chlamydia, Ceva Animal Health Ltd.). In the second lambing season following vaccination, placentas (n = 117) were collected at parturition and analysed by C. abortus-specific real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Two placentas, from a single ewe, which gave birth to live twin lambs, were found to be positive by qPCR and viable organisms were recovered and identified as vaccine type (vt) by PCR-RFLP, with no evidence of any wt strain being present. All cotyledons from the vt-infected placentas were analysed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry and compared to those from wt-infected placentas. Both vt-infected placentas showed lesions typical of those found in a wt infection in terms of their severity, distribution, and associated intensity of antigen labelling. These results conclusively demonstrate that the 1B strain can infect the placenta, producing typical EAE placental lesions that are indistinguishable from those found in wt infected animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Gaston Caspe
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Estación Experimental Mercedes, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Mercedes, Corrientes, Argentina
| | | | - David Frew
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Aitchison
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | | | - Gary Entrican
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Elspeth Milne
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Donald Sargison
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian, United Kingdom
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17
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Gaston Caspe S, Frew D, Milne E, Chianini F, McNeilly T, Sargison N, Longbottom D. Evidence that Chlamydia abortus vaccine strain 1B produces indistinguishable placental lesions to wild type strains. Access Microbiol 2020. [DOI: 10.1099/acmi.ac2020.po0484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus is the most commonly diagnosed cause of abortion in small ruminants around the world [1]. Control of chlamydial abortion is achieved in several European countries using an attenuated live 1B C. abortus vaccine strain, which can be distinguished from virulent wild-type strains by PCR-RFLP analysis [2]. Application of this method has provided molecular evidence that the 1B strain can cause abortion in ewes [3, 4]. The objective of this study was to define the distribution of lesions and bacterial load in cotyledons from ewes vaccinated with the 1B strain compared to normal wild-type infections.
A Chlamydia-free flock of 75 multiparous adult ewes were vaccinated twice, two years apart, each prior to mating, with the commercial 1B vaccine. In the second lambing season following the last vaccination, placentae (n=116) were collected and analysed by C. abortus real-time qPCR [3]. Only two of the placentae, both from the same ewe, were found to be positive. Viable organisms were isolated from these placentae and confirmed by RFLP-PCR [3] to be vaccine-type. All cotyledons from these placentae were analysed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry [5], and compared with those from wild-type infected placentae. The lesions in the vaccine-type infected placentae were indistinguishable from the wild-type infected placentae in terms of their severity, load and distribution.
These results suggest that the 1B vaccine strain of C. abortus can cause chlamydial abortion in ewes producing typical placental lesions to wild-type infected animals, and could be circulating with the potential to cause natural infection and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Frew
- Moredun Reseach Institute,Midlothian,United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Tom McNeilly
- Moredun Reseach Institute,Midlothian,United Kingdom
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18
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Wattegedera SR, Livingstone M, Maley S, Rocchi M, Lee S, Pang Y, Wheelhouse NM, Aitchison K, Palarea-Albaladejo J, Buxton D, Longbottom D, Entrican G. Defining immune correlates during latent and active chlamydial infection in sheep. Vet Res 2020; 51:75. [PMID: 32487248 PMCID: PMC7268686 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-020-00798-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovine enzootic abortion (OEA) caused by the obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus), is an endemic disease in most sheep-rearing countries worldwide. Following infection, C. abortus establishes a complex host-pathogen interaction with a latent phase in non-pregnant sheep followed by an active disease phase in the placenta during pregnancy leading to OEA. Improved knowledge of the host-pathogen interactions at these different phases of disease will accelerate the development of new diagnostic tests and vaccines to control OEA. Current evidence indicates that cellular immunity is essential for controlling C. abortus infection. We have previously described a model of mucosal (intranasal) infection of non-pregnant sheep with C. abortus that replicates the latent and active phases of OEA. We have investigated antigen-specific recall responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in sheep infected with C. abortus via the intranasal route to determine how these change during the latent and active phases of disease. By analysing cytokines associated with the major CD4+ve Thelper (Th) cell subsets (Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)/Th1; Interleukin (IL)-4/Th2; IL-17A/Th17; IL-10/Tregulatory), we show that there is selective activation of PBMC producing IFN-γ and/or IL-10 during the latent phase following infection. These cytokines are also elevated during the active disease phase and while they are produced by sheep that are protected from OEA, they are also produced by sheep that abort, highlighting the difficulties in finding specific cellular immunological correlates of protection for complex intracellular pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean R. Wattegedera
- Moredun Research Institute, International Research Centre, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Scotland EH26 0PZ UK
| | - Morag Livingstone
- Moredun Research Institute, International Research Centre, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Scotland EH26 0PZ UK
| | - Stephen Maley
- Moredun Research Institute, International Research Centre, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Scotland EH26 0PZ UK
| | - Mara Rocchi
- Moredun Research Institute, International Research Centre, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Scotland EH26 0PZ UK
| | - Susan Lee
- Moredun Research Institute, International Research Centre, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Scotland EH26 0PZ UK
| | - Yvonne Pang
- Moredun Research Institute, International Research Centre, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Scotland EH26 0PZ UK
| | - Nick M. Wheelhouse
- School of Applied Sciences, Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland EH11 4BN UK
| | - Kevin Aitchison
- Moredun Research Institute, International Research Centre, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Scotland EH26 0PZ UK
| | - Javier Palarea-Albaladejo
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, JCMB, The King’s Buildings, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh, Scotland EH9 3FD UK
| | - David Buxton
- Moredun Research Institute, International Research Centre, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Scotland EH26 0PZ UK
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, International Research Centre, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Scotland EH26 0PZ UK
| | - Gary Entrican
- Moredun Research Institute, International Research Centre, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Scotland EH26 0PZ UK
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, Scotland EH25 9RG UK
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Velasova M, Damaso A, Prakashbabu BC, Gibbons J, Wheelhouse N, Longbottom D, Van Winden S, Green M, Guitian J. Herd-level prevalence of selected endemic infectious diseases of dairy cows in Great Britain. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:9215-9233. [PMID: 28843682 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
To implement appropriate and effective disease control programs at the national level, up-to-date and unbiased information on disease frequency is needed. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of selected endemic infectious diseases in the population of dairy herds in Great Britain. Bulk milk tank (BMT) samples from 225 randomly selected dairy farms, stratified by region and herd size, were tested for antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine herpesvirus type 1, Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis, Leptospira Hardjo, Salmonella spp., Coxiella burnetii, Fasciola hepatica, Neospora caninum, and Ostertagia ostertagi. Furthermore, the presence of BVDV, C. burnetii, and Chlamydia-like organisms was determined by PCR. The apparent herd prevalence was estimated as a weighted proportion of positive herds. The true prevalence was calculated when a test was used with known test characteristics for the cut-off value used. Among unvaccinated herds, the true prevalence of BMT antibodies against BVDV was estimated at 66% [95% confidence interval (CI): 56-77%], M. avium ssp. paratuberculosis 68% (95% CI: 59-77%), bovine herpesvirus type 1 62% (95% CI: 52-73%), Leptospira Hardjo 47% (95% CI: 34-60%), and Salmonella spp. 48% (95% CI: 39-56%). The apparent prevalence of BMT antibodies against C. burnetii was 80% (95% CI: 75-85%), F. hepatica 55% (95% CI: 48-62%), N. caninum 46% (95% CI: 38-54%), and O. ostertagi 95% (95% CI: 91-98%). The BVDV, C. burnetii, and Chlamydia-like antigens were detected in 5 (95% CI: 2-9%), 29 (95% CI: 21-36%), and 31% (95% CI: 24-38%) of herds, respectively. Our results show that dairy cows across GB are frequently exposed to the studied pathogens, which are endemic at high levels with some geographical variations. These prevalence estimates provide a much-needed basis to assess whether nationwide control programs for the studied pathogens are justified by their potential economic, environmental, and public health implications. Should surveillance and control programs be initiated, the estimates presented here are a baseline against which progress can be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Velasova
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Department of Pathobiology and Population Science, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA United Kingdom.
| | - Angela Damaso
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Department of Pathobiology and Population Science, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA United Kingdom
| | - Bhagyalakshmi Chengat Prakashbabu
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Department of Pathobiology and Population Science, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA United Kingdom
| | - Jenny Gibbons
- AHDB Dairy, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2TL United Kingdom
| | - Nick Wheelhouse
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Van Winden
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Department of Pathobiology and Population Science, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA United Kingdom
| | - Martin Green
- The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD United Kingdom
| | - Javier Guitian
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Department of Pathobiology and Population Science, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA United Kingdom
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Livingstone M, Wheelhouse N, Ensor H, Rocchi M, Maley S, Aitchison K, Wattegedera S, Wilson K, Sait M, Siarkou V, Vretou E, Entrican G, Dagleish M, Longbottom D. Pathogenic outcome following experimental infection of sheep with Chlamydia abortus variant strains LLG and POS. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177653. [PMID: 28494018 PMCID: PMC5426687 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the pathogenesis of two variant strains (LLG and POS) of Chlamydia abortus, in comparison to a typical wild-type strain (S26/3) which is known to be responsible for late term abortion in small ruminants. Challenge with the three strains at mid-gestation resulted in similar pregnancy outcomes, with abortion occurring in approximately 50–60% of ewes with the mean gestational lengths also being similar. However, differences were observed in the severity of placental pathology, with infection appearing milder for strain LLG, which was reflected in the lower number of organisms shed in vaginal swabs post-partum and less gross pathology and organisms present in placental smears. Results for strain POS were somewhat different than LLG with a more focal restriction of infection observed. Post-abortion antibody responses revealed prominent differences in seropositivity to the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) present in elementary body (EB) preparations under denaturing conditions, most notably with anti-LLG and anti-POS convalescent sera where there was no or reduced detection of MOMP present in EBs derived from the three strains. These results and additional analysis of whole EB and chlamydial outer membrane complex preparations suggest that there are conformational differences in MOMP for the three strains. Overall, the results suggest that gross placental pathology and clinical outcome is not indicative of bacterial colonization and the severity of infection. The results also highlight potential conformational differences in MOMP epitopes that perhaps impact on disease diagnosis and the development of new vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hannah Ensor
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mara Rocchi
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Maley
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Aitchison
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Sean Wattegedera
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Kim Wilson
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Sait
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Siarkou
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia Vretou
- Formerly Laboratory of Biotechnology, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Gary Entrican
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Dagleish
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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21
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Seth-Smith HMB, Busó LS, Livingstone M, Sait M, Harris SR, Aitchison KD, Vretou E, Siarkou VI, Laroucau K, Sachse K, Longbottom D, Thomson NR. European Chlamydia abortus livestock isolate genomes reveal unusual stability and limited diversity, reflected in geographical signatures. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:344. [PMID: 28472926 PMCID: PMC5415952 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3657-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia abortus (formerly Chlamydophila abortus) is an economically important livestock pathogen, causing ovine enzootic abortion (OEA), and can also cause zoonotic infections in humans affecting pregnancy outcome. Large-scale genomic studies on other chlamydial species are giving insights into the biology of these organisms but have not yet been performed on C. abortus. Our aim was to investigate a broad collection of European isolates of C. abortus, using next generation sequencing methods, looking at diversity, geographic distribution and genome dynamics. Results Whole genome sequencing was performed on our collection of 57 C. abortus isolates originating primarily from the UK, Germany, France and Greece, but also from Tunisia, Namibia and the USA. Phylogenetic analysis of a total of 64 genomes shows a deep structural division within the C. abortus species with a major clade displaying limited diversity, in addition to a branch carrying two more distantly related Greek isolates, LLG and POS. Within the major clade, seven further phylogenetic groups can be identified, demonstrating geographical associations. The number of variable nucleotide positions across the sampled isolates is significantly lower than those published for C. trachomatis and C. psittaci. No recombination was identified within C. abortus, and no plasmid was found. Analysis of pseudogenes showed lineage specific loss of some functions, notably with several Pmp and TMH/Inc proteins predicted to be inactivated in many of the isolates studied. Conclusions The diversity within C. abortus appears to be much lower compared to other species within the genus. There are strong geographical signatures within the phylogeny, indicating clonal expansion within areas of limited livestock transport. No recombination has been identified within this species, showing that different species of Chlamydia may demonstrate different evolutionary dynamics, and that the genome of C. abortus is highly stable. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-017-3657-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M B Seth-Smith
- Pathogen Genomics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK.,Current Address: Universitätsspital Basel, 4031, Basel, Switzerland.,Current Address: Applied Microbiology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Leonor Sánchez Busó
- Pathogen Genomics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - M Livingstone
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - M Sait
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK.,Current Address: Microbiological Diagnostic Unit, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - S R Harris
- Pathogen Genomics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - K D Aitchison
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Evangelia Vretou
- Retired: Formerly Laboratory of Biotechnology, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, 115 21, Greece
| | - V I Siarkou
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - K Laroucau
- Anses, Animal Health Laboratory, Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, University Paris-Est, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94701, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - K Sachse
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743, Jena, Germany.,Current Address: RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Leutragraben 1, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - D Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - N R Thomson
- Pathogen Genomics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK.
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Coyle C, Wheelhouse N, Jacques M, Longbottom D, Svoboda P, Pohl J, Duncan WC, Rae MT, Barlow PG. Ovine trophoblasts express cathelicidin host defence peptide in response to infection. J Reprod Immunol 2016; 117:10-6. [PMID: 27348190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cationic host defence peptides (CHDP; also known as antimicrobial peptides) are key components of the immune response in the female reproductive tract. The role of the placental trophoblast in ovine host defence remains poorly understood. This study characterises expression of genes for cathelicidin and defensin peptides in primary ovine placental tissues, the ovine trophoblast cell line (AH-1) and in response to the TLR-4 ligand LPS, the abortifacient organism Waddlia chondrophila and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Using RT-PCR, expression of the CHDP SMAP-29, sBD-1 and sBD-2 was assessed in the AH-1 cell line in response to LPS, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 exposure (a known stimulator of cathelicidin gene expression), or W. chondrophila infection. Expression of cathelicidin in the trophoblast compartment of the ovine placenta and in the ovine trophoblast cell line (AH-1) was also established. AH-1 cells did not upregulate expression of CHDP in response to LPS, but sBD-1 and sBD-2 expression was significantly increased in response to W. chondrophila infection. SMAP-29 expression was not altered by in vitro exposure to 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. This study demonstrates that the ovine trophoblast expresses cathelicidins, but does not upregulate expression of CHDP in response to LPS. Ovine trophoblasts are shown to differentially regulate expression of CHDP and lack a demonstrable vitamin D-mediated cathelicidin response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Coyle
- School of Life, Sport and Social Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Wheelhouse
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Maxime Jacques
- School of Life, Sport and Social Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, United Kingdom
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Pavel Svoboda
- Biotechnology Core Facility Branch, Division of Scientific Resources, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA 30333, United States
| | - Jan Pohl
- Biotechnology Core Facility Branch, Division of Scientific Resources, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA 30333, United States
| | - W Colin Duncan
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queens Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Michael T Rae
- School of Life, Sport and Social Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, United Kingdom
| | - Peter G Barlow
- School of Life, Sport and Social Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, United Kingdom.
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Storrie S, Longbottom D, Barlow PG, Wheelhouse N. MAPK Activation Is Essential for Waddlia chondrophila Induced CXCL8 Expression in Human Epithelial Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152193. [PMID: 27002636 PMCID: PMC4803198 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Waddlia chondrophila (W. chondrophila) is an emerging agent of respiratory and reproductive disease in humans and cattle. The organism is a member of the order Chlamydiales, and shares many similarities at the genome level and in growth studies with other well-characterised zoonotic chlamydial agents, such as Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus). The current study investigated the growth characteristics and innate immune responses of human and ruminant epithelial cells in response to infection with W. chondrophila. Methods Human epithelial cells (HEp2) were infected with W. chondrophila for 24h. CXCL8 release was significantly elevated in each of the cell lines by active-infection with live W. chondrophila, but not by exposure to UV-killed organisms. Inhibition of either p38 or p42/44 MAPK significantly inhibited the stimulation of CXCL8 release in each of the cell lines. To determine the pattern recognition receptor through which CXCL8 release was stimulated, wild-type HEK293 cells which express no TLR2, TLR4, NOD2 and only negligible NOD1 were infected with live organisms. A significant increase in CXCL8 was observed. Conclusions/Significance W. chondrophila actively infects and replicates within both human and ruminant epithelial cells stimulating CXCL8 release. Release of CXCL8 is significantly inhibited by inhibition of either p38 or p42/44 MAPK indicating a role for this pathway in the innate immune response to W. chondrophila infection. W. chondrophila stimulation of CXCL8 secretion in HEK293 cells indicates that TLR2, TLR4, NOD2 and NOD1 receptors are not essential to the innate immune response to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skye Storrie
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Peter G. Barlow
- School of Life, Sport and Social Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh, EH11 4BN, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Wheelhouse
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Smith V, Finlayson J, Livingstone M, Aitchison K, Flockhart A, Wheelhouse N, Wattegedera S, Rocchi M, Entrican G, Longbottom D, Chianini F. Distribution of Chlamydia abortus in Placentas from Naturally and Experimentally Infected Sheep. J Comp Pathol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2015.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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25
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Doull L, Wattegedera SR, Longbottom D, Mwangi D, Nath M, Glass EJ, Entrican G. Late production of CXCL8 in ruminant oro-nasal turbinate cells in response to Chlamydia abortus infection. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2015; 168:97-102. [PMID: 26342452 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2015.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus is an obligate intracellular bacterium that is an important cause of ovine abortion worldwide. There are reports of abortions in cattle, but these are very rare compared to the reported incidence in sheep. The bacterium is transmitted oro-nasally and can establish a sub-clinical infection until pregnancy, when it can invade the placenta and induce an inflammatory cascade leading to placentitis and abortion. Early host-pathogen interactions could explain differential pathogenesis and subsequent disease outcome in ruminant species. In this study, we assessed the ability of sheep and cattle oro-nasal turbinate cells to sense and respond to C. abortus infection. The cells expressed toll like receptor (TLR) 2, TLR4, nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD) 1 and NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) mRNA. In response to C. abortus infection, both ovine and bovine turbinate cells produce CXCL8 mRNA and protein late in the bacterial developmental cycle, but do not produce IL-1β or TNF-α. The UV-inactivated bacteria did not elicit a CXCL8 response, suggesting that intracellular multiplication of the bacteria is important for activating the signalling pathways. The production of innate immune cytokines from cattle and sheep turbinate cells in response to C. abortus infection was found to be largely similar.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Doull
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, Scotland, UK; The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - S R Wattegedera
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, Scotland, UK
| | - D Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, Scotland, UK
| | - D Mwangi
- Zoetis, 333 Portage Street, KZO-300-385.6SE, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA
| | - M Nath
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, JCMB, The King's Buildings, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, UK
| | - E J Glass
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - G Entrican
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, Scotland, UK; The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
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26
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Opota O, Jaton K, Branley J, Vanrompay D, Erard V, Borel N, Longbottom D, Greub G. Improving the molecular diagnosis of Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia abortus infection with a species-specific duplex real-time PCR. J Med Microbiol 2015; 64:1174-1185. [PMID: 26297212 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia abortus are closely related intracellular bacteria exhibiting different tissue tropism that may cause severe but distinct infection in humans. C. psittaci causes psittacosis, a respiratory zoonotic infection transmitted by birds. C. abortus is an abortigenic agent in small ruminants, which can also colonize the human placenta and lead to foetal death and miscarriage. Infections caused by C. psittaci and C. abortus are underestimated mainly due to diagnosis difficulties resulting from their strict intracellular growth. We developed a duplex real-time PCR to detect and distinguish these two bacteria in clinical samples. The first PCR (PCR1) targeted a sequence of the 16S-23S rRNA operon allowing the detection of both C. psittaci and C. abortus. The second PCR (PCR2) targeted the coding DNA sequence CPSIT_0607 unique to C. psittaci. The two PCRs showed 100 % detection for ≥ 10 DNA copies per reaction (1000 copies ml(- 1)). Using a set of 120 samples, including bacterial reference strains, clinical specimens and infected cell culture material, we monitored 100 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity for the detection of C. psittaci and C. abortus for PCR1. When PCR1 was positive, PCR2 could discriminate C. psittaci from C. abortus with a positive predictive value of 100 % and a negative predictive value of 88 %. In conclusion, this new duplex PCR represents a low-cost and time-saving method with high-throughput potential, expected to improve the routine diagnosis of psittacosis and pregnancy complication in large-scale screening programs and also during outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onya Opota
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne and University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Katia Jaton
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne and University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - James Branley
- Department of Microbiology, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, Sydney, Australia
| | - Daisy Vanrompay
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Veronique Erard
- Clinic of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, HFR-Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne and University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Infectious Diseases Service, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Sargison ND, Truyers IGR, Howie FE, Thomson JR, Cox AL, Livingstone M, Longbottom D. Identification of the 1B vaccine strain of Chlamydia abortus in aborted placentas during the investigation of toxaemic and systemic disease in sheep. N Z Vet J 2015; 63:284-7. [PMID: 25695509 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2015.1018365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
CASE HISTORY One hundred and forty Cheviot and 100 Suffolk cross Mule primiparous 1-2-year-old ewes, from a flock of about 700 ewes, were vaccinated with an attenuated live 1B strain Chlamydia abortus vaccine about 4 weeks before ram introduction (September 2011). Between 08 March and 01 April 2012, 50 2-year-old ewes aborted and 29 of these died, despite antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatment and supportive care. PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS Seven fetuses and three placentae from five 2-year-old ewes were submitted for pathological investigation. The aborted fetuses showed stages of autolysis ranging from being moderately fresh to putrefaction. Unusual, large multifocal regions of thickened membranes, with a dull red granular surface and moderate amounts of grey-white surface exudate were seen on each of the placentae. Intracellular, magenta-staining, acid fast inclusions were identified in Ziehl Neelsen-stained placental smears. Immunohistochemistry for Chlamydia-specific lipopolysaccharide showed extensive positive labelling of the placental epithelia. LABORATORY FINDINGS Molecular analyses of the aborted placentae demonstrated the presence of the 1B vaccine-type strain of C. abortus and absence of any wild-type field strain. The vaccine strain bacterial load of the placental tissue samples was consistent with there being an association between vaccination and abortion. DIAGNOSIS Initial laboratory investigations resulted in a diagnosis of chlamydial abortion. Further investigations led to the identification of the 1B vaccine strain of C. abortus in material from all three of the submitted aborted placentae. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Timely knowledge and understanding of any potential problems caused by vaccination against C. abortus are prerequisites for sustainable control of chlamydial abortion. This report describes the investigation of an atypical abortion storm in sheep, and describes the identification of the 1B vaccine strain of C. abortus in products of abortion. The significance of this novel putative association between the vaccine strain of C. abortus and severe clinical disease is unknown. Aspects of the approach that is described are relevant to the investigation of all outbreaks of ovine abortion, irrespective of the diagnosis. Awareness of the changing role of C. abortus as a major global cause of abortion ought to reinforce the importance of monitoring of adequate biosecurity in those countries which are currently free from chlamydial abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- N D Sargison
- a Easter Bush Veterinary Centre , University of Edinburgh, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies , Roslin, Midlothian , EH25 9RG , UK
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Siarkou VI, Vorimore F, Vicari N, Magnino S, Rodolakis A, Pannekoek Y, Sachse K, Longbottom D, Laroucau K. Diversification and Distribution of Ruminant Chlamydia abortus Clones Assessed by MLST and MLVA. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126433. [PMID: 26001070 PMCID: PMC4441495 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus, an obligate intracellular bacterium, is the most common infectious cause of abortion in small ruminants worldwide and has zoonotic potential. We applied multilocus sequence typing (MLST) together with multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) to genotype 94 ruminant C. abortus strains, field isolates and samples collected from 1950 to 2011 in diverse geographic locations, with the aim of delineating C. abortus lineages and clones. MLST revealed the previously identified sequence types (STs) ST19, ST25, ST29 and ST30, plus ST86, a recently-assigned type on the Chlamydiales MLST website and ST87, a novel type harbouring the hemN_21 allele, whereas MLVA recognized seven types (MT1 to MT7). Minimum-spanning-tree analysis suggested that all STs but one (ST30) belonged to a single clonal complex, possibly reflecting the short evolutionary timescale over which the predicted ancestor (ST19) has diversified into three single-locus variants (ST86, ST87 and ST29) and further, through ST86 diversification, into one double-locus variant (ST25). ST descendants have probably arisen through a point mutation evolution mode. Interestingly, MLVA showed that in the ST19 population there was a greater genetic diversity than in other STs, most of which exhibited the same MT over time and geographical distribution. However, the evolutionary pathways of C. abortus STs seem to be diverse across geographic distances with individual STs restricted to particular geographic locations. The ST30 singleton clone displaying geographic specificity and represented by the Greek strains LLG and POS was effectively distinguished from the clonal complex lineage, supporting the notion that possibly two separate host adaptations and hence independent bottlenecks of C. abortus have occurred through time. The combination of MLST and MLVA assays provides an additional level of C. abortus discrimination and may prove useful for the investigation and surveillance of emergent C. abortus clonal populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria I. Siarkou
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- * E-mail: (KL); (VIS)
| | - Fabien Vorimore
- Anses, Animal Health Laboratory, Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, University Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nadia Vicari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, Sezione Diagnostica di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simone Magnino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, Sezione Diagnostica di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Annie Rodolakis
- INRA, Infectiologie Animale et Santé Publique, Nouzilly, France
| | - Yvonne Pannekoek
- Academic Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Konrad Sachse
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Jena, Germany
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Karine Laroucau
- Anses, Animal Health Laboratory, Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, University Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
- * E-mail: (KL); (VIS)
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Wheelhouse N, Mearns R, Willoughby K, Wright E, Turnbull D, Longbottom D. Evidence of members of the Chlamydiales
in bovine abortions in England and Wales. Vet Rec 2015; 176:465. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.103075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N. Wheelhouse
- Moredun Research Institute; Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan Penicuik Midlothian EH26 0PZ UK
| | - R. Mearns
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)-Penrith; Merrythought Caitwaite Cumbria CA11 9RR UK
| | - K. Willoughby
- Moredun Scientific; Pentlands Science Park Bush Loan Edinburgh EH26 0PZ UK
| | - E. Wright
- Moredun Research Institute; Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan Penicuik Midlothian EH26 0PZ UK
| | - D. Turnbull
- Moredun Research Institute; Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan Penicuik Midlothian EH26 0PZ UK
| | - D. Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute; Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan Penicuik Midlothian EH26 0PZ UK
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Affiliation(s)
- Morag Livingstone
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ
| | - Kevin Aitchison
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ
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Yin L, Schautteet K, Kalmar ID, Bertels G, Van Driessche E, Czaplicki G, Borel N, Longbottom D, Frétin D, Dispas M, Vanrompay D. Prevalence of Chlamydia abortus in Belgian ruminants. VLAAMS DIERGEN TIJDS 2014. [DOI: 10.21825/vdt.v83i4.16642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia (C.) abortus enzootic abortion still remains the most common cause of reproductive failure in sheep-breeding countries all over the world. Chlamydia abortus in cattle is predominantly associated with genital tract disease and mastitis. In this study, Belgian sheep (n=958), goats (n=48) and cattle (n=1849) were examined, using the ID ScreenTM Chlamydia abortus indirect multi-species antibody ELISA. In the sheep, the highest prevalence rate was found in Limburg (4.05%). The animals of Antwerp, Brabant and Liège tested negative. The prevalence in the remaining five regions was low (0.24% to 2.74%). Of the nine goat herds, only one herd in Luxembourg was seropositive. In cattle, the highest prevalence rate was found in Walloon Brabant (4.23%). The animals of Limburg and Namur tested negative. The prevalence rate in the remaining seven regions ranged between 0.39% and 4.02%.
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Wheelhouse N, Coyle C, Barlow PG, Mitchell S, Greub G, Baszler T, Rae MT, Longbottom D. Waddlia chondrophila infects and multiplies in ovine trophoblast cells stimulating an inflammatory immune response. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102386. [PMID: 25010668 PMCID: PMC4092135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Waddlia chondrophila (W. chondrophila) is an emerging abortifacient organism which has been identified in the placentae of humans and cattle. The organism is a member of the order Chlamydiales, and shares many similarities at the genome level and in growth studies with other well-characterised zoonotic chlamydial abortifacients, such as Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus). This study investigates the growth of the organism and its effects upon pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in a ruminant placental cell line which we have previously utilised in a model of C. abortus pathogenicity. Methodology/Principal Findings Using qPCR, fluorescent immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy, we characterised the infection and growth of W. chondrophila within the ovine trophoblast AH-1 cell line. Inclusions were visible from 6 h post-infection (p.i.) and exponential growth of the organism could be observed over a 60 h time-course, with significant levels of host cell lysis being observed only after 36 h p.i. Expression of CXCL8, TNF-α, IL-1α and IL-1β were determined 24 h p.i. A statistically significant response in the expression of CXCL8, TNF-α and IL-1β could be observed following active infection with W. chondrophila. However a significant increase in IL-1β expression was also observed following the exposure of cells to UV-killed organisms, indicating the stimulation of multiple innate recognition pathways. Conclusions/Significance W. chondrophila infects and grows in the ruminant trophoblast AH-1 cell line exhibiting a complete chlamydial replicative cycle. Infection of the trophoblasts resulted in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner similar to that observed with C. abortus in previous studies, suggesting similarities in the pathogenesis of infection between the two organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Wheelhouse
- Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Christopher Coyle
- School of Life, Sport and Social Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Peter G. Barlow
- School of Life, Sport and Social Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Mitchell
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria (CRIB), Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tim Baszler
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Mick T. Rae
- School of Life, Sport and Social Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Wheelhouse
- Moredun Research Institute; Pentlands Science Park Bush Loan Edinburgh EH26 0PZ
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute; Pentlands Science Park Bush Loan Edinburgh EH26 0PZ
| | - Jim O'Donovan
- Regional Veterinary Laboratory; Model Farm Road Cork Ireland
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Sait M, Livingstone M, Clark EM, Wheelhouse N, Spalding L, Markey B, Magnino S, Lainson FA, Myers GSA, Longbottom D. Genome sequencing and comparative analysis of three Chlamydia pecorum strains associated with different pathogenic outcomes. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:23. [PMID: 24417976 PMCID: PMC3932018 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia pecorum is the causative agent of a number of acute diseases, but most often causes persistent, subclinical infection in ruminants, swine and birds. In this study, the genome sequences of three C. pecorum strains isolated from the faeces of a sheep with inapparent enteric infection (strain W73), from the synovial fluid of a sheep with polyarthritis (strain P787) and from a cervical swab taken from a cow with metritis (strain PV3056/3) were determined using Illumina/Solexa and Roche 454 genome sequencing. Results Gene order and synteny was almost identical between C. pecorum strains and C. psittaci. Differences between C. pecorum and other chlamydiae occurred at a number of loci, including the plasticity zone, which contained a MAC/perforin domain protein, two copies of a >3400 amino acid putative cytotoxin gene and four (PV3056/3) or five (P787 and W73) genes encoding phospholipase D. Chlamydia pecorum contains an almost intact tryptophan biosynthesis operon encoding trpABCDFR and has the ability to sequester kynurenine from its host, however it lacks the genes folA, folKP and folB required for folate metabolism found in other chlamydiae. A total of 15 polymorphic membrane proteins were identified, belonging to six pmp families. Strains possess an intact type III secretion system composed of 18 structural genes and accessory proteins, however a number of putative inc effector proteins widely distributed in chlamydiae are absent from C. pecorum. Two genes encoding the hypothetical protein ORF663 and IncA contain variable numbers of repeat sequences that could be associated with persistence of infection. Conclusions Genome sequencing of three C. pecorum strains, originating from animals with different disease manifestations, has identified differences in ORF663 and pseudogene content between strains and has identified genes and metabolic traits that may influence intracellular survival, pathogenicity and evasion of the host immune system. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-23) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK.
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Bae J, Wieland B, Sait M, Longbottom D, Smith D, Alarcon P, Wheelhouse N. Risk factors associated with Lawsonia intracellularis in English pig farms. Vet J 2013; 197:707-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2012] [Revised: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Longbottom D, Livingstone M, Maley S, van der Zon A, Rocchi M, Wilson K, Wheelhouse N, Dagleish M, Aitchison K, Wattegedera S, Nath M, Entrican G, Buxton D. Intranasal infection with Chlamydia abortus induces dose-dependent latency and abortion in sheep. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57950. [PMID: 23469113 PMCID: PMC3585262 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 01/27/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Latency is a key feature of the animal pathogen Chlamydia abortus, where infection remains inapparent in the non-pregnant animal and only becomes evident during a subsequent pregnancy. Often the first sign that an animal is infected is abortion occurring late in gestation. Despite this, little is understood of the underlying mechanisms that control latency or the recrudescence of infection that occurs during subsequent pregnancy. The aim of this study was to develop an experimental model of latency by mimicking the natural route of infection through the intranasal inoculation of non-pregnant sheep with C. abortus. Methodology/Principal Findings Three groups of sheep (groups 1, 2 and 3) were experimentally infected with different doses of C. abortus (5×103, 5×105 and 5×107 inclusion forming units (IFU), respectively) prior to mating and monitored over 2 breeding cycles for clinical, microbiological, pathological, immunological and serological outcomes. Two further groups received either negative control inoculum (group 4a,b) or were inoculated subcutaneously on day 70 of gestation with 2×106 IFU C. abortus (group 5). Animals in groups 1, 2 and 5 experienced an abortion rate of 50–67%, while only one animal aborted in group 3 and none in group 4a,b. Pathological, microbiological, immunological and serological analyses support the view that the maternal protective immune response is influenced by initial exposure to the bacterium. Conclusions/Significance The results show that intranasal administration of non-pregnant sheep with a low/medium dose of C. abortus results in a latent infection that leads in a subsequent pregnancy to infection of the placenta and abortion. In contrast a high dose stimulates protective immunity, resulting in a much lower abortion rate. This model will be useful in understanding the mechanisms of infection underlying latency and onset of disease, as well as in the development of novel therapeutics and vaccines for controlling infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Wheelhouse
- Moredun Research Institute; Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan Penicuik Midlothian EH26 0PZ
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute; Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan Penicuik Midlothian EH26 0PZ
| | - Kim Willoughby
- Moredun Research Institute; Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan Penicuik Midlothian EH26 0PZ
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Longbottom D, Entrican G, Wheelhouse N, Brough H, Milne C. Evaluation of the impact and control of enzootic abortion of ewes. Vet J 2012; 195:257-9. [PMID: 22809464 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2012] [Revised: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite the availability of effective management and treatment strategies, Chlamydia abortus remains the single most frequently diagnosed cause of infectious ovine abortion (enzootic abortion of ewes, EAE) in the UK and one of the most significant causes of lamb mortality world-wide. In 2007, a survey of UK farmers, veterinarians and other farm animal holders was conducted to gather information on their perceptions of the risk of acquiring infection and the management practices employed to control the disease. The survey indicated that the preferred options for controlling EAE are either through vaccination and/or keeping flocks closed. However, further analysis of data indicates that implementation of these strategies does not provide a guarantee of exclusion of disease from flocks and thus further work is required to improve on current intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, UK.
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Wheelhouse N, Sait M, Wilson K, Aitchison K, McLean K, Smith DGE, Longbottom D. Expression patterns of five polymorphic membrane proteins during the Chlamydia abortus developmental cycle. Vet Microbiol 2012; 160:525-9. [PMID: 22776512 PMCID: PMC3504296 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2012.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Revised: 06/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
It has been suggested that polymorphic membrane proteins (Pmps) belonging to the Type V autotransporter protein family play an important role in the pathogenesis of Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus; formerly Chlamydophila abortus) infection. In a previous study we demonstrated the expression of all the pmps at the transcriptional level. The purpose of this study was to measure the number of Pmp positive inclusions throughout the C. abortus developmental cycle to investigate heterogeneity in expression patterns. McCoy cells were infected with C. abortus and analysed for Pmp expression over a 72 h period by fluorescent immunocytochemistry. Pmp18D could be detected at all analysed time points, and could only be accurately quantified from 36 hpi while Pmp10G positive inclusions could be visualised from 36 hpi. Expression of Pmps 13G, 16G and 17G could only be visualised later in the cycle and within less than half of visualised inclusions. These results indicate that while expression of specific Pmps is constitutive (Pmp18D), the pattern of expression of other Pmps is more variable. This suggests that different members of the Pmp family may play different roles within the developmental cycle of the organism, with some (Pmps10G and 18D) having roles throughout the cycle, while the heterogeneity of expression of others may aid in antigenic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Wheelhouse
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK.
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Wheelhouse N, Howie F, Gidlow J, Greub G, Dagleish M, Longbottom D. Involvement of Parachlamydia in bovine abortions in Scotland. Vet J 2012; 193:586-8. [PMID: 22341682 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Revised: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 01/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bovine abortion represents a major animal welfare issue and a cause of substantial economic loss yet the rate of successful diagnosis remains low. Chlamydia-related organisms including Parachlamydia have recently emerged as putative cattle abortifacients. Placental tissue samples and fetal lung from bovine abortion submissions across Scotland in Spring 2011 were investigated by histopathology for the presence of suspect Chlamydia-related organisms. Evidence of Chlamydia-related organisms was observed in 21/113 (18.6%) placenta samples. Thirteen of the suspect cases and 18 histopathology negative cases were analysed by molecular and immunohistochemical methods. All samples were PCR positive for Parachlamydia but sequencing revealed high homology between identified environmental 16S sequences in all but three cases. Parachlamydial antigen was detected in 10/31 placental samples (32.2%) with pathology consistent with chlamydial infection. This work supports the need for further surveillance investigations and experimental studies to determine the role of Parachlamydia in bovine abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Wheelhouse
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK.
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Wilson K, Sammin D, Harmeyer S, Nath M, Livingstone M, Longbottom D. Seroprevalence of chlamydial infection in cattle in Ireland. Vet J 2012; 193:583-5. [PMID: 22285586 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2011.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2011] [Revised: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Although few studies have investigated the prevalence of chlamydial infections in cattle, reported prevalence rates vary hugely. In order to assess the prevalence of this infection in cattle in Ireland, serum samples (100 herds, 20 samples/herd) collected for statutory screening for brucellosis were examined by soluble chlamydial antigen indirect ELISA. The assay detects antibodies to the two most common Chlamydiaceae spp. affecting cattle, namely Chlamydia abortus and Chlamydia pecorum. A total of 95 samples from 57 herds were seropositive, representing an observed prevalence rate of 4.75%. The parametric bootstrap estimate of the mean disease prevalence in the population was 6.04% (95%, CI 4.70-7.50). The results suggest the prevalence of chlamydial infection is low in cattle in Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Wilson
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26OPZ, UK
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Entrican G, Wheelhouse N, Wattegedera SR, Longbottom D. New challenges for vaccination to prevent chlamydial abortion in sheep. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2011; 35:271-6. [PMID: 22209689 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2011.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Revised: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 12/06/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Ovine enzootic abortion (OEA) is caused by the obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium Chlamydia abortus. OEA remains a common cause of infectious abortion in many sheep-rearing countries despite the existence of commercially available vaccines that protect against the disease. There are a number of confounding factors that influence the uptake and use of these vaccines, which includes an inability to discriminate between infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA) using conventional serological diagnostic techniques. This suggests that the immunity elicited by current vaccines is similar to that observed in convalescent, immune sheep that have experienced OEA. The existence of these vaccines provides an opportunity to understand how protection against OEA is elicited and also to understand why vaccines can occasionally appear to fail, as has been reported recently for OEA. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), the cytokine that classically defines Th1-type adaptive immunity, is a strong correlate of protection against OEA in sheep and has been shown to inhibit the growth of C. abortus in vitro. Humoral immunity to C. abortus is observed in both vaccinated and naturally infected sheep, but antibody responses tend to be used more as diagnostic markers than targets for strategic vaccine design. A future successful DIVA vaccine against OEA should aim to elicit the immunological correlate of protection (IFN-γ) concomitantly with an antibody profile that is distinct from that of the natural infection. Such an approach requires careful selection of protective components of C. abortus combined with an effective delivery system that elicits IFN-γ-producing CD4+ve memory T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Entrican
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ Scotland, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
The Chlamydiae are a diverse group of obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacteria that are known to infect a wide variety of host species and are responsible for a wide range of diseases in animals and man. Many of these organisms have been extensively characterized and their zoonotic implications recognized. Studies of human disease first provided evidence for the disease-causing potential of Chlamydia-related bacteria; however, there is now increasing evidence that a number of these organisms may also be the causative agents for a number of pathogenic conditions of livestock that had previously remained undiagnosed. The aim of this review is to draw together the evidence for the role of the newly emerging chlamydial infections in livestock disease, the current understanding of their roles in human disease and highlight the potential for zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Wheelhouse
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh, UK.
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Sait M, Livingstone M, Graham R, Inglis NF, Wheelhouse N, Longbottom D. Identification, sequencing and molecular analysis of Chp4, a novel chlamydiaphage of Chlamydophila abortus belonging to the family Microviridae. J Gen Virol 2011; 92:1733-1737. [PMID: 21450942 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.031583-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the family Microviridae have been identified in a number of chlamydial species infecting humans (phage CPAR39 in Chlamydophila pneumoniae), other mammals (φCPG1 in Chlamydophila caviae, Chp2 in Chlamydophila abortus and Chp3 in Chlamydophila pecorum) and birds (Chp1 in Chlamydophila psittaci). This study describes the identification and genome sequencing of Chp4, an icosahedral, 4530 bp, ssDNA phage in C. abortus. Chp4 is predicted to contain eight ORFs, six of which could be assigned putative functions based on sequence similarity to characterized bacteriophage. Gene order and content were highly conserved amongst chlamydiaphage, with the highest sequence variability occurring in the IN5 and INS variable regions of the VP1 major coat protein, which has been associated with host cell recognition and binding. Phylogenetic analysis of VP1 indicated that Chp4 is a member of the Chlamydiamicrovirus, and is most closely related to phage φCPG1 and CPAR39.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Sait
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Morag Livingstone
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Rebecca Graham
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Neil F Inglis
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Nick Wheelhouse
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
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Sait M, Clark EM, Wheelhouse N, Spalding L, Livingstone M, Sachse K, Markey BK, Magnino S, Siarkou VI, Vretou E, Caro MR, Yaga R, Lainson FA, Smith DGE, Wright F, Longbottom D. Genetic variability of Chlamydophila abortus strains assessed by PCR-RFLP analysis of polymorphic membrane protein-encoding genes. Vet Microbiol 2011; 151:284-90. [PMID: 21511408 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2011.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Revised: 03/01/2011] [Accepted: 03/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study used PCR-RFLP to investigate the genetic variability of pmp-encoding genes from fifty-two Chlamydophila abortus (C. abortus) strains originating from abortion cases from various geographical regions and host species. Six primer pairs were used to PCR-amplify DNA fragments encoding eighteen pmps. PCR products were digested using four restriction endonucleases and Bayesian methodologies were used to compare RFLP profiles and assign strains to a RFLP genotype. Strains could be assigned to 2 genotypes in the region encoding pmp18D, 3 genotypes in the regions encoding pmp1A-pmp2B, pmp3E-pmp6H and pmp11G-pmp15G, 4 genotypes in the region encoding pmp7G-pmp10G and 5 genotypes in the region encoding pmp16G-pmp17G. In all regions, the majority of strains (88.4-96.1%) had the same genotype as the reference strain S26/3. No correlation could be made between genotype, host species or geographical origin except for the two variant Greek strains, LLG and POS, which formed a discrete genotype in all pmp-encoding regions except pmp18D. Relative rates of evolution calculated for each pmp-encoding gene locus suggest that differing selective pressures and functional constraints may exist on C. abortus polymorphic membrane proteins. These findings suggest that although intraspecies heterogeneity of pmp-encoding genes in C. abortus is low, the sequence heterogeneity should be an important consideration when using pmps as the basis for novel diagnostics or vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Sait
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK.
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Fitch PM, Wheelhouse NM, Bowles P, Paterson M, Longbottom D, Entrican G, Howie SEM. Ectopic lymphoid tissue formation in the lungs of mice infected with Chlamydia pneumoniae is associated with epithelial macrophage inflammatory protein-2/CXCL2 expression. Clin Exp Immunol 2010; 162:372-8. [PMID: 20840653 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2010.04231.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp) accounts for around 10% of community acquired bacterial pneumonia and has been associated with other chronic inflammatory conditions. We describe a C57/Bl6 murine model of Cp lung infection characterized by a dose-dependent, resolving neutrophilia followed by lymphocytic infiltration of the lungs. By 21 days post-infection, mice exhibit a T helper type 1 (Th1) polarized serum antibody response with local mucosal antibody secretion and organization of ectopic lymphoid tissue which persisted in the absence of detectable Cp DNA. Macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2/CXCL2, which recruits neutrophils and lymphocytes and is associated with ectopic lymphoid tissue formation, was secreted in the lungs post-infection. In vitro, lung epithelial cells up-regulated MIP-2/CXCL2 in response to both rough lipopolysaccharide (reLPS) and Cp infection. We conclude that Cp infection can have long-term inflammatory effects on tissue that persist after clearance of active infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Fitch
- University of Edinburgh/MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, UK.
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Deuchande R, Gidlow J, Caldow G, Baily J, Longbottom D, Wheelhouse N, Borel N, Greub G. Parachlamydia involvement in bovine abortions in a beef herd in Scotland. Vet Rec 2010; 166:598-9. [PMID: 20453242 DOI: 10.1136/vr.c2435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Laroucau K, Vorimore F, Bertin C, Yousef Mohamad K, Thierry S, Hermann W, Maingourd C, Pourcel C, Longbottom D, Magnino S, Sachse K, Vretou E, Rodolakis A. Genotyping of Chlamydophila abortus strains by multilocus VNTR analysis. Vet Microbiol 2009; 137:335-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2009.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2008] [Revised: 01/13/2009] [Accepted: 01/19/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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