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Grant KA, Newman N, Gonzales S, Shnitko TA. Replicability in measures of attentional set-shifting task performance predicting chronic heavy drinking in rhesus monkeys. Alcohol 2021; 96:93-98. [PMID: 34509594 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2021.08.006] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to replicate and extend a previous report that the increase in performance of an attentional set-shifting task (ASST) in rhesus monkeys predicted their future alcohol drinking status as a heavy drinker (HD) or non-heavy drinker (NHD). A cohort of 6 young adult male monkeys was trained and tested under the same ASST and then underwent a alcohol self-administration protocol that maintained open-access (22 hours/day) choice of alcohol or water 7 days/week for approximately 6 months. The average improvement in performance in the ASST, as measured by a performance index, was replicated in the cohort of 6 monkeys when compared to the increase in the task performance in a previous cohort of 9 male monkeys. The alcohol self-administration protocol was then used to determine the drinking status (HD: n = 4 or NHD: n = 2) of the replicate cohort, which was accurately predicted by the performance on the ASST. Finally, individuals from both cohorts could be combined based on future drinking status of HD (n = 8) or NHD (n = 7), and the association with pre-alcohol ASST performance remained. Specifically, monkeys that had lower rates of PI improvement were more likely to become HDs. To our knowledge, this is the first study to replicate that deficits in the set-shifting performance can predict chronic heavy alcohol drinking in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Grant
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, 97006, United States; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, United States.
| | - N Newman
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, 97006, United States
| | - S Gonzales
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, 97006, United States
| | - T A Shnitko
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, 97006, United States
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Brunt J, van Vliet AHM, Carter AT, Stringer SC, Amar C, Grant KA, Godbole G, Peck MW. Diversity of the Genomes and Neurotoxins of Strains of Clostridium botulinum Group I and Clostridium sporogenes Associated with Foodborne, Infant and Wound Botulism. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12090586. [PMID: 32932818 PMCID: PMC7551954 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum Group I and Clostridium sporogenes are closely related bacteria responsible for foodborne, infant and wound botulism. A comparative genomic study with 556 highly diverse strains of C. botulinum Group I and C. sporogenes (including 417 newly sequenced strains) has been carried out to characterise the genetic diversity and spread of these bacteria and their neurotoxin genes. Core genome single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis revealed two major lineages; C. botulinum Group I (most strains possessed botulinum neurotoxin gene(s) of types A, B and/or F) and C. sporogenes (some strains possessed a type B botulinum neurotoxin gene). Both lineages contained strains responsible for foodborne, infant and wound botulism. A new C. sporogenes cluster was identified that included five strains with a gene encoding botulinum neurotoxin sub-type B1. There was significant evidence of horizontal transfer of botulinum neurotoxin genes between distantly related bacteria. Population structure/diversity have been characterised, and novel associations discovered between whole genome lineage, botulinum neurotoxin sub-type variant, epidemiological links to foodborne, infant and wound botulism, and geographic origin. The impact of genomic and physiological variability on the botulism risk has been assessed. The genome sequences are a valuable resource for future research (e.g., pathogen biology, evolution of C. botulinum and its neurotoxin genes, improved pathogen detection and discrimination), and support enhanced risk assessments and the prevention of botulism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Brunt
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK
- Gut Health and Food Safety, Quadram Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK; (A.T.C.); (S.C.S.)
- Correspondence: (J.B.); (M.W.P.)
| | - Arnoud H. M. van Vliet
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7AL, UK;
| | - Andrew T. Carter
- Gut Health and Food Safety, Quadram Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK; (A.T.C.); (S.C.S.)
| | - Sandra C. Stringer
- Gut Health and Food Safety, Quadram Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK; (A.T.C.); (S.C.S.)
| | - Corinne Amar
- Gastrointestinal Pathogens Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London NW9 5EQ, UK; (C.A.); (K.A.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Kathie A. Grant
- Gastrointestinal Pathogens Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London NW9 5EQ, UK; (C.A.); (K.A.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Gauri Godbole
- Gastrointestinal Pathogens Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London NW9 5EQ, UK; (C.A.); (K.A.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Michael W. Peck
- Gut Health and Food Safety, Quadram Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK; (A.T.C.); (S.C.S.)
- Correspondence: (J.B.); (M.W.P.)
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Jenkins C, Dallman TJ, Grant KA. Impact of whole genome sequencing on the investigation of food-borne outbreaks of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli serogroup O157:H7, England, 2013 to 2017. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 24. [PMID: 30696532 PMCID: PMC6352002 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2019.24.4.1800346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We aim to provide insight and guidance on the utility of whole genome sequencing (WGS) data for investigating food-borne outbreaks of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 in England between 2013 and 2017. Analysis of WGS data delivered an unprecedented level of strain discrimination when compared with multilocus variable number tandem repeat analysis. The robustness of the WGS method ensured confidence in the microbiological identification of linked cases, even when epidemiological links were obscured. There was evidence that phylogeny derived from WGS data can be used to trace the geographical origin of an isolate. Further analysis of the phylogenetic data provided insight on the evolutionary context of emerging pathogenic strains. Publically available WGS data linked to the clinical, epidemiological and environmental context of the sequenced strain has improved trace back investigations during outbreaks. Expanding the use of WGS-based typing analysis globally will ensure the rapid implementation of interventions to protect public health, inform risk assessment and facilitate the management of national and international food-borne outbreaks of STEC O157:H7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Jenkins
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kathie A Grant
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, United Kingdom
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Lee MR, Shnitko TA, Blue SW, Kaucher AV, Winchell AJ, Erikson DW, Grant KA, Leggio L. Labeled oxytocin administered via the intranasal route reaches the brain in rhesus macaques. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2783. [PMID: 32494001 PMCID: PMC7270110 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15942-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [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: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin may have promise as a treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders. Its therapeutic effect may depend on its ability to enter the brain and bind to the oxytocin receptor. To date, the brain tissue penetrance of intranasal oxytocin has not been demonstrated. In this nonhuman primate study, we administer deuterated oxytocin intranasally and intravenously to rhesus macaques and measure, with mass spectrometry, concentrations of labeled (exogenously administered) and endogenous oxytocin in 12 brain regions two hours after oxytocin administration. Labeled oxytocin is quantified after intranasal (not intravenous) administration in brain regions (orbitofrontal cortex, striatum, brainstem, and thalamus) that lie in the trajectories of the olfactory and trigeminal nerves. These results suggest that intranasal administration bypasses the blood-brain barrier, delivering oxytocin to specific brain regions, such as the striatum, where oxytocin acts to impact motivated behaviors. Further, high concentrations of endogenous oxytocin are in regions that overlap with projection fields of oxytocinergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Lee
- Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research and National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive (10CRC/15330), Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - T A Shnitko
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - S W Blue
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - A V Kaucher
- Endocrine Technologies Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - A J Winchell
- Endocrine Technologies Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - D W Erikson
- Endocrine Technologies Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - K A Grant
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, L-470, Portland, OR, USA
| | - L Leggio
- Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research and National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive (10CRC/15330), Bethesda, MD, USA
- Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Kanagarajah S, Waldram A, Dolan G, Jenkins C, Ashton PM, Carrion Martin AI, Davies R, Frost A, Dallman TJ, De Pinna EM, Hawker JI, Grant KA, Elson R. Whole genome sequencing reveals an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis associated with reptile feeder mice in the United Kingdom, 2012-2015. Food Microbiol 2017; 71:32-38. [PMID: 29366466 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [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: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of whole genome sequencing data uncovered a previously undetected outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis that had been on-going for four years. Cases were resident in all countries of the United Kingdom and 40% of the cases were aged less than 11 years old. Initial investigations revealed that 30% of cases reported exposure to pet snakes. A case-control study was designed to test the hypothesis that exposure to reptiles or their feed were risk factors. A robust case-definition, based on the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) profile, increased the power of the analytical study. Following univariable and multivariable analysis, exposure to snakes was the only variable independently associated with infection (Odds ratio 810 95% CI (85-7715) p < 0.001). Isolates of S. Enteritidis belonging to the outbreak profile were recovered from reptile feeder mice sampled at the retail and wholesale level. Control measures included improved public health messaging at point of sale, press releases and engagement with public health and veterinary counterparts across Europe. Mice destined to be fed to reptiles are not regarded as pet food and are not routinely tested for pathogenic bacteria. Routine microbiological testing to ensure feeder mice are free from Salmonella is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanch Kanagarajah
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Alison Waldram
- Field Epidemiology Services, National Infection Service, Public Health England, UK; European Program for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gayle Dolan
- Field Epidemiology Services, National Infection Service, Public Health England, UK; European Program for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Claire Jenkins
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK.
| | - Philip M Ashton
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Antonio Isidro Carrion Martin
- Field Epidemiology Services, National Infection Service, Public Health England, UK; European Program for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Robert Davies
- Animal & Plant Health Agency Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Andrew Frost
- Animal & Plant Health Agency Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Timothy J Dallman
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Elizabeth M De Pinna
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Jeremy I Hawker
- Field Epidemiology Services, National Infection Service, Public Health England, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, UK
| | - Kathie A Grant
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, UK
| | - Richard Elson
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, UK
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Cervera-Juanes R, Wilhelm LJ, Park B, Grant KA, Ferguson B. Alcohol-dose-dependent DNA methylation and expression in the nucleus accumbens identifies coordinated regulation of synaptic genes. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e994. [PMID: 28072409 PMCID: PMC5545731 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in DNA methylation have been associated with alcohol exposure and proposed to contribute to continued alcohol use; however, the molecular mechanisms involved remain obscure. We investigated the escalating effects of alcohol use on DNA methylation, gene expression and predicted neural effects in the nucleus accumbens of rhesus macaques that self-administered 4% alcohol for over 12 months. Using an exploratory approach to identify CpG-rich regions, followed by bisulfite sequencing, the methylation levels of 2.7 million CpGs were compared between seven low-binge drinkers and nine heavy-very heavy drinking subjects. We identified 17 significant differential methylation regions (DMRs), including 14 with methylation levels that were correlated with average daily alcohol consumption. The size of the DMRs ranged from 29 to 158 bp (mean=63.7), included 4-19 CpGs per DMR (mean=8.06) and spanned a range of average methylation values from 5 to 34%. Eight of the DMRs mapped to genes implicated in modulating synaptic plasticity. Six of the synaptic genes have not previously been linked to alcohol use. Validation studies of these eight DMRs using bisulfite amplicon sequencing and an expanded set of 30 subjects confirmed the significant alcohol-dose-associated methylation of the DMRs. Expression analysis of three of the DMR-associated genes, LRP5, GPR39 and JAKMIP1, revealed significant correlations between DMR methylation and whole-gene or alternative transcript expression, supporting a functional role in regulating gene expression. Together, these studies suggest that alcohol-associated synaptic remodeling may be regulated and coordinated at the level of DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Cervera-Juanes
- Department of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - L J Wilhelm
- Department of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - B Park
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - K A Grant
- Department of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - B Ferguson
- Department of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA,Department of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA. E-mail:
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Awofisayo-Okuyelu A, Arunachalam N, Dallman T, Grant KA, Aird H, McLauchlin J, Painset A, Amar C. An Outbreak of Human Listeriosis in England between 2010 and 2012 Associated with the Consumption of Pork Pies. J Food Prot 2016; 79:732-40. [PMID: 27296419 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-15-456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
An outbreak of listeriosis in England affecting 14 people between 2010 and 2012 and linked to the consumption of pork pies was investigated. All 14 individuals were older than 55 years, 12 were men, and 10 reported the presence of an underlying condition. All were resident in or had visited either of two English regions and were infected with the same strain of Listeria monocytogenes. In interviews with 12 patients, 9 reported eating pork pies, and individuals that consumed pork pies were significantly more likely to be infected with an outbreak strain than were individuals with sporadic cases of listeriosis infections in England from 2010 to 2012. Pork pies were purchased from seven retailers in South Yorkshire or the East Midlands, and the outbreak strain was recovered from pork pies supplied by only the producer in South Yorkshire. The outbreak strain was also recovered from samples of finished product and from environmental samples collected from the manufacturer. The likely source of contamination was environmental sites within the manufacturing environment, and the contamination was associated with the process of adding gelatin to the pies after cooking. Inadequate temperature control and poor hygienic practices at one of the retailers were also identified as possible contributory factors allowing growth of the pathogen. Following improvements in manufacturing practices and implementation of additional control measures at the retailers' premises, L. monocytogenes was not recovered from subsequent food and environmental samples, and the outbreak strain was not detected in further individuals with listeriosis in England.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Awofisayo-Okuyelu
- Gastrointestinal Infections Department, Public Health England, London NW9 5EQ, UK.
| | - N Arunachalam
- South Yorkshire Health Protection Team, Yorkshire and Humber Centre, Public Health England, Sheffield S9 1BY, UK
| | - T Dallman
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit, Public Health England, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - K A Grant
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit, Public Health England, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - H Aird
- Food Water and Environmental Microbiology Laboratory York, National Agri-Food Innovation Campus, Public Health England, York YO41 1LZ, UK
| | - J McLauchlin
- Food, Water, and Environmental Microbiology Services, Public Health England, London NW9 5EQ, UK; Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GL, UK
| | - A Painset
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit, Public Health England, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - C Amar
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit, Public Health England, London NW9 5EQ, UK
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Ashton PM, Nair S, Peters TM, Bale JA, Powell DG, Painset A, Tewolde R, Schaefer U, Jenkins C, Dallman TJ, de Pinna EM, Grant KA. Identification of Salmonella for public health surveillance using whole genome sequencing. PeerJ 2016; 4:e1752. [PMID: 27069781 PMCID: PMC4824889 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [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: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In April 2015, Public Health England implemented whole genome sequencing (WGS) as a routine typing tool for public health surveillance of Salmonella, adopting a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) approach as a replacement for traditional serotyping. The WGS derived sequence type (ST) was compared to the phenotypic serotype for 6,887 isolates of S. enterica subspecies I, and of these, 6,616 (96%) were concordant. Of the 4% (n = 271) of isolates of subspecies I exhibiting a mismatch, 119 were due to a process error in the laboratory, 26 were likely caused by the serotype designation in the MLST database being incorrect and 126 occurred when two different serovars belonged to the same ST. The population structure of S. enterica subspecies II–IV differs markedly from that of subspecies I and, based on current data, defining the serovar from the clonal complex may be less appropriate for the classification of this group. Novel sequence types that were not present in the MLST database were identified in 8.6% of the total number of samples tested (including S. enterica subspecies I–IV and S. bongori) and these 654 isolates belonged to 326 novel STs. For S. enterica subspecies I, WGS MLST derived serotyping is a high throughput, accurate, robust, reliable typing method, well suited to routine public health surveillance. The combined output of ST and serovar supports the maintenance of traditional serovar nomenclature while providing additional insight on the true phylogenetic relationship between isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip M Ashton
- Gastrointestinal Bacterial Reference Unit, Public Health England , London , United Kingdom
| | - Satheesh Nair
- Gastrointestinal Bacterial Reference Unit, Public Health England , London , United Kingdom
| | - Tansy M Peters
- Gastrointestinal Bacterial Reference Unit, Public Health England , London , United Kingdom
| | - Janet A Bale
- Gastrointestinal Bacterial Reference Unit, Public Health England , London , United Kingdom
| | - David G Powell
- Gastrointestinal Bacterial Reference Unit, Public Health England , London , United Kingdom
| | - Anaïs Painset
- Gastrointestinal Bacterial Reference Unit, Public Health England , London , United Kingdom
| | - Rediat Tewolde
- Applied Laboratory and Bio-Informatics Unit, Public Health England , London , United Kingdom
| | - Ulf Schaefer
- Applied Laboratory and Bio-Informatics Unit, Public Health England , London , United Kingdom
| | - Claire Jenkins
- Gastrointestinal Bacterial Reference Unit, Public Health England , London , United Kingdom
| | - Timothy J Dallman
- Gastrointestinal Bacterial Reference Unit, Public Health England , London , United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth M de Pinna
- Gastrointestinal Bacterial Reference Unit, Public Health England , London , United Kingdom
| | - Kathie A Grant
- Gastrointestinal Bacterial Reference Unit, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom; Gastrointestinal Infections, NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, London, United Kingdom
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9
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Schabel MC, Roberts VHJ, Lo JO, Platt S, Grant KA, Frias AE, Kroenke CD. Functional imaging of the nonhuman primate Placenta with endogenous blood oxygen level-dependent contrast. Magn Reson Med 2015; 76:1551-1562. [PMID: 26599502 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.26052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [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: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize spatial patterns of T2* in the placenta of the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), to correlate these patterns with placental perfusion determined using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), and to evaluate the potential for using the blood oxygen level-dependent effect to quantify placental perfusion without the use of exogenous contrast reagent. METHODS MRI was performed on three pregnant rhesus macaques at gestational day 110. Multiecho spoiled gradient echo measurements were used to compute maps of T2*. Spatial maxima in these maps were compared with foci of early enhancement determined by DCE-MRI. RESULTS Local maxima in T2* maps were strongly correlated with spiral arteries identified by DCE-MRI, with mean spatial separations ranging from 2.34 to 6.11 mm in the three animals studied. Spatial patterns of R2* ( = 1/ T2*) within individual placental lobules can be quantitatively analyzed using a simple model to estimate fetal arterial oxyhemoglobin concentration [Hbo,f] and a parameter viPS/Φ, reflecting oxygen transport to the fetus. Estimated mean values of [Hbo,f] ranged from 4.25 mM to 4.46 mM, whereas viPS/Φ ranged from 2.80 × 105 cm-3 to 1.61 × 106 cm-3 . CONCLUSIONS Maternal spiral arteries show strong spatial correlation with foci of extended T2* observed in the primate placenta. A simple model of oxygen transport accurately describes the spatial dependence of R2* within placental lobules and enables assessment of placental function and oxygenation without requiring administration of an exogenous contrast reagent. Magn Reson Med 76:1551-1562, 2016. © 2015 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Schabel
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University.,Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Utah
| | - V H J Roberts
- Division of Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, Oregon Health & Science University
| | - J O Lo
- Division of Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, Oregon Health & Science University
| | - S Platt
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center
| | - K A Grant
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center.,Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University
| | - A E Frias
- Division of Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, Oregon Health & Science University.,Division of Developmental & Reproductive Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University
| | - C D Kroenke
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University.,Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center.,Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University
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10
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Dallman TJ, Ashton PM, Byrne L, Perry NT, Petrovska L, Ellis R, Allison L, Hanson M, Holmes A, Gunn GJ, Chase-Topping ME, Woolhouse MEJ, Grant KA, Gally DL, Wain J, Jenkins C. Applying phylogenomics to understand the emergence of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains causing severe human disease in the UK. Microb Genom 2015; 1:e000029. [PMID: 28348814 PMCID: PMC5320567 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [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: 05/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 is a recently emerged zoonotic pathogen with considerable morbidity. Since the emergence of this serotype in the 1980s, research has focussed on unravelling the evolutionary events from the E. coli O55:H7 ancestor to the contemporaneous globally dispersed strains observed today. In this study, the genomes of over 1000 isolates from both human clinical cases and cattle, spanning the history of STEC O157:H7 in the UK, were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the ancestry, key acquisition events and global context of the strains. Dated phylogenies estimated the time to evolution of the most recent common ancestor of the current circulating global clone to be 175 years ago. This event was followed by rapid diversification. We show the acquisition of specific virulence determinates has occurred relatively recently and coincides with its recent detection in the human population. We used clinical outcome data from 493 cases of STEC O157:H7 to assess the relative risk of severe disease including haemolytic uraemic syndrome from each of the defined clades in the population and show the dramatic effect Shiga toxin repertoire has on virulence. We describe two strain replacement events that have occurred in the cattle population in the UK over the last 30 years, one resulting in a highly virulent strain that has accounted for the majority of clinical cases in the UK over the last decade. There is a need to understand the selection pressures maintaining Shiga-toxin-encoding bacteriophages in the ruminant reservoir and the study affirms the requirement for close surveillance of this pathogen in both ruminant and human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philip M Ashton
- Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Lisa Byrne
- Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Neil T Perry
- Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Liljana Petrovska
- Animal Laboratories and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Richard Ellis
- Animal Laboratories and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Lesley Allison
- Scottish E. coli O157/VTEC Reference Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Mary Hanson
- Scottish E. coli O157/VTEC Reference Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Anne Holmes
- Scottish E. coli O157/VTEC Reference Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
| | - George J Gunn
- Future Farming Systems, R&D Division, SRUC, Drummondhill, Stratherrick Rd., Inverness IV2 4JZ, Scotland, UK
| | - Margo E Chase-Topping
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, Kings Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Mark E J Woolhouse
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, Kings Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Kathie A Grant
- Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - David L Gally
- Division of Infection and Immunity, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin EH25 9RG, UK
| | - John Wain
- University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Claire Jenkins
- Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
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11
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Lane CR, LeBaigue S, Esan OB, Awofisyo AA, Adams NL, Fisher IST, Grant KA, Peters TM, Larkin L, Davies RH, Adak GK. Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, England and Wales, 1945-2011. Emerg Infect Dis 2015; 20:1097-104. [PMID: 24960614 PMCID: PMC4073836 DOI: 10.3201/eid2007.121850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A focus on eliminating phage type 4 in egg and poultry production has greatly reduced foodborne disease among humans. In England and Wales, the emergence of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis resulted in the largest and most persistent epidemic of foodborne infection attributable to a single subtype of any pathogen since systematic national microbiological surveillance was established. We reviewed 67 years of surveillance data to examine the features, underlying causes, and overall effects of S. enterica ser. Enteritidis. The epidemic was associated with the consumption of contaminated chicken meat and eggs, and a decline in the number of infections began after the adoption of vaccination and other measures in production and distribution of chicken meat and eggs. We estimate that >525,000 persons became ill during the course of the epidemic, which caused a total of 6,750,000 days of illness, 27,000 hospitalizations, and 2,000 deaths. Measures undertaken to control the epidemic have resulted in a major reduction in foodborne disease in England and Wales.
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12
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Ashton PM, Perry N, Ellis R, Petrovska L, Wain J, Grant KA, Jenkins C, Dallman TJ. Insight into Shiga toxin genes encoded by Escherichia coli O157 from whole genome sequencing. PeerJ 2015; 3:e739. [PMID: 25737808 PMCID: PMC4338798 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [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: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) to cause severe illness in humans is determined by multiple host factors and bacterial characteristics, including Shiga toxin (Stx) subtype. Given the link between Stx2a subtype and disease severity, we sought to identify the stx subtypes present in whole genome sequences (WGS) of 444 isolates of STEC O157. Difficulties in assembling the stx genes in some strains were overcome by using two complementary bioinformatics methods: mapping and de novo assembly. We compared the WGS analysis with the results obtained using a PCR approach and investigated the diversity within and between the subtypes. All strains of STEC O157 in this study had stx1a, stx2a or stx2c or a combination of these three genes. There was over 99% (442/444) concordance between PCR and WGS. When common source strains were excluded, 236/349 strains of STEC O157 had multiple copies of different Stx subtypes and 54 had multiple copies of the same Stx subtype. Of those strains harbouring multiple copies of the same Stx subtype, 33 had variants between the alleles while 21 had identical copies. Strains harbouring Stx2a only were most commonly found to have multiple alleles of the same subtype (42%). Both the PCR and WGS approach to stx subtyping provided a good level of sensitivity and specificity. In addition, the WGS data also showed there were a significant proportion of strains harbouring multiple alleles of the same Stx subtype associated with clinical disease in England.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip M Ashton
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit, Public Health England , London , UK
| | - Neil Perry
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit, Public Health England , London , UK
| | - Richard Ellis
- Animal & Plant Health Agency , New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey , UK
| | | | - John Wain
- University of East Anglia , Norwich Research Park, Norwich , UK
| | - Kathie A Grant
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit, Public Health England , London , UK
| | - Claire Jenkins
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit, Public Health England , London , UK
| | - Tim J Dallman
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit, Public Health England , London , UK
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Kelly HA, Grant KA, Gidding H, Carville KS. Decreased varicella and increased herpes zoster incidence at a sentinel medical deputising service in a setting of increasing varicella vaccine coverage in Victoria, Australia, 1998 to 2012. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 19. [PMID: 25345520 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es2014.19.41.20926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We performed an ecological study using sentinel consultation data from a medical deputising service to assess the impact of increasing coverage with childhood varicella vaccine on the incidence risk of varicella and zoster in the population served by the deputising service in Victoria, Australia from 1998 to 2012. Following a successful vaccination programme, the incidence of varicella in Australia was modelled to decrease and the incidence of zoster to increase, based on a theoretical decrease in boosting of zoster immunity following a decrease in wild varicella virus circulation due to vaccination. Incidence risks (consultation proportions for varicella and zoster) were directly age-standardised to the Melbourne population in 2000, when varicella vaccine was first available. Age-standardised varicella incidence risk peaked in 2000 and halved by 2012. Age-standardised zoster incidence risk remained constant from 1998 to 2002, but had almost doubled by 2012. The increase in zoster consultations largely reflected increases in people younger than 50 years-old. Although causality cannot be inferred from ecological studies, it is generally agreed that the decrease in varicella incidence is due to increasing varicella vaccine coverage. The possible indirect effect of the vaccine on zoster incidence is less clear and ongoing monitoring of zoster is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- H A Kelly
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, the Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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14
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Byrne L, Vanstone GL, Perry NT, Launders N, Adak GK, Godbole G, Grant KA, Smith R, Jenkins C. Epidemiology and microbiology of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli other than serogroup O157 in England, 2009-2013. J Med Microbiol 2014; 63:1181-1188. [PMID: 24928216 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.075895-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The implementation of direct testing of clinical faecal specimens for gastrointestinal (GI) pathogens by PCR offers a sensitive and comprehensive approach for the detection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). The introduction of a commercial PCR assay, known as GI PCR, for the detection of GI pathogens at three frontline hospital laboratories in England between December 2012 and December 2013 led to a significant increase in detection of STEC other than serogroup O157 (non-O157 STEC). In 2013, 47 isolates were detected in England, compared with 57 in the preceding 4 years (2009-2012). The most common non-O157 STEC serogroup detected was O26 (23.2 %). A total of 47 (47.5 %) STEC isolates had stx2 only, 28 (28.3 %) carried stx1 and stx2, and the remaining 24 (24.2 %) had stx1 only. Stx2a (64.0 %) was the most frequently detected Stx2 subtype. The eae (intimin) gene was detected in 52 (52.5 %) non-O157 STEC isolates. Six strains of STEC O104 had aggR, but this gene was not detected in any other STEC serogroups in this study. Haemolytic ureamic syndrome was significantly associated with STEC strains possessing eae [odds ratio (OR) 5.845, P = 0.0235] and/or stx2a (OR 9.56, P = 0.0034) subtypes. A matched case-control analysis indicated an association between non-O157 STEC cases and contact with farm animals. Widespread implementation of the PCR approach in England will determine the true incidence of non-O157 STEC infection, highlight the burden in terms of morbidity and mortality, and facilitate the examination of risk factors to indicate whether there are niche risk exposures for particular strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Byrne
- Gastrointestinal, Emerging and Zoonotic Infections Department, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Gemma L Vanstone
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Neil T Perry
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5HT, UK
| | - Naomi Launders
- Gastrointestinal, Emerging and Zoonotic Infections Department, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Goutam K Adak
- Gastrointestinal, Emerging and Zoonotic Infections Department, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Gauri Godbole
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5HT, UK
| | - Kathie A Grant
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5HT, UK
| | - Robin Smith
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Claire Jenkins
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5HT, UK
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15
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Dallman T, Cross L, Bishop C, Perry N, Olesen B, Grant KA, Jenkins C. Whole genome sequencing of an unusual serotype of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. Emerg Infect Dis 2014; 19:1302-4. [PMID: 23877005 PMCID: PMC3739510 DOI: 10.3201/eid1908.130016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli serotype O117:K1:H7 is a cause of persistent diarrhea in travelers to tropical locations. Whole genome sequencing identified genetic mechanisms involved in the pathoadaptive phenotype. Sequencing also identified toxin and putative adherence genes flanked by sequences indicating horizontal gene transfer from Shigella dysenteriae and Salmonella spp., respectively.
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16
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Byrne L, Elson R, Dallman TJ, Perry N, Ashton P, Wain J, Adak GK, Grant KA, Jenkins C. Evaluating the use of multilocus variable number tandem repeat analysis of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 as a routine public health tool in England. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85901. [PMID: 24465775 PMCID: PMC3895024 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multilocus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) provides microbiological support for investigations of clusters of cases of infection with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O157. All confirmed STEC O157 isolated in England and submitted to the Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU) during a six month period were typed using MLVA, with the aim of assessing the impact of this approach on epidemiological investigations. Of 539 cases investigated, 341 (76%) had unique (>2 single locus variants) MLVA profiles, 12% of profiles occurred more than once due to known household transmission and 12% of profiles occurred as part of 41 clusters, 21 of which were previously identified through routine public health investigation of cases. The remaining 20 clusters were not previously detected and STEC enhanced surveillance data for associated cases were retrospectively reviewed for epidemiological links including shared exposures, geography and/or time. Additional evidence of a link between cases was found in twelve clusters. Compared to phage typing, the number of sporadic cases was reduced from 69% to 41% and the diversity index for MLVA was 0.996 versus 0.782 for phage typing. Using MLVA generates more data on the spatial and temporal dispersion of cases, better defining the epidemiology of STEC infection than phage typing. The increased detection of clusters through MLVA typing highlights the challenges to health protection practices, providing a forerunner to the advent of whole genome sequencing as a diagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Byrne
- Gastrointestinal Emerging and Zoonotic Infections Department, Health Protection Services, Public Health England, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Elson
- Gastrointestinal Emerging and Zoonotic Infections Department, Health Protection Services, Public Health England, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, London, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy J. Dallman
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit, Microbiology Services, GBRU, Public Health England, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Perry
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit, Microbiology Services, GBRU, Public Health England, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, London, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Ashton
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit, Microbiology Services, GBRU, Public Health England, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, London, United Kingdom
| | - John Wain
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Services, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Goutam K. Adak
- Gastrointestinal Emerging and Zoonotic Infections Department, Health Protection Services, Public Health England, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kathie A. Grant
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit, Microbiology Services, GBRU, Public Health England, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Jenkins
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit, Microbiology Services, GBRU, Public Health England, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Messaoudi I, Asquith M, Engelmann F, Park B, Brown M, Rau A, Shaw J, Grant KA. Moderate alcohol consumption enhances vaccine-induced responses in rhesus macaques. Vaccine 2013; 32:54-61. [PMID: 24200973 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.10.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 06/02/2013] [Revised: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We have recently shown that chronic alcohol consumption in a rhesus macaque model of ethanol self-administration significantly modulates the serum cytokine profile. In this study, we extended these observations by investigating the impact of chronic ethanol exposure on the immune response to Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA). All animals were vaccinated with MVA before ethanol exposure to ethanol and then again after 7 months of 22 h/day of "open-access" drinking of 4% (w/v) ethanol. Our results indicate that animals whose blood ethanol concentration (BEC) chronically exceeded 80 mg/dl had lower CD4 and CD8 T cell proliferation as well as IgG responses following MVA booster than control animals. In contrast, relatively moderate drinkers whose BEC remained below 80 mg/ml exhibited more robust MVA-specific IgG and CD8 T cell responses than controls. To begin to uncover mechanisms underlying the differences in MVA-specific responses between the three groups, we analyzed plasma cytokine levels and microRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells following MVA booster. Our findings suggest that moderate ethanol consumption results in higher levels of antiviral cytokines and an expression profile of microRNAs linked to CD8 T cell differentiation. In summary, moderate alcohol consumption enhances recall vaccine responses, whereas chronic alcohol intoxication suppresses this response.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Messaoudi
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA; Division of Pathobiology and Immunology, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA.
| | - M Asquith
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - F Engelmann
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - B Park
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - M Brown
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - A Rau
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - J Shaw
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - K A Grant
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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18
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Grant KA, McLauchlin J, Amar C. Infant botulism: advice on avoiding feeding honey to babies and other possible risk factors. Community Pract 2013; 86:44-46. [PMID: 23914481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Botulism is a rare, but extremely serious, disease and Public Health England is responsible for its diagnosis and surveillance in the UK. Over the past five years (2008-2013), the most common form of the disease recognised in the UK has been infant botulism. The aim of this article is to raise awareness of infant botulism and highlight advice for parents and carers of infants that honey should not be fed to infants under 12 months old. Other possible risk factors for infant botulism are also discussed in this article, including household pet reptiles and herbal teas.
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19
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Palmateer NE, Hope VD, Roy K, Marongiu A, White JM, Grant KA, Ramsay CN, Goldberg DJ, Ncube F. Infections with spore-forming bacteria in persons who inject drugs, 2000-2009. Emerg Infect Dis 2013; 19:29-34. [PMID: 23260795 PMCID: PMC3557973 DOI: 10.3201/eid1901.120044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Clusters of almost 300 cases in time and location might be the result of contamination of specific heroin batches. Since 2000 in the United Kingdom, infections caused by spore-forming bacteria have been associated with increasing illness and death among persons who inject drugs (PWID). To assess temporal and geographic trends in these illnesses (botulism, tetanus, Clostridium novyi infection, and anthrax), we compared rates across England and Scotland for 2000–2009. Overall, 295 infections were reported: 1.45 per 1,000 PWID in England and 4.01 per 1,000 PWID in Scotland. The higher rate in Scotland was mainly attributable to C. novyi infection and anthrax; rates of botulism and tetanus were comparable in both countries. The temporal and geographic clustering of cases of C. novyi and anthrax into outbreaks suggests possible contamination of specific heroin batches; in contrast, the more sporadic nature of tetanus and botulism cases suggests that these spores might more commonly exist in the drug supply or local environment although at varying levels. PWID should be advised about treatment programs, injecting hygiene, risks, and vaccinations.
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20
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Ferguson B, Hunter JE, Luty J, Street SL, Woodall A, Grant KA. Genetic load is associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation in macaques. Genes Brain Behav 2012; 11:949-57. [PMID: 22998353 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2012.00856.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Revised: 08/24/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis pathway is associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia and alcohol abuse. Studies have demonstrated an association between HPA axis dysfunction and gene variants within the cortisol, serotonin and opioid signaling pathways. We characterized polymorphisms in genes linked to these three neurotransmitter pathways and tested their potential interactions with HPA axis activity, as measured by dexamethasone (DEX) suppression response. We determined the percent DEX suppression of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol in 62 unrelated, male rhesus macaques. While DEX suppression of cortisol was robust amongst 87% of the subjects, ACTH suppression levels were broadly distributed from -21% to 66%. Thirty-seven monkeys from the high and low ends of the ACTH suppression distribution (18 'high' and 19 'low' animals) were genotyped at selected polymorphisms in five unlinked genes (rhCRH, rhTPH2, rhMAOA, rhSLC6A4 and rhOPRM). Associations were identified between three variants (rhCRH-2610C>T, rhTPH2 2051A>C and rh5-HTTLPR) and level of DEX suppression of ACTH. In addition, a significant additive effect of the 'risk' genotypes from these three loci was detected, with an increasing number of 'risk' genotypes associated with a blunted ACTH response (P = 0.0009). These findings suggest that assessment of multiple risk alleles in serotonin and cortisol signaling pathway genes may better predict risk for HPA axis dysregulation and associated psychiatric disorders than the evaluation of single gene variants alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Ferguson
- Division of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - J E Hunter
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J Luty
- Division of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - S L Street
- Division of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - A Woodall
- Division of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - K A Grant
- Division of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Beaverton, OR, USA.,Behavioral Neurosciences Department, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
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21
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Little CL, Amar CFL, Awofisayo A, Grant KA. Hospital-acquired listeriosis associated with sandwiches in the UK: a cause for concern. J Hosp Infect 2012; 82:13-8. [PMID: 22868087 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2012.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospital-acquired outbreaks of listeriosis are not commonly reported but remain a significant public health problem. AIM To raise awareness of listeriosis outbreaks that have occurred in hospitals and describe actions that can be taken to minimize the risk of foodborne listeriosis to vulnerable patients. METHODS Foodborne outbreaks and incidents of Listeria monocytogenes reported to the Health Protection Agency national surveillance systems were investigated and those linked to hospitals were extracted. The data were analysed to identify the outbreak/incident setting, the food vehicle, outbreak contributory factors and origin of problem. FINDINGS Most (8/11, 73%) foodborne outbreaks of listeriosis that occurred in the UK between 1999 and 2011 were associated with sandwiches purchased from or provided in hospitals. Recurrently in the outbreaks the infecting subtype of L. monocytogenes was detected in supplied prepacked sandwiches and sandwich manufacturing environments. In five of the outbreaks breaches in cold chain controls of food also occurred at hospital level. CONCLUSIONS The outbreaks highlight the potential for sandwiches contaminated with L. monocytogenes to cause severe infection in vulnerable people. Control of L. monocytogenes in sandwich manufacturing and within hospitals is essential to minimize the potential for consumption of this bacterium at levels hazardous to health. Manufacturers supplying sandwiches to hospitals should aim to ensure absence of L. monocytogenes in sandwiches at the point of production and hospital-documented food safety management systems should ensure the integrity of the food cold chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Little
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Health Protection Agency, Health Protection Services, London, UK.
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22
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Fielding JE, Grant KA, Tran T, Kelly HA. Moderate influenza vaccine effectiveness in Victoria, Australia, 2011. Euro Surveill 2012; 17:20115. [PMID: 22449867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
We used a sentinel general practitioner (GP) network to conduct surveillance for laboratory-confirmed influenza amongst patients presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI) in Victoria, Australia in 2011. The test negative variation of the case control study design was used to estimate effectiveness for seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine. Cases and controls were ILI patients that tested positive and negative for influenza, respectively. Vaccination status was recorded by GPs and vaccine effectiveness (VE) was calculated as (1-adjusted odds ratio)x100%. There were 529 patients included in the study, of which 29% were influenza positive. Twelve percent of study participants were reported as vaccinated, 6% of cases and 15% of controls. Adjusted VE against all influenza was 56%, but not statistically significant. There was generally little variation in VE estimates when stratified by virus type and subtype, which is consistent with good matches between circulating strains and the vaccine strains. The VE was higher among adults of working age than among children.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Fielding
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Australia.
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23
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Abstract
We used a sentinel general practitioner (GP) network to conduct surveillance for laboratory-confirmed influenza amongst patients presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI) in Victoria, Australia in 2011. The test-negative variation of the case control study design was used to estimate effectiveness for seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine. Cases and controls were ILI patients that tested positive and negative for influenza, respectively. Vaccination status was recorded by GPs and vaccine effectiveness (VE) was calculated as (1-adjusted odds ratio)x100%. There were 529 patients included in the study, of which 29% were influenza-positive. Twelve percent of study participants were reported as vaccinated, 6% of cases and 15% of controls. Adjusted VE against all influenza was 56%, but not statistically significant. There was generally little variation in VE estimates when stratified by virus type and subtype, which is consistent with good matches between circulating strains and the vaccine strains. The VE was higher among adults of working age than among children.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Fielding
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Australia
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - K A Grant
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Australia
| | - T Tran
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Australia
| | - H A Kelly
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Australia
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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24
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Burnett EJ, Davenport AT, Grant KA, Friedman DP. The effects of chronic ethanol self-administration on hippocampal serotonin transporter density in monkeys. Front Psychiatry 2012; 3:38. [PMID: 22557982 PMCID: PMC3337466 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2012.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence for an interaction between alcohol consumption and the serotonin system has been observed repeatedly in both humans and animal models yet the specific relationship between the two remains unclear. Research has focused primarily on the serotonin transporter (SERT) due in part to its role in regulating extracellular levels of serotonin. The hippocampal formation is heavily innervated by ascending serotonin fibers and is a major component of the neurocircuitry involved in mediating the reinforcing effects of alcohol. The current study investigated the effects of chronic ethanol self-administration on hippocampal SERT in a layer and field specific manner using a monkey model of human alcohol consumption. [(3)H]Citalopram was used to measure hippocampal SERT density in male cynomolgus macaques that voluntarily self-administered ethanol for 18 months. Hippocampal [(3)H]citalopram binding was less dense in ethanol drinkers than in controls, with the greatest effect observed in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. SERT density was not correlated with measures of ethanol consumption or blood ethanol concentrations, suggesting the possibility that a threshold level of consumption had been met. The lower hippocampal SERT density observed suggests that chronic ethanol consumption is associated with altered serotonergic modulation of hippocampal neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Burnett
- Neuroscience Program, Wake Forest University School of Medicine Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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25
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Coetzee N, Laza-Stanca V, Orendi JM, Harvey S, Elviss NC, Grant KA. A cluster of Listeria monocytogenes infections in hospitalised adults, Midlands, England, February 2011. Euro Surveill 2011; 16:19869. [PMID: 21616050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hospital-acquired listeriosis cases are not commonly reported but remain a significant public health problem. We report on three cases in patients with underlying conditions occurring during one week in February 2011. The cases had common exposure to pre-packed sandwiches and salads manufactured in compliance with regulations. Breaches in cold chain and shelf life controls at hospital level were identified as key contributing factors. Rigorous hospital food management systems remain important for patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Coetzee
- Health Protection Agency, West Midlands North, Stafford, United Kingdom.
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26
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Coetzee N, Laza-Stanca V, Orendi JM, Harvey S, Elviss NC, Grant KA. A cluster of Listeria monocytogenes infections in hospitalised adults, Midlands, England, February 2011. Euro Surveill 2011. [DOI: 10.2807/ese.16.20.19869-en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hospital-acquired listeriosis cases are not commonly reported but remain a significant public health problem. We report on three cases in patients with underlying conditions occurring during one week in February 2011. The cases had common exposure to pre-packed sandwiches and salads manufactured in compliance with regulations. Breaches in cold chain and shelf life controls at hospital level were identified as key contributing factors. Rigorous hospital food management systems remain important for patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Coetzee
- Health Protection Agency, West Midlands North, Stafford, United Kingdom
| | - V Laza-Stanca
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
| | - J M Orendi
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
| | - S Harvey
- Public Protection Division, Stoke on Trent City Council, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
| | - N C Elviss
- Health Protection Agency, Food, Water and Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - K A Grant
- Health Protection Agency, Foodborne Pathogen Reference Unit, London, United Kingdom
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27
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Mook P, Grant KA, Little CL, Kafatos G, Gillespie IA. Emergence of pregnancy-related listeriosis amongst ethnic minorities in England and Wales. Euro Surveill 2010; 15:17-23. [PMID: 20630145 DOI: 10.2807/ese.15.27.19610-en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Listeriosis is a rare but severe food-borne disease that predominantly affects pregnant women, the unborn, newborns, the elderly and immunocompromised people. Following a large outbreak in the 1980s, specific food safety advice was provided to pregnant women and the immunocompromised in the United Kingdom. Following two coincident yet unconnected cases of pregnancy-related listeriosis in eastern European women in 2008, a review of the role of ethnicity in pregnancy-related listeriosis in England and Wales was undertaken in 2009. Cases reported to the national listeriosis surveillance scheme were classified as 'ethnic', belonging to an ethnic minority, or 'non-ethnic' based on their name, and trends were examined. Between 2001 and 2008, 1,510 cases of listeriosis were reported in England and Wales and, of these, 12% were pregnancy-related cases. The proportion of pregnancy-related cases classified as ethnic increased significantly from 16.7% to 57.9% (chi-square test for trend p=0.002). The reported incidence among the ethnic population was higher than that among the non-ethnic population in 2006, 2007 and 2008 (Relative Risk: 2.38, 95% confidence interval: 1.07 to 5.29; 3.82, 1.82 to 8.03; 4.33, 1.74 to 10.77, respectively). This effect was also shown when analysing data from January to September 2009, using extrapolated live births as denominator. Increased immigration and/or economic migration in recent years appear to have altered the population at risk of pregnancy-related listeriosis in England and Wales. These changes need to be taken into account in order to target risk communication strategies appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Mook
- Health Protection Agency, Centre for Infections, London, United Kingdom.
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28
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Gillespie IA, Mook P, Little CL, Grant KA, McLauchlin J. Human listeriosis in England, 2001-2007: association with neighbourhood deprivation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 15:7-16. [PMID: 20630146 DOI: 10.2807/ese.15.27.19609-en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Listeriosis is a rare but severe food-borne disease that predominantly affects pregnant women, the unborn, newborns, the elderly and immunocompromised people. Despite the high mortality rate of the disease, its socio-economic determinants have not been studied in detail, meaning that health inequalities that might exist in relation to this disease are not apparent. Laboratory surveillance data on listeriosis cases reported in England between 2001 and 2007 were linked to indices of deprivation and denominator data using patients' postcodes. Incidence relative to increasing quintiles of deprivation was calculated by fitting generalised linear models while controlling for population size. Patient food purchasing and consumption data were scrutinised and compared with commercial food purchasing denominator data to further quantify the observed differences in disease incidence. For all patient groups, listeriosis incidence was highest in the most deprived areas of England when compared with the most affluent, and cases were more likely to purchase foods from convenience stores or from local services (bakers, butchers, fishmongers and greengrocers) than the general population were. Patients' risk profile also changed with increasing neighbourhood deprivation. With increased life expectancy and rising food prices, food poverty could become an increasingly important driver for foodborne disease in the future. While United Kingdom Government policy should continue to focus on small food businesses to ensure sufficient levels of food hygiene expertise, tailored and targeted food safety advice on the avoidance of listeriosis is required for all vulnerable groups. Failure to do so may enhance health inequality across socio-economic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- I A Gillespie
- Health Protection Agency, Centre for Infections, London, United Kingdom.
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29
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Affiliation(s)
- E Khatamzas
- Department of Microbiology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
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30
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Abstract
A guild composed of very-long-tubed hawkmoth flowers (nectar tubes, 9 cm or more long), belonging to different genera and families, occurs in the American Southwest. Our knowledge of the hawkmoth associates of these flowers is fragmentary. Mirabilis longiflora, a member of the guild with a tube 10.0-10.5 cm long, was found to be visited and pollinated mainly by Manduca quinquemaculata with a proboscis 10.7-11.6 cm long in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona. This example fits in with four other previously reported cases. The long-tongued Man. quinquemaculata is now known to be associated with five species of very long-tongued hawkmoth flowers in the Southwest, and Man. rustica has been found on one of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Grant
- Department of Botany, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712
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31
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Abstract
The sexually reproducing cholla cactus species, Opuntia spinosior and O. versicolor, hybridize naturally in Arizona to produce hybrid swarms and segregating introgressive populations with a high degree of individual variation. The pattern of variation in these hybrid populations can be compared with that in populations derived from crossing of O. spinosior and O. fulgida, where the hybrids reproduce vegetatively rather than by seeds. The latter hybrid combination, in marked contrast to the former, results in clonal colonies with little or no observable individual variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Grant
- Department of Botany, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712
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32
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Abstract
Marcomeria viridiflora (Boraginaceae) is pollinated by broad-tailed and rufous hummingbirds in the White Mountains of Arizona. This is the first hummingbird-pollinated member of the family Boraginaceae to be recorded in western North America. It provides one more example of a predominantly beepollinated plant group that has given rise to one or a few exceptional species of hummingbird flowers in western North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Grant
- BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM, UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA, SUPERIOR
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33
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Grant KA, Nwarfor I, Mpamugo O, Mithani V, Lister P, Dixon G, Nixon G, Planche T, Courtney M, Morgan J, McLauchlin J. Report of two unlinked cases of infant botulism in the UK in October 2007. J Med Microbiol 2009; 58:1601-1606. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.011510-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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
Infant botulism is a rare disease in the UK, with the first case being recognized in 1978 and only five subsequent cases being reported before 2007. This study reports two unlinked cases of infant botulism, caused by two distinct strains of Clostridium botulinum (toxin types A and B, respectively), that occurred within a single month in the south-east of England in October 2007. The use of real-time PCR to detect C. botulinum neurotoxin genes in clinical specimens to improve the diagnostic procedure and to follow carriage of the causative organism in the infant gut is described. The laboratory investigation of these two cases demonstrated that a combination of the mouse bioassay, real-time PCR assays and conventional microbiological culture can provide rapid confirmation of a clinical diagnosis and affect patient management. Both infants (aged 4 and 8 months) were previously healthy prior to the onset of symptoms, and in both cases, a diagnosis of infant botulism was delayed for at least 10 days after initial admission to hospital. Once diagnosed, one of the infants was the first in the UK to be treated with human-derived botulism immunoglobulin. Real-time PCR was used to demonstrate that C. botulinum was excreted in the infants' faeces for up to 68 and 81 days, respectively. Despite the infrequency of infant botulism in the UK, clinicians should be aware of this rare but serious condition and should seek microbiological advice when presented with young infants with compatible symptomologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathie A. Grant
- Foodborne Pathogen Reference Unit, Health Protection Agency (HPA), Centre for Infections, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Ijeoma Nwarfor
- Foodborne Pathogen Reference Unit, Health Protection Agency (HPA), Centre for Infections, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Obioma Mpamugo
- Foodborne Pathogen Reference Unit, Health Protection Agency (HPA), Centre for Infections, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Vina Mithani
- Foodborne Pathogen Reference Unit, Health Protection Agency (HPA), Centre for Infections, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Paula Lister
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Great Ormond Street, London, UK
| | - Garth Dixon
- Department of Microbiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Great Ormond Street, London, UK
| | - Grainne Nixon
- North East & Central London Health Protection Unit, London, UK
| | - Timothy Planche
- Department of Medical Microbiology, St George's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Max Courtney
- Surrey and Sussex Health Protection Unit, Leatherhead, Surrey, UK
| | - Jaime Morgan
- Surrey and Sussex Health Protection Unit, Leatherhead, Surrey, UK
| | - Jim McLauchlin
- Health Protection Agency Regional Microbiology Network, London, UK
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34
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Pintado CMBS, Grant KA, Halford-Maw R, Hampton MD, Ferreira MASS, McLauchlin J. Association between a case study of asymptomatic ovine listerial mastitis and the contamination of soft cheese and cheese processing environment with Listeria monocytogenes in Portugal. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2009; 6:569-75. [PMID: 19388828 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2008.0246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For 5 months, the udders of milking ewes, raw ewe's milk, cheese, and the plant and environment of a cheese manufacturer in Portugal were investigated using standard methods for the presence of Listeria spp. An association between subclinical mastitis and Listeria monocytogenes in a single lactating sheep was investigated by visual inspection of udders for signs of inflammation, application of somatic cell counts, the California mastitis test, pH measurement to milk, and culture of L. monocytogenes and Staphylococcus spp. To track the routes of contamination by L. monocytogenes, 103 isolates were characterized by molecular serotyping and amplified fragment length polymorphism, and a selection was further tested by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. This study provides molecular and epidemiological evidence tracking the persistence of a single L. monocytogenes strain causing a subclinical udder infection without obvious inflammation in a single ewe. This infection was the likely source of contamination of raw milk that was subsequently used to produce unpasteurised milk cheese and resulted in a single strain of this bacterium colonizing the processing environment and the final cheese product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina M B S Pintado
- Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco, Castelo Branco, Portugal
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35
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Sagoo SK, Little CL, Greenwood M, Mithani V, Grant KA, McLauchlin J, de Pinna E, Threlfall EJ. Assessment of the microbiological safety of dried spices and herbs from production and retail premises in the United Kingdom. Food Microbiol 2009; 26:39-43. [PMID: 19028303 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2008.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2008] [Revised: 07/15/2008] [Accepted: 07/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S K Sagoo
- Health Protection Agency, Department of Gastrointestinal, Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, HPA Centre for Infections, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
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36
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Barry J, Ward M, Cotter S, Macdiarmada J, Hannan M, Sweeney B, Grant KA, McKeown P. Botulism in injecting drug users, Dublin, Ireland, November-December 2008. Euro Surveill 2009; 14:19082. [PMID: 19161713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In November and December 2008, six cases of suspect wound botulism were reported in heroin injecting drug users, all residents in Dublin, Ireland. Patients were aged between 23-42 years of age; four cases were male; one patient died shortly after admission. The patients presented to four different hospitals across the city. Botulism in injecting drug users in Ireland was last reported in 2002.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Barry
- Department of Public Health, Health Services Executive, Dublin, Ireland
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37
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Barry J, Ward M, Cotter S, MacDiarmada J, Hannan M, Sweeney B, Grant KA, McKeown P. Botulism in injecting drug users, Dublin, Ireland, November-December 2008. Euro Surveill 2009. [DOI: 10.2807/ese.14.01.19082-en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In November and December 2008, six cases of suspect wound botulism were reported in heroin injecting drug users, all residents in Dublin, Ireland. Patients were aged between 23-42 years of age; four cases were male; one patient died shortly after admission. The patients presented to four different hospitals across the city. Botulism in injecting drug users in Ireland was last reported in 2002.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Barry
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Public Health, Health Services Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Ward
- Department of Public Health, Health Services Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S Cotter
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - J MacDiarmada
- Department of Public Health, Health Services Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Hannan
- Mater Misericordiae University, Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - B Sweeney
- Addiction Service, Health Services Executive, Dublin, Ireland
- Mater Misericordiae University, Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - K A Grant
- Foodborne Pathogen Reference Unit, Centre for Infections, London, United Kingdom
| | - P McKeown
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
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38
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Grant KA, Kenyon S, Nwafor I, Plowman J, Ohai C, Halford-Maw R, Peck MW, McLauchlin J. The identification and characterization of Clostridium perfringens by real-time PCR, location of enterotoxin gene, and heat resistance. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2008; 5:629-39. [PMID: 18681798 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2007.0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens carrying the enterotoxin gene is an important cause of both foodborne and non-foodborne diarrheal disease. Rapid identification of isolates carrying the enterotoxin gene is invaluable for outbreak investigation whilst information on the genomic location of the enterotoxin (cpe) gene can improve our understanding of disease transmission. This paper describes the validation of a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the identification of C. perfringens and assessment of the potential to cause diarrhea, together with an investigation into the genomic location of the cpe genes in isolates from confirmed incidents of C. perfringens diarrhea. The real-time assay was shown to be specific for the identification of 253 C. perfringens cultures and gave results concordant with those from motility nitrate and lactose gelatine media, the Nagler reaction, and a conventional block-based PCR assay. The cpe gene was detected in 223 of 253 C. perfringens cultures isolated in association with human gastrointestinal disease. A subset of cpe-positive C. perfringens isolates associated with separate incidents of diarrheal disease were investigated further for plasmid or chromosomal location of the cpe gene using a multiplex PCR assay. The cpe gene was plasmid encoded in two isolates from cases of sporadic diarrhea and six isolates from cases of food poisoning. The cpe gene from the remaining 11 isolates from different food poisoning outbreaks was found to be chromosomally encoded. One of the C. perfringens strains with a plasmid encoded cpe gene formed spores of high heat resistance and five formed spores that were sensitive to heating. Eight of the isolates with a chromosomal cpe gene formed heat-resistant spores, and two formed spores with an intermediate heat resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathie A Grant
- Health Protection Agency, Centre for Infections, London, United Kingdom.
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Murphy NM, McLauchlin J, Ohai C, Grant KA. Construction and evaluation of a microbiological positive process internal control for PCR-based examination of food samples for Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica. Int J Food Microbiol 2007; 120:110-9. [PMID: 17604864 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2007.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2006] [Revised: 12/29/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PCR assays for food-borne pathogens are widely available but have had more limited application to food testing compared with their use in clinical laboratories. When testing food samples, false negative PCR results can occur and may be due to interference with target-cell lysis necessary for nucleic acid extraction, nucleic acid degradation and/or direct inhibition of the PCR. Therefore, it is essential to include appropriate controls for the application of PCR to the detection of pathogens in food samples. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a novel internal control (IC), capable of monitoring the complete detection procedure, from DNA extraction through to amplification and detection. A 'positive process' IC was developed for the reliable application of real-time PCR assays for the detection of Salmonella enterica or Listeria monocytogenes in enrichment broths. Two novel real-time 5' nuclease PCR assays for the detection of a 77 bp fragment of the green fluorescent protein (gfp) gene and a 91 bp fragment of the iroB gene of S. enterica were developed. These assays were specific and had detection limits of 5+/-0.88 and 15+/-1.03 CFU per PCR for the gfp and iroB genes respectively. The gfp PCR assay was combined with the iroB PCR assay, and also with a previously published real-time 5' nuclease PCR assay for the detection of the hlyA gene of L. monocytogenes. Duplexed assays were optimised such that the target genes were simultaneously amplified at similar sensitivities to single reactions. The gfp gene was cloned into the chromosome of a non-pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli and the modified strain successfully encapsulated in LENTICULE discs. A single disc was added to 1 ml of standard enrichment broths immediately prior to DNA extraction, and used as an IC for the detection of L. monocytogenes and S. enterica by PCR. This method was evaluated using 393 naturally contaminated food or environmental samples, 267 for the detection of Salmonella spp. and 126 for Listeria spp. PCR inhibition was detected in 29 (8%) extracts, although neither pathogens were detected in these broths by culture. S. enterica was detected by PCR in 43 of 45 (96%) broths that were positive by conventional culture. The iroB gene was also detected in a further 2 broths by PCR alone. L. monocytogenes was detected in 6 broths by both PCR and conventional culture, plus an additional 7 by PCR only. Control strategies such as those described here are important tools for the interpretation of PCR assays by improving the reliability of detection of pathogens in food.
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Affiliation(s)
- N M Murphy
- Health Protection Agency Food Safety Microbiology Laboratory, Centre for Infections, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, United Kingdom
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40
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Sagoo SK, Little CL, Allen G, Williamson K, Grant KA. Microbiological safety of retail vacuum-packed and modified-atmosphere-packed cooked meats at end of shelf life. J Food Prot 2007; 70:943-51. [PMID: 17477265 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x-70.4.943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A study of retail modified-atmosphere-packed and vacuum-packed cooked ready-to-eat meats was undertaken from September through mid-November 2003 to determine the microbiological quality at the end of shelf life and to establish any risk factors in the production, storage, and display of this product. Examination of 2,981 samples using Microbiological Guidelines criteria revealed that 66% were of satisfactory or acceptable microbiology quality, 33% were of unsatisfactory quality mainly due to high aerobic colony counts and Enterobacteriaceae concentrations, and 1% were of unacceptable quality due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes at 100 CFU/g or higher (27 samples; range of 10(2) to 106 CFU/g) and Campylobacter jejuni (1 sample), indicating a risk to health. All samples at the end of the shelf life had satisfactory (<20 CFU/g) and/or acceptable (<102 CFU/g) levels of Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium perfringens, four samples (<1%) had unsatisfactory levels of Escherichia coli (range of 102 to 106 CFU/g) and 5.5% of the samples contained L. monocytogenes at <20 CFU/g (4.8%) or between 20 and 100 CFU/g (0.7%). More samples of chicken (45%; 224 of 495 samples), beef (43%; 160 of 371 samples), and turkey (41%; 219 of 523 samples) were of unsatisfactory or unacceptable quality compared with ham (23%; 317 of 1,351 samples) or pork (32%; 67 of 206 samples). Twelve different L. monocytogenes typing characters (serotype-amplified fragment length polymorphism type-phage type) were evaluated for isolates recovered from samples of unacceptable quality, and the 1/2-IX-NT type was recovered from almost half (48%) of these samples. Salmonella was not detected in any samples examined. Risk factors identified for cooked meats that were microbiologically contaminated more frequently included vacuum packaging, packaging on retail premises, slicing, temperature not monitored in display units, and no hazard analysis system in place. Results from this study also suggest that the shelf life assigned to some modified-atmosphere-packed and vacuum-packed meats may not be appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Sagoo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Infections, Centre for Infections, Health Protection Agency, London NW9 5EQ, United Kingdom.
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41
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Gillespie IA, McLauchlin J, Grant KA, Little CL, Mithani V, Penman C, Lane C, Regan M. Changing pattern of human listeriosis, England and Wales, 2001-2004. Emerg Infect Dis 2006; 12:1361-6. [PMID: 17073084 PMCID: PMC3294736 DOI: 10.3201/eid1209.051657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Disease has reemerged, mainly in patients ≥60 years of age with bacteremia. Microbiologic and epidemiologic data on 1,933 cases of human listeriosis reported in England and Wales from 1990 to 2004 were reviewed. A substantial increase in incidence occurred from 2001 to 2004. Ten clusters (60 cases), likely to represent common-source outbreaks, were detected. However, these clusters did not account for the upsurge in incidence, which occurred sporadically, predominantly in patients >60 years of age with bacteremia and which was independent of sex; regional, seasonal, ethnic, or socioeconomic differences; underlying conditions; or Listeria monocytogenes subtype. The reasons for the increase are not known, but since multiple L. monocytogenes strains were responsible, this upsurge is unlikely to be due to a common-source outbreak. In the absence of risk factors for listeriosis in this emerging at-risk sector of the population, dietary advice on avoiding high-risk foods should be provided routinely to the elderly and immunocompromised, not just to pregnant women.
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Abstract
Food-borne botulism is a rare but serious disease caused by ingestions of neurotoxin [botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs)] produced as a result of the growth of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum in foods before consumption. The disease is rare in the United Kingdom, and only 62 cases have been recognized between 1922 and 2005. This report provides a brief review of C. botulinum and food-borne botulism as well as descriptions of the six episodes (33 cases with three deaths) of this disease that occurred in the United Kingdom between 1989 and 2005. The six incidents illustrate the importance of the risk factors of poor processing or storage of commercially prepared foods, improper home preservation of foods and travel to countries where botulism is much more common than in the United Kingdom. Even small outbreaks of food-borne botulism can precipitate a national emergency and inundate public health and acute care provision. This report provides a reminder to public health professions of the occurrence, diagnosis, treatment and control of this rare but serious food-borne disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim McLauchlin
- Health Protection Agency Department of Gastrointestinal Infections, Centre for Infections, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK.
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Lewis HC, Little CL, Elson R, Greenwood M, Grant KA, McLauchlin J. Prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria species in butter from United Kingdom production, retail, and catering premises. J Food Prot 2006; 69:1518-26. [PMID: 16865880 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x-69.7.1518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Two recent listeriosis outbreaks involving butter prompted this first cross-sectional study on the prevalence, levels, and types of Listeria species in 3229 samples of butter from production, retail, and catering premises in the United Kingdom during May and June 2004. When the criteria of the Microbiological Guidelines were used, 99.4% of samples were found to be of satisfactory microbiological quality, 0.5% were of acceptable quality, and 0.1% were of unsatisfactory quality as a result of high levels (>100 CFU/g) of Listeria spp. The butter samples with Listeria spp. present at more than 100 CFU/g were negative for L. monocytogenes. L. monocytogenes was detected in 0.4% (n=13) of samples, all at levels of less than 10 CFU/g, and were therefore of acceptable quality. Butter was contaminated more frequently with Listeria spp., including L. monocytogenes, when packed in plastic tubs, when in pack sizes of 500 g or less, when stored or displayed above 8 degrees C, when a hazard analysis system was not in place, and when the manager had received no food hygiene training. This study demonstrates that although butter is regarded as a low-risk product, it may provide an environment for the persistence and growth of Listeria spp., including L. monocytogenes. The control of L. monocytogenes in food processing and supply systems is critical in order to minimize the potential for this bacterium to be present in foods at the point of consumption at levels hazardous to health.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Lewis
- tGastrointestinal Infections Department, Health Protection Agency Centre for Infections, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, UK
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44
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Alexander GM, Carden WB, Mu J, Kurukulasuriya NC, McCool BA, Nordskog BK, Friedman DP, Daunais JB, Grant KA, Godwin DW. The native T-type calcium current in relay neurons of the primate thalamus. Neuroscience 2006; 141:453-61. [PMID: 16690211 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 02/13/2006] [Revised: 03/16/2006] [Accepted: 03/23/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The generation of thalamic bursts depends upon calcium currents that flow through transiently open (T)-type calcium channels. In this study, we characterized the native T-type calcium current underlying thalamic burst responses in the macaque monkey. Current clamp recordings from lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) slices showed characteristic burst responses when relay cells were depolarized from relatively hyperpolarized membrane potentials. These bursts could also be elicited by stimulation of excitatory synaptic inputs to LGN cells. Under voltage clamp conditions, the inactivation kinetics of native currents recorded from primate LGN neurons showed consistency with T-type currents recorded in other mammals and in expression systems. Real-time reverse transcriptase PCR performed on RNA isolated from the LGN (including tissues isolated from magnocellular and parvocellular laminae) detected voltage-dependent calcium channel (Ca(v)) 3.1, Ca(v) 3.2, and Ca(v) 3.3 channel transcripts. Ca(v) 3.1 occurred at relatively higher expression than other isoforms, consistent with in situ hybridization studies in rats, indicating that the molecular basis for burst firing in thalamocortical systems is an important conserved property of primate physiology. Since thalamic bursts have been observed during visual processing as well as in a number of CNS disorders, studies of the expression and modulation of these currents at multiple levels are critical for understanding their role in vision and for the discovery of new treatments for disruptions of thalamic rhythms.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Alexander
- The Neuroscience Program, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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45
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Affiliation(s)
- J McLauchlin
- Health Protection Agency Centre for Infections, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK.
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46
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Akbulut D, Grant KA, McLauchlin J. Improvement in laboratory diagnosis of wound botulism and tetanus among injecting illicit-drug users by use of real-time PCR assays for neurotoxin gene fragments. J Clin Microbiol 2005; 43:4342-8. [PMID: 16145075 PMCID: PMC1234055 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.43.9.4342-4348.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An upsurge in wound infections due to Clostridium botulinum and Clostridium tetani among users of illegal injected drugs (IDUs) occurred in the United Kingdom during 2003 and 2004. A real-time PCR assay was developed to detect a fragment of the neurotoxin gene of C. tetani (TeNT) and was used in conjunction with previously described assays for C. botulinum neurotoxin types A, B, and E (BoNTA, -B, and -E). The assays were sensitive, specific, rapid to perform, and applicable to investigating infections among IDUs using DNA extracted directly from wound tissue, as well as bacteria growing among mixed microflora in enrichment cultures and in pure culture on solid media. A combination of bioassay and PCR test results confirmed the clinical diagnosis in 10 of 25 cases of suspected botulism and two of five suspected cases of tetanus among IDUs. The PCR assays were in almost complete agreement with the conventional bioassays when considering results from different samples collected from the same patient. The replacement of bioassays by real-time PCR for the isolation and identification of both C. botulinum and C. tetani demonstrates a sensitivity and specificity similar to those of conventional approaches. However, the real-time PCR assays substantially improves the diagnostic process in terms of the speed of results and by the replacement of experimental animals. Recommendations are given for an improved strategy for the laboratory investigation of suspected wound botulism and tetanus among IDUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Akbulut
- Food Safety Microbiology Laboratory, Health Protection Agency Centre for Infections, London, UK
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47
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Akbulut D, Dennis J, Gent M, Grant KA, Hope V, Ohai C, McLauchlin J, Mithani V, Mpamugo O, Ncube F, de Souza-Thomas L. Wound botulism in injectors of drugs: upsurge in cases in England during 2004. Euro Surveill 2005; 10:172-4. [PMID: 16280612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Wound infections due to Clostridium botulinum were not recognised in the UK and Republic of Ireland before 2000. C. botulinum produces a potent neurotoxin which can cause paralysis and death. In 2000 and 2001, ten cases were clinically recognised, with a further 23 in 2002, 15 in 2003 and 40 cases in 2004. All cases occurred in heroin injectors. Seventy cases occurred in England; the remainder occurred in Scotland (12 cases), Wales (2 cases) and the Republic of Ireland (4 cases). Overall, 40 (45%) of the 88 cases were laboratory confirmed by the detection of botulinum neurotoxin in serum, or by the isolation of C. botulinum from wounds. Of the 40 cases in 2004, 36 occurred in England, and of the 12 that were laboratory confirmed, 10 were due to type A. There was some geographical clustering of the cases during 2004, with most cases occurring in London and in the Yorkshire and Humberside region of northeast England.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Akbulut
- Health Protection Agency, Centre for Infections, London, United Kingdom
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48
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Akbulut D, Dennis J, Gent M, Grant KA, Hope V, Ohai C, McLauchlin J, Mithani V, Mpamugo O, Ncube F, De Souza-Thomas L. Wound botulism in injectors of drugs: upsurge in cases in England during 2004. Euro Surveill 2005; 10:5-6. [DOI: 10.2807/esm.10.09.00561-en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Wound infections due to Clostridium botulinum were not recognised in the UK and Republic of Ireland before 2000. C. botulinum produces a potent neurotoxin which can cause paralysis and death. In 2000 and 2001, ten cases were clinically recognised, with a further 23 in 2002, 15 in 2003 and 40 cases in 2004. All cases occurred in heroin injectors. Seventy cases occurred in England; the remainder occurred in Scotland (12 cases), Wales (2 cases) and the Republic of Ireland (4 cases). Overall, 40 (45%) of the 88 cases were laboratory confirmed by the detection of botulinum neurotoxin in serum, or by the isolation of C. botulinum from wounds. Of the 40 cases in 2004, 36 occurred in England, and of the 12 that were laboratory confirmed, 10 were due to type A. There was some geographical clustering of the cases during 2004, with most cases occurring in London and in the Yorkshire and Humberside region of northeast England.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Akbulut
- Health Protection Agency, Centre for Infections, London, United Kingdom
| | - J Dennis
- Health Protection Agency, Centre for Infections, London, United Kingdom
| | - M Gent
- Leeds Health Protection Unit, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - K A Grant
- Health Protection Agency, Centre for Infections, London, United Kingdom
| | - V Hope
- Health Protection Agency, Centre for Infections, London, United Kingdom
| | - C Ohai
- Health Protection Agency, Centre for Infections, London, United Kingdom
| | - J McLauchlin
- Health Protection Agency, Centre for Infections, London, United Kingdom
| | - V Mithani
- Health Protection Agency, Centre for Infections, London, United Kingdom
| | - O Mpamugo
- Health Protection Agency, Centre for Infections, London, United Kingdom
| | - F Ncube
- Health Protection Agency, Centre for Infections, London, United Kingdom
| | - L De Souza-Thomas
- Health Protection Agency, Centre for Infections, London, United Kingdom
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49
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Akbulut D, Grant KA, McLauchlin J. Development and application of Real-Time PCR assays to detect fragments of the Clostridium botulinum types A, B, and E neurotoxin genes for investigation of human foodborne and infant botulism. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2005; 1:247-57. [PMID: 15992287 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2004.1.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Real-time PCR assays for detection of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) gene fragments specific to BoNTA, B, and E were developed as alternatives to the mouse bioassay. The expected specificities of the PCR assays were demonstrated by in silico analysis as well as empirical testing of target DNA extracted from 83 pure cultures of C. botulinum, and 44 bacteria from other species. The sensitivities of the assays were found to be equivalent to 16, 10, and 141 genomes for BoNT A, B, and E, respectively. The assays were shown to be applicable to both purified DNA, as well as crude DNA extracted from cultures and enrichment broths. The assays were evaluated using DNA extracted directly from clinical and food specimens as well as from inoculated broths using material collected from seven confirmed and one suspected case of botulism. The appropriate BoNT genes were detected in material from seven of the eight cases of botulism and provided a supportive diagnosis faster than the conventional bioassay. These assays have already proven useful for pubic health microbiological investigation of suspected cases of human botulism by substantially improving the diagnostic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Akbulut
- Food Safety Microbiology Laboratory, Health Protection Agency Centre for Infections, London, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Debate continues on the preferred method of hysterectomy, usually focusing on economic implications and details such as length of inpatient stay and time to return to work. However, little published data exists on patients' level of satisfaction with hysterectomy. We performed a retrospective survey of patients' views after different methods of hysterectomy. Patients were asked about discharge timing after operation, success or failure in relieving their symptoms, the presence of any new symptoms, and overall satisfaction. Six hundred and fifty-three patients were identified. The questionnaire response rate was 82.5%. As noted by other authors there was a difference in the rate of return to normal activity, depending on the method of hysterectomy. Significantly a proportion of patients felt discharge was too early. There was no difference in overall satisfaction rates or in the incidence of new problems between methods. Overall, patients were highly satisfied with the outcome after hysterectomy with no method being superior.
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