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Allen A, Magee R, Devaney R, Ardis T, McNally C, McCormick C, Presho E, Doyle M, Ranasinghe P, Johnston P, Kirke R, Harwood R, Farrell D, Kenny K, Smith J, Gordon S, Ford T, Thompson S, Wright L, Jones K, Prodohl P, Skuce R. Whole-Genome sequencing in routine Mycobacterium bovis epidemiology - scoping the potential. Microb Genom 2024; 10:001185. [PMID: 38354031 PMCID: PMC10926703 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001185] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium bovis the main agent of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), presents as a series of spatially-localised micro-epidemics across landscapes. Classical molecular typing methods applied to these micro-epidemics, based on genotyping a few variable loci, have significantly improved our understanding of potential epidemiological links between outbreaks. However, they have limited utility owing to low resolution. Conversely, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) provides the highest resolution data available for molecular epidemiology, producing richer outbreak tracing, insights into phylogeography and epidemic evolutionary history. We illustrate these advantages by focusing on a common single lineage of M. bovis (1.140) from Northern Ireland. Specifically, we investigate the spatial sub-structure of 20 years of herd-level multi locus VNTR analysis (MLVA) surveillance data and WGS data from a down sampled subset of isolates of this MLVA type over the same time frame. We mapped 2108 isolate locations of MLVA type 1.140 over the years 2000-2022. We also mapped the locations of 148 contemporary WGS isolates from this lineage, over a similar geographic range, stratifying by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) relatedness cut-offs of 15 SNPs. We determined a putative core range for the 1.140 MLVA type and SNP-defined sequence clusters using a 50 % kernel density estimate, using cattle movement data to inform on likely sources of WGS isolates found outside of core ranges. Finally, we applied Bayesian phylogenetic methods to investigate past population history and reproductive number of the 1.140 M. bovis lineage. We demonstrate that WGS SNP-defined clusters exhibit smaller core ranges than the established MLVA type - facilitating superior disease tracing. We also demonstrate the superior functionality of WGS data in determining how this lineage was disseminated across the landscape, likely via cattle movement and to infer how its effective population size and reproductive number has been in flux since its emergence. These initial findings highlight the potential of WGS data for routine monitoring of bTB outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Allen
- Agrifood and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Sciences Division, Belfast, UK
| | - Ryan Magee
- Queen’s University Belfast, school of Biological Sciences, UK
| | - Ryan Devaney
- Agrifood and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Sciences Division, Belfast, UK
| | - Tara Ardis
- Agrifood and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Sciences Division, Belfast, UK
| | - Caitlín McNally
- Agrifood and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Sciences Division, Belfast, UK
| | - Carl McCormick
- Agrifood and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Sciences Division, Belfast, UK
| | - Eleanor Presho
- Agrifood and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Sciences Division, Belfast, UK
| | - Michael Doyle
- Agrifood and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Sciences Division, Belfast, UK
| | - Purnika Ranasinghe
- Agrifood and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Sciences Division, Belfast, UK
| | - Philip Johnston
- Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for Northern Ireland, Belfast, UK
| | - Raymond Kirke
- Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for Northern Ireland, Belfast, UK
| | - Roland Harwood
- Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for Northern Ireland, Belfast, UK
| | - Damien Farrell
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Kildare, Ireland
- University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kevin Kenny
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Kildare, Ireland
| | | | | | - Tom Ford
- Agrifood and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Sciences Division, Belfast, UK
| | - Suzan Thompson
- Agrifood and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Sciences Division, Belfast, UK
| | - Lorraine Wright
- Agrifood and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Sciences Division, Belfast, UK
| | - Kerri Jones
- Agrifood and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Sciences Division, Belfast, UK
| | - Paulo Prodohl
- Queen’s University Belfast, school of Biological Sciences, UK
| | - Robin Skuce
- Agrifood and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Sciences Division, Belfast, UK
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Marianelli C, Verrubbi V, Pruiti Ciarello F, Ippolito D, Pacciarini ML, Di Marco Lo Presti V. Geo-epidemiology of animal tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis genotypes in livestock in a small, high-incidence area in Sicily, Italy. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1107396. [PMID: 37007490 PMCID: PMC10063800 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1107396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe persistence of animal tuberculosis (TB) in livestock is a major concern in Sicily, Italy. The objective of this study was to elucidate the transmission dynamics of M. bovis infection in a highly circumscribed, and at the same time geographically diverse, high-risk area of the island through an in-depth geo-epidemiological investigation of TB in cattle and black pigs raised in small-scale extensive farms across the district of Caronia.MethodsWe used genotype analysis coupled with geographic information system (GIS) technology and phylogenetic inference to characterize the spatial distribution of TB and M. bovis genotypes in livestock and the genetic relationships between M. bovis isolates. A total of 589 M. bovis isolates collected from slaughtered cattle (n = 527) and Sicilian black pigs (n = 62) over a 5-year period (2014–2018) were included in the study.ResultsTB was widespread throughout the district and was most frequent in the north-central area of the district, especially along one of the district’s streams. We identified a total of 62 M. bovis genotypes. Identical genetic profiles were isolated from both neighboring and non-neighburing herds. The 10 most frequent genotypes, accounting for 82% of M. bovis isolates, showed geographic specificities in that they tended to cluster in specific spatial niches. The landscape structure of these niches—i.e. steep slopes, rocky ridges, meadows and streams—is likely to have had a significant influence on the distribution of TB among livestock in Caronia. Higher concentrations of TB were observed along streams and in open meadows, while rocky ridges and slopes appeared to have hampered the spread of TB.DiscussionThe geographical distribution of TB cases among livestock in Caronia is consistent with several epidemiological scenarios (e.g., high density of infected herds along the streams or in hilly plateau where livestock share pastures). Landscape structure is likely to play an important role in the transmission and persistence of M. bovis infection across the district. Additional potential risk factors, such as livestock trading and extensive breeding methods, are also discussed. Our results will contribute to the improvement of surveillance, control and eradication activities of TB in Sicily by the implementation of ad hoc TB control measures, especially in farms located along streams, sharing common pastures or with mixed animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Marianelli
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Cinzia Marianelli,
| | - Vladimiro Verrubbi
- Agenzia nazionale per le nuove tecnologie, l’energia e lo sviluppo economico sostenibile, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Pruiti Ciarello
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Sezione Diagnostica Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, Italy
| | - Dorotea Ippolito
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Sezione Diagnostica Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, Italy
| | - Maria Lodovica Pacciarini
- National Reference Centre for Bovine Tuberculosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marco Lo Presti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Sezione Diagnostica Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, Italy
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Rossi G, Crispell J, Brough T, Lycett SJ, White PCL, Allen A, Ellis RJ, Gordon SV, Harwood R, Palkopoulou E, Presho EL, Skuce R, Smith GC, Kao RR. Phylodynamic analysis of an emergent
Mycobacterium bovis
outbreak in an area with no previously known wildlife infections. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Rossi
- Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | - Joseph Crispell
- School of Veterinary Medicine University College Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Tanis Brough
- Advice Services Team Service Delivery Directorate APHA Penrith UK
| | | | | | - Adrian Allen
- Bacteriology Branch Veterinary Sciences Division Agri‐food and Biosciences Institute Belfast UK
| | - Richard J. Ellis
- Surveillance and Laboratory Services Department APHA Addlestone UK
| | - Stephen V. Gordon
- School of Veterinary Medicine University College Dublin Dublin Ireland
- Conway Institute University College Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | | | | | - Eleanor L. Presho
- Bacteriology Branch Veterinary Sciences Division Agri‐food and Biosciences Institute Belfast UK
| | - Robin Skuce
- Bacteriology Branch Veterinary Sciences Division Agri‐food and Biosciences Institute Belfast UK
| | | | - Rowland R. Kao
- Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
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Reis AC, Salvador LCM, Robbe-Austerman S, Tenreiro R, Botelho A, Albuquerque T, Cunha MV. Whole Genome Sequencing Refines Knowledge on the Population Structure of Mycobacterium bovis from a Multi-Host Tuberculosis System. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1585. [PMID: 34442664 PMCID: PMC8401292 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Classical molecular analyses of Mycobacterium bovis based on spoligotyping and Variable Number Tandem Repeat (MIRU-VNTR) brought the first insights into the epidemiology of animal tuberculosis (TB) in Portugal, showing high genotypic diversity of circulating strains that mostly cluster within the European 2 clonal complex. Previous surveillance provided valuable information on the prevalence and spatial occurrence of TB and highlighted prevalent genotypes in areas where livestock and wild ungulates are sympatric. However, links at the wildlife-livestock interfaces were established mainly via classical genotype associations. Here, we apply whole genome sequencing (WGS) to cattle, red deer and wild boar isolates to reconstruct the M. bovis population structure in a multi-host, multi-region disease system and to explore links at a fine genomic scale between M. bovis from wildlife hosts and cattle. Whole genome sequences of 44 representative M. bovis isolates, obtained between 2003 and 2015 from three TB hotspots, were compared through single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variant calling analyses. Consistent with previous results combining classical genotyping with Bayesian population admixture modelling, SNP-based phylogenies support the branching of this M. bovis population into five genetic clades, three with apparent geographic specificities, as well as the establishment of an SNP catalogue specific to each clade, which may be explored in the future as phylogenetic markers. The core genome alignment of SNPs was integrated within a spatiotemporal metadata framework to further structure this M. bovis population by host species and TB hotspots, providing a baseline for network analyses in different epidemiological and disease control contexts. WGS of M. bovis isolates from Portugal is reported for the first time in this pilot study, refining the spatiotemporal context of TB at the wildlife-livestock interface and providing further support to the key role of red deer and wild boar on disease maintenance. The SNP diversity observed within this dataset supports the natural circulation of M. bovis for a long time period, as well as multiple introduction events of the pathogen in this Iberian multi-host system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. Reis
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Liliana C. M. Salvador
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | | | - Rogério Tenreiro
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Ana Botelho
- INIAV, IP-National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (A.B.); (T.A.)
| | - Teresa Albuquerque
- INIAV, IP-National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (A.B.); (T.A.)
| | - Mónica V. Cunha
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
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Milne G, Allen A, Graham J, Kirke R, McCormick C, Presho E, Skuce R, Byrne AW. Mycobacterium bovis Population Structure in Cattle and Local Badgers: Co-Localisation and Variation by Farm Type. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9070592. [PMID: 32708155 PMCID: PMC7400278 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9070592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine tuberculosis surveillance in Northern Ireland includes Multiple-Locus Variable number tandem repeat Analysis (MLVA) to determine the Mycobacterium bovis genetic type present in both cattle and the predominant wildlife host, the European badger (Meles meles). These data are useful for investigating clusters of infection and understanding the scale at which interspecific transmission may occur. We utilised a comprehensive dataset of routinely sampled isolates from infected cattle and from badgers killed in road-traffic accidents to investigate the spatial co-location of MLVA types in, and between, the badger and cattle populations. Furthermore, we investigated the hypothesis that the type of farming enterprise might explain some variation in this relationship. MLVA types were spatially co-localised in cattle and road-traffic accident (RTA) badger hosts, indicative of a shared epidemic. Dairy herds were more likely to have at least one MLVA type in common with nearby RTA badgers, compared to non-dairy herd types. Marginally more MLVA spatial clustering was observed in non-dairy herds, which may be a consequence of relatively more between-herd movements. For the cattle population, local transmission mechanisms such as infection from contiguous herds, infectious wildlife and short-range between-herd cattle movements appear primarily to drive the epidemic: there appears to be a more limited role for long-range movements. Animal management practices are likely to be the driving force behind this observation, as beef rearing is associated with elevated numbers of animal movements compared to dairy herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Milne
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Belfast BT4 3SD, UK; (A.A.); (J.G.); (E.P.); (R.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Adrian Allen
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Belfast BT4 3SD, UK; (A.A.); (J.G.); (E.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Jordon Graham
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Belfast BT4 3SD, UK; (A.A.); (J.G.); (E.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Raymond Kirke
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Belfast BT4 3SB, UK;
| | - Carl McCormick
- Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Veterinary Service Animal Health, Coleraine BT52 2AJ, UK;
| | - Eleanor Presho
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Belfast BT4 3SD, UK; (A.A.); (J.G.); (E.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Robin Skuce
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Belfast BT4 3SD, UK; (A.A.); (J.G.); (E.P.); (R.S.)
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK;
| | - Andrew W. Byrne
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK;
- One-Health Unit, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Agriculture House, Dublin, Ireland
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