1
|
McGough L, Cobey S. A speed limit on serial strain replacement from original antigenic sin. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.04.574172. [PMID: 38260288 PMCID: PMC10802292 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.04.574172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Many pathogens evolve to escape immunity, yet it remains difficult to predict whether immune pressure will lead to diversification, serial replacement of one variant by another, or more complex patterns. Pathogen strain dynamics are mediated by cross-protective immunity, whereby exposure to one strain partially protects against infection by antigenically diverged strains. There is growing evidence that this protection is influenced by early exposures, a phenomenon referred to as original antigenic sin (OAS) or imprinting. In this paper, we derive new constraints on the emergence of the pattern of successive strain replacements demonstrated by influenza, SARS-CoV-2, seasonal coronaviruses, and other pathogens. We find that OAS implies that the limited diversity found with successive strain replacement can only be maintained if R 0 is less than a threshold set by the characteristic antigenic distances for cross-protection and for the creation of new immune memory. This bound implies a "speed limit" on the evolution of new strains and a minimum variance of the distribution of infecting strains in antigenic space at any time. To carry out this analysis, we develop a theoretical model of pathogen evolution in antigenic space that implements OAS by decoupling the antigenic distances required for protection from infection and strain-specific memory creation. Our results demonstrate that OAS can play an integral role in the emergence of strain structure from host immune dynamics, preventing highly transmissible pathogens from maintaining serial strain replacement without diversification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren McGough
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Sarah Cobey
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Huber A, Kovács E, Horváth A, Sahin-Tóth J, Kaptás Á, Juhász E, Kristóf K, Dobay O. Prevalence, serogroup distribution and risk factors of Neisseria meningitidis carriage in high school and university students in Hungary. Vaccine 2024; 42:2271-2277. [PMID: 38423809 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.02.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis causes life-threatening invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) with high mortality worldwide. Asymptomatic pharyngeal meningococcus colonisation is an important reservoir for the spread of the bacterium. The aim of this study was to determine N. meningitidis colonisation rates in asymptomatic high school and university students and to identify risk factors for carriage. Oropharyngeal swab samples and data from a self-reported questionnaire were obtained from overall 610 students, among them 303 university students and 307 high school students, aged between 15 and 31 years in Budapest, Hungary, between November 2017 and December 2018. Meningococcal carriage and serogroup of N. meningitidis were determined by RT-PCR from DNA extracted directly from the specimen. N. meningitidis was identified in 212 (34.8 %) of the participants. Significantly higher carriage rate was found among high school students (48.9 %) compared to university students (20.5 %). Peak of colonisation rate was among 17-19-year-old students (48.7 %). Most carriage isolates were non-typable (87.3 %). From the 212 meningococcus carriers, 19 were colonised by serogroup B (9 %), 5 by serogroup C (2.4 %), and 1 had serogroup Y (0.5 %). Significantly higher colonisation rate was found among males (42.4 %) than in females (33.1 %). Antibiotic use in the past 2 months has decreased the rate of meningococcal colonisation. Recent respiratory infection, active or passive smoking and attending parties have not influenced meningococcal colonisation rate significantly. In conclusion, we have found high asymptomatic meningococcus carriage rate among high school students and young adults, however, the majority of the colonizing meningococci were non-typable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annamária Huber
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Kovács
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea Horváth
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Sahin-Tóth
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ákos Kaptás
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Emese Juhász
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Kristóf
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Dobay
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Alugupalli KR. Monophosphoryl Lipid A-based Adjuvant to Promote the Immunogenicity of Multivalent Meningococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccines. Immunohorizons 2024; 8:317-325. [PMID: 38625118 PMCID: PMC11066721 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2400013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Activation of the adaptive immune system requires the engagement of costimulatory pathways in addition to B and T cell Ag receptor signaling, and adjuvants play a central role in this process. Many Gram-negative bacterial polysaccharide vaccines, including the tetravalent meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MCV4) and typhoid Vi polysaccharide vaccines, do not incorporate adjuvants. The immunogenicity of typhoid vaccines is due to the presence of associated TLR4 ligands in these vaccines. Because the immunogenicity of MCV4 is poor and requires boosters, I hypothesized that TLR4 ligands are absent in MCV4 and that incorporation of a TLR4 ligand-based adjuvant would improve their immunogenicity. Consistent with this hypothesis, two Food and Drug Administration-approved MCV4 vaccines, MENVEO and MenQuadfi, lack TLR4 ligands. Admixing monophosphoryl lipid A, a TLR4 ligand-based adjuvant formulation named "Turbo" with MCV4 induced significantly improved IgM and IgG responses to all four meningococcal serogroup polysaccharides in adult and aged mice after a single immunization. Furthermore, in infant mice, a single booster was sufficient to promote a robust IgG response and 100% seroconversion when MCV4 was adjuvanted with Turbo. Turbo upregulated the expression of the costimulatory molecules CD40 and CD86 on B cells, and Turbo-driven adjuvanticity is lost in mice deficient in CD40 and CD86. These data suggest that Turbo induces the required costimulatory molecules for its adjuvant activity and that incorporation of Turbo could make bacterial polysaccharide vaccines more immunogenic, minimize booster requirements, and be cost-effective, particularly for those individuals in low- and middle-income and disease-endemic countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kishore R. Alugupalli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA; and TurboVax Inc., Philadelphia, PA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Podda M, Bonechi S, Palladino A, Scaramuzzino M, Brozzi A, Roma G, Muzzi A, Priami C, Sîrbu A, Bodini M. Classification of Neisseria meningitidis genomes with a bag-of-words approach and machine learning. iScience 2024; 27:109257. [PMID: 38439962 PMCID: PMC10910294 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Whole genome sequencing of bacteria is important to enable strain classification. Using entire genomes as an input to machine learning (ML) models would allow rapid classification of strains while using information from multiple genetic elements. We developed a "bag-of-words" approach to encode, using SentencePiece or k-mer tokenization, entire bacterial genomes and analyze these with ML. Initial model selection identified SentencePiece with 8,000 and 32,000 words as the best approach for genome tokenization. We then classified in Neisseria meningitidis genomes the capsule B group genotype with 99.6% accuracy and the multifactor invasive phenotype with 90.2% accuracy, in an independent test set. Subsequently, in silico knockouts of 2,808 genes confirmed that the ML model predictions aligned with our current understanding of the underlying biology. To our knowledge, this is the first ML method using entire bacterial genomes to classify strains and identify genes considered relevant by the classifier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Podda
- Vaccines Discovery Data Sciences, GSK Vaccines, GSK, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Simone Bonechi
- Vaccines Discovery Data Sciences, GSK Vaccines, GSK, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Department of Computer Science, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Palladino
- Vaccines Discovery Data Sciences, GSK Vaccines, GSK, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Brozzi
- Vaccines Discovery Data Sciences, GSK Vaccines, GSK, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Roma
- Vaccines Discovery Data Sciences, GSK Vaccines, GSK, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Muzzi
- Vaccines Discovery Data Sciences, GSK Vaccines, GSK, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Corrado Priami
- Department of Computer Science, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alina Sîrbu
- Department of Computer Science, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Margherita Bodini
- Vaccines Discovery Data Sciences, GSK Vaccines, GSK, 53100 Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rivera-Millot A, Harrison LB, Veyrier FJ. Copper management strategies in obligate bacterial symbionts: balancing cost and benefit. Emerg Top Life Sci 2024; 8:29-35. [PMID: 38095549 PMCID: PMC10903467 DOI: 10.1042/etls20230113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria employ diverse mechanisms to manage toxic copper in their environments, and these evolutionary strategies can be divided into two main categories: accumulation and rationalization of metabolic pathways. The strategies employed depend on the bacteria's lifestyle and environmental context, optimizing the metabolic cost-benefit ratio. Environmental and opportunistically pathogenic bacteria often possess an extensive range of copper regulation systems in order to respond to variations in copper concentrations and environmental conditions, investing in diversity and/or redundancy as a safeguard against uncertainty. In contrast, obligate symbiotic bacteria, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Bordetella pertussis, tend to have specialized and more parsimonious copper regulation systems designed to function in the relatively stable host environment. These evolutionary strategies maintain copper homeostasis even in challenging conditions like encounters within phagocytic cells. These examples highlight the adaptability of bacterial copper management systems, tailored to their specific lifestyles and environmental requirements, in the context of an evolutionary the trade-off between benefits and energy costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Rivera-Millot
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Bacterial Symbionts Evolution, Laval, Quebec H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Luke B. Harrison
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Bacterial Symbionts Evolution, Laval, Quebec H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Frédéric J. Veyrier
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Bacterial Symbionts Evolution, Laval, Quebec H7V 1B7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vacca P, Fazio C, Neri A, Ambrosio L, Carannante A, Lista F, Fillo S, Ciammaruconi A, Fortunato A, Stefanelli P. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and genotyping of Neisseria meningitidis of serogroup C, Italy, 2000-2020. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1272123. [PMID: 38235426 PMCID: PMC10791874 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1272123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In Italy the introduction of meningococcal C conjugate vaccine in 2005 has led to a significant reduction of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by Neisseria meningitidis of serogroup C (MenC). However, this serogroup is still responsible of sporadic cases, clusters and local outbreaks. The study aims to investigate the genotype and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of MenC isolates collected in Italy from 2000 to 2020. Methods Bacterial isolates and biological samples (blood or cerebrospinal fluid) from invasive meningococcal cases are collected and characterized at the National Reference Laboratory for IMD of Istituto Superiore di Sanità. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by MIC Test Strip Method and interpreted according to the EUCAST breakpoints guideline. Genotypic characteristics, including multi locus sequence typing (MLST), finetype, and antimicrobial resistance target genes were performed and analyzed using the PubMLST database. Genomic comparison of core genome MLST (cgMLST) of MenC genomes was also carried out. Results From 2000 to 2020, a total of 665 MenC isolates were investigated for antimicrobial susceptibility and 301 for genotyping. Over two decades, almost all MenC isolates resulted susceptible to antimicrobials with few isolates resulting resistant to ciprofloxacin (N = 2), penicillin G (N = 13), and rifampicin (N = 9), respectively. Molecular typing of MenC obtained from isolates or clinical specimens identified mostly the genotype C:P1.5-1,10-8:F3-6:ST-11(cc11). However, phylogenetic analysis, performed on genomes from MenC isolates, identified two sub lineages, 11.1 and 11.2, among cc11, of which the sub lineage 11.2 was the predominant. Conclusion Wider application of the genomic analysis and monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility represent key aspects of IMD surveillance and to monitor the continued evolution of these hyperinvasive strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Vacca
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Fazio
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Neri
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigina Ambrosio
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Carannante
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Florigio Lista
- Scientific Department, Army Medical Centre of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Fillo
- Scientific Department, Army Medical Centre of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Paola Stefanelli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Takahashi H, Morita M, Kamiya H, Fukusumi M, Yasuda M, Sunagawa M, Nakamura-Miwa H, Ohama Y, Shimuta K, Ohnishi M, Saito R, Akeda Y. Emergence of ciprofloxacin- and penicillin-resistant Neisseria meningitidis isolates in Japan between 2003 and 2020 and its genetic features. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0074423. [PMID: 37874301 PMCID: PMC10648979 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00744-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Although we previously reported that some meningococcal isolates in Japan were resistant to penicillin (PCG) and ciprofloxacin (CIP), the antibiotic susceptibilities of Neisseria meningitidis isolates obtained in Japan remained unclear. In the present study, 290 N. meningitidis isolates in Japan between 2003 and 2020 were examined for the sensitivities to eight antibiotics (azithromycin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, meropenem, minocycline, penicillin, and rifampicin). All isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol, ceftriaxone, meropenem, minocycline, and rifampicin while two were resistant to azithromycin. Penicillin- and ciprofloxacin-resistant and -intermediate isolates (PCGR, CIPR, PCGI and CIPI, respectively) were also identified. Based on our previous findings from whole genome sequence analysis, approximately 40% of PCGI were associated with ST-11026 and cc2057 meningococci, both of which were unique to Japan. Moreover, the majority of ST-11026 meningococci were CIPR or CIPI. Sensitivities to PCG and CIP were closely associated with genetic features, which indicated that, at least for Japanese meningococcal isolates, PCGR/I or CIPI/R would be less likely to be horizontally conferred from other neisserial genomes by transferring of the genes responsible (penA and gyrA genes, respectively), but rather that ancestral N. meningitidis strains conferring PCGR/I or CIPI/R phenotypes clonally disseminated in Japan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hideyuki Takahashi
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masatomo Morita
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hajime Kamiya
- Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Munehisa Fukusumi
- Center for Field Epidemic Intelligence, Research and Professional Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Yasuda
- Department of Infection Control and Laboratory Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masatomi Sunagawa
- Center for Field Epidemic Intelligence, Research and Professional Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruna Nakamura-Miwa
- Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Ohama
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken Shimuta
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Ohnishi
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Saito
- Department of Molecular Microbiology Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Akeda
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jiang S, Zhang C, Han Z, Ma W, Wang S, Huo D, Cui W, Zhai Q, Huang S, Zhang J. Native microbiome dominates over host factors in shaping the probiotic genetic evolution in the gut. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:80. [PMID: 37838684 PMCID: PMC10576824 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00447-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Probiotics often acquire potentially adaptive mutations in vivo, gaining new functional traits through gut selection. While both the host and microbiome can contribute to probiotics' genetic evolution, separating the microbiome and the host's contribution to such selective pressures remains challenging. Here, we introduced germ-free (GF) and specific pathogen-free (SPF) mouse models to track how probiotic strains, i.e., Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HNU082 (Lp082) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis V9 (BV9), genetically evolved under selection pressures derived from host factors alone and both host and microbial ecological factors. Notably, compared to the genome of a probiotic strain before consumption, the host only elicited <15 probiotic mutations in probiotic genomes that emerged in the luminal environment of GF mice, while a total of 840 mutations in Lp082 mutants and 21,579 mutations in BV9 were found in SPF mice, <0.25% of those derived from both factors that were never captured by other experimental evolution studies, indicating that keen microbial competitions exhibited the predominant evolutionary force in shaping probiotic genetic composition (>99.75%). For a given probiotic, functional genes occurring in potentially adaptive mutations induced by hosts (GF mice) were all shared with those found in mutants of SPF mice. Collectively, the native microbiome consistently drove a more rapid and divergent genetic evolution of probiotic strains in seven days of colonization than host factors did. Our study further laid a theoretical foundation for genetically engineering probiotics for better gut adaptation through in vitro artificial gut ecosystems without the selection pressures derived from host factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuaiming Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Functional Food of Hainan Province, School of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhe Han
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Functional Food of Hainan Province, School of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Wenyao Ma
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Functional Food of Hainan Province, School of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Shunhe Wang
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongxue Huo
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Functional Food of Hainan Province, School of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Weipeng Cui
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Functional Food of Hainan Province, School of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Qixiao Zhai
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Shi Huang
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Jiachao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Functional Food of Hainan Province, School of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China.
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Eriksson L, Johannesen TB, Stenmark B, Jacobsson S, Säll O, Hedberg ST, Fredlund H, Stegger M, Mölling P. Genetic variants linked to the phenotypic outcome of invasive disease and carriage of Neisseria meningitidis. Microb Genom 2023; 9:001124. [PMID: 37874326 PMCID: PMC10634450 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis can be a human commensal in the upper respiratory tract but is also capable of causing invasive diseases such as meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. No specific genetic markers have been detected to distinguish carriage from disease isolates. The aim here was to find genetic traits that could be linked to phenotypic outcomes associated with carriage versus invasive N. meningitidis disease through a bacterial genome-wide association study (GWAS). In this study, invasive N. meningitidis isolates collected in Sweden (n=103) and carriage isolates collected at Örebro University, Sweden (n=213) 2018-2019 were analysed. The GWAS analysis, treeWAS, was applied to single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), genes and k-mers. One gene and one non-synonymous SNP were associated with invasive disease and seven genes and one non-synonymous SNP were associated with carriage isolates. The gene associated with invasive disease encodes a phage transposase (NEIS1048), and the associated invasive SNP glmU S373C encodes the enzyme N-acetylglucosamine 1-phosphate (GlcNAC 1-P) uridyltransferase. Of the genes associated with carriage isolates, a gene variant of porB encoding PorB class 3, the genes pilE/pilS and tspB have known functions. The SNP associated with carriage was fkbp D33N, encoding a FK506-binding protein (FKBP). K-mers from PilS, tbpB and tspB were found to be associated with carriage, while k-mers from mtrD and tbpA were associated with invasiveness. In the genes fkbp, glmU, PilC and pilE, k-mers were found that were associated with both carriage and invasive isolates, indicating that specific variations within these genes could play a role in invasiveness. The data presented here highlight genetic traits that are significantly associated with invasive or carriage N. meningitidis across the species population. These traits could prove essential to our understanding of the pathogenicity of N. meningitidis and could help to identify future vaccine targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Eriksson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Thor Bech Johannesen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bianca Stenmark
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Susanne Jacobsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Olof Säll
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Sara Thulin Hedberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Hans Fredlund
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Marc Stegger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paula Mölling
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhu N, Hu L, Hu W, Li Q, Mao H, Wang M, Ke Z, Qi L, Wang J. Comparative Transcriptome Profiling of mRNA and lncRNA of Mouse Spleens Inoculated with the Group ACYW135 Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1295. [PMID: 37631863 PMCID: PMC10458039 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11081295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The Group ACYW135 meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPV-ACYW135) is a classical common vaccine used to prevent Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W135, but studies on the vaccine at the transcriptional level are still limited. In the present study, mRNAs and lncRNAs related to immunity were screened from the spleens of mice inoculated with MPV-ACYW135 and compared with the control group to identify differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs in the immune response. The result revealed 34375 lncRNAs and 41321 mRNAs, including 405 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and 52 DE mRNAs between the MPV group and the control group. Results of GO and KEGG enrichment analysis turned out that the main pathways related to the immunity of target genes of those DE mRNAs and DE lncRNAs were largely associated with positive regulation of T cell activation, CD8-positive immunoglobulin production in mucosal tissue, alpha-beta T cell proliferation, negative regulation of CD4-positive, and negative regulation of interleukin-17 production, suggesting that the antigens of MPV-ACYW135 capsular polysaccharide might activate T cell related immune reaction in the vaccine inoculation. In addition, it was noted that Bach2 (BTB and CNC homolog 2), the target gene of lncRNA MSTRG.17645, was involved in the regulation of immune response in MPV-ACYW135 vaccination. This study provided a preliminary catalog of both mRNAs and lncRNAs associated with the proliferation and differentiation of body immune cells, which was worthy of further research to enhance the understanding of the biological immune process regulated by MPV-ACYW135.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhu
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, NingboTech University, Qianhunan Road 1, Ningbo 315100, China; (N.Z.); (L.H.); (W.H.); (Q.L.); (M.W.); (Z.K.); (L.Q.)
- Aimei Vacin BioPharm (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd., Ningbo 315000, China
| | - Liping Hu
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, NingboTech University, Qianhunan Road 1, Ningbo 315100, China; (N.Z.); (L.H.); (W.H.); (Q.L.); (M.W.); (Z.K.); (L.Q.)
- Aimei Vacin BioPharm (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd., Ningbo 315000, China
| | - Wenlong Hu
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, NingboTech University, Qianhunan Road 1, Ningbo 315100, China; (N.Z.); (L.H.); (W.H.); (Q.L.); (M.W.); (Z.K.); (L.Q.)
- Aimei Vacin BioPharm (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd., Ningbo 315000, China
| | - Qiang Li
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, NingboTech University, Qianhunan Road 1, Ningbo 315100, China; (N.Z.); (L.H.); (W.H.); (Q.L.); (M.W.); (Z.K.); (L.Q.)
- Aimei Vacin BioPharm (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd., Ningbo 315000, China
| | - Haiguang Mao
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, NingboTech University, Qianhunan Road 1, Ningbo 315100, China; (N.Z.); (L.H.); (W.H.); (Q.L.); (M.W.); (Z.K.); (L.Q.)
| | - Mengting Wang
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, NingboTech University, Qianhunan Road 1, Ningbo 315100, China; (N.Z.); (L.H.); (W.H.); (Q.L.); (M.W.); (Z.K.); (L.Q.)
| | - Zhijian Ke
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, NingboTech University, Qianhunan Road 1, Ningbo 315100, China; (N.Z.); (L.H.); (W.H.); (Q.L.); (M.W.); (Z.K.); (L.Q.)
| | - Lili Qi
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, NingboTech University, Qianhunan Road 1, Ningbo 315100, China; (N.Z.); (L.H.); (W.H.); (Q.L.); (M.W.); (Z.K.); (L.Q.)
| | - Jinbo Wang
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, NingboTech University, Qianhunan Road 1, Ningbo 315100, China; (N.Z.); (L.H.); (W.H.); (Q.L.); (M.W.); (Z.K.); (L.Q.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yu S, Zhang L, Wang A, Jin Y, Zhou D. Nanobodies: the Potential Application in Bacterial Treatment and Diagnosis. Biochem Pharmacol 2023:115640. [PMID: 37315818 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
An infection caused by bacteria is one of the main factors that poses a threat to human health. A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted that bacteria that cause blood infections have become increasingly drug-resistant. Therefore, it is crucial to research and develop new techniques for detecting and treating these infections. Since their discovery, nanobodies have exhibited numerous outstanding biological properties. They are easy to express, modify, and have high stability, robust permeability and low immunogenicity, all of which indicate their potential as a substitute. Nanobodies have been utilized in a variety of studies on viruses and cancer. This article primarily focuses on nanobodies and introduces their characteristics and application in the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China; Northwest A&F University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China; Department of Animal Engineering, Yangling Vocational&Technical College, Xianyang, China
| | - Aihua Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Yaping Jin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China; Northwest A&F University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Dong Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rivacoba MC, Villena R, Hormazabal JC, Benadof D, Payá E, Valdivieso F, Canals A, Arteta-Acosta C, Santolaya ME. Hypervirulent Strains of Neisseria meningitidis and Clinical Manifestations in Children With Invasive Meningococcal Disease. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2023; Publish Ahead of Print:00006454-990000000-00470. [PMID: 37267065 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypervirulent clonal complex (cc) have been associated with higher incidence and case fatality rate of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). The aim of this study was to describe the clinical manifestations of the hypervirulent cc of meningococcus in children. METHODS Retrospective study in patients hospitalized by IMD microbiologically confirmed at three children's tertiary health care centers in Santiago, Chile, between 2010 and 2018. Demographic, clinical information and determination of the cc and factor H binding protein (fHbp) alleles were performed. RESULTS In total 93 cases were evaluated, sequence typing was available for 91 cases, and 87 (95.6%) had a cc assigned; 63.7% were MenW and 31.8% MenB. The median age was 9 months, 67% were male and 18.7% had any comorbidity. A 26.4% presented neurological deficit, 25.3% petechiae and 20% diarrhea. Sixty-seven percent were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and the case fatality rate was 9.9%. Regarding cc and fHbp alleles, ST11, ST41/44 and allele 22 were the most frequently identified, with 63.7%, 19.8% and 72.5%, respectively. We found statistically significant differences between the cc and presence of petechiae, diagnosis of meningococcemia plus meningitis, admission and days in PICU and advanced support. Allele 22 for fHbp was associated with the absence of petechiae, low suspicion of IMD, less diagnosis of meningitis+meningococcemia, PICU admission, advanced support and adrenal insufficiency. CONCLUSION Epidemiological and microbiological surveillance of IMD should integrate clinical and laboratory components, including molecular and genetic characterization, to enrich the dynamic understanding of the clinical evolution of IMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Carolina Rivacoba
- From the Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital de niños Dr. Exequiel González Cortés, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodolfo Villena
- From the Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital de niños Dr. Exequiel González Cortés, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Dona Benadof
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Microbiology Laboratory, Hospital de niños Dr Roberto Del Río, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ernesto Payá
- From the Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital de niños Dr. Exequiel González Cortés, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisca Valdivieso
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital de niños Dr Luis Calvo Mackenna, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrea Canals
- Academic Direction, Clínica Santa Maria, Santiago, Chile
- Biostatistics Program, School of Public Health, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cindy Arteta-Acosta
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital de niños Dr Luis Calvo Mackenna, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Elena Santolaya
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital de niños Dr Luis Calvo Mackenna, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Næss LM, Maugesten IS, Caugant DA, Kassu A, Aseffa A, Børud B. Genetic, Functional, and Immunogenic Analyses of the O-Linked Protein Glycosylation System in Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup A ST-7 Isolates. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0045822. [PMID: 36852982 PMCID: PMC10029716 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00458-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis exhibits a general O-linked protein glycosylation system in which pili and other extracytoplasmic proteins are glycosylated. To investigate glycan antigenicity in humans and the significance of high glycan diversity on immune escape mechanisms, we exploited serogroup A meningococcal strains and serum samples obtained from laboratory-confirmed Ethiopian patients with meningococcal disease. The 37 meningococcal isolates were sequenced, and their protein glycosylation (pgl) genotypes and protein glycosylation phenotypes were investigated in detail. An insertion sequence (IS1655) element in pglH reduced glycan variability in the majority of isolates, while phase variation strengthened glycan variability and microheterogeneity. Homologous recombination events within the pgl genes were identified in eight of the 37 isolates, and the phenotypic consequences ranged from none detected to altered glycoforms in two of the isolates in which the whole pgl locus was exchanged. Immunoblotting of sera against a complete panel of glycan-expressing mutant strains demonstrated that most of these patient sera had IgG antibodies against various neisserial protein glycan antigens. Furthermore, using a bactericidal assay comparing a wild-type meningococcal A strain and a glycosylation-null variant strain, we showed that these protein glycan antigens interfere with bactericidal killing by antibodies in patient sera. Altogether, we were largely able to link pgl genotype with glycosylation phenotype. Our study reveals that protein glycans seem to contribute to the ability of N. meningitidis to resist the bactericidal activity of human serum, possibly by masking protein epitopes important for bactericidal killing and thus protection against meningococcal disease. IMPORTANCE Bacterial meningitis is a serious global health problem, and one of the major causative organisms is Neisseria meningitidis. Extensive variability in protein glycan structure and antigenicity is due to phase variation of protein glycosylation genes and polymorphic gene content and function. The exact role(s) of glycosylation in Neisseria remains to be determined, but increasing evidence, supported by this study, suggests that glycan variability can be a strategy to escape the human immune system. The complexity of the O-linked protein glycosylation system requires further studies to fully comprehend how these bacteria utilize variation in pgl genes to produce such high glycoform diversity and to evade the human immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisbeth M. Næss
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingunn S. Maugesten
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dominique A. Caugant
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Afework Kassu
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abraham Aseffa
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bente Børud
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Dave N, Albiheyri RS, Wanford JJ, Green LR, Oldfield NJ, Turner DPJ, Martinez-Pomares L, Bayliss CD. Variable disruption of epithelial monolayers by Neisseria meningitidis carriage isolates of the hypervirulent MenW cc11 and MenY cc23 lineages. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169. [PMID: 36821361 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Colonization of mucosal tissues by Neisseria meningitidis requires adhesion mediated by the type IV pilus and multiple outer-membrane proteins. Penetration of the mucosa and invasion of epithelial cells are thought to contribute to host persistence and invasive disease. Using Calu-3 cell monolayers grown at an air-liquid interface, we examined adhesion, invasion and monolayer disruption by carriage isolates of two clonal complexes of N. meningitidis. Carriage isolates of both the serogroup Y cc23 and the hypervirulent serogroup W cc11 lineages exhibited high levels of cellular adhesion, and a variable disruption phenotype across independent isolates. Inactivation of the gene encoding the main pilus sub-unit in multiple cc11 isolates abrogated both adhesive capacity and ability to disrupt epithelial monolayers. Contrastingly, inactivation of the phase-variable opa or nadA genes reduced adhesion and invasion, but not disruption of monolayer integrity. Adherence of tissue-disruptive meningococci correlated with loss of staining for the tight junction protein, occludin. Intriguingly, in a pilus-negative strain background, we observed compensatory ON switching of opa genes, which facilitated continued adhesion. We conclude that disruption of epithelial monolayers occurs in multiple meningococcal lineages but can vary during carriage and is intimately linked to pilus-mediated adhesion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neelam Dave
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Raed S Albiheyri
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Present address: Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Joseph J Wanford
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.,Present address: Department of Infectious Disease, King's College, London, UK
| | - Luke R Green
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.,Present address: Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Neil J Oldfield
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - David P J Turner
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Genomic characterization of Japanese meningococcal strains isolated over a 17-year period between 2003 and 2020 in Japan. Vaccine 2023; 41:416-426. [PMID: 36464540 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.10.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
While invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a major public concern worldwide, IMD is categorized as a rare infectious disease in Japan and, thus, its causative agents and epidemiology have not yet been characterized in detail. In the present study, we used molecular methods to epidemiologically characterize 291 meningococcal strains isolated in Japan over a 17-year period between 2003 and 2020 by whole genome sequencing (WGS). Serogroup Y meningococci (MenY) were the most abundant, followed by B (MenB) and then C and W among meningococci from IMD patients, while non-groupable as well as MenY and MenB were the most abundant among isolates from healthy carriers. Sequence type (ST) defined by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) showed that ST-1655 and ST-23 belonging to clonal complex (cc) 23 were dominant among Japanese IMD isolates, while ST-11026 (cc32) unique to Japan as well as ST-23 were dominant among Japanese non-IMD isolates. Phylogenetic analyses of ST by MLST revealed that Japanese isolates were classified with 12 ccs, including recently reported cc2057. Phylogenic analyses by WGS showed that isolates of ST-11026 and of ST-1655 were genetically close, whereas ST-23 isolates appeared to be diverse. Moreover, comparisons with other cc11 isolates isolated worldwide indicated that some Japanese cc11 isolates were genetically close to those isolated in Europe and China. An in silico analysis suggested that 14.3 and 44.2% of Japanese MenB were cross-reactive with 4CMenB and rLP2086 MenB vaccines, respectively. The results in the present study revealed that some epidemiological features were unique to Japan.
Collapse
|
16
|
Dubey AP, Hazarika RD, Abitbol V, Kolhapure S, Agrawal S. Proceedings of the Expert Consensus Group meeting on meningococcal serogroup B disease burden and prevention in India. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2026712. [PMID: 35239455 PMCID: PMC8993054 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2026712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningococcal disease is highly transmissible, life-threatening and leaves significant sequelae in survivors. Every year, India, which has a plethora of risk factors for meningococcal disease, reports around 3000 endemic cases. However, the overall disease burden and serogroup distribution are unknown, creating a setting of general disease negligence and unawareness. Vaccination with quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine A, C, W, and Y is only recommended for high-risk children, and there is no overall guidance for meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccination. MenB vaccines, which recently have been licensed in many countries but not in India, have significantly aided the fight against meningococcal disease. However, these MenB vaccines are not available in India. An Expert Consensus Group meeting was held with leading meningococcal disease experts to better understand the current disease epidemiology, particularly serogroup B, the prevalence gaps, and feasible ways to bridge them. The proceedings are presented in this paper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anand P Dubey
- Pediatrics, ESI-PGIMSR & Model Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Rashna Dass Hazarika
- Pediatrics, Nemcare Superspeciality Hospital, Bhangagarh, Guwahati, and RIGPA Children's Clinic, Guwahati, India
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Shevtsov A, Aushakhmetova Z, Amirgazin A, Khegay O, Kamalova D, Sanakulova B, Abdaliyev A, Bayesheva D, Seidullayeva A, Ramankulov Y, Shustov A, Vergnaud G. Whole genome sequence analysis of Neisseria meningitidis strains circulating in Kazakhstan, 2017-2018. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279536. [PMID: 36576937 PMCID: PMC9797059 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) is a cosmopolitan bacterium that is often found in the upper respiratory tract of asymptomatic humans. However, N. meningitidis also causes meningeal inflammation and/or sepsis in humans with a periodic resurgence in incidence and high mortality rates. The pathogen is highly diverse genetically and antigenically, so that genotyping is considered important for vaccine matching to circulating strains. Annual incidence of meningococcal disease in Kazakhstan ranges between 0.2 and 2.5 cases per 100 thousand population. In total, 78 strains of N. meningitidis were isolated from clinical patients and contact persons during the years 2017-2018 in Kazakhstan. Of these, 41 strains including four from the patients and 37 from contacts, were sequenced using Illumina MiSeq. In silico typing was completed using the Neisseria pipeline 1.2 on the Galaxy Workflow Management System and PubMLST. Whole genome SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms) trees were built using BioNumerics 8. Seven-gene multilocus sequence typing (MLST) identified ten sequence types (ST), two of which have not been previously described (ST-16025; ST-16027). ST-16025 was detected in two patients with invasive meningococcal disease in 2017 and 2018 in Akmola region and 16 contacts in 2017 in Turkistan region. This prevalent type ST-16025 demonstrates considerable intertypic diversity as it consists of three subcomplexes with a distance of more than 2000 SNPs. Invasive and carrier strains belong to different serogroups (MenB and MenC), PorA and FetA_VR. Two invasive strains were MenB, one MenC and one MenW (Hajj lineage). The strains from the contact persons were: MenC (n = 18), cnl (n = 9), MenY (n = 7), MenW (n = 1), MenB (n = 1) and one unidentifiable. Different numbers of alleles were present: 12, 11, 7, and 7 alleles for PorA, FetA, fHbp, and NHBA, respectively. This study is the first report of the genetic diversity of N. meningitidis strains in Kazakhstan. Despite limitations with the studied sample size, important conclusions can be drawn based on data produced. This study provides evidence for regulatory authorities with regard to changing routine diagnostic protocols to increase the collecting of samples for WGS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Olga Khegay
- National Centre of expertise CSEC MN RK, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | | | | | | | - Dinagul Bayesheva
- Medical University Astana, Astana, Kazakhstan
- Multidisciplinary City Children’s Hospital №3, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Aliya Seidullayeva
- Medical University Astana, Astana, Kazakhstan
- Multidisciplinary City Children’s Hospital №3, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Yerlan Ramankulov
- National Center for Biotechnology, Astana, Kazakhstan
- School of Science and Humanities Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Gilles Vergnaud
- CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sex differences in the oral microbiome, host traits, and their causal relationships. iScience 2022; 26:105839. [PMID: 36660475 PMCID: PMC9843272 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The oral microbiome has been implicated in a growing number of diseases; however, determinants of the oral microbiome and their roles remain elusive. Here, we investigated the oral (saliva and tongue dorsum) metagenome, the whole genome, and other omics data in a total of 4,478 individuals and demonstrated that the oral microbiome composition and its major contributing host factors significantly differed between sexes. We thus conducted a sex-stratified metagenome-genome-wide-association study (M-GWAS) and identified 11 differential genetic associations with the oral microbiome (p sex-difference < 5 × 10-8). Furthermore, we performed sex-stratified Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses and identified abundant causalities between the oral microbiome and serum metabolites. Notably, sex-specific microbes-hormonal interactions explained the mostly observed sex hormones differences such as the significant causalities enrichments for aldosterone in females and androstenedione in males. These findings illustrate the necessity of sex stratification and deepen our understanding of the interplay between the oral microbiome and serum metabolites.
Collapse
|
19
|
Madariaga-Troncoso D, Leyton-Carcaman B, Garcia M, Kawai M, Abanto Marin M. Comprehensive Genome Analysis of Neisseria meningitidis from South America Reveals a Distinctive Pathogenicity-Related Prophage Repertoire. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415731. [PMID: 36555373 PMCID: PMC9779448 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis, a bacterium that colonizes in the human nasopharynx, occasionally causes invasive meningococcal disease leading to meningitis or septicemia. Different serogroups and lineages (clonal complexes) are related to the occurrence and epidemiology of N. meningitidis. Despite vaccines for most serogroups, N. meningitidis lineages causing unusual clinical manifestations and a higher fatality rate compared to other lineages have been reported in South America. The present study focused on exploring the diversity of N. meningitidis prophages from South America and their relationship with the epidemiological variables of these strains. We found a high diversity of prophages among the different clonal complexes. By comparing them with previously described N. meningitidis phages and prophages, we revealed groups of prophages sharing similar compositions, which could be useful for prophage comparison in N. meningitidis. Furthermore, we observed a high correlation between the prophage content and epidemiological features, e.g., pathogenicity or clonal complex. Additionally, a distinctive filamentous prophage named here as IMSAR-11 (Invasive Meningococci from South America Related to cc11) was identified. Interestingly, two versions of IMSAR-11, circular and chromosomally integrated, were found. Overall, this study reinforces the importance of the genomic characterization of circulating N. meningitidis lineages to generate new targets for lineage monitoring, diagnosis, or appropriateness of vaccine development. Further studies are necessary to understand the role of these prophages in the persistence, dispersal, and virulence of N. meningitidis in the world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Madariaga-Troncoso
- Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Benjamin Leyton-Carcaman
- Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Matias Garcia
- Laboratory of Molecular Applied Biology, Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Mikihiko Kawai
- Department of Interdisciplinary Environment, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Michel Abanto Marin
- Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Santos DRDS, Bianco K, Clementino MBM, Dávila AMR, de Filippis I. Characterisation of Neisseria meningitidis cc11/ET-15 variant by whole genome sequencing. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e220118. [PMID: 36228280 PMCID: PMC9543360 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760220118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neisseria meningitidis strains belonging to clonal complex 11 is the cause of numerous outbreaks and epidemics in the United States, Canada and Europe, accounting for 49.5% of cases of meningococcal disease caused by serogroup C worldwide. In Brazil, it is the second most frequent clonal complex within this serogroup. The genetic characterisation of cc11/ET-15 variants is important for the epidemiological monitoring of meningococcal disease, through the identification of circulating epidemic clones, to support specific actions of Health Surveillance aiming outbreaks control. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to identify features in the genome of cc11/ET-15 clones through whole-genome sequencing (WGS), that differ from cc11/non-ET-15 strains that could explain their virulence. METHODS The whole genome of three cc11/ET-15 representative strains were sequenced with a minimum coverage of 100X with the MiSeq System and compared to the genome of cc11/non-ET-15 strains. RESULTS Genome analysis of cc11/ET-15 variants showed the presence of resistance factors, mobile genetic elements and virulence factors not found in cc11/non-ET-15 strains. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our results show that these strains carry virulence factors not identified in cc11/non-ET-15 strains, which could explain the high lethality rates attributed to this clone worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debora Ribeiro de Souza Santos
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Controle de Qualidade em Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil,+ Corresponding author:
| | - Kayo Bianco
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Controle de Qualidade em Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | | | - Ivano de Filippis
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Controle de Qualidade em Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Primary septic arthritis of the knee caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B in an elderly patient. Case report and review of the literature. Infection 2022; 51:499-506. [PMID: 36181635 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-022-01928-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Primary meningococcal arthritis (PMA) represents an uncommon clinical presentation of meningococcal infection, mainly reported among young people. Herein, a case of PMA of the knee in an elderly patient is described. CASE PRESENTATION On January 2022, an 87-year-old patient arrived at hospital with continuous fever persisting for three days and a picture of pain, swelling, redness, and warmth of her left knee. An arthrocentesis was promptly performed and the inoculated synovial fluid turned positive with numerous Gram-negative diplococci at the microscopic examination. The identification of bacteria was done in 48 h using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) MS systems (VITEK®MS-bioMérieux) and standard microbiological procedures (VITEK®2 NH ID card-bioMérieux). Both methods identified the strain as N. meningitidis. The meningococcal isolate belonged to the serogroup B (MenB), Sequence type (ST)-162/clonal complex (cc)162. Two grams of ceftriaxone twice a day were administered for 21 days; than cefditoren pivoxil 400 mg twice a day for further 6 weeks after discharge. In Italy, from 2018 to January 2022, among 135 MenB, 31 MenB/cc162 were identified, of which only the case here reported was associated with an atypical clinical presentation. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE A total of 41 cases of PMA caused by N. meningitidis was reported in the literature, but only four occurred in elderly. To our knowledgements, no cases of PMA caused by MenB were previously reported among patients of more than 65 years of age.
Collapse
|
22
|
Chiou CS, Liao YS, Chen BH, Lu MC, Hong YP, Wang YW, Teng RH. Demographic Features of Invasive Meningococcal Disease in Taiwan, 1993 to 2020, and Genetic Characteristics of Neisseria meningitidis Isolates, 2003 to 2020. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0088222. [PMID: 35862973 PMCID: PMC9430714 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00882-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We present the demographic features of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in Taiwan between 1993 and 2020 and the genetic characteristics of Neisseria meningitidis isolates recovered from 2003 to 2020. IMD was rare in Taiwan between 1993 and 2020, with an annual incidence ranging from 0.009 to 0.204 per 100,000 people. The case fatality rate (CFR) declined from 18.1% for patients in 1993 to 2002 to 9.8% in 2003 to 2020. Infants less than 12 months were most susceptible to the disease. N. meningitidis serogroup B (NmB) was most predominant, responsible for 81.2% (134/165) of the IMD cases in 2003 to 2020. The majority of the isolates recovered from 2003 to 2020 belonged to 4 worldwide-spread hyperinvasive clonal complexes (cc), cc4821 (30.3%), cc32 (19.4%), cc41/44 (12.7%), cc23 (7.3%), and also a newly assigned clonal complex, cc3439 (10.3%). Core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) profile comparisons revealed that the cc4821 isolates with a T-to-I substitution at position 91 in gyrA were closely related to those originating from China. Of the 165 isolates, 20.0% and 53.3% were predicted to be covered by the Bexsero and Trumenba vaccines, respectively, whereas, 77.0% and 46.7% remained indeterminate. In conclusion, N. meningitidis isolates recovered in Taiwan between 2003 and 2020 were mostly highly diverse. Most IMD cases appeared sporadically and were caused by localized strains, although some patients were infected by recently introduced strains. cgMLST is a powerful tool for the rapid comparison of genetic relatedness among a large number of isolates. cgMLST profiling, based on 1,241 core genes, and strain tracking can be performed on the website of cgMLST@Taiwan (http://rdvd.cdc.gov.tw/cgMLST/). IMPORTANCE N. meningitidis can cause life-threatening invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), including meningitis and sepsis, resulting in a high CFR and long-term sequelae in survivors. Here, we report the demographic features of IMD in Taiwan over a 28-year period (1993 to 2020) and the genetic characteristics of N. meningitidis isolates recovered from patients with IMD over an 18-year period (2003 to 2020). We conducted a whole-genome sequence analysis to characterize the genetic features of the isolates and developed a cgMLST scheme for epidemiological investigation and strain tracking. The findings can be beneficial in understanding the epidemiology of IMD in Taiwan, the genetic characteristics of the bacterial strains, and the distribution of vaccine antigens for vaccine development and implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Shun Chiou
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Shu Liao
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Han Chen
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Min-Chi Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ping Hong
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - You-Wun Wang
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ru-Hsiou Teng
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Taichung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Saha S, Khan N, Comi T, Verhagen A, Sasmal A, Diaz S, Yu H, Chen X, Akey JM, Frank M, Gagneux P, Varki A. Evolution of Human-Specific Alleles Protecting Cognitive Function of Grandmothers. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:6637508. [PMID: 35809046 PMCID: PMC9356730 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The myelomonocytic receptor CD33 (Siglec-3) inhibits innate immune reactivity by extracellular V-set domain recognition of sialic acid (Sia)-containing "self-associated molecular patterns" (SAMPs). We earlier showed that V-set domain-deficient CD33-variant allele, protective against late-onset Alzheimer's Disease (LOAD), is derived and specific to the hominin lineage. We now report multiple hominin-specific CD33 V-set domain mutations. Due to hominin-specific, fixed loss-of-function mutation in the CMAH gene, humans lack N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), the preferred Sia-ligand of ancestral CD33. Mutational analysis and molecular dynamics (MD)-simulations indicate that fixed change in amino acid 21 of hominin V-set domain and conformational changes related to His45 corrected for Neu5Gc-loss by switching to N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac)-recognition. We show that human-specific pathogens Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Group B Streptococcus selectively bind human CD33 (huCD33) as part of immune-evasive molecular mimicry of host SAMPs and that this binding is significantly impacted by amino acid 21 modification. In addition to LOAD-protective CD33 alleles, humans harbor derived, population-universal, cognition-protective variants at several other loci. Interestingly, 11 of 13 SNPs in these human genes (including CD33) are not shared by genomes of archaic hominins: Neanderthals and Denisovans. We present a plausible evolutionary scenario to compile, correlate, and comprehend existing knowledge about huCD33-evolution and suggest that grandmothering emerged in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sudeshna Saha
- Departments of Medicine, Pathology, Anthropology and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny and Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Naazneen Khan
- Departments of Medicine, Pathology, Anthropology and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny and Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Troy Comi
- Department of Genetics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Andrea Verhagen
- Departments of Medicine, Pathology, Anthropology and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny and Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Aniruddha Sasmal
- Departments of Medicine, Pathology, Anthropology and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny and Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sandra Diaz
- Departments of Medicine, Pathology, Anthropology and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny and Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Hai Yu
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Joshua M Akey
- Department of Genetics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Rhodes KA, Ma MC, Rendón MA, So M. Neisseria genes required for persistence identified via in vivo screening of a transposon mutant library. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010497. [PMID: 35580146 PMCID: PMC9140248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms used by human adapted commensal Neisseria to shape and maintain a niche in their host are poorly defined. These organisms are common members of the mucosal microbiota and share many putative host interaction factors with Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Evaluating the role of these shared factors during host carriage may provide insight into bacterial mechanisms driving both commensalism and asymptomatic infection across the genus. We identified host interaction factors required for niche development and maintenance through in vivo screening of a transposon mutant library of Neisseria musculi, a commensal of wild-caught mice which persistently and asymptomatically colonizes the oral cavity and gut of CAST/EiJ and A/J mice. Approximately 500 candidate genes involved in long-term host interaction were identified. These included homologs of putative N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae virulence factors which have been shown to modulate host interactions in vitro. Importantly, many candidate genes have no assigned function, illustrating how much remains to be learned about Neisseria persistence. Many genes of unknown function are conserved in human adapted Neisseria species; they are likely to provide a gateway for understanding the mechanisms allowing pathogenic and commensal Neisseria to establish and maintain a niche in their natural hosts. Validation of a subset of candidate genes confirmed a role for a polysaccharide capsule in N. musculi persistence but not colonization. Our findings highlight the potential utility of the Neisseria musculi-mouse model as a tool for studying the pathogenic Neisseria; our work represents a first step towards the identification of novel host interaction factors conserved across the genus. The Neisseria genus contains many genetically related commensals of animals and humans, and two human pathogens, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis. The mechanisms allowing commensal Neisseria to maintain a niche in their host is little understood. To identify genes required for persistence, we screened a library of transposon mutants of Neisseria musculi, a commensal of wild-caught mice, in CAST/EiJ mice, which persistently and asymptomatically colonizes. Approximately 500 candidate host interaction genes were identified. A subset of these are homologs of N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae genes known to modulate pathogen-host interactions in vitro. Many candidate genes have no known function, demonstrating how much remains to be learned about N. musculi niche maintenance. As many genes of unknown function are conserved in human adapted Neisseria, they provide a gateway for understanding Neisseria persistence mechanisms in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A. Rhodes
- Immunobiology Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Man Cheong Ma
- Immunobiology Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - María A. Rendón
- Immunobiology Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Magdalene So
- Immunobiology Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mikucki A, McCluskey NR, Kahler CM. The Host-Pathogen Interactions and Epicellular Lifestyle of Neisseria meningitidis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:862935. [PMID: 35531336 PMCID: PMC9072670 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.862935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is a gram-negative diplococcus and a transient commensal of the human nasopharynx. It shares and competes for this niche with a number of other Neisseria species including N. lactamica, N. cinerea and N. mucosa. Unlike these other members of the genus, N. meningitidis may become invasive, crossing the epithelium of the nasopharynx and entering the bloodstream, where it rapidly proliferates causing a syndrome known as Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD). IMD progresses rapidly to cause septic shock and meningitis and is often fatal despite aggressive antibiotic therapy. While many of the ways in which meningococci survive in the host environment have been well studied, recent insights into the interactions between N. meningitidis and the epithelial, serum, and endothelial environments have expanded our understanding of how IMD develops. This review seeks to incorporate recent work into the established model of pathogenesis. In particular, we focus on the competition that N. meningitidis faces in the nasopharynx from other Neisseria species, and how the genetic diversity of the meningococcus contributes to the wide range of inflammatory and pathogenic potentials observed among different lineages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- August Mikucki
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Nicolie R. McCluskey
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Telethon Kids Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Charlene M. Kahler
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Charlene M. Kahler,
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Jin Y, Xu H, Yao Q, Gu B, Wang Z, Wang T, Yu X, Lu Y, Zheng B, Zhang Y. Confirmation of the Need for Reclassification of Neisseria mucosa and Neisseria sicca Using Average Nucleotide Identity Blast and Phylogenetic Analysis of Whole-Genome Sequencing: Hinted by Clinical Misclassification of a Neisseria mucosa Strain. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:780183. [PMID: 35281306 PMCID: PMC8909641 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.780183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The taxonomy of the genus Neisseria remains confusing, particularly regarding Neisseria mucosa and Neisseria sicca. In 2012, ribosomal multi-locus sequence typing reclassified both as N. mucosa, but data concerning 17 N. sicca strains remain available in GenBank. The continuous progress of high-throughput sequencing has facilitated ready accessibility of whole-genome data, promoting vigorous development of average nucleotide identity (ANI) and high-resolution phylogenetic analysis. Here, we report that a Neisseria isolate, which caused native-valve endocarditis and multiple embolic brain infarcts in a patient with congenital heart disease, was misidentified as N. sicca by VITEK MS. This isolate was reclassified as N. mucosa by ANI blast (ANIb) and by phylogenetic analysis using whole-genome data yielded by the PacBio Sequel and Illumina NovaSeq PE150 platforms. The confusion evident in the GenBank and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) databases suggests that N. mucosa (n = 13) and N. sicca (n = 16) in GenBank should be reclassified using ANIb and high-resolution phylogenetic analysis. The whole-genome data of 30 strains (including the clinical isolate) were compared with the data of 27 type Neisseria strains (including one N. sicca and two N. mucosa type strains) as a genomic index. In total, 25 (8 originally identified as N. mucosa and 17 originally identified as N. sicca) and 7 (1 originally identified as N. sicca and 6 originally identified as N. mucosa) strains were reclassified into the N. mucosa and Neisseria subflava groups, respectively; 1 residual N. mucosa strain was reclassified as Neisseria meningitidis. In conclusion, a combination of ANIb and robust phylogenetic analysis reclassified strains originally identified as N. mucosa and N. sicca into (principally) the N. mucosa group and the N. subflava group. The misclassified N. sicca and N. mucosa strains in the GenBank and MALDI-TOF MS databases were supposed to be corrected. Updated genomic classification strategy for originally identified N. mucosa and N. sicca strains was recommended to be adopted in GenBank.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanqi Jin
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Yao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Haining People's Hospital, Haining, China
| | - Beiqing Gu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Haining People's Hospital, Haining, China
| | - Zhouhan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaopeng Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingfeng Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Beiwen Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yimin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Haining People's Hospital, Haining, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Kirchner L, Averhoff B. DNA binding by pilins and their interaction with the inner membrane platform of the DNA transporter in Thermus thermophilus. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2022; 1864:183818. [PMID: 34774498 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2021.183818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The natural transformation system of Thermus thermophilus has become a model system for studies of the structure and function of DNA transporter in thermophilic bacteria. The DNA transporter in T. thermophilus is functionally linked to type IV pili (T4P) and the major pilin PilA4 plays an essential role in both systems. However, T4P are dispensable for natural transformation. In addition to pilA4, T. thermophilus has a gene cluster encoding the three additional pilins PilA1-PilA3; deletion of the cluster abolished natural transformation but retained T4P biogenesis. In this study, we investigated the roles of single pilins PilA1, PilA2 and PilA3 in natural transformation by mutant studies. These studies revealed that each of these pilins is essential for natural transformation. Two of the pilins, PilA1 and PilA2, were found to bind dsDNA. PilA1 and PilA3 were detected in the inner membrane (IM) but not in the outer membrane (OM) whereas PilA2 was present in both membranes. All three pilins where absent in pilus fractions. This suggests that the pilins form a short DNA binding pseudopilus anchored in the IM. PilA1 was found to bind to the IM assembly platform of the DNA transporter via PilM and PilO. These data are in line with the hypothesis that a DNA binding pseudopilus is connected via an IM platform to the cytosolic motor ATPase PilF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Kirchner
- Molecular Microbiology & Bioenergetics, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt/Main, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Beate Averhoff
- Molecular Microbiology & Bioenergetics, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt/Main, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Aggarwal S, Balaji S, Bhargava A. Emerging and re-emerging sexually transmitted diseases: A review of epidemiological evidences. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS 2022; 43:20-26. [PMID: 35846553 PMCID: PMC9282687 DOI: 10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_58_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Substantial increase in the outbreaks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and associated mortalities have raised international concerns. Concurrent with the escalation of established STIs, developing epidemics and outbreaks of newly emerging sexually transmissible pathogens pose serious problems for people and added burden and challenges for public health practitioners and researchers. Importantly, most of the emerging STIs are frequently found among vulnerable groups, such as men having sex with men and human immunodeficiency virus patients, which may result in large outbreaks in the near future. Furthermore, enhanced spread of antimicrobial resistance among these pathogens ever more limits treatment options for STIs. Thus, it is the optimal time to consider whether an infectious agent is sexually transmissible and develop treatment protocol for handling new STIs with pandemic potential. In this review, we explore emerging STIs, their current epidemiological status, and future perspective.
Collapse
|
29
|
Compendium of analytical methods for sampling, characterization and quantification of bioaerosols. ADV ECOL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.aecr.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
30
|
Peters S, Fohmann I, Rudel T, Schubert-Unkmeir A. A Comprehensive Review on the Interplay between Neisseria spp. and Host Sphingolipid Metabolites. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113201. [PMID: 34831424 PMCID: PMC8623382 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids represent a class of structural related lipids involved in membrane biology and various cellular processes including cell growth, apoptosis, inflammation and migration. Over the past decade, sphingolipids have become the focus of intensive studies regarding their involvement in infectious diseases. Pathogens can manipulate the sphingolipid metabolism resulting in cell membrane reorganization and receptor recruitment to facilitate their entry. They may recruit specific host sphingolipid metabolites to establish a favorable niche for intracellular survival and proliferation. In contrast, some sphingolipid metabolites can also act as a first line defense against bacteria based on their antimicrobial activity. In this review, we will focus on the strategies employed by pathogenic Neisseria spp. to modulate the sphingolipid metabolism and hijack the sphingolipid balance in the host to promote cellular colonization, invasion and intracellular survival. Novel techniques and innovative approaches will be highlighted that allow imaging of sphingolipid derivatives in the host cell as well as in the pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Peters
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany; (S.P.); (I.F.)
| | - Ingo Fohmann
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany; (S.P.); (I.F.)
| | - Thomas Rudel
- Chair of Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany;
| | - Alexandra Schubert-Unkmeir
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany; (S.P.); (I.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-931-31-46721; Fax: +49-931-31-46445
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Yadav R, Govindan S, Daczkowski C, Mesecar A, Chakravarthy S, Noinaj N. Structural insight into the dual function of LbpB in mediating Neisserial pathogenesis. eLife 2021; 10:71683. [PMID: 34751649 PMCID: PMC8577839 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin-binding protein B (LbpB) is a lipoprotein present on the surface of Neisseria that has been postulated to serve dual functions during pathogenesis in both iron acquisition from lactoferrin (Lf), and in providing protection against the cationic antimicrobial peptide lactoferricin (Lfcn). While previous studies support a dual role for LbpB, exactly how these ligands interact with LbpB has remained unknown. Here, we present the structures of LbpB from N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae in complex with human holo-Lf, forming a 1:1 complex and confirmed by size-exclusion chromatography small-angle X-ray scattering. LbpB consists of N- and C-lobes with the N-lobe interacting extensively with the C-lobe of Lf. Our structures provide insight into LbpB’s preference towards holo-Lf, and our mutagenesis and binding studies show that Lf and Lfcn bind independently. Our studies provide the molecular details for how LbpB serves to capture and preserve Lf in an iron-bound state for delivery to the membrane transporter LbpA for iron piracy, and as an antimicrobial peptide sink to evade host immune defenses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Yadav
- Purdue University Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Program, West Lafayette, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences,Purdue University, West Lafayette, United States
| | - Srinivas Govindan
- Weldon School of BiomedicalEngineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, United States
| | - Courtney Daczkowski
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, United States
| | - Andrew Mesecar
- Department of Biological Sciences,Purdue University, West Lafayette, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, United States
| | | | - Nicholas Noinaj
- Department of Biological Sciences,Purdue University, West Lafayette, United States.,Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Earle SG, Lobanovska M, Lavender H, Tang C, Exley RM, Ramos-Sevillano E, Browning DF, Kostiou V, Harrison OB, Bratcher HB, Varani G, Tang CM, Wilson DJ, Maiden MCJ. Genome-wide association studies reveal the role of polymorphisms affecting factor H binding protein expression in host invasion by Neisseria meningitidis. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009992. [PMID: 34662348 PMCID: PMC8553145 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many invasive bacterial diseases are caused by organisms that are ordinarily harmless components of the human microbiome. Effective interventions against these microbes require an understanding of the processes whereby symbiotic or commensal relationships transition into pathology. Here, we describe bacterial genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of Neisseria meningitidis, a common commensal of the human respiratory tract that is nevertheless a leading cause of meningitis and sepsis. An initial GWAS discovered bacterial genetic variants, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), associated with invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) versus carriage in several loci across the meningococcal genome, encoding antigens and other extracellular components, confirming the polygenic nature of the invasive phenotype. In particular, there was a significant peak of association around the fHbp locus, encoding factor H binding protein (fHbp), which promotes bacterial immune evasion of human complement by recruiting complement factor H (CFH) to the meningococcal surface. The association around fHbp with IMD was confirmed by a validation GWAS, and we found that the SNPs identified in the validation affected the 5' region of fHbp mRNA, altering secondary RNA structures, thereby increasing fHbp expression and enhancing bacterial escape from complement-mediated killing. This finding is consistent with the known link between complement deficiencies and CFH variation with human susceptibility to IMD. These observations demonstrate the importance of human and bacterial genetic variation across the fHbp:CFH interface in determining IMD susceptibility, the transition from carriage to disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah G. Earle
- Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mariya Lobanovska
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hayley Lavender
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Changyan Tang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington United States of America
| | - Rachel M. Exley
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Douglas F. Browning
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Vasiliki Kostiou
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Experimental Medicine Division, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Gabriele Varani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington United States of America
- * E-mail: (GV); (CMT); (DJW); (MCJM)
| | - Christoph M. Tang
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (GV); (CMT); (DJW); (MCJM)
| | - Daniel J. Wilson
- Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (GV); (CMT); (DJW); (MCJM)
| | - Martin C. J. Maiden
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (GV); (CMT); (DJW); (MCJM)
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Celis-Giraldo CT, López-Abán J, Muro A, Patarroyo MA, Manzano-Román R. Nanovaccines against Animal Pathogens: The Latest Findings. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9090988. [PMID: 34579225 PMCID: PMC8472905 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9090988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, safe and efficacious vaccines represent powerful and cost-effective tools for global health and economic growth. In the veterinary field, these are undoubtedly key tools for improving productivity and fighting zoonoses. However, cases of persistent infections, rapidly evolving pathogens having high variability or emerging/re-emerging pathogens for which no effective vaccines have been developed point out the continuing need for new vaccine alternatives to control outbreaks. Most licensed vaccines have been successfully used for many years now; however, they have intrinsic limitations, such as variable efficacy, adverse effects, and some shortcomings. More effective adjuvants and novel delivery systems may foster real vaccine effectiveness and timely implementation. Emerging vaccine technologies involving nanoparticles such as self-assembling proteins, virus-like particles, liposomes, virosomes, and polymeric nanoparticles offer novel, safe, and high-potential approaches to address many vaccine development-related challenges. Nanotechnology is accelerating the evolution of vaccines because nanomaterials having encapsulation ability and very advantageous properties due to their size and surface area serve as effective vehicles for antigen delivery and immunostimulatory agents. This review discusses the requirements for an effective, broad-coverage-elicited immune response, the main nanoplatforms for producing it, and the latest nanovaccine applications for fighting animal pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Teresa Celis-Giraldo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá 111321, Colombia;
- Animal Science Faculty, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Bogotá 111166, Colombia
| | - Julio López-Abán
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.-A.); (A.M.)
| | - Antonio Muro
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.-A.); (A.M.)
| | - Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá 111321, Colombia;
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
- Health Sciences Division, Main Campus, Universidad Santo Tomás, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
- Correspondence: (M.A.P.); (R.M.-R.)
| | - Raúl Manzano-Román
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.-A.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence: (M.A.P.); (R.M.-R.)
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) is primarily associated with asymptomatic nasopharyngeal carriage and invasive meningococcal disease (sepsis and meningitis), but like N. gonorrhoea (Ng), Nm can colonize urogenital and rectal mucosal surfaces and cause disease. First noted in 2015, but with origins in 2011, male urethritis clusters caused by a novel Nm clade were reported in the USA (the US_NmUC). This review describes research developments that characterize this urogenital-tropic Nm. RECENT FINDINGS The US_NmUC evolved from encapsulated Nm serogroup C strains. Loss of capsule expression, lipooligosaccharide (LOS) sialylation, genetic acquisition of gonococcal alleles (including the gonococcal anaerobic growth aniA/norB cassette), antimicrobial peptide heteroresistance and high surface expression of a unique factor-H-binding protein, can contribute to the urethra-tropic phenotype. Loss-of-function mutations in mtrC are overrepresented in clade isolates. Similar to Ng, repeat US_NmUC urethritis episodes can occur. The US_NmUC is now circulating in the UK and Southeast Asia. Genomic sequencing has defined the clade and rapid diagnostic tests are being developed for surveillance. SUMMARY The US_NmUC emerged as a cause of urethritis due to acquisition of gonococcal genetic determinants and phenotypic traits that facilitate urogenital tract infection. The epidemiology and pathogenesis of this urogenital-tropic pathogen continues to be defined.
Collapse
|
35
|
Integrated mass spectrometry-based multi-omics for elucidating mechanisms of bacterial virulence. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1905-1926. [PMID: 34374408 DOI: 10.1042/bst20191088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite being considered the simplest form of life, bacteria remain enigmatic, particularly in light of pathogenesis and evolving antimicrobial resistance. After three decades of genomics, we remain some way from understanding these organisms, and a substantial proportion of genes remain functionally unknown. Methodological advances, principally mass spectrometry (MS), are paving the way for parallel analysis of the proteome, metabolome and lipidome. Each provides a global, complementary assay, in addition to genomics, and the ability to better comprehend how pathogens respond to changes in their internal (e.g. mutation) and external environments consistent with infection-like conditions. Such responses include accessing necessary nutrients for survival in a hostile environment where co-colonizing bacteria and normal flora are acclimated to the prevailing conditions. Multi-omics can be harnessed across temporal and spatial (sub-cellular) dimensions to understand adaptation at the molecular level. Gene deletion libraries, in conjunction with large-scale approaches and evolving bioinformatics integration, will greatly facilitate next-generation vaccines and antimicrobial interventions by highlighting novel targets and pathogen-specific pathways. MS is also central in phenotypic characterization of surface biomolecules such as lipid A, as well as aiding in the determination of protein interactions and complexes. There is increasing evidence that bacteria are capable of widespread post-translational modification, including phosphorylation, glycosylation and acetylation; with each contributing to virulence. This review focuses on the bacterial genotype to phenotype transition and surveys the recent literature showing how the genome can be validated at the proteome, metabolome and lipidome levels to provide an integrated view of organism response to host conditions.
Collapse
|
36
|
Watle SV, Næss LM, Tunheim G, Caugant DA, Wisløff T. Cost-effectiveness of meningococcal vaccination of Norwegian teenagers with a quadrivalent ACWY conjugate vaccine. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:2777-2787. [PMID: 33631080 PMCID: PMC8475610 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1880209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In Norway, the incidence of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is higher among 16–19-year-olds than in the general population. Most IMD cases among teenagers are caused by serogroup Y. Since 2011, one dose of meningococcal ACWY conjugate vaccine (MCV4) has been recommended for teenagers with out-of-pocket payment. The teenagers are usually vaccinated through the school health service at age 18. This study aimed to estimate costs and health gains of introducing MCV4 to Norwegian teenagers through the national immunization program (NIP). A Markov model was used to analyze the cost-effectiveness of universal MCV4 vaccination of either 15-year-olds or 18-years-olds. Occurrences of IMD were simulated from 15 until 23 years of age. Costs were estimated from a healthcare perspective. Sensitivity analyses evaluated the impact of vaccine price, vaccination uptake, IMD incidence and discount rate. Compared to today’s practice of vaccinating 18-year-olds with out-of-pocket payment, introducing MCV4 to 15-year-olds in a NIP-setting, with 90% vaccine uptake and 50% rebate on vaccine price, prevented 3.2 hospitalizations, 0.20 sequelae and 0.47 deaths among 15–23-year-olds, annually. Total costs were reduced by €30,000 and 9.7 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were gained per birth cohort. The probability of cost-effectiveness was 99.0%, assuming a willingness-to-pay threshold of €86,000/QALY for severe diseases in Norway. Cost-effectiveness was highly dependent on vaccine price. Vaccination of 18-year-olds in a NIP-setting was also cost-effective, but less than NIP-vaccination of 15-year-olds. Introduction of MCV4 to the 15-year-olds in the Norwegian NIP is likely to be cost-effective given a rebate on the vaccine price.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Viksmoen Watle
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lisbeth Meyer Næss
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gro Tunheim
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dominique A Caugant
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Torbjørn Wisløff
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Community Medicine, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Application of the MISTEACHING(S) disease susceptibility framework to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae to identify research gaps: an exemplar of a veterinary pathogen. Anim Health Res Rev 2021; 22:120-135. [PMID: 34275511 DOI: 10.1017/s1466252321000074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Historically, the MISTEACHING (microbiome, immunity, sex, temperature, environment, age, chance, history, inoculum, nutrition, genetics) framework to describe the outcome of host-pathogen interaction, has been applied to human pathogens. Here, we show, using Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae as an exemplar, that the MISTEACHING framework can be applied to a strict veterinary pathogen, enabling the identification of major research gaps, the formulation of hypotheses whose study will lead to a greater understanding of pathogenic mechanisms, and/or improved prevention/therapeutic measures. We also suggest that the MISTEACHING framework should be extended with the inclusion of a 'strain' category, to become MISTEACHINGS. We conclude that the MISTEACHINGS framework can be applied to veterinary pathogens, whether they be bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites, and hope to stimulate others to use it to identify research gaps and to formulate hypotheses worthy of study with their own pathogens.
Collapse
|
38
|
Retchless AC, Chen A, Chang HY, Blain AE, McNamara LA, Mustapha MM, Harrison LH, Wang X. Using Neisseria meningitidis genomic diversity to inform outbreak strain identification. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009586. [PMID: 34003852 PMCID: PMC8177650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningococcal disease is a life-threatening illness caused by the human-restricted bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. Outbreaks in the USA involve at least two cases in an organization or community caused by the same serogroup within three months. Genome comparisons, including phylogenetic analysis and quantification of genome distances can provide confirmatory evidence of pathogen transmission during an outbreak. Interpreting genome distances depends on understanding their distribution both among isolates from outbreaks and among those not from outbreaks. Here, we identify outbreak strains based on phylogenetic relationships among 141 N. meningitidis isolates collected from 28 outbreaks in the USA during 2010-2017 and 1516 non-outbreak isolates collected through contemporaneous meningococcal surveillance. We show that genome distance thresholds based on the maximum SNPs and allele distances among isolates in the phylogenetically defined outbreak strains are sufficient to separate most pairs of non-outbreak isolates into separate strains. Non-outbreak isolate pairs that could not be distinguished from each other based on genetic distances were concentrated in the clonal complexes CC11, CC103, and CC32. Within each of these clonal complexes, phylodynamic analysis identified a group of isolates with extremely low diversity, collected over several years and multiple states. Clusters of isolates with low genetic diversity could indicate increased pathogen transmission, potentially resulting in local outbreaks or nationwide clonal expansions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam C. Retchless
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Alex Chen
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - How-Yi Chang
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Amy E. Blain
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lucy A. McNamara
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Mustapha M. Mustapha
- Microbial Genomic Epidemiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Lee H. Harrison
- Microbial Genomic Epidemiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Xin Wang
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Jeong J, Kim JS, Lee J, Seo YR, Yi EC, Kim KM. Neisseria gonorrhoeae Multivalent Maxibody with a Broad Spectrum of Strain Specificity and Sensitivity for Gonorrhea Diagnosis. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11030484. [PMID: 33807121 PMCID: PMC8004885 DOI: 10.3390/biom11030484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonorrhea is one of the most common, but still hidden and insidious, sexually transmitted diseases caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococci). However, the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhea are hampered by antigenic variability among gonococci, the lack of acquired immunity, and antimicrobial resistance. Further, strains resistant to cephalosporins, including ceftriaxone, the last line of defense, represent a growing threat, which prompted us to develop gonococci-specific diagnostic antibodies with broad-spectrum binding to gonococci strains to generate gonorrhea-detecting reagents. This study reports the identification of gonococci antibodies via bio-panning on gonococci cells using scFv-phage libraries. Reformatting the lead scFv-phage Clones 1 and 4 to a multivalent scFv1-Fc-scFv4 maxibody increased the sensitivity by up to 20-fold compared to the single scFv-Fc (maxibody) alone. Moreover, the multivalent maxibody showed broader cross-reactivity with clinical isolates and the ceftriaxone antibiotic-resistant World Health Organization (WHO) reference strain L. In contrast, the selected antibodies in the scFv-phage, maxibody, and multivalent maxibody did not bind to N. sicca, N. meningitides, and N. lactamica, suggesting the clinical and pharmaceutical diagnostic value of these selected antibodies for gonorrheal infections. The present study illustrates the advantages and potential application of multivalent maxibodies to develop rapid and sensitive diagnostic reagents for infectious diseases and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Jeong
- Division of Biomedical Convergence, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon 24341, Korea;
| | - Jae-Seok Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Gangdong-gu, Seoul 05355, Korea;
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Junghyeon Lee
- Department of Bio-Health Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea;
| | - Yu Ri Seo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, College of Medicine or College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea;
| | - Eugene C. Yi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, College of Medicine or College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea;
- Correspondence: (E.C.Y.); (K.M.K.); Tel.: +82-2-740-8926 (E.C.Y.); +82-33-250-8382 (K.M.K.); Fax: +82-2-3673-2167 (E.C.Y.); +82-33-250-8382 (K.M.K.)
| | - Kristine M. Kim
- Division of Biomedical Convergence, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon 24341, Korea;
- Department of Bio-Health Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea;
- Correspondence: (E.C.Y.); (K.M.K.); Tel.: +82-2-740-8926 (E.C.Y.); +82-33-250-8382 (K.M.K.); Fax: +82-2-3673-2167 (E.C.Y.); +82-33-250-8382 (K.M.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Peters S, Kaiser L, Fink J, Schumacher F, Perschin V, Schlegel J, Sauer M, Stigloher C, Kleuser B, Seibel J, Schubert-Unkmeir A. Click-correlative light and electron microscopy (click-AT-CLEM) for imaging and tracking azido-functionalized sphingolipids in bacteria. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4300. [PMID: 33619350 PMCID: PMC7900124 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83813-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids, including ceramides, are a diverse group of structurally related lipids composed of a sphingoid base backbone coupled to a fatty acid side chain and modified terminal hydroxyl group. Recently, it has been shown that sphingolipids show antimicrobial activity against a broad range of pathogenic microorganisms. The antimicrobial mechanism, however, remains so far elusive. Here, we introduce ‘click-AT-CLEM’, a labeling technique for correlated light and electron microscopy (CLEM) based on the super-resolution array tomography (srAT) approach and bio-orthogonal click chemistry for imaging of azido-tagged sphingolipids to directly visualize their interaction with the model Gram-negative bacterium Neisseria meningitidis at subcellular level. We observed ultrastructural damage of bacteria and disruption of the bacterial outer membrane induced by two azido-modified sphingolipids by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Click-AT-CLEM imaging and mass spectrometry clearly revealed efficient incorporation of azido-tagged sphingolipids into the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria as underlying cause of their antimicrobial activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Peters
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Julius-Maximilian University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Lena Kaiser
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Julius-Maximilian University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Julian Fink
- Institute for Organic Chemistry, Julius-Maximilian University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Schumacher
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Toxicology, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Veronika Perschin
- Imaging Core Facility, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilian University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Jan Schlegel
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilian University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilian University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Stigloher
- Imaging Core Facility, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilian University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Kleuser
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Toxicology, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Jürgen Seibel
- Institute for Organic Chemistry, Julius-Maximilian University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Dey U, Sarkar S, Teronpi V, Yella VR, Kumar A. G-quadruplex motifs are functionally conserved in cis-regulatory regions of pathogenic bacteria: An in-silico evaluation. Biochimie 2021; 184:40-51. [PMID: 33548392 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The role of G-quadruplexes in the cellular physiology of human pathogenesis is an intriguing area of research. Nonetheless, their functional roles and evolutionary conservation have not been compared comprehensively in pathogenic forms of various bacterial genera and species. In the current in silico study, we addressed the role of G-quadruplex-forming sequences (G4 motifs) in the context of cis-regulation, expression variation, regulatory networks, gene orthology and ontology. Genome-wide screening across seven pathogenic genomes using the G4Hunter tool revealed the significant prevalence of G4 motifs in cis-regulatory regions compared to the intragenic regions. Significant conservation of G4 motifs was observed in the regulatory region of 300 orthologous genes. Further analysis of published ChIP-Seq data (Minch et al., 2015) of 91 DNA-binding proteins of the M. tuberculosis genome revealed significant links between G4 motifs and target sites of transcriptional regulators. Interestingly, the transcription factors entangled with virulence, in specific, CsoR, Rv0081, DevR/DosR, and TetR family are found to have G4 motifs in their target regulatory regions. Overall the current study applies positional-functional relationship computation to delve into the cis-regulation of G-quadruplex structures in the context of gene orthology in pathogenic bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Upalabdha Dey
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028, Assam, India
| | - Sharmilee Sarkar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028, Assam, India
| | - Valentina Teronpi
- Department of Zoology, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Adarsha Mahavidyalaya, Behali, Biswanath, 784184, Assam, India
| | - Venkata Rajesh Yella
- Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, 522502, Andhra Pradesh, India.
| | - Aditya Kumar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028, Assam, India.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Fazio C, Biolchi A, Neri A, Tomei S, Vacca P, Ambrosio L, Palmieri A, Mori E, La Gaetana R, Pizza M, Giuliani MM, Serino L, Stefanelli P. Cross-reactivity of 4CMenB vaccine-induced antibodies against meningococci belonging to non-B serogroups in Italy. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:2225-2231. [PMID: 33522380 PMCID: PMC8189125 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1855951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The four-component meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB) contains antigens present in the majority of meningococci causing invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) and may potentially offer protection against strains belonging to non-B serogroups.This study aimed to evaluate the ability of 4CMenB-induced antibodies to kill, in a human serum bactericidal assay (hSBA), non-B meningococci belonging to the main genotypes responsible for IMD in Italy.Meningococci, collected between 2015 and 2017, was characterized for PorA, FetA and sequence type, and for clonal complex. Twenty non-B isolates, representative of the most frequent genotypes, were molecularly characterized for 4CMenB antigens and tested in hSBA with sera from 4CMenB-vaccinated infants and adolescents.Among twenty isolates, eleven were serogroup C, five were Y, two W and two X. All isolates contained genes encoding for fHbp and NHBA antigens and four harbored the NadA full-length encoding gene. Positive hSBA titers were obtained against all serogroup W, X and Y isolates and against five serogroup C isolates.These data show that the 4CMenB vaccine can induce bactericidal antibodies against genetically representative meningococcal W, Y and X strains from Italy. For serogroup C, different susceptibilities to killing were observed for strains with similar antigenic repertoires.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Fazio
- Department Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Arianna Neri
- Department Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paola Vacca
- Department Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigina Ambrosio
- Department Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Annapina Palmieri
- Department Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Paola Stefanelli
- Department Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Tibayrenc M, Ayala FJ. Models in parasite and pathogen evolution: Genomic analysis reveals predominant clonality and progressive evolution at all evolutionary scales in parasitic protozoa, yeasts and bacteria. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2021; 111:75-117. [PMID: 33482977 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The predominant clonal evolution (PCE) model of pathogenic microorganisms postulates that the impact of genetic recombination in those pathogens' natural populations is not enough to erase a persistent phylogenetic signal at all evolutionary scales from microevolution till geological times in the whole ecogeographical range of the species considered. We have tested this model with a set of representative parasitic protozoa, yeasts and bacteria in the light of the most recent genomic data. All surveyed species, including those that were considered as highly recombining, exhibit similar PCE patterns above and under the species level, from macro- to micro-evolutionary scales (Russian doll pattern), suggesting gradual evolution. To our knowledge, it is the first time that such a strong common evolutionary feature among very diverse pathogens has been evidenced. The implications of this model for basic biology and applied research are exposed. These implications include our knowledge on the pathogens' reproductive mode, their population structure, the possibility to type strain and to follow up epidemics (molecular epidemiology) and to revisit pathogens' taxonomy through a flexible use of the phylogenetic species concept (Cracraft, 1983).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michel Tibayrenc
- Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs Ecologie, Génétique, Evolution et Contrôle, MIVEGEC (IRD 224-CNRS 5290-UM1-UM2), Institut de recherche pour le développement, Montpellier Cedex 5, France.
| | - Francisco J Ayala
- Catedra Francisco Jose Ayala of Science, Technology, and Religion, University of Comillas, Madrid, Spain; 2 Locke Court, Irvine, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Barani M, Mukhtar M, Rahdar A, Sargazi G, Thysiadou A, Kyzas GZ. Progress in the Application of Nanoparticles and Graphene as Drug Carriers and on the Diagnosis of Brain Infections. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26010186. [PMID: 33401658 PMCID: PMC7795866 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26010186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is the protective sheath around the brain that protects the sensitive microenvironments of the brain. However, certain pathogens, viruses, and bacteria disrupt the endothelial barrier and cause infection and hence inflammation in meninges. Macromolecular therapeutics are unable to cross the tight junctions, thereby limiting their bioavailability in the brain. Recently, nanotechnology has brought a revolution in the field of drug delivery in brain infections. The nanostructures have high targeting accuracy and specificity to the receptors in the case of active targeting, which have made them the ideal cargoes to permeate across the BBB. In addition, nanomaterials with biomimetic functions have been introduced to efficiently cross the BBB to be engulfed by the pathogens. This review focuses on the nanotechnology-based drug delivery approaches for exploration in brain infections, including meningitis. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, or, rarely, protozoa or parasites may be the cause of brain infections. Moreover, inflammation of the meninges, called meningitis, is presently diagnosed using laboratory and imaging tests. Despite attempts to improve diagnostic instruments for brain infections and meningitis, due to its complicated and multidimensional nature and lack of successful diagnosis, meningitis appears almost untreatable. Potential for overcoming the difficulties and limitations related to conventional diagnostics has been shown by nanoparticles (NPs). Nanomedicine now offers new methods and perspectives to improve our knowledge of meningitis and can potentially give meningitis patients new hope. Here, we review traditional diagnosis tools and key nanoparticles (Au-NPs, graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), QDs, etc.) for early diagnosis of brain infections and meningitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Barani
- Department of Chemistry, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman 76169-14111, Iran;
| | - Mahwash Mukhtar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Regulatory Affairs, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Abbas Rahdar
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zabol, Zabol 538-98615, Iran
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (G.Z.K.); Tel.: +30-2510-462218 (G.Z.K.)
| | - Ghasem Sargazi
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Bam University of Medical Science, Bam 5166-15731, Iran;
| | - Anna Thysiadou
- Department of Chemistry, International Hellenic University, 65404 Kavala, Greece;
| | - George Z. Kyzas
- Department of Chemistry, International Hellenic University, 65404 Kavala, Greece;
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (G.Z.K.); Tel.: +30-2510-462218 (G.Z.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Novel hypercapsulation RNA thermosensor variants in Neisseria meningitidis and their association with invasive meningococcal disease: a genetic and phenotypic investigation and molecular epidemiological study. THE LANCET MICROBE 2020; 1:e319-e327. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(20)30146-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
|
46
|
Kremer PHC, Lees JA, Ferwerda B, van de Ende A, Brouwer MC, Bentley SD, van de Beek D. Genetic Variation in Neisseria meningitidis Does Not Influence Disease Severity in Meningococcal Meningitis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:594769. [PMID: 33262994 PMCID: PMC7686797 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.594769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis causes sepsis and meningitis in humans. It has been suggested that pathogen genetic variation determines variance in disease severity. Here we report results of a genome-wide association study of 486 N. meningitidis genomes from meningococcal meningitis patients and their association with disease severity. Of 369 meningococcal meningitis patients for whom clinical data was available, 44 (12%) had unfavorable outcome and 24 (7%) died. To increase power, thrombocyte count was used as proxy marker for disease severity. Bacterial genetic variants were called as k-mers, SNPs, insertions and deletions and clusters of orthologous genes (COGs). Population-level meningococcal genetic variation did not explain variance in disease severity (unfavorable outcome or thrombocyte count) in this cohort (h2 = 0.0%; 95% confidence interval: 0.0–0.9). Genetic variants in the bacterial uppS gene represented the top signal associated with thrombocyte count (p-value = 9.96e-07) but this did not reach statistical significance. We did not find an association between previously published variants in lpxL1, fHbp, and tps genes and unfavorable outcome or thrombocyte count. A power analysis based on simulated phenotypes based on real genetic data from 880 N. meningitidis genomes showed that we would be able to detect a continuous phenotype with h2 > = 0.5 with the population size available in this study. This rules out a major contribution of pathogen genetic variation to disease severity in meningococcal meningitis, and shows that much larger sample sizes are required to find specific low-effect genetic variants modulating disease outcome in meningococcal meningitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip H C Kremer
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - John A Lees
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bart Ferwerda
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Arie van de Ende
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,The Netherlands Reference Laboratory for Bacterial Meningitis, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Matthijs C Brouwer
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Stephen D Bentley
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Diederik van de Beek
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Taylor AR, Echeverry DF, Anderson TJC, Neafsey DE, Buckee CO. Identity-by-descent with uncertainty characterises connectivity of Plasmodium falciparum populations on the Colombian-Pacific coast. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1009101. [PMID: 33196661 PMCID: PMC7704048 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterising connectivity between geographically separated biological populations is a common goal in many fields. Recent approaches to understanding connectivity between malaria parasite populations, with implications for disease control efforts, have used estimates of relatedness based on identity-by-descent (IBD). However, uncertainty around estimated relatedness has not been accounted for. IBD-based relatedness estimates with uncertainty were computed for pairs of monoclonal Plasmodium falciparum samples collected from five cities on the Colombian-Pacific coast where long-term clonal propagation of P. falciparum is frequent. The cities include two official ports, Buenaventura and Tumaco, that are separated geographically but connected by frequent marine traffic. Fractions of highly-related sample pairs (whose classification using a threshold accounts for uncertainty) were greater within cities versus between. However, based on both highly-related fractions and on a threshold-free approach (Wasserstein distances between parasite populations) connectivity between Buenaventura and Tumaco was disproportionally high. Buenaventura-Tumaco connectivity was consistent with transmission events involving parasites from five clonal components (groups of statistically indistinguishable parasites identified under a graph theoretic framework). To conclude, P. falciparum population connectivity on the Colombian-Pacific coast abides by accessibility not isolation-by-distance, potentially implicating marine traffic in malaria transmission with opportunities for targeted intervention. Further investigations are required to test this hypothesis. For the first time in malaria epidemiology (and to our knowledge in ecological and epidemiological studies more generally), we account for uncertainty around estimated relatedness (an important consideration for studies that plan to use genotype versus whole genome sequence data to estimate IBD-based relatedness); we also use threshold-free methods to compare parasite populations and identify clonal components. Threshold-free methods are especially important in analyses of malaria parasites and other recombining organisms with mixed mating systems where thresholds do not have clear interpretation (e.g. due to clonal propagation) and thus undermine the cross-comparison of studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aimee R. Taylor
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Diego F. Echeverry
- Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas (CIDEIM), Cali, Colombia
- Universidad Icesi, Calle 18 No. 122-135, Cali, Colombia
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Facultad de Salud, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Timothy J. C. Anderson
- Disease Intervention and Prevention Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel E. Neafsey
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Caroline O. Buckee
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Kremer PH, Lees JA, Ferwerda B, Bijlsma MW, MacAlasdair N, van der Ende A, Brouwer MC, Bentley SD, van de Beek D. Diversification in immunogenicity genes caused by selective pressures in invasive meningococci. Microb Genom 2020; 6:mgen000422. [PMID: 32776867 PMCID: PMC7643973 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied population genomics of 486 Neisseria meningitidis isolates causing meningitis in the Netherlands during the period 1979-2003 and 2006-2013 using whole-genome sequencing to evaluate the impact of a hyperendemic period of serogroup B invasive disease. The majority of serogroup B isolates belonged to ST-41/44 (41 %) and ST-32 complex (16 %). Comparing the time periods, before and after the decline of serogroup B invasive disease, there was a decrease of ST-41/44 complex sequences (P=0.002). We observed the expansion of a sub-lineage within ST-41/44 complex sequences being associated with isolation from the 1979-2003 time period (P=0.014). Isolates belonging to this sub-lineage expansion within ST-41/44 complex were marked by four antigen allele variants. Presence of these allele variants was associated with isolation from the 1979-2003 time period after correction for multiple testing (Wald test, P=0.0043 for FetA 1-5; P=0.0035 for FHbp 14; P=0.012 for PorA 7-2.4 and P=0.0031 for NHBA two peptide allele). These sequences were associated with 4CMenB vaccine coverage (Fisher's exact test, P<0.001). Outside of the sub-lineage expansion, isolates with markedly lower levels of predicted vaccine coverage clustered in phylogenetic groups showing a trend towards isolation in the 2006-2013 time period (P=0.08). In conclusion, we show the emergence and decline of a sub-lineage expansion within ST-41/44 complex isolates concurrent with a hyperendemic period in meningococcal meningitis. The expansion was marked by specific antigen peptide allele combinations. We observed preliminary evidence for decreasing 4CMenB vaccine coverage in the post-hyperendemic period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip H.C. Kremer
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscienc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John A. Lees
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hixton, Cambridge, UK
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Bart Ferwerda
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscienc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Merijn W. Bijlsma
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscienc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Neil MacAlasdair
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hixton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Arie van der Ende
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Medical Microbiology and the Netherlands Reference Laboratory for Bacterial Meningitis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs C. Brouwer
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscienc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stephen D. Bentley
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hixton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Diederik van de Beek
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscienc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Moreno J, Alarcon Z, Parra E, Duarte C, Sanabria O, Prada D, Gabastou JM. Molecular characterization of Neisseria meningitidis isolates recovered from patients with invasive meningococcal disease in Colombia from 2013 to 2016. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234475. [PMID: 32663215 PMCID: PMC7360035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neisseria meningitidis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Meningococcal isolates have a highly dynamic population structure and can be phenotypically and genetically differentiated into serogroups and clonal complexes. The aim of this study was to describe the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of invasive isolates recovered in Colombia from 2013 to 2016. METHODOLOGY A total of 193 invasive isolates were analyzed. Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics were determined by serotyping, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and whole-genome sequencing. RESULTS Based on the results, meningococcal serogroups C, B and Y were responsible for 47.9%, 41.7%, and 9.4% of cases, respectively, and the distribution of serogroups B and C changed over time. Fifteen clonal groups and 14 clonal complexes (cc) were identified by PFGE and genome sequencing. The main clonal group included serogroup B isolates with sequence type (ST)-9493 and its four single-locus variants, which has only been identified in Colombian isolates. The clonal population structure demonstrates that the isolates in this study mainly belong to four clonal complexes: ST-11 cc, ST-32 cc, ST-35 cc and ST-41/44 cc. Thirty-eight penA alleles were identified, but no correlation between MICs and specific sequences was observed. CONCLUSION This study shows that most meningococcal isolates recovered from patients with invasive meningococcal disease in Colombia are strains associated with distinct globally disseminated hyperinvasive clones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Moreno
- Grupo de Microbiología, Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS), Bogotá, Colombia
- * E-mail:
| | - Zonia Alarcon
- Grupo de Microbiología, Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Eliana Parra
- Grupo de Microbiología, Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carolina Duarte
- Grupo de Microbiología, Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Olga Sanabria
- Grupo de Microbiología, Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diego Prada
- Grupo de Microbiología, Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jean Marc Gabastou
- Panamerican Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), Washington, DC, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Egli A, Schrenzel J, Greub G. Digital microbiology. Clin Microbiol Infect 2020; 26:1324-1331. [PMID: 32603804 PMCID: PMC7320868 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digitalization and artificial intelligence have an important impact on the way microbiology laboratories will work in the near future. Opportunities and challenges lie ahead to digitalize the microbiological workflows. Making efficient use of big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence in clinical microbiology requires a profound understanding of data handling aspects. OBJECTIVE This review article summarizes the most important concepts of digital microbiology. The article gives microbiologists, clinicians and data scientists a viewpoint and practical examples along the diagnostic process. SOURCES We used peer-reviewed literature identified by a PubMed search for digitalization, machine learning, artificial intelligence and microbiology. CONTENT We describe the opportunities and challenges of digitalization in microbiological diagnostic processes with various examples. We also provide in this context key aspects of data structure and interoperability, as well as legal aspects. Finally, we outline the way for applications in a modern microbiology laboratory. IMPLICATIONS We predict that digitalization and the usage of machine learning will have a profound impact on the daily routine of laboratory staff. Along the analytical process, the most important steps should be identified, where digital technologies can be applied and provide a benefit. The education of all staff involved should be adapted to prepare for the advances in digital microbiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Egli
- Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Applied Microbiology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - J Schrenzel
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - G Greub
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|